Broadcasting
How desirable is 5% Excise Duty on Telecom Services?
By Ibrahim Dan Halilu
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has thrown Nigeria into another controversy amidst plans to launch the 5G network, which is expected to transform every sector and sphere of life of the citizenry.
Coming at a time when Nigeria warming up to launch the largest high speed mobile network technology (5G) in Africa, the 5% excise duty on telecom services being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service, is not only a negation of the laudable gains of the Buhari administration in the telecom sector but another incontrovertible proof of the administration’s poor policy coordination.
The expectation of most Nigerians is that the Finance Minister and the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service who are the prime advocates of the 5% excise duty will engage with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under whose purview the telecom sector presides, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which is the telecom sector regulator, to create a synergy before rolling out the new tax regime.
It is no brainer to understand the imperative of engaging with these two government institutions whose role is central to all that the administration has achieved in that sector.
The NCC has over the years implemented various initiatives and programmes that have stabilized the telecom sector and created a very healthy environment for the industry to thrive and offer quality and affordable service to Nigerians.
The commission’s declaration of 2016 as the Year of the Telecom Consumers has placed premium on the consumer as king who should be treated with respect and offered value for money.
Conversely for the mobile network operators who enjoyed massive support of the Commission disputes resolution, protection of critical telecom infrastructures, and restoration of operational facilities that enhance better performance of the industry.
The Commission has played a very strategic role in resisting arbitrary hike in tariffs and other charges for telecom services which can impose additional burden on the consumers. Instead, the NCC envisions a new tariff regime that has not only reduced the cost of data by more than 100% but further increased access to telecom services in Nigeria.
Its robust National Broadband Policy 2020-2025 is aimed at achieving a new landmark in telecom operations in Nigeria as it rolls out the 5G technology that will change the way of doing almost everything.
Similarly, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through its indefatigable minister, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami has launched Nigeria on the world map of countries that are transiting from analogue to digital economy with the unveiling of a robust policy on 5G Network and Digital Economy.
These are commendable efforts that should be complimented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through advocacy for a downward review or complete removal of some of the tariffs imposed on the MNOs and other service providers.
The presidential inauguration of a 27-person committee charged with the teak of exploring ways of improving Nigeria’s ranking on the Ease of Doing Business, should have been followed by an aggressive drive of the Federal Ministry of Finance to streamline some of the regulatory measures that hinder the effective performance of the industry such as multiple taxation, and promote policies that will remove barriers to consumer adoption of the new technology.
It is on this note that one wishes to appeal to the Minister of Finance to exercise the power conferred on her by the Finance Act 2020 with caution and empathy to the Nigerian consumers who are already overburdened by new series of taxes introduced by the Buhari Administration.
The Minster needs to find equilibrium between government’s desires to raise more funds and citizen’s expectations for better welfare as the destabilizing effects of the new tax regime outweigh its monetary benefits both to the economy and the citizens.
Firstly, the policy will reverse the gains recorded by the NCC in reducing the cost of telecom services to the consumer and efficient service by the Mobile Network operators (MNOs) who have to contend with multiple taxations and increased operation costs.
Secondly, the new policy may further have adverse effect on the flow of both foreign and local investment in the broadband infrastructure that is needed to scale up the deployment of 5G network to other cities across the country. The MNOs are already groaning under an indiscriminate multiple taxation policy that make is harming their business.
The greatest damage the new tariff will do to Nigeria’s telecom sector is derailing the rollout and total adoption of the 5G network that is being test run by the major telecom service network, the MTN whose competitor, Mafab has already announced an extension of the 5G launch to end of the year due to unforeseen challenges.
The Federal Government’s policy on 5G Spectrum for Digital Economy driven by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy may suffer a setback under the new harsh tax regime that targets the telecom sector as a major revenue earner for government.
The imposition of the 5% excise duty will be an additional burden on small businesses and individuals who wish to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities offered by the 5G network to expand and improve their businesses as they may face a new tariff regime.
Another possible consequence of the new tax regime is retarding the progress made in launching Nigeria into the open governance platform that promotes transparency and accountability, while enhancing citizens’ participation in governance as any increase in tariff will lead to low patronage of the telecom services.
It is my candid view therefore that the introduction of 5% excise duty on telecom services is both untimely and undesirable for Nigeria whose majority citizens are living below poverty margin, and have no visible source of income.
The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service should dissipate more energy on initiating people-centred policies that will support the NCC in performing its regulatory functions instead of frustrating the laudable efforts of the commission to promote affordable and efficient telecom services in Nigeria.
The duo should regard themselves as a part of the same government that enunciated the policy of promoting digital economy through universal access to telecom services for Nigerians instead of a separate entity that competes for space or attention.
