Telecom
CNF Calls for Reassessment of 50% Telecom Tariff Hike Amid Economic Concerns
Cloud Network Foundation (CNF), a leading non-governmental organization in Nigeria, has called on the federal government to reassess the recently approved 50% hike in telecoms tariffs, warning of its potential economic and social repercussions.
Mr. Abimbola Tooki, Chairman of CNF.
The increase, which was announced by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and subsequently endorsed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has sparked widespread criticism from key stakeholders, consumer advocacy groups, and industry players.
Reacting to the growing public outcry, the Chairman of CNF, Mr. Abimbola Tooki, expressed concerns over the timing of the tariff adjustment, noting that it comes at a period when inflation is at an all-time high, significantly eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians.
Tooki emphasized that the federal government must take into account the economic realities faced by citizens before implementing policies that could further strain their finances. He described the tariff hike as “insensitive and exploitative,” arguing that it could deepen the economic challenges facing millions of telecoms users across the country.
“The sharp increase in telecoms tariffs is being perceived as an attempt to further disempower the people,” he stated. “This move could inadvertently fuel civil society agitation, as it reinforces the narrative that the government is seeking to stifle the voice of the masses rather than empower them.”
Highlighting the critical role of affordable telecom services in national development, Tooki pointed out that low telecoms tariffs have had far-reaching benefits, including reducing unnecessary travel, easing road congestion, and fostering social connections through seamless communication.
“Telecoms has become an enabler of economic prosperity,” he noted. “Beyond its social advantages, affordable telecoms services have supported e-commerce, digital trade, and remote work, creating new economic opportunities at a time when traditional job opportunities are declining.”
He warned that a sudden and sharp increase in tariffs could deter many Nigerians, particularly small business owners and low-income earners, from fully utilizing telecom services, thereby hindering economic growth.
While acknowledging the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria, Tooki advocated for a gradual approach to any telecoms tariff adjustments rather than a sudden 50% hike. He stressed that addressing industry-specific financial challenges could help cushion the impact on operators without unduly burdening consumers.
He listed 39 different taxes and levies imposed on telecom operators by various levels of government, including Right of Way (RoW) charges, infrastructure maintenance fees, business premises levies, and environmental fees. These multiple taxations, he argued, have contributed significantly to the high cost of doing business in the sector.
Tooki called for a comprehensive review and harmonization of these taxes under a unified framework to ease the financial burden on operators and, ultimately, consumers.
The CNF Chairman also urged the Nigerian Governors Forum to standardize the Right of Way (RoW) fees across all states, ensuring a single template that telecom operators can work with.
Furthermore, he called on the government to facilitate the resolution of unsettled debts between banks and telecom operators, which could free up substantial funds for investment in network expansion and service improvements.
Tooki reiterated that while the CNF recognizes the financial challenges telecom operators face, imposing a steep tariff increase without addressing systemic inefficiencies and multiple taxation will only compound the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
He urged the federal government to engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue to develop a more sustainable approach to telecom pricing—one that balances industry needs with consumer affordability.
Google has launched its Search Live feature globally to over 200 countries, including Nigeria, where AI Mode is available, enabling voice-and-camera conversations in users’ preferred languages.
Powered by the new multilingual Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model, it delivers natural, real-time interactions via the Google app on Android or iOS—tap the Live icon under the Search bar.
Ideal for hands-free help, users can speak queries for audio replies, follow-ups, or web links. Camera integration adds visual context, like troubleshooting a shelving unit, or pairs with Google Lens for real-world chats.
From the app or Lens, Nigerians can now explore, learn, or solve tasks instantly, boosting everyday productivity worldwide.
Clean and reliable power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will be expanded following a $45 million investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in IPT PowerTech.
The investment targets countries where limited power supply continues to slow digital connectivity and broader economic participation, the institution stated earlier this week.
To enable this expansion, the IFC is providing a $45 million corporate financing package consisting of an A-loan of $27 million and $18 million in blended finance.
The blended portion is sourced from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Programme and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility.
The initiative marks the IFC’s first direct infrastructure engagement in Liberia in a decade and in Sierra Leone in six years.
It will help scale solar- and battery-based power systems that reduce reliance on diesel and support greener, more resilient telecom networks.
By improving the quality and stability of power to telecom towers, the initiative will strengthen mobile coverage and ensure that households, schools, health centres, and small businesses can depend on consistent digital services, said the IFC.
The funding supports the modernisation, operation, and maintenance of 2 235 telecom sites across the three nations. More than 90% of these are located in off-grid or weak-grid locations.
With new solar and battery systems powering these sites, mobile networks will experience fewer outages and improved service quality.
Optimising the energy mix is estimated to reduce power costs for operators by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia.
This transition is also expected to cut emissions by more than 10 624 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Furthermore, the partnership will promote gender inclusion by expanding opportunities for women in technical, operational, and leadership roles within the sector, says the IFC.
This agreement reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry and empowers the company to scale its innovative energy platforms, according to Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group.
Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation, said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC regional director for West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
Through this partnership, the institution is supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably, added Kouassi-Akon.
The project advances the World Bank Group and African Development Bank’s Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
Expedier has unveiled “Expedier for Business,” an online pro-banking platform to simplify global payments, multi-currency transactions, and financial operations for expanding companies.
Kingsley Madu
The tool centralizes payments, invoicing, payroll, and treasury into one secure dashboard, tackling challenges like fragmented systems and poor visibility that hinder international scaling.
Kingsley Madu, Co-Founder and CEO of Expedier, said: “African businesses are increasingly global… Expedier for Business was built to simplify how companies manage money across borders while maintaining visibility, control, and compliance.”
Key features include customizable dashboards for payments, invoices, and workflows; support for USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, and more; virtual cards; automated payroll/invoicing; currency swaps; and real-time tracking.
Security measures cover two-factor authentication, KYC/KYB verification, and team access controls.
As cross-border trade and remote work boom in Africa, the platform aids firms dealing with international suppliers, teams, and customers. It is now available for organizations scaling globally.
NDIC Insures 99 Percent of Bank Customers
FG Shifting Focus to “Meaningful Connectivity” to Drive Inclusion – Minister
CBN Bars Chronic Loan Defaulters from Accessing Loans
Google Rolls Out Search Live AI to 200+ Countries, Including Nigeria
Breaking…..Kuda Lays Off Many Employees in Broad Restructuring
Kaspersky Discovers New Phishing Campaign Exploiting Google Tasks Notifications to Steal Corporate Credentials
Spotify’s Loud & Clear Report Reveals Over ₦60Bn Revenue for Nigerian Artists in 2025
China Threatens to Shut Nigeria’s Satellite Over $11.44m Unpaid Debt
MTN Nigeria Posts Record N1.70 Trillion Pre‑Tax Profit, Declares N20 Dividend for 2025
Madonna University Taps Tech Guru Adote for Strategic Board Role
News2 days agoEU Pumps €290m into Nigeria’s Digital, Health, Agri Sectors
Telecom2 days agoUS Jury Finds Meta, Google Liable in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case
News2 days agoFirm Shares Tips for Updating Your Digital Habits for an AI-driven World
E-Business2 days ago5 Wealth-Building Strategies for Nigerian Women-led Businesses
Telecom2 days agoMobile Money Transactions Accounted for $2 trillion in 2025
E-Business2 days agoNigeria, Finland Sign Cybersecurity Pact
E-Financial2 days agoMoneyMaster Enhances App, Rewards Users with Data and Airtime Bonuses
E-Financial1 day agoCBN Says Bank Customers Won’t Lose Deposits because of Recapitalisation