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50% tariff hike: Nigerians may spend N6.74tn on calls

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The Nigerian Communications Commission approved a 50 per cent increase in call tariffs on Monday, which may raise the average cost of calls to N16.5 per minute.

Based on the 2023 national telephone traffic data, this hike could generate over N6.74tn in revenue for telecom operators in 2025 if call volumes remain stable, hence Nigerians may pay this amount to the firms.

However, this projection excludes the impact of free and discounted call promotions, which may alter actual revenue figures.

An analysis of data from the latest 2023 Subscriber/Network Performance Report by the NCC showed that in 2023, total outgoing telephone traffic was 205.3 billion minutes, while incoming traffic stood at 203.2 billion minutes.

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The report read, “As of December 2023 total outgoing Local and National Traffic was 205,298,114,995.11 minutes while Total incoming Local and National Traffic was 203,187,588,876.00 minutes. MTN had the highest total outgoing and incoming Traffic of 122,667,600,437.00 and 123,762,501,615.00 minutes respectively in 2023.”

This implies that Nigerians spent about 408.5 billion minutes making local calls in 2023.

Since there was no fresh data yet for 2024, our analysis was based on the available data for 2023, which might vary for 2025.

Our analysis also excluded international calls, although Nigerians spent 1.5 billion minutes on international calls in 2023, according to the NCC.

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Further analysis showed that MTN led the market, recording 122.7 billion minutes of outgoing traffic and 123.8 billion minutes of incoming traffic.

At the new rate of N16.5 per minute, MTN’s combined revenue from outgoing and incoming calls is projected to exceed N4tn, making it the primary beneficiary of the tariff adjustment and accounting for over 60 per cent of the market’s total revenue.

Airtel is expected to follow with a projected revenue of approximately N1.78tn, reflecting its strong share of both outgoing and incoming traffic.

Glo, the third-largest operator, is estimated to generate N536.2bn.

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Smaller players, including Smile and Ntel, are expected to earn N5.7bn and N13.1bn respectively, affirming their minimal market influence.

9mobile (EMTS) is likely to generate about N105.6bn from its traffic volumes.

The projected N6.74tn revenue highlights the significant impact of the tariff increase.

Outgoing calls alone are expected to bring in N3.28tn, while incoming calls will contribute an estimated N3.23tn.

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Despite the growing popularity of data services and over-the-top messaging platforms, voice calls remain a significant revenue driver for telecom operators.

MTN’s dominance in outgoing and incoming traffic reinforces its leadership position, with Airtel and Glo following as major contributors.

In contrast, smaller operators continue to face challenges, with limited market penetration and a smaller customer base impacting their revenue potential.

The PUNCH further observed that the 50 per cent tariff hike approved by the NCC will likely raise the average cost of an SMS to N6, and significantly boost revenue for telecom operators in Nigeria.

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Based on the 2023 SMS traffic data, the projected earnings for 2025 could surpass N137.84bn, assuming traffic remains unchanged.

According to the NCC’s 2023 annual report, a total of 22.97 billion SMS were sent and received during the year, representing an 11.38 per cent decline from the 25.92 billion recorded in 2022.

MTN accounted for the highest SMS traffic, with 8.21 billion sent messages and 8.57 billion received, bringing its total to 16.79 billion SMS.

With the revised tariff of N6 per SMS, MTN is expected to earn approximately N100.72bn, making it the likely largest beneficiary of the hike.

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The telecom giant’s share of SMS traffic represents over 73 per cent of the total market, securing its position as the dominant player in the sector.

Airtel is projected to generate N26.26bn in revenue from its total SMS traffic of 4.38 billion, comprising 2.01 billion sent messages and 2.37 billion received.

This accounts for 19 per cent of the projected industry-wide earnings. Glo, with a total SMS count of 1.35 billion, is expected to earn N8.10bn, representing 5.88 per cent of the total revenue.

Meanwhile, smaller operators such as EMTS and Smile are likely to see modest revenues.

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EMTS, with 458 million SMS, is projected to earn N2.75bn, while Smile, which recorded just 1.2 million SMS, is expected to generate N7.36m.

Combined, these smaller players contribute less than two per cent of the total projected revenue for 2025.

The telecom industry is projected to earn N137.84bn from SMS in 2025, driven by the tariff hike.