In her search for new avenues to improve government revenue, the Finance Minister should look beyond imposing excise duty on telecom services, and engage with the public and other stake holders to explore other options that are richly available.
The government can tilt the scale towards diversifying its revenue generation to imports for luxury items, luxury life-styles, and reducing the cost of governance at different levels. There are many wasteful spending that can be scaled down to save money for government to meet its financial obligations which is the main thrust of the Minster’s argument.
These include the purchase of exotic vehicles for public office holders, foreign travels, high duty allowances, and foreign trainings for public officials. Others are blocking the conduit pipes and confronting corruption head on.
These and many others will spare a huge sum that can be channeled to more productive projects that will impact on the lives of the people.
The rush to impose new tax regime on consumers of telecom services will be self-defeating, if at the end of the day the only benefit it accrues to the government is more money to spend instead of better welfare for citizens.
The telecom services are no longer a luxury but necessary tools that Nigerians need to connect with the rest of the word, share their ideas, knowledge, and information for a much better society.
The government should not shut out Nigerians or make it impossible for them to reach out to the rest of the world to market their skills, talents, and products in return for the much needed foreign exchange which is the essence of the digital economy which is the fulcrum of the administration’s |economic policy.
Nigerians deserve efficient and affordable telecom services to conduct their business activities on a global scale, which the controversial 5% excise duty seems to negate. It is a right, not privilege!
Ibrahim Dan Halilu is an Abuja based media consultant and communication expert. He can be reached via email at idhalilu@gmail.com or mobile 08101064449 9SMS only).
As part of its commitment to promoting a healthier and more resilient banking workforce, the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) is organizing a special Aerobics Fitness Session on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Lagoon Front of the Eko Atlantic City.
The session is open to all bankers and marketing communication professionals within the industry and will feature a lineup of fun and energizing activities aimed at boosting physical and mental wellbeing.
With stress levels and burnout on the rise in high-pressure sectors like banking, ACAMB is taking, as it has done over the years, proactive steps to encourage lifestyle habits that support overall wellness and productivity.
Participants will begin the morning with a body warm-up and short walk to get their energy flowing, followed by an exciting dance aerobics session designed to elevate heart rates and lift spirits.
The day will continue with interactive fitness games that promote movement and team bonding, and will wrap up with a friendly but motivating fitness challenge to inspire healthy competition and personal bests.
“Bankers are vital to the financial ecosystem, and their wellness must be a priority,” said Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of ACAMB.
“This aerobics session is a powerful way to foster a culture of health, team bonding, and preventive care. It reflects our belief as ExCO that a strong mind and body, are essential for long-term professional excellence.”
The session is expected to kick off early in the morning to take advantage of the fresh morning air, allowing participants to start their weekend with energy, movement, and connection. It also presents an opportunity to unwind and build camaraderie amongst colleagues outside the traditional office setting.
This initiative is one of several wellness-focused programms ACAMB is rolling out to reinforce the importance of employee wellbeing in corporate and marketing communication and the broader banking ecosystem.
The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) is the recognized professional association for marketing communications and public affairs executives in Nigeria’s banking industry.
ACAMB drives ethical communication standards, promotes internal and external stakeholder engagement, and supports member banks in advancing reputation, trust, employee growth and wellbeing.
Broadcasting
DStv Makes History: Inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame as Africa’s Most Admired Media Brand
DStv, Africa’s leading entertainment platform, has been officially recognised as the #1 Most Admired African Media Brand in the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands 2025 rankings.
This recognition also sees DStv inducted into the prestigious Brand Africa Hall of Fame, a distinction reserved for iconic African brands that have significantly shaped the continent’s global image and competitiveness over the years.
The announcement was made at a high-profile ceremony hosted at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, where leaders from across the African media and branding landscape gathered to honour the continent’s most impactful brands.
Launched in 1995, DStv has evolved from a digital satellite television pioneer into a content powerhouse, transforming the African viewing experience through continuous innovation, investment in local content, and a deep commitment to telling African stories.
“This honour reflects the incredible journey we’ve taken with our audiences across Africa. Being named Africa’s most admired media brand and joining the Brand Africa Hall of Fame is not just a celebration of where we’ve come from—it’s a reaffirmation of where we’re going.
“Our commitment to local storytelling, cultural authenticity, and innovation remains stronger than ever.
“We are proud to be a brand that not only entertains but uplifts and connects Africans through stories that matter.” States Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice.
Each year, the Brand Africa 100 survey identifies the most admired brands across the continent, based on independent research conducted in over 30 African countries, representing over 85% of Africa’s population and GDP, with more than 150,000 brand mentions and 5,930 unique brands.
