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Category: News

  • Tariff hike: Nigeria’s internet users decline – NCC Report 

    Nigeria’s telecommunications sector witnessed a notable decline in internet users following a 50 per cent tariff hike on voice, data, and SMS services implemented in January 2025.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) made this known in industry statistics on its website.

    According to the report, the industry lost approximately one million internet users in February, with the user base shrinking from 142.16 million to 141.25 million.

    It said although a slight recovery was observed in March, with the figure rising to 142.05 million, the sector’s data consumption patterns were significantly impacted.

    The NCC data showed a 12 per cent decline in monthly data consumption in February, dropping to 893.06 petabytes from January’s record high of one exabyte.

    It, however, said a marginal rebound was recorded in March, with data usage increasing by 11.5 per cent to 995.88 petabytes.

    Despite this modest recovery, the report said consumption levels remained slightly below the January peak, suggesting that subscribers continued to exhibit caution in their usage habits due to the increased tariffs.

    Meanwhile, the telecom industry demonstrated resilience in other areas, with operators adding 3.39 million new telephone users between January and March.

    This growth propelled the total active lines from 169.32 million to 172.71 million, subsequently boosting Nigeria’s teledensity from 78.10 per cent to 79.67 per cent during the same period.

    In terms of market dynamics, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) maintained their dominance in the internet market.

    Leading TELCOS in Nigeria

    MTN Nigeria led with 75.62 million users, followed by Airtel Nigeria with 48.8 million, Globacom with 15.37 million, and 9mobile with 1.75 million.

    MTN also retained its market lead in active telephone lines with 90.5 million subscribers, representing a 52.48 per cent market share, while Airtel followed with 58.3 million users (33.78 per cent), Globacom with 20.7 million (12 per cent), and 9mobile with 2.9 million (1.72 per cent).

    The latest industry figures underscore the complexities facing Nigeria’s telecom sector as operators navigate economic pressures and evolving consumer behaviours.

    On porting activities, the NCC report noted that Nigeria’s fourth mobile network operator, 9mobile, had continued to experience a decline in its subscriber base, with a total of 5809 customers porting out of its network both in February and March.

    The report showed that other operators recorded insignificant outgoing porting numbers compared to 9mobile.

    It showed that MTN lost 647 customers, Airtel recorded 695 outgoing porting, Globacom recorded 771, while 9mobile lost 5808 in both February and March.

    In terms of incoming porting, MTN gained the most customers from other operators, with 4855 subscribers joining its network in February and March, the report revealed.

    It stated that Airtel recorded 2084 incoming porting, while Globacom gained 1007 customers in both months.

    The NCC added that, meanwhile, 9mobile recorded only three incoming porting for both months.

    According to the NCC report on incoming and outgoing porting activities of mobile network operators, a total of 7922 subscribers moved from one network to another in February and March.

  • Tinubu urges enforcement of child protection laws, launches Action Plan

    Tinubu urges enforcement of child protection laws, launches Action Plan

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for the strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other child protection laws that safeguard the safety, dignity, and future of Nigerian children.

    Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu made the call during the inauguration of the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria, in Abuja.

    He said his administration was strengthening existing institutions and laws while launching national campaigns to raise awareness and drive behavioural change.

    Tinubu revealed that his government had established a dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency and introduced the Universal Child Grant to reduce household poverty and protect vulnerable children.

    He added that a National Child Protection Database and a Child Well-being Index had been created to monitor government progress and promote accountability.

    “Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid the statutory foundation for child protection

    “But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable, it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference,” he stated.

    He stressed that the national strategy also included prevention and early intervention through programmes aimed at supporting families, promoting positive parenting, and challenging harmful social norms.

    Tinubu assured that key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, had been equipped with the necessary training and resources to lead efforts to protect Nigerian children at all levels of governance.

    “This is a crusade that demands sincerity and honesty.

    “We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability. The real hope lies in action, concrete, deliberate action,” he said.

    He also noted the significance of the first regional meeting of Africa’s Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

    He described the meeting as a renewed push for the implementation of the commitments made during the First Global Ministerial Conference in Bogotá.

    Earlier, Dr Najat M’jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, called on African leaders to move beyond verbal commitments and take concrete action to protect children from violence and exploitation.

    She urged delegates and participants to prioritise peer learning, strategy sharing, and collective action as ways to overcome common challenges and ensure sustainable child protection efforts across Africa.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Ms. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the country’s commitment and outlined progress made since the Bogotá conference in Nov. 2024.

