Telecom
Telcos Reportedly Awaiting Nod to Hike Tariff
More hard times await Nigerians should the federal government grant telecommunication companies’ request to hike tariff on calls and data, according to the Sun.
The citizens are already battling high energy costs, inability to access foreign exchange and other challenges; so a hike in tariff by telcos will hurt businesses and households.
Telcos are justifying the planned tariff hike on the premise that virtually all the prices of goods and services in the country have skyrocketed except for the cost of data and call tariff, even though they are also hurt by inflation.
However, telecommunications operators, though agreed that there was a need for an urgent increase in cost of their services but said it cannot happen without the approval of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).
Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere , pesident, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), told the Sun in telephone interview that though all the operators in the industry wish to increase their prices because of the current market realities but cannot go against the law (regulation).
Recall that operators are still waiting for the recommendation of a cost-based study by KPMG, the consultant hired by the NCC.
The study aims to recommend the most appropriate pricing structure for the industry, based on its findings considering the economic variables of the operating environment.
Emoekpere said the operators are waiting for the regulator’s decision on price review but the current prices of calls, data, and other telecommunication services are no longer sustainable because of the key increase in the Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditures (OPEX) of operators.
He argued that, since the operators cannot just increase the prices of their goods and services, some incentives should be considered to ease off some cost of production on them so as to sustain their businesses.
He said, “For instance, Diesel is a major requirement for operators, if there are some levies removed on that and some concession given for CAPEX expenses, the operators would be encouraged.”
To ease of the pressure on forex which is causing the inflation, he said it’s high time they look at their cost element.
“The major cost element is power in terms of operations and from the CAPEX investment standpoint the major element is that, 90 per cent of all we utilise to provide our services are imported. Infact, not only the equipment are imported but also services.”
The ATCON President therefore suggested that, the operators on their own part, should think of how to domesticate some of these services to strengthen the naira.
“Some of the services that are being done by international organisations should be done locally. Anything that can be done locally or denominated in naira should be encouraged, so that the effect on dollar would be removed”, he said.
Earlier, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had voiced his concern on the current prices of calls, data, and other telecommunication services stating they are no longer favourable to operators.
He explained that even though the conversation to review prices is hard, it must be had for the industry to continue to deliver communication service in the country.
Adebayo said, “We also must have one hard conversation, I know it is difficult, but it is one we must have. The current pricing regime of the industry is not sustainable. We are basically selling below cost. It is not easy to talk about, but we cannot continue like this. We must allow market forces to determine prices. On our end, we must look at a more realistic pricing offering because today’s pricing regime is not sustainable.”
Telcos have been insisting on increasing the prices of their services following the increase in the cost of operation caused by rises in the cost of diesel and the devaluation of the naira
Credit: The Sun
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.
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