The Chief Executive of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has said the telecommunications firm has sent a proposal to the Nigerian Communications Commission for a 100 percent service tariff increase.

He disclosed this during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday.

However, the CEO expressed that it remains uncertain whether the Nigerian Communications Commission, the telecom regulator, will approve the proposal owing to existing economic hardship in the country.

“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 percent tariff increases to regulators.

“I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” Toriola said.

This comes amid heightened speculation of an imminent telecom service tariff hike in Nigeria, this year.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, recently threatened a shutdown of operations without a tariff hike.

However, telecom subscribers rejected any move to hike tariffs.

Iran’s reformist government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has lifted the nation’s ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, marking an initial step toward reducing internet restrictions for its population of 85 million.

The decision, made during a high-level meeting chaired by Pezeshkian, overcame resistance from hardline factions within the Islamic regime, according to Iranian media reports. Telecommunications Minister Sattar Hashemi described the move as a milestone, writing on X: “Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions by demonstrating unity. This path will continue.”

The development follows Pezeshkian’s refusal to enforce a recently ratified hijab law that would have imposed stricter penalties on women who do not comply with the Islamic dress code. His administration has also quietly reinstated dozens of university students and professors previously barred from academic roles, signalling a broader push for reform.

Iran’s Islamic regime faces mounting internal and regional pressures, compounded by the unexpected collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad, a key ally. Domestically, the government is grappling with economic challenges and social discontent.

Hardliners argue that unrestricted internet access is exploited by adversaries, including the US and Israel, to wage a “soft war” against the Islamic republic. Reformists, however, maintain that excessive repression only fuels public dissatisfaction.

Pezeshkian, who won the presidency in July, campaigned on promises to improve economic and social conditions, emphasizing the easing of dress code laws and reducing internet censorship.

Despite longstanding restrictions on platforms such as X, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram, Iranians have continued to access them through widely available VPNs. Reformist politicians have criticized hardliners for profiting from the VPN market while enforcing internet bans.

Ali Sharifi Zarchi, a university professor recently reinstated by the administration, welcomed the lifting of the bans as a “positive and hopeful” development but cautioned that broader reforms are needed. “It should not remain limited to these two platforms,” he said.

As of December 2024, the U.S. Department of State has categorised 21 nations under its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, including seven African countries.

This designation shows extreme risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest, making these destinations unsafe for travel.

These advisories are updated regularly to reflect current conditions and are based on factors like crime rates, political instability, natural disasters, and health crises.

The travel advisory system is divided into four levels:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: The country is generally safe, but standard vigilance is advised.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: Specific safety concerns exist, requiring increased vigilance.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Significant risks are present, urging travelers to postpone or reconsider.
Level 4: Do Not Travel: Severe risks necessitate avoiding travel altogether or departing immediately if already present.

For Level 3 and Level 4 advisories, reviews are conducted every six months, while Level 1 and Level 2 countries are reviewed annually.

Here are the seven African countries currently under the U.S Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories.

Libya — Last Updated: August 1, 2024
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict

Libya faces high levels of crime, including kidnapping for ransom, with foreigners often targeted. Armed groups frequently clash, causing violence that can erupt without warning. Terrorist groups remain active, and unexploded ordnance poses hazards throughout the country. Travellers face risks from arbitrary detentions, restricted movement, and limited access to consular support since the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli suspended operations in 2014. Departing Libya via commercial means is strongly recommended.

Mali – Last Updated: July 31, 2023

Reasons: Crime, terrorism, and kidnapping

Mali experiences frequent attacks by terrorists and armed groups targeting locations frequented by foreigners, including hotels and restaurants. Violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnappings are common, particularly during holidays. Travel outside the capital, Bamako, is heavily restricted for U.S. personnel. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services is severely limited.

Somalia — Last Updated: July 23, 2024
Reasons: Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and piracy

Somalia faces widespread violent crime, including murder and kidnappings. Terrorist attacks targeting public spaces and government facilities are frequent, while piracy remains a threat in coastal waters. U.S. government assistance is minimal, and medical facilities are scarce. Civil unrest and illegal roadblocks compound the dangers.

South Sudan — Last Updated: July 31, 2023
Reasons: Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict

South Sudan is plagued by violent crime, including carjackings, robberies, and kidnappings. Armed conflict and intercommunal violence destabilise the country, while weapons are widely available. The U.S. Embassy in Juba operates under strict security protocols, limiting consular services. Journalists face additional risks of harassment and violence.

Sudan — Last Updated: April 22, 2023
Reasons: Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping

Since April 2023, armed conflict has engulfed Sudan, particularly in Khartoum. Communication and transportation systems are often disrupted, with airports and border crossings frequently closed. Violent clashes and intercommunal violence occur throughout the country, making travel extremely hazardous. U.S. Embassy operations in Khartoum are suspended, further limiting assistance to U.S. citizens.

Burkina Faso — Last Updated: June 31, 2023
Reasons: Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping

Burkina Faso faces persistent threats from terrorist groups targeting hotels, schools, and places of worship. States of emergency are in effect in several regions due to ongoing violence. The U.S. government restricts travel for its personnel and cannot provide emergency services in many areas.

Central African Republic (CAR) — Last Updated: December 26, 2024
Reasons: Armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping

Large parts of the Central African Republic are controlled by armed groups engaging in violent crime and kidnappings. Medical services are inadequate, and civil unrest can disrupt travel at any moment. The U.S. government imposes strict travel restrictions on its personnel, limiting their ability to assist U.S. citizens.