    She highlighted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu was strengthening legal frameworks, scaling up the Safe Schools Programme, expanding parenting interventions, and increasing budgetary allocations to child protection systems.

    “Through our renewed National Child Policy Framework, currently under review, and our adopted National Strategy and Costed Action Plan to End Child Marriage in Nigeria, we are laying the foundation for more accountable, inclusive, and data-driven action.”

  • President Tinubu Visits Anambra State

    President Tinubu Visits Anambra State

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently on a visit to Anambra State, commissions Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    The Nigerian Anchor reports that the President will also be commissioning an entertainment complex called the Solution Funcity, which features the Anambra Country Club, a Family Fun House, a Water Park, and an Amusement Park in Anambra State.

  • Israeli Army closes 6 UN-run schools in Shu’afat refugee camp

    Israeli Army closes 6 UN-run schools in Shu’afat refugee camp

    Israeli army forces on Thursday raided six UN-run schools in occupied East Jerusalem to enforce military closure orders, Palestinian authorities said.

    A statement by the Jerusalem Governorate said Israeli soldiers moved into the facilities in the Shu’afat refugee camp to demand the immediate departure of students and teachers.

    It called the closure orders of the schools “part of an Israeli systematic escalation against Palestinian education institutions” in East Jerusalem.

    Earlier, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned that the Israeli closure orders of the six schools risk depriving some 800 Palestinian students of their right to education.

    Israeli authorities ordered the schools in the camp to close by May 8, citing the lack of a license. Under the orders, no one will be allowed into the schools, including principals, teachers, and other staff.

    The Israeli closure orders are seen as part of Tel Aviv’s wider campaign against UNRWA and its mandate of serving Palestinian refugees.

    In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) passed two laws banning UNRWA’s operations in Israel and areas under its occupation and prohibiting Israeli authorities from having any contact with the agency.

    The laws took effect on Jan. 30.

    Israel alleges that UNRWA employees were involved in a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, a charge vehemently denied by the UN agency.

    UNRWA was established in 1949, and has served as a critical lifeline for Palestinian refugees, supporting nearly 5.9 million people across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

  • NDLEA intercepts 942 explosives en-route Zamfara, recovers 314,020 pills of tramadol

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a commercial vehicle loaded with 942 explosives along Kaduna-Zaria expressway.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja said the vehicle was coming from Nasarawa and heading to Zamfara.

    Babafemi said the explosives were concealed in a sack and the subsequent arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Nura Muhammad.

    He said the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has directed that the suspect and exhibits be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action.

    Meanwhile, five members of a syndicate led by one Aminu Musa were arrested on Wednesday, April 30, by NDLEA operatives at Dangoro market, Kano with 50 blocks of skunk weighing 21.6kg recovered from them.

    Also, in Edo state, operatives acting on intelligence on Thursday, May 1, intercepted at Uromi, Esan North-East, a white Toyota bus conveying assorted opioids from Onitsha to Auchi.

    “Recovered from the vehicle include: 314,020 pills of tramadol, rophynol, diazepam, exol5; 638 bottles of codeine syrup and 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection.

    “A suspect Dare Adeyemo was taken into custody,” Babafemi said.

    Similarly, a Mazda commercial bus marked XA343TSE was intercepted at Agu-Awka junction, Awka, Anambra by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday.

    Also, Babafemi said that a total of 50,400 capsules of tramadol, 500 tablets of co-codamol and 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection were recovered while a suspect Chinedu Eneh was arrested.

    In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kontagora -Mokwa road on Saturday intercepted a Mitsubishi canter truck marked RBH 104 ZY.

    “A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5,500 capsules of tramadol and 2,300 ampoules of pentazocine injection as well as the arrest of a suspect Yusuf Abubakar, 30”.

    Meanwhile, Babafemi said that after 10 months of painstaking investigation, NDLEA operatives had arrested a wanted drug kingpin, a 52-year-old Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd, Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku.

    He said that the suspect was arrested over his involvement in the importation of a consignment of 2,616,060 pills of tramadol 225mg intercepted by NDLEA at Apapa seaport in Lagos.

    “A follow-up operation at his house in Lekki led to the seizure of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 34grams,” Babafemi said.

  • Extortion: 10 NSCDC personnel to be detained

    Ahmed Audi, the Commandant-General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the immediate detention of officers accused in the alleged N5.2 million extortion from some travelers.

