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A Harare woman, Shamiso Zuze, has filed a suit, demanding US$100 per month from her former partner, Givemore Gonye, whom she accused of causing her significant emotional and physical pain during their two-year relationship.
Zuze brought the case to the Harare Civil Court, arguing that Gonye’s actions, including alleged infidelity and disrespect, warrant financial compensation.
In her court statement, Zuze claimed that Gonye frequently disrespected her by bringing other women to her home, which led to confrontations. She recounted one instance where she reportedly caught him with another woman, sparking a physical altercation. “He was in the habit of bringing different women to my house... he disrespected me, and I deserve compensation for the pain,” Zuze stated.
Gonye countered her claims, alleging that Zuze had been financially dependent on him and often made unreasonable demands. He further accused Zuze of blocking his attempts to end the relationship and making false claims about his alleged infidelity. “She told me I am her only source of income,” he stated, adding that she refused to end the relationship due to the financial support he provided.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Judith Taruvinga issued a reciprocal peace order, instructing both Zuze and Gonye to avoid further confrontations and maintain peace.
The Federal Government has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience amid the challenging effects of recent economic reforms, assuring that these changes are now yielding positive results.
Speaking at an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians. He noted that the “teething problems” from reforms are easing as indicators of economic improvement begin to emerge.
Edun stated, “The two critical reforms—market-based pricing for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and foreign exchange adjustments—are now at the stage of delivering results. These pillars of reform strengthen our economy by enhancing fiscal viability and laying a solid foundation for growth.”
“These reforms,” he continued, “will generate additional government revenue, support the recovery of NNPCL’s finances, and foster economic growth through increased investment and job creation. We commend Nigerians for enduring to this point where benefits are beginning to materialize.”
In his opening remarks, Senator Musa described the session as a fact-finding discussion on the impact of various reforms, saying, “Today, we gather to examine the implications of selling crude oil to domestic refineries in Naira and its effect on the medium-term expenditure framework for 2024-2026, as well as projections for 2025-2027.”
He added, “We will also address revenue shortfalls, focusing on foreign and domestic excess crude accounts, signature bonus accounts, and the NNPCL cash call account. This meeting reaffirms our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible resource management.”
Musa expressed confidence in the collaboration of the Finance Ministry, Office of the Accountant General, Central Bank of Nigeria, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and other key stakeholders to find solutions and uphold due process for the benefit of the economy and the Nigerian people.
The session was attended by Finance Minister Wale Edun, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, NUPRC Director General Gbenga Komolafe, and representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Later, Senate President Godswill Akpabio joined the meeting behind closed doors.
A 40-year-old Nigerian national, Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, was arrested on arrival at an airport in Texas on charges linked to a multi-million-dollar romance fraud scheme.
Nwadialo, indicted in December 2023 by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington, faces 14 counts of wire fraud.
The defendant allegedly scammed victims out of up to $2 million by posing as a romantic partner deployed in the U.S. military.
Nwadialo was traveling from Nigeria when he was taken into custody. He is now set to be transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman disclosed the challenges of prosecuting defendants involved in overseas romance scams, stating, “All too often, the defendants in these romance scams are overseas and unreachable by U.S. law enforcement.”
She commended the investigators for their persistence in bringing the defendant to justice.
According to the indictment and criminal complaint filed in the case, Nwadialo allegedly defrauded victims of more than $3.3 million.
Nwadialo used various versions of the name ‘Giovanni” when he met his victims online on websites such as Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café. Nwadialo used false images for his profile and typically told the victims that he was in the military and deployed overseas so he could not meet the victims in person.
Gorman said, "Using these personas, Nwadialo invented many reasons he needed the victims to send him money. In one such case in 2020, he indicated he had been fined by the military for revealing his location to the victim.
"He asked the victim to help him pay the $150,000 fine. In all, that victim was defrauded of at least $2.4 million.”
Meanwhile, a second victim was contacted in 2019 to help move funds from U.S. accounts to accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-schemers.
"In this instance Nwadialo represented that he needed the help moving money in connection with his father’s death. The victim transferred at least $330,000 to the accounts controlled by the defendant,” Gorman said.
Gorman explained that a third victim was defrauded by Nwadialo when he told her that he was investing money for her.
"He claimed that a check she received from another victim was proceeds from her investments and he had her “reinvest” the money in a specific cryptocurrency account that he controlled. The victim transferred at least $270,000 at Nwadialo’s direction,” Gorman said.
According to the statement, in August 2020, Nwadialo defrauded another victim who he met on an online dating site and caused this victim to transfer at least $310,000 by claiming he needed financial assistance, including help paying for his father’s funeral or his son’s school tuition.
"The fourteen counts of wire fraud relate to the communications with Nwadialo and the wiring of funds from victims to the defendant and his co-schemers.
Gorman noted that wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
"The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” the statement said.
Gorman further stated that the FBI is investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sok Jiang.
The Federal Government has revealed plans to provide Nigerians with at least 20 hours of daily electricity by 2027.
However, it has conditioned this target on sufficient investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which it has said is currently far below expectations.
The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, made this statement at the Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, in a release by the State House Director of Information and Publicity, Abiodun Oladunjoye, on Thursday.
“By 2027, Nigeria aims to ensure 20 hours of electricity daily for consumers in urban areas and industrial hubs,” Verheijen said.
The statement is titled, ‘At African Energy Week in Cape Town, Olu Verheijen Invites Global Players to Invest in Nigeria’s Energy Sector.’
Verheijen’s comments come amid the frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which has led to widespread blackouts across the country.
The grid collapsed on Tuesday, marking the 10th such incident since January 2024. The Federal Government has attributed these recurring collapses to ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient investment in the power sector.
Despite having an installed capacity of approximately 12,500 megawatts, Nigeria often generates only a fraction of this, leaving many areas without reliable electricity.
At the Energy Week, Verheijen told participants about efforts by the Tinubu administration to revitalise the nation’s power sector, with plans to provide more reliable electricity access for the 86 million Nigerians currently underserved.
She said the scheme aims to improve revenue assurance and collection.
Other key measures include tackling legacy debt, deploying seven million smart meters to reduce losses, and expanding off-grid solutions for remote communities.
Highlighting recent macroeconomic reforms, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange liberalisation, she expressed confidