IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has defended the proposed increase in telecom tariffs, stating that it is necessary to sustain and improve the nation’s digital infrastructure.

ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, acknowledged public concerns over the tariff hike but emphasized its long-term benefits.

He noted that telecom operators have been under financial strain due to foreign exchange volatility, high energy costs, multiple taxation, and rising infrastructure expenses. Without tariff adjustments, Nigeria’s digital infrastructure risks stagnation, making it harder to compete globally.

Tariff Hike as an Investment in Digital Growth

Emoekpere stressed that the adjustment is aimed at expanding 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in underserved areas, and improving network reliability.

“This increase will enhance broadband speeds to support businesses, education, fintech, telemedicine, and other critical digital services,” he said.

He assured that consumers should expect faster internet speeds, fewer dropped calls, and wider network coverage, leading to Nigeria’s desired digital transformation.

Call for Government Support

Emoekpere urged the government to address other pressing challenges, including:

Simplifying Right of Way permits to accelerate fiber deployment.

Enforcing protections against vandalism of telecom assets.

Reducing multiple taxation on telecom operators at all levels.

Providing incentives for rural broadband expansion to promote digital inclusion.

Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that ongoing government efforts will drive improvements in telecom services while ensuring fair pricing for consumers. 

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has officially handed over the Kampe Game Reserve to the Federal Government for its upgrade to a National Park. He also inaugurated a steering committee to oversee the transition process.

The move follows a presidential declaration in 2020 and approval by the National Assembly. Speaking at the inauguration, the governor emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and positioning Kwara as a hub for biodiversity and sustainability.

The Federal Government welcomed the transfer, noting that the upgrade aligns with global conservation goals and enhances national security efforts. Local stakeholders, including the Emir of Patigi, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation. 

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has adjourned proceedings to February 6 following the absence of five witnesses scheduled to testify on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, which was set to begin its defense on February 5, informed the tribunal that its witnesses were delayed while traveling from Benin City. In response, INEC’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, opted to tender three documents to make partial progress in the hearing.

The documents submitted included:

Certified True Copies of State-level collation results (Form EC8D)

Declaration of results

2022 election regulations and guidelines

INEC assured the tribunal that it required just one more day to conclude its defense and requested a short adjournment. However, Tribunal Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, criticized the electoral body for wasting an entire day due to its unpreparedness.

Adetunji Oyeyipo, counsel for PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, did not object to the documents, stating they were already submitted as evidence to challenge the election outcome.

Further proceedings are now scheduled for February 6. 

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three individuals for allegedly being in possession of a human skull in Ogii, Okigwe Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, in a statement on Tuesday, identified the suspects as Patrick Okoere (29), Ifeanyichukwu Anyaemeka (28), and Chukwuemeka Onyekachi (20). They were apprehended on February 3 along the Okigwe-Umuahia Express Road with the assistance of local residents.

Suspicious Items and Confession

Apart from the human skull, the suspects were also found with a native hen and white garments, items often linked to ritual practices.

During interrogation, Okoere allegedly claimed that his uncle, Osunta Oko, instructed him to acquire a human skull. He further stated that he found it near a riverbank along the Okigwe-Umuahia Expressway, a known crime-prone area.

Ongoing Investigation

The Imo State Police Command is currently searching for Osunta Oko and other potential accomplices. A DNA analysis is also underway to determine the identity of the skull’s owner.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has assured residents that the police remain committed to ensuring justice and security in the state. 

Some oil marketers are gradually removing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) logo from their filling stations as they opt out of franchise agreements due to intense competition in refined product pricing.

Reports indicate that many Lagos-based dealers are considering a similar move following the recent price reduction by the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki. Several stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Ibafo have already rebranded, shedding the NNPCL name in pursuit of cheaper products.

Competition Driving Change

The deregulation of the downstream oil sector has heightened competition, prompting independent marketers to seek cost-effective product sources. The latest development comes after Dangote Refinery slashed its loading price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from ₦950 to ₦890 per litre, significantly undercutting NNPCL’s imported petrol prices.

According to Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), marketers are shifting alliances because NNPCL no longer holds a monopoly on petroleum importation and distribution.

The Shift in Franchise Agreements

A franchise licence in the oil sector allows marketers to operate under an established brand, ensuring product supply. However, with Dangote’s lower prices, many marketers see greater profitability and flexibility outside of NNPCL agreements.

Oil and gas expert Olatide Jeremiah explained that NNPCL previously controlled fuel pricing by subsidizing petrol internally. This made marketers seek NNPCL franchise licences to access cheaper products. However, Dangote’s entry disrupted this strategy, making direct purchases more attractive.

More Stations May Rebrand

Lagos PETROAN Chairman, Akinola Ogunyolemi, confirmed that most filling stations displaying the NNPCL logo are privately owned. He noted that station owners often rebrand when contracts expire or better offers emerge.

Industry analysts predict that more stations will switch allegiances as imported fuel prices remain higher than Dangote’s locally refined petrol.

Meanwhile, a fresh price war has emerged between Dangote, NNPCL, and other major marketers. The NNPCL and other importers recently sourced cheaper refined products internationally, prompting Dangote Refinery to lower its price to remain competitive.

Experts anticipate further price adjustments as competition intensifies, shaping the future of Nigeria’s downstream oil market. 

The Federal Government has approved a N758 billion bond to settle outstanding pension arrears, offering significant relief to retirees.

The approval was granted during Tuesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja, allowing the Debt Management Office (DMO) to secure the necessary funds to address pension liabilities under the Defined Benefit Scheme. This scheme, which preceded the contributory pension system introduced in 2004 and amended in 2014, covers retirees who served before the transition.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this development during a press briefing after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that the initiative is aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by retirees awaiting their entitlements.