Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has linked Quality of Service (QoS) challenges across telecom networks to rising data consumption, stating that operators are ramping up efforts to sustain investments to improve coverage and capacity.

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC,

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, stated this during a breakfast meeting with the media in Abuja on Friday, where he noted that while service quality is improving, it is yet to meet regulatory expectations.

He said recent data shows positive signals from independent user-based measurements, indicating that network performance is getting better rather than deteriorating.

However, he explained that increased usage is offsetting gains, creating a cycle where improved services trigger higher demand, which in turn puts fresh pressure on infrastructure.

“We’re still not where we want to be, but are we satisfied as a regulator? I would say within the context for which we operate, I think the area of satisfaction is the fact that we’re beginning to see the right signals. But at the same time, we also see a rise in consumption. So it’s like a cycle. As they’re making investments and making upgrades, people are consuming more,” he said.

Maida disclosed that data consumption has risen by about 170 per cent in the last two years, describing the surge as a major factor behind network strain.

The EVC added that operators are responding with increased investments, with site upgrades expected to rise significantly this year to expand both coverage and capacity.

He also highlighted regulatory efforts to improve industry sustainability, including ongoing policy reviews, cybersecurity framework implementation, and collaboration with security agencies to protect telecom infrastructure.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, for alleged fraud involving N36.5 billion and $30 million.

Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc,

This follows the probe of alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million secured as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.

He was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on April 23, 2026, and is still been held in custody as at the time of filling the report.

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.

Ayeni is under investigation for diverting funds obtained for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects into other unknown projects.

Investigators allege the loans were instead channelled into telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.

About 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni are also under investigation for their role in securing the loans.

The EFCC is expected to file charges once the investigation is concluded.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the cost of issuing or replacing a standard debit or credit card will rise by 50 percent to about N1,500, up from about N1,000.

The new charge is contained in the Exposure Draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria, 2026, released by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The draft followed a circular issued to banks, other financial institutions and the public, dated April 21, 2026, and signed by Rita I. Sike, director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department.

Under the revised guide, issuance and replacement of regular or basic debit and credit cards will attract a N1,500 fee, while charges for premium debit, credit or hybrid cards will be negotiable.

In the 2020 guide, debit card charges were fixed at N1,000 as a one-off fee for issuance, replacement of lost or damaged cards, and renewal upon expiry, applicable across all card types.

The CBN said the review is part of its mandate to promote a safe and sound financial system, accelerate the adoption of innovative financial services, and enhance financial inclusion, particularly in micropayments and transactions.

According to the regulator, the revised guide expands the range of financial services, encourages innovation, strengthens oversight and accountability, and promotes financial inclusion through lower tariffs for micropayments. It also updates certain banking charges to support increased use of electronic channels and accommodate new industry participants since the 2020 version.

The apex bank said the draft has been exposed to the public for comments and input on the proposed fees, with submissions expected via [email protected] on or before May 08, 2026.

The guide provides a framework for the application of charges, including fees and rates, on products and services offered by financial institutions in Nigeria. It applies to all institutions licensed or regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The charges, according to the regulator, were developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders and are aimed at enhancing flexibility, standardisation, transparency and competition in the financial system.

It added that where charges are designated as negotiable, financial institutions must inform customers of their right to negotiate at the start of transactions and reach mutual agreement on applicable fees through verifiable means.

Where limits are specified, charges must not exceed the prescribed maximum or fall below the minimum.

The apex bank noted that the guide is not exhaustive and that financial institutions must seek prior approval before introducing new products, services or charges not covered.

The framework applies to a wide range of institutions, including commercial banks, merchant banks, payment service banks, non-interest banks, microfinance banks, finance companies, primary mortgage banks, development finance institutions, credit guarantee companies, mobile money operators, and other institutions designated by the regulator.

In line with existing consumer protection regulations, the apex bank said non-credit charges can only be applied to the extent of the available account balance, with any outstanding fees deferred until the account is funded. Such deferred charges will not attract interest.

The guide is to be read alongside the relevant guidance notes and glossary provisions and will supersede the 2020 version when it takes effect on May 1, 2026.