    This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the detention follows an investigation order by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    A viral social media post alleged that some NSCDC officers extorted N5.2 million from a group of young men traveling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti  to Akure, Ondo State.

    Audi directed that the suspects should be transported to the NSCDC National headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.

    He said that this will enable the corps’ disciplinary committee to carry out a full scale investigation into the alleged extortion report as directed by the minister.

    ”Their actions were highly condemnable and unprofessional as it contravenes the Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the NSCDC.

    ”The NSCDC management awaits the outcome of the investigation and promises to deal decisively with the officers according to the Public Service Rules (PSR) if found guilty of the alleged offence,” he said.

    Audi assured Nigerians that the corps will not shield anyone found culpable of corrupt practices or any form of compromise.

    He added that the corps will make erring officers accountable for their individual actions by facing appropriate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others.

    The CG urged the public not to be deterred in relating with the corps by proving necessary information that will eradicate harassment or extortion of citizens.

  • Breaking News: Pope Francis is dead

    Breaking News: Pope Francis is dead

    The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis

    Pope Francis died this Monday aged 88 years.

    More details to follow.

  • The Unending Supremacy Tussle Between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.

    The Unending Supremacy Tussle Between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.

    Wale Alonge

    The unending supremacy tussle between the Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo predates our generation and will probably outlive our generation into the next. The debate often reaches a new crescendo whenever the occupant of either throne returns to their ancestors and a new king emerges. So, little wonder that tussle gasconce again reared its seven hydra heads.

    The current Ooni showed class and endeared himself to many when on ascending the throne and in an effort to unite the Yoruba race, he broke with tradition by traveling to Alafin Adeyemi’s palace on a reconciliatory move. Sadly, his gesture was not appropriately reciprocated.

    With the Ooni of Ife leading a high power contingent of Yoruba Obas to his recent coronation ceremony, the ball is now in the new Alafin’s court to change, frankly the utilitarianly useless supremacy war between the throne of Oyo and Ife. The reality whether we face it or not is that the days of absolute deified kings with the power of life and death died with the dodo bird. Our institution of Obaship has become largely ceremonial, and ascension to the throne has become highly over-politicized and the power pendulum has shifted away from the traditional to the political. So, while the debate makes for good banter and entertainment on social media and in the academic circles, as a practical matter, it has minimal utilitarian value in the power dynamics of our country.

    Ooni of Ife

    Furthermore, while the supremacy debate rages on in Yorubaland, at the national and in the global Yoruba diaspora, the supremacy of the Ooni is a settled matter. The Ooni of Ife in the national hierarchy of Nigerian Obas has no rival among other Yoruba Obas. He and the Sultan of Sokoto occupy the preeminent positions in the National Council of traditional rulers. The Ooni of Ife is venerated among the descendants and custodians of Yoriba tradition and culture in the Yoriba diaspora from Cuba to Brazil and in between. Those are indisputable facts that should settle the matter once and for all. A pipe dream of course.

    Sadly, the supremacy tussle does not advance Yoruba interest by a millimeter. To the contrary it is a retrogressive distraction.

    However, just out of curiosity, I asked AI the question “From Historical perspective, who is superior: the Alafin of Oyo or the Ooni of Ife”?. Please find below the response I got.

    The Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo have a complex historical relationship, with some claiming the Ooni’s line is superior due to their lineage to Oduduwa, the founder of the Yoruba people. While Oyo (and the Alaafin) emerged from Ife, traditional accounts and some modern interpretations suggest Ife holds a spiritual and ancestral primacy. [1, 2, 3, 4]
    Elaboration: [1, 1, 2, 2]

    Alafin of Oyo
    • Lineage and Primacy: The Ooni of Ife is seen as the head of the Yoruba lineage, descending directly from Oduduwa, the founder of the Yoruba people. Oyo, though claiming descent from Oduduwa as well, is understood to have emerged from Ife through Oranyan, one of Oduduwa’s sons. [1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7]
    • Oyo’s Rise: The Oyo Empire, ruled by the Alaafin, grew to become a powerful force in the region, but its roots are traced back to Ife and its traditions. [1, 1, 3, 3]
    • Rivalry and Disagreements: Despite shared ancestral ties, the Ooni and Alaafin have sometimes clashed, with disagreements over the interpretation of Yoruba history and the rightful place of Ife and Oyo within the Yoruba cultural landscape. For instance, some Ooni have claimed that the Alaafin’s celebration of Oranyan, who is also seen as the founder of Oyo, is not justified. [2, 2]
    • Oyo’s Military Strength: The Oyo Empire, at its height, was known for its military strength and territorial control, leading to a complex relationship with Ife. [1, 1, 3, 3, 8]
    • Modern Significance: While Oyo’s influence has diminished in recent times, the Ooni of Ife continues to be seen as a prominent figure in the Yoruba cultural sphere, according to BBC. [4, 4]

    Generative AI is experimental.