However, the new pricing may affect consumer behaviour, as more Nigerians may shift towards over-the-top messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, which offer cost-free alternatives.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission approved a 50 per cent tariff adjustment for telecommunications operators in response to increasing operational costs and prevailing market conditions.

According to a statement made on Monday by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the decision was made under the NCC’s regulatory powers as stipulated in Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The approved adjustment falls significantly below the over 100 per cent increase initially requested by some network operators.

The NCC stated that the decision was carefully calibrated to balance the rising costs faced by operators with the need to protect consumers from excessive price hikes.

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The adjustment will adhere strictly to the tariff bands outlined in the NCC’s 2013 Cost Study and the newly issued Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Communications Commission, pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators, will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.

“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.”

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According to the commission, tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite inflation and rising operational costs that have strained the telecommunications industry.

The adjustment is expected to address this gap, enabling operators to invest in infrastructure and innovation while maintaining the quality of services provided to consumers.

The NCC emphasised that the changes would bring improvements in network quality, customer service, and connectivity coverage.

According to the statement, extensive consultations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors informed the decision.

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The NCC assured that the adjustments would be implemented transparently, with operators mandated to educate consumers about the new rates and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.

The statement concluded, “As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation.”

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, during a recent appearance on national TV, revealed that while telecom operators were pushing for a 100 per cent hike in tariffs, the government was only considering an increment of between 30 and 60 per cent.

“It should not be more than anywhere between 30 per cent to 60 per cent,” he said, noting that the proposed increase is less than what operators had requested.

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However, with an approved 50 per cent increase, the average cost of phone calls will likely rise from N11 to N16.5 per minute, SMS charges will increase from N4 to N6, and the cost of 1GB of data will jump from N350 to N525.

Legal action

The President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has rejected the imposition of a new duty on the telecom sector, warning that it would worsen the taxation burden and negatively impact Nigerians.

“There was no agreement reached at the meeting with stakeholders,” Ogunbanjo said. “We presented our case, but nothing concrete was resolved during the meeting with the NCC in Abuja.”

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The association has vowed to take legal action if the proposed duty is implemented without addressing subscribers’ concerns.

Ogunbanjo noted that while the association might accept a tariff increase of 5 to 10 per cent, anything beyond that would be unacceptable.

“If this new duty is implemented, we will take the matter to court. This kind of policy cannot stand,” he declared.

He suggested alternative funding mechanisms for telecom operators, such as raising capital through Initial Public Offerings.

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“Let Nigerians be part of the business by buying shares. MTN has already gone public, and others can follow. This way, operators can raise funds without overburdening subscribers,” he said.

Ogunbanjo also highlighted the critical role the telecom sector plays in Nigeria’s economy, noting its contribution to foreign direct investment and GDP growth.

“Apart from oil, telecommunications is the only sector attracting significant investment. We cannot allow policies that will collapse the industry,” he stated.

He appealed to the minister to reconsider policies that could further impoverish Nigerians, citing poor electricity and economic conditions as ongoing challenges.

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“A 50 per cent increase will cripple Nigerians. We will not accept this. A moderate increase is enough, and operators should explore other ways to generate funds,” Ogunbanjo insisted.

The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria stated that with such an increase in tariff, there is a need for significant improvements in service quality.

President of the consumer group, Sina Bilesanmi told The PUNCH that the regulators including the NCC, and the minister were part of a virtual meeting in the morning where the decision for tariff hike was made.

Bilesanmi stated that the new tariff is to be implemented in February and warned that service providers must enhance their infrastructure and service quality within two weeks of the rollout.

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“If we don’t see tangible improvements, we will take legal action against the telcos, the NCC, and the Federal Government,” he said.

The association’s support for the adjustment was driven by several factors, including the need to prevent the telecom sector from collapsing and to foster economic growth.

However, Bilesanmi made it clear that their acceptance is contingent on improved service delivery. “We urge our members to accept the tariff adjustment, but only if it results in better service. Otherwise, we will hold the authorities accountable,” he added.

Acknowledging the pressure in making the decision, Bilesanmi noted that stakeholders argued that rejecting the hike could lead to a shutdown of services. “I don’t want to be seen as an enemy of the economy,” he stated.

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As February approaches, the association said it will closely monitor developments and remains committed to protecting consumer interests through all available legal means if service quality falls short of expectations.

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Baptist Convention to Tinubu: Convene National Security Summit Immediately

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Disturbed by the resurgence spate of insecurity across the nation, the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently convene a national security summit.

