IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Senate on Wednesday mandated the Senate Committee on Communications to investigate the recent increase in the cost of data and recommend solutions for a more sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector. 

This was part of resolutions after a debate on a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), which highlights the financial strain the price hike has placed on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who rely on affordable internet access for their livelihoods. The bill noted that the over 200% increase in costs had “placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood.

“Among resolutions passed, the Senate asked the Federal Minister Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to engage with telecommunications providers to review the data costs and “ensure that pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians.” 

The bill identified multiple factors contributing to the high cost of telecommunications in Nigeria, including:

* Poor infrastructure and unreliable power supply

* High import duties on ICT equipment

* Multiple taxation and excessive regulatory charges

* Security concerns increasing operational risks and insurance costs

* Bureaucratic bottlenecks slowing business operations and innovation

* High diesel and alternative energy costs due to unreliable national grid supply

To resolve the challenges, the lawmakers also resolved to ask the Federal Government to engage with telecom providers to review recent data price increases and ensure fair and affordable pricing. The upper chamber also passed a bill mandating the compulsory registration of citizens, aiming to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system through the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.

The passage followed the submission and consideration of a report by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra central. Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonised, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices, enhances data accuracy, promote inclusion and closes existing gaps in Nigeria’s identity database. 

Nigeria is home to a wealth of untapped mineral resources, yet the country continues to rely on imports for refined mineral products. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for urgent reforms in education and infrastructure to bridge this gap.

Speaking at the 37th Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary of the University of Calabar, Hon. Kalu stressed the need for a shift towards a more practical, skills-based education system. Addressing an audience at the University of Calabar, Deputy Speaker Kalu pointed out that Nigeria’s education system has focused too much on theory while neglecting industries that could transform the economy. He highlighted the country’s vast mineral wealth, citing major deposits across different regions from gold and lithium to tin and coal.

Kalu: “Nigeria is abundantly blessed with solid minerals, yet for decades, our education system has focused more on theoretical disciplines than on harnessing the country’s vast natural wealth. Few universities dedicate faculties to mining, mineral processing, or extractive metallurgy. Research into value addition, refining, and sustainable mining practices remains minimal.”

Despite these vast resources, Nigeria remains a net importer of many refined mineral products. According to Kalu, the mining sector contributed only 0.3% to Nigeria’s GDP in the third quarter of 2022—an increase from 0.2% in 2021 but still far below its potential.

He detailed the distribution of Nigeria’s rich mineral deposits:

North Central: Tin, columbite, tantalite, barite

North West: Gold, granite, limestone

North East: Gypsum, kaolin, bentonite

South West: Bitumen, feldspar, lithium

South East: Lead, zinc, coal, oil, and gas

South South: Limestone, clay, rare earth elements

To harness these resources, Kalu is advocating for universities to establish specialized faculties in mining, collaborate with industry leaders, and offer hands-on training in mineral processing. Beyond education, the Deputy Speaker also emphasized the urgent need to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure, arguing that industrialization cannot thrive without a stable electricity supply.

Kalu: “No economy whether maritime, digital, or industrial can thrive in darkness. Reliable electricity is the backbone of development, yet communities remain trapped in cycles of blackouts. The Electricity Act of 2023 was a watershed moment, but more needs to be done to ensure its full implementation.”

He urged investments in gas distribution infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions to power industries across the country. With the right policies, investments, and an education system aligned with national resources, Kalu believes Nigeria can unlock its full potential and achieve economic prosperity. But will these proposed changes be implemented? Only time will tell. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The petition, backed by six bags of documents containing signatures from over half of the district’s 474,554 registered voters, was submitted without complete contact details of the petitioners, delaying the process.

In a press statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun mni, INEC announced that the required contact information has now been provided. He said a formal notification has been sent to the Senator in question, with copies forwarded to the Senate leadership and published on INEC’s website. 

The next step involves verifying the signatures to ensure they meet the legal threshold of over 50% of registered voters in the district. INEC reassures the public that the process will be conducted transparently, with observers and the media accredited to monitor proceedings.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the government, extending warm congratulations to the Muslim community on the successful completion of Ramadan.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace, urging all Muslims to embody these virtues. He also called upon Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for the nation’s peace, stability, and prosperity, expressing hope that Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

The Minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and to remember the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, reflecting the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid. On behalf of the Federal Government, he wished all Muslim faithful a heartfelt Eid Mubarak, praying that the season’s blessings bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone. 

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of businessman Sunday Okorie at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for allegedly failing to declare $299,000 and possessing counterfeit foreign currency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okorie on four counts of money laundering and unlawful importation of counterfeit currency. Prosecutors said he hid the undeclared funds in relaxer containers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 19, 2025.

Okorie also allegedly imported and possessed counterfeit $50 bills totaling $250. He pleaded not guilty, but the court denied his request for EFCC custody, ordering his remand in prison. The trial is set for March 26, 2025. 

Governors of seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states have filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers.

Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, appointing a sole administrator—a move backed by the National Assembly. However, the governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara argue that the president lacks the constitutional power to suspend elected officials.

They are seeking a court ruling to nullify the suspension, void the sole administrator's appointment, and restrain Tinubu from interfering in state governance.