    [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyo_Empire[2] https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/oranyan-festival-ooni-is-ignorant-says-alaafin/[3] https://www.britannica.com/place/Oyo-empire[4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/1624_story_of_africa/page86.shtml[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rulers_of_Ife[6] https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-59776805[7] https://www.osunstate.gov.ng/2015/07/tradition-ooni-ifes-death-announced/[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyo_Empire

    Adewale Alonge, PhD, is Founder & President, Africa Diaspora Partnership for Empowerment and Development. www.adped.org

  • Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

    Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

    The Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Associate Professor Badamasi Lawal, PhD, the National Programme Manager of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), Dr. Princess Aderemi Adebowale; along with other critical stakeholders, during the meeting of the Steering Committee on the Implementation of NHGSFP, held on Friday, 11th April 2025, at the Conference Hall, Federal Secretariat Phase I, Abuja.

  • Tinubu pledges nationwide road infrastructure boost

    Tinubu pledges nationwide road infrastructure boost

    President Bola Tinubu says his vision is to complete and expand all key road infrastructure projects across Nigeria to improve nationwide connectivity.

    Represented by the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, Tinubu stated this on Sunday during the inauguration of section two of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project.

    The President said the road is a vital link between the North and South, and the government is committed to easing travel across the country.

    “My vision is to overhaul Nigeria’s roadways by completing and expanding critical infrastructure projects nationwide,” Tinubu stated.

    He acknowledged that some projects began under past administrations but praised his government for refining partnerships, addressing funding issues, and setting new completion timelines.

    “In almost two years, we’ve awarded several new road projects, many of which have already been completed to boost trade, productivity, and regional development,” Tinubu said.

    He added that no part of Nigeria is being neglected in the ongoing infrastructure upgrades sweeping across the nation under his leadership.

    Tinubu said Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria have especially benefited from major infrastructure improvements since his administration began.

    He highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway as a landmark project and one of Nigeria’s most critical road networks.

    The road connects the Federal Capital Territory with about 12 states across the north-central, northwest, and northeast, aiding both economic and social development.

    Also, Tinubu approved an 11-kilometre extension to connect the road to Aminu Kano International Airport.

    He also added 10 kilometres at the start of section one, between Kogi State and Abuja, for greater coverage.

    Tinubu directed that solar-powered lights be installed throughout the road for safety and illumination.

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised Tinubu’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially in the road sector.

    Umahi revealed that the 700-kilometre road would be completed using concrete-reinforced pavement within 14 months.

    He said the project spans 350 kilometres each way from Abuja, passing through Niger State to Kaduna, Zaria, and ending in Kano.

    The minister confirmed that Julius Berger had completed 480 kilometres of the Kano section, with 280 kilometres remaining to be done.

    Umahi stated that construction of sections one and three, totalling 118 kilometres, had been awarded for N252 billion with 30 per cent upfront payment to Infiouest.

    He added that section two, 82 kilometres each way (164 kilometres total), had been flagged off at a cost of N525 billion.

    The entire road project, close to a trillion naira in total, is being executed by Infiouest, which Umahi endorsed as reliable.

    Umahi assured Nigerians of progress and said the ministry would return in 30 days to assess the ongoing work.

    He disclosed plans for zonal engagements across the six geopolitical zones to report on road and bridge achievements under the Tinubu administration.

    Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

    Goronyo called Tinubu a leader for all regions, with dedication to every corner of the country.

    “We deeply appreciate your efforts; your impact is felt nationwide,” Goronyo said.

    He commended Tinubu for projects in Illela, Sokoto, Lagos, and Badagry, highlighting them as part of major legacy superhighways.

    “This is a performing President, bringing renewed hope and positive change to Nigerian lives,” Goronyo added.

    He encouraged communities to support the contractors, governors, and the president in building a prosperous and transformed Nigeria.