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FG Rakes in N412Bn VAT from Telecom Subscribers

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Telecommunication subscribers and other consumers of information and communications services in Nigeria paid N412.31 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) last year.

FG Rakes in N412Bn VAT from Telecom Subscribers

This is as telecom companies and other operators in the information and communications industry paid N466.5 billion in Company Income Tax (CIT), data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed.

According to Businessday report, the telecoms sector continues to be one of the largest contributors to the government’s tax revenue because of its role in the economy.

Data from the NBS showed that the sector contributed 19.29 percent, 21.19 percent, 19.04 percent, and 10.02 percent in the first quarter, Q2, Q3, and Q4 respectively.

The information and communications sector was also one of the top contributors to CIT. In the first three quarters of 2023, of the total amount of CIT paid, ICT contributed 11.89 percent, 20.30 percent and 11.86 percent, respectively.

The growth in VAT revenues underscores increased consumption of telecom services, with data usage soaring to 713,200 terabytes (TB) as of December 2023 from 517,670 TB in January, for instance. The increased reliance on digital services also translated into higher revenues for the telcos.

MTN’s service revenue grew by 22.4 percent to N2.5 trillion in 2023 and Airtel recorded $1.24 billion in revenue for the nine-month period ended December 2023.

According to the NBS, the information and communication sector comprises the activities of telecommunications and information services; publishing; motion picture, sound recording and music production; and broadcasting.

The telecom sector is a major component (about 80 percent) of the ICT sector. The ICT sector is one of the major pillars of the country’s GDP and a major source of revenue in the form of taxes for the government.

Commenting on the impact of the information and communication sector (to which telecoms contributed 83.69 percent) on the country’s nominal GDP, the NBS said: “On an annual basis, the sector grew by 40.79 percent, higher than 19.00 percent in 2022. The information and communications sector contributed 12.52 percent to the total nominal GDP in the 2023 fourth quarter, higher than the rate of 10.42 percent recorded in the same quarter of 2022.”

In 2021, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) listed MTN Nigeria, one of the four mobile network operators in the country, as one of its top taxpayers.

A statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, its company secretary, said: “In 2021, MTN Nigeria’s total tax contribution to all government agencies, including the FIRS, amounted to N757.6 billion while the FIRS collected a total of N6.4 trillion tax revenue in the year.

“Specifically, MTN Nigeria paid a total of N618.7 billion in direct and indirect taxes to the FIRS in the 2021 tax year, representing approximately 13.5 percent of the total FIRS collection for the year.”

Recently, Bosun Tijani, minister for communications, innovation, and digital economy, said he hoped to increase the federal government’s annual net revenue from the telecommunications sector by 100 percent between 2023 and 2027.


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MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria

Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


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Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


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