The proposed summit, according to the Convention, should bring together former Presidents, Heads of State as well as current and past security chiefs to chart a new course for tackling the worsening security crisis.

Speaking at a briefing ahead of the Convention’s 112th Annual Session and the 175th anniversary of Baptist missionary work in Nigeria, President of the Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, said the proposed summit should include the Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies.

He decried the deepening insecurity across the nation, citing recurring incidents of mass killings, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks in Plateau, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno states.

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He said: “The spate of mass burials in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, and other communities is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. This is not the time for lip service.”

He reiterated the Convention’s call for the creation of State Police, insisting that the current centralized policing model is inadequate for Nigeria’s security needs.

While noting some improvements in foreign investment inflow, he called on the government to intensify efforts to make Nigeria more attractive to investors.

Speaking on the convention with the theme: “Entering into Newness through Fasting and Prayer,” the NBC Convention President said the event will open Saturday, April 26 at the Baptist International Convention Centre along the Lagos-Ibadan Expresswayand and hosted by the Providence, Ethiope, and Anioma Delta Baptist Conferences.

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Akanji also extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in Vatican City, a day after delivering his Easter message. “What a glorious exit,” he said.

The Nation reports that, the Nigerian Baptist Convention was established as a national body on March 11, 1914 during a meeting at First Baptist Church, Idikan Street, Ibadan.

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Brazil ex-president Collor de Mello sentenced to 9yrs imprisonment over corruption

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Brazil’s former president Fernando Collor de Mello was arrested and taken to prison Friday to begin serving a nearly nine-year sentence for corruption and money laundering, the latest former leader to face jail time.

Collor de Mello, Brazil’s first democratically elected president after a decades-long dictatorship, resigned in 1992 after Congress launched impeachment proceedings against him for allegedly taking bribes.

His arrest stems from a conviction over bribes taken two decades later while a senator, part of the sprawling “Car Wash” corruption scandal.

The 75-year-old was detained in Maceio city in northeastern Alagoas state, where he served as a senator and governor, a federal police source told AFP.

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In 2023, Collor de Mello was found guilty of having received 20 million reais ($3.5 million dollars) in bribes while a senator between 2010 and 2014 to “irregularly facilitate contracts” between a construction company and a former subsidiary of Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras.

On Thursday, Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes rejected Collor de Mello’s last-gasp efforts to have the arrest order annulled.

His lawyers told local media the arrest came as he was about to travel to the capital Brasilia to turn himself in.

Moraes ordered he be incarcerated in an individual cell in a “special wing” of Baldomero Cavalcanti de Oliveira prison in Maceio.

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His lawyers said they would seek permission for him to serve his sentence under house arrest.

Collor de Mello is not Brazil’s first president to fall foul of the law.

Four of the seven people who have led the country since the 1964-1985 military dictatorship have either been convicted, jailed or impeached.

In the latest case, far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to stand trial over an alleged coup plot after losing the 2022 election.

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While recovering in hospital this week from intestinal surgery, a court official handed the 70-year-old a summons giving him five days to submit his initial defense.

– ‘Car Wash’ fallout –

Current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who served two terms between 2003 and 2010, was among dozens of top businessmen and politicians in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America who were caught up in the Car Wash mega-probe.

The investigation uncovered a vast network of bribes paid by large construction companies to politicians in several countries to obtain major public works contracts.

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Lula spent a year and a half behind bars before having his conviction overturned by the Supreme Court and winning a third term in October 2022.

Collor de Mello was heralded as a youthful non-conformist figure who promised far-reaching political and social reforms when he beat the leftist Lula to the presidency in 1989.

But his day in the sun did not last long.

Less than three years later he stood down as president as the impeachment process was nearly complete.

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He returned to politics, after a period of ineligibility had expired, and in 2006 was elected senator for Alagoas, a seat he held until 2022.

In 2022, he campaigned for Bolsonaro who was seeking re-election but it was Collor de Mello’s old adversary Lula who triumphed. [AFP/CBS]

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List of World Leaders that are present in the final funeral of Pope Francis

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Several world leaders will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26.

