QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, has taken note of media reports regarding the recent operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State, which led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention, and fraudulent activities.

QNET

QNET unequivocally condemns all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation, unlawful detention, and other criminal acts. We commend the NSCDC for its swift intervention and for prioritising the safety and welfare of those affected.

While investigations are ongoing, QNET wishes to state clearly that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visas, migration services, or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment. Any individual or group making such representations is acting without the knowledge, authorization, or consent of the company.

Commenting on the incident, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, said: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation.

“We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”

QNET maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct. The company actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and takes disciplinary action against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies.

Since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, QNET has intensified its collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the media to combat scams and misinformation associated with its brand.

These efforts include the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, as well as strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Beyond Nigeria, similar initiatives have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone under the broader QNET Against Scams campaign.

These programmes are designed to educate communities on how to identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics, and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.

QNET remains committed to working alongside governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups to combat fraud, protect consumers, and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify information about QNET, its products, and its business model through the company’s official website, www.qnet.net.

Individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes, or any misuse of the QNET name are urged to report such incidents through QNET’s compliance and integrity channels.

Suspected cases may be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at [email protected]. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with QNET’s compliance procedures.

For more information about QNET and its anti-fraud initiatives, visit www.qnet.net.

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has rejected reports claiming it backed a major shake-up of Nigeria’s airtime credit market or secured presidential approval for new operators to enter the space.

In a statement at the weekend, the commission said it had no knowledge of the alleged plan and was not part of any process said to be opening the sector to nine fintech firms.

The clarification follows widespread media reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had approved a restructuring of the airtime credit ecosystem under the administration’s “Nigeria First” policy.

The reports also claimed the move would allow new players to compete in a market long dominated by telecom operators and their existing partners.

The companies mentioned in the reports include Technotrends Platforms Nigeria Limited, Total Tim Nigeria Limited, Fonyou Technologies Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, MRS Innovation Nigeria Limited, Mode NG Applications Nigeria Limited, ERL Telecoms Service Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited and Coverage Broadband Limited.

Some of the publications further suggested that the reform could unlock a market valued at about N3 trillion annually.

However, industry estimates generally place the size of Nigeria’s airtime credit and related digital lending space at between N300 billion and N400 billion.

But the FCCPC dismissed the entire narrative, insisting it was not involved in any approval process or regulatory announcement linked to the claims.

“The Commission wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of, and was not involved in, the claims attributed to it in the report,” the agency said through  Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs.

The commission also clarified that its Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) regulations remain suspended.

According to the FCCPC, the suspension followed an interim court order issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 15, in a case filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

It stressed that as a public institution, it is fully complying with the court directive and will not enforce the regulations until the matter is fully resolved in court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 20, 2026.

The agency added that it remains committed to due process and will continue to handle the issue strictly within the boundaries of the law.

In simple terms, the FCCPC says it is not driving any airtime market overhaul, has not approved new entrants, and is currently waiting on the courts before taking any regulatory action.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer (CEO), MTN Nigeria, has defended the billings for data by the country’s network providers, saying they are some of the cheapest in the world.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer (CEO), MTN Nigeria,

Network providers in the country have taken the stick in recent times for what some customers claim is a high cost for mobile data.

However, Toriola says that is not the case, arguing that Nigeria has one of the cheapest costs for data.

“Influencers and critics, look at the price at which we sell bundles of data. Then now take that price, go and check in Kenya, go and check in Congo, go and check across the world, and tell me if you are not going to tell me that data in Nigeria is one of the four cheapest in the world. Ghana is also very cheap, I acknowledge that,” he said during the MTN Data Trial conference held in Lagos at the weekend.

“But compared to any other African country, you will see that the data in MTN Nigeria, not just MTN, our competitors too, is one of the cheapest in the world, even after the tariff increase.”

In January 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff increase for telecoms operators in the country, meaning users had to pay more for data and airtime.

The regulator said the review, though lower than the “over 100%” 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,” the agency said in a statement.

It cited increased operational costs and the need to ensure that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised as part of the reasons for the first hike in rates since 2013.

“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage,” NCC said.

The move drew backlash from Nigerians and pressure groups such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which protested against the decision, describing it as harsh.

“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by policies of the government that were no fault of theirs,” the union said.