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PTECSSAN Urges NLC to Reevaluate Tariff Hike opposition

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Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reevaluate its opposition to the proposed 50 per cent tariff increase.

PTECSSAN Urges NLC to Reevaluate Tariff Hike opposition

This request was made by PTECSSAN in a letter signed by Okonu Abdullahi, organization’s general secretary, and sent to the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The association urged the NLC to reconsider its decision to launch rallies and demonstrations over the proposed tariff rise in the letter, which was seen in Lagos on Friday.

It said that the only way to keep the industry from collapsing was to raise tariffs.

“If the sector is allowed to collapse, other sectors, including finance and security, will be affected,” PTECSSAN said

PTECSSAN said that the sector had, hitherto, been burdened by rising operational costs.

“The removal of fuel subsidy by the government has led to an exponential increase in the prices of petroleum products, thereby increasing the cost of maintaining telecommunications sites across the country.

“The price of Automated Gas Oil used in powering base stations rose from N842.25 to N1,441.28 between May 29, 2023, and Jan. 27, 2025.

“Similarly, the price of Premium Motor Spirit used to fuel field engineers’ cars increased from N198 to N1,030 and higher within the same period.

“Furthermore, the introduction of a floating exchange rate policy has increased the cost of importing equipment needed to maintain and upgrade telecommunications infrastructure,” PTECSSAN said.

The group added that telecommunications providers now had to pay extra to import equipment because the value of the Naira had dropped from N460 to N1,700 to the dollar.

It underlined that the implementation of a new electricity tariff with various bands had made the high cost of operating telecommunications installations even worse.

It claimed that if the government did not allow the rate rise, telecommunications companies operating under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) had been warned that the industry would soon collapse.

According to PTECSSAN, one of the sector’s CEOs had likewise compared the current state of affairs to that of a patient on life support.

Additionally, the group noted that the proposed rate rise would allow telecom companies to raise employee compensation, which had been static because of rising operating costs.

It said that although employees in the public and private sectors had benefited from pay increases brought about by the new minimum wage law, those in the telecoms industry had not been as lucky.

“Some telecommunications operators have started considering service shedding across the country to break even, which would affect other sectors, including finance and security.

“We, therefore, appeal to the NLC to rescind its decision to embark on protests and demonstrations against the proposed tariff increase, as this is the only way to prevent the collapse of the sector,” PTECSSAN said.

 

 


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ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

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Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,
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Comrade Adede John Williams, president of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers’of Nigeria (ATICEN), has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for suspending the planned strike over tariff hike by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Nigeria telecommunications operators.

ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,

He called on members and the general assembly of the Nigeria Labour Congress, telecoms subscribers, stakeholders, and all interested parties to see the need to accept the reality of things as they unfold.

He emphasised that rising inflation, energy costs, operational costs, and currency devaluation challenges faced in the country were the key reasons for the recent tariff hike, adding that the costs of importing telecommunications equipment, the maintenance support system, and unreliable electricity supply had affected the profits supposedly accrued to telecoms operators.

He, therefore, urged the telecommunications subscribers and Nigerians to always have the interests of the services of telecommunications operators at heart for the industry’s sustainability, as the industry regulator is always championing the consumer’s protection rights.

“So, it is important to know that the recent increase in telecoms tariff was approved according to its regulatory power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges for telecommunications operators operating in Nigeria,” he said.

Williams equally acknowledged Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maina, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for taking a proactive step in managing the NLC’s planned strike.

 


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Airtel Nigeria’s Communications Director Champions Workforce Transformation at PAU Career Fair

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L-r: Senior Lecturer, Institute of Humanities, PAU, Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji (Panel session moderator) and Panelists; Head, Corporate Services, Fast Credit Ltd, Olabisi Omoregie; Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran; and General Manager, HR & Admin, Mutual Benefits Assurance, Abike Wesey at the panel session of the Pan-Atlantic University Career Fair held on Wednesday at the University Main Campus in Lagos state.
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Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR Airtel Nigeria, has called for a human centric approach to workforce transformation in the face of rapid technological advancements.

Mr. Adeniran made this statement during a panel discussion titled ‘Building a Workforce for the New Era: Talent, Technology, and Transformation’ at the 2025 Career Fair, hosted by Pan-Atlantic University on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the University main campus.

He stressed the importance of organizations prioritizing clear corporate communication, continuous learning, and reverse mentoring to foster a resilient, future ready workforce, highlighting how crucial corporate communication is in enhancing workforce agility and driving innovation.

“Organizations that master transparent and engaging communication are better positioned to integrate digital tools seamlessly while maintaining a strong human connection. It’s not just about technology; it’s about empowering people through effective engagement, and purpose-driven messaging.” He said.

Mr. Adeniran also urged organizations to invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce, advocating for a proactive approach to talent development that ensures employees remain relevant amid industry shifts.

He highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing talent through initiatives such as the “Open Talent Economy” an ambitious initiative aimed at preparing undergraduates for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

The panel discussion brought together leading industry experts, including Olabisi Omoregie (Head, Corporate Services, Fast Credit Ltd) and Abike Wesey (General Manager, HR & Admin, Mutual Benefits Assurance).

Moderated by Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji, the discussion delved into the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation on employment. Panelists emphasized that while technology is reshaping job functions, human adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight are still crucial.

The career fair reaffirms Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to fostering meaningful engagements that bridge the gap between academia and industry. The institution remains dedicated to empowering students and professionals with the insights needed to excel in the evolving job market.

 


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MTN mPulse Inspires Excellence at Glorious Covenant School in Rivers State

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MTN Nigeria’s mPulse team recently visited Glorious Covenant School in Rivers State to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Ikenna Ikechukwu, the 2024 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee champion.

The event, held on January 22, 2025, was not just a recognition of Ikenna’s hard work but a call to students everywhere to aim higher and reach for greatness.

The event highlighted the transformative power of education and innovation. At the 2024 Spelling Bee Grand Finale in November in Lagos, Ikenna emerged the Spelling Bee champion title, and was awarded ₦5 million scholarship, a laptop, a smartphone, and an mPulse goody bag.

His win also extended to his school, which received 10 laptops and 10 MTN 5G routers, underscoring MTN’s commitment to enhancing digital education and closing the digital divide.

“This competition isn’t just about spelling words; it’s about unlocking the potential of young Nigerians and inspiring them to achieve greatness,” said Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria. “We hope to see more students step into the spotlight like Ikenna.”

For the students and teachers at Glorious Covenant School, the visit was more than a celebration—it was a challenge to dream big.

Many of the students shared aspirations of participating in future editions of the Spelling Bee, encouraged by Ikenna’s inspiring story. “Winning this competition has changed my life,” said Ikenna. “I hope my journey motivates other students to work hard and believe in their potential.”

By visiting Glorious Covenant School, MTN not only celebrated Ikenna’s success but also reinforced its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. Through initiatives like the mPulse Spelling Bee, MTN continues to inspire Nigerian youth to pursue excellence and achieve their dreams.


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