Here is the list:

Africa
Angola – Joâo Manuel Gonçalves, President
Cape Verde – Jose Maria Neves, President
Central African Republic – Faustin-Archange Touadera, President
Democratic Republic of Congo – Felix Tshisekedi, President
Equatorial Guinea – Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice President
Gabon – Brice Nguema, President
Kenya – William Samoei Ruto, President
Lesotho – King Letsie III
Madagascar – Andry Rajoelina, President
Morocco – Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister
Mozambique – Daniel Chapo, President
Nigeria – H.E Senator Godswill Akpabio Senate President
Seychelles – Wavel Ramkalawan, President
Sierra Leone – Julius Maada Bio, President
Tanzania – Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice President
Togo – Faure Gnassingbé, President
Zimbabwe – Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President
Foreign Ministers: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Namibia, South Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia

Asia
Armenia – Vahagn Khachaturyan, President
Bangladesh – Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser
China – Chin-Jen Chen, Former Vice President
Cyprus – Nikos Christodoulides, President
East Timor – Jose Ramos-Horta, President
India – Droupadi Murmu, President
Iraq (Kurdistan Region) – Nechirvan Barzani, President
Israel – Yaron Sideman, Ambassador
Lebanon – Joseph Khalil Aoun, President
Palestine – Mohamed Mustafa, Prime Minister
Philippines – Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President
Turkey – Numan Kurtulmus, Speaker of the National Assembly
Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Japan – Foreign Ministers
Jordan – King Abdullah II

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Europe
Albania – Bajram Begaj, President
Austria – Christian Stocker, Chancellor
Belgium – Bart De Wever, Prime Minister; King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Zeljka Cvijanović, Chairman
Croatia – Zoran Milanovic, President
Czech Republic – Petr Fiala, Prime Minister
Estonia – Alar Karis, President
Finland – Alexander Stubb, President
France – Emmanuel Macron, President
Georgia – Mikheil Kavelashvili, President
Germany – Frank-Walter Steinmeier & Olaf Scholz
Greece – Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
Hungary – Tamas Sulyok & Viktor Orbán
Iceland – Halla Tómasdóttir, President
Ireland – Micheal D. Higgins & Micheal Martin
Italy – Sergio Mattarella & Giorgia Meloni
Latvia – Edgars Rinkevics, President
Lithuania – Gitanas Nauseda, President
Macedonia – Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President
Malta – Myriam Spiteri Debono, President
Moldova – Maia Sandu, President
Montenegro – Jakov Milatović, President
Netherlands – Dick Schoof, Prime Minister
Poland – Andrzej Duda, President
Portugal – Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa & Luis Montenegro
Romania – Ilie Bolojan, Interim President
San Marino – Denise Bronzetti, Captain Regent
Serbia – Duro Macut, Prime Minister
Slovakia – Peter Pellegrini, President
Slovenia – Natasa Pirc Musar & Robert Golob
Sweden – Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister; King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Silvia
Switzerland – Karin Keller-Sutter, President
Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President
United Kingdom – Keir Starmer, Prime Minister; Prince William
Liechtenstein – Prince Alois and Princess Sophie
Luxembourg – Grand Duke Henri & Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
Monaco – Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
Denmark – Queen Mary
Norway – Crown Prince Haakon & Crown Princess Mette-Marit
Leaders of Institutions (Europe-based): Bjorn Berge (Council of Europe), Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission), Roberta Metsola (European Parliament), Antonio Costa (Council of the EU), Kaja Callas (EU Foreign Affairs), Pia Kauma (OSCE Parliamentary Assembly)

North America
United States – Donald Trump (President) & Melania Trump; Joe Biden (Former President) & Jill Biden
Belize – Froyla Tzalam, Governor General
Canada – Mary Simon, Governor General
Mexico – Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of the Interior
Cuba – Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice President
Dominican Republic – Luis Abinader, President
El Salvador – Félix Ulloa Garay, Vice President
Honduras – Xiomara Castro, President

South America
Argentina – Javier Milei, President
Brazil – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President
Chile – Manuel José Ossandon, Senator
Ecuador – Daniel Noboa, President
Paraguay – Raúl Latorre, President of the Chamber of Deputies
Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela – Foreign Ministers

Oceania
Australia – Sam Mostyn, Governor General
New Zealand – Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister

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International Organizations
United Nations – Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General
European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen, President
Council of the European Union – Antonio Costa, President
European Parliament – Roberta Metsola, President
European Union Foreign Affairs – Kaja Kallas, High Representative
Council of Europe – Bjorn Berge, Secretary-General
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) – Pia Kauma, President of the Parliamentary Assembly
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – Álvaro Lario, President

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