The rankings are compiled through a rigorous process led by research partners including GeoPoll, Kantar, Integrate, and Analysis, making it the only pan-African, research-led and non-commercial brand equity study of its kind.
DStv’s induction into the Hall of Fame further cements its position not just as a media brand, but as a cultural force that continues to shape narratives and inspire pride across Africa. Through its investments in local productions, partnerships with African creators, and focus on quality storytelling, DStv remains at the forefront of Africa’s growing creative economy.
DStv was also honoured with the same top recognition in 2024, reinforcing its consistent excellence and enduring connection with audiences across Africa. Since its launch 30 years ago with just 16 channels, DStv has evolved into a dynamic content powerhouse, offering a rich mix of local productions, global entertainment, and integrated streaming options.
Today, it serves millions of households across the continent, delivering hundreds of channels and platforms that reflect the diversity, creativity, and aspirations of African viewers.
Broadcasting
The Silent Killer of Great Companies: A Guide To Why Your Processes Will Break (and How to Fix Them)
By Tolulope Obianwu
Every high-growth company experiences a moment when its engine sputters—quietly at first. Emails slip through cracks, customers wait too long, and once-smooth systems start breaking under pressure. This rarely looks like failure; it feels like chaos.
Tolu Obianwu
The truth? Your team didn’t fail. Your process did.
More accurately, the process you never designed to scale.
I’ve led operations and strategy at some of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech companies, building teams and systems that power complex payment infrastructure. And I’ve seen it repeatedly: velocity hides inefficiency—until it doesn’t.
This isn’t just a fintech problem. It’s a scaling problem. And if you’re a founder, operator, or builder, this article is your early warning: poor process doesn’t announce itself. It accumulates, silently, until your best people are fighting fires they didn’t start.
So, before things break, let’s talk about what makes processes fail, and what it takes to build operational structures that scale with your ambition.
DO NOT Confuse Speed with System: Startups are built on hustle. That’s part of the magic. But hustle without design leads to fragile outcomes. What works when you’re a 5-person team becomes a burden when you’re 50. Manually sorting payments, ad-hoc decisions, Slack approvals; these shortcuts become operational debt.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Build systems early. They don’t have to be perfect, but they must be repeatable. Even lightweight process maps give your team breathing room and build investor confidence.
DO NOT Build Around Individuals: We romanticise “indispensable” team members; the only person who knows how X works. But hero-driven execution is unsustainable. When your process depends on one person being online, awake, or available, you’re not building a company. You’re gambling on burnout.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Document workflows, spread context, and make knowledge transfer part of your onboarding and offboarding. Structure should outlive talent.
DO NOT Mistake Micromanagement for Control: I’ve seen it too often: leaders respond by inserting themselves into every decision when processes start breaking down. It’s understandable, but counterproductive. Micromanagement is not a fix. It’s a symptom.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Create trust frameworks. Use process audits, not pressure. Empower teams with clear guardrails, not constant approvals. The goal of an exemplary process isn’t control – it’s clarity.
DO NOT Design for the Happy Path Only: Most processes look beautiful on paper until real users, real edge cases, and real stress tests come in. If your refund process fails when the volume spikes or your reconciliation breaks on public holidays, that’s not a people problem. It’s a design flaw.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Anticipate failure. Ask “What could go wrong?” Run simulations. Processes must bend without breaking. That’s true resilience.
DO NOT ignore the Role of Culture: Even the best-designed processes die in hostile environments. If your culture rewards shortcuts, ignores documentation, or treats processes as bureaucracy, nothing will stick.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Make ‘process’ a language, not a punishment. Celebrate people who fix broken steps. Tie operational excellence to career growth. Culture is what makes a process sustainable.
DO NOT Launch Processes Without Data Loops: If you’re not tracking turnaround times, errors, or usage, you’re not managing a process; you’re just hoping it works.
DO THIS INSTEAD:
Instrument every stage. Set KPIs that matter. Let data flag inefficiencies before customers feel them. A great process isn’t just followed – it’s monitored.
Final Thoughts
The truth is: every fast-growing company outgrows its old ways of doing things. There comes a time when velocity alone can’t carry the vision anymore. That’s inevitable. What isn’t inevitable is being caught off guard when it happens.
If you’re building for scale, process isn’t a bottleneck; it’s your runway. The best systems don’t slow people down; they let good teams move faster, with clarity and confidence.
Don’t wait for failure to expose what structure could have prevented it. Build deliberately. Review often. Automate what you can. And above all, make sure your process is strong enough to carry the weight of your ambition.
Because in the long run, it’s not speed that wins.
It’s the ability to move fast, without breaking yourself.
Tolulope Obianwu is a highly experienced professional in operations and technology strategy and currently is Head, Core Operations at TeamApt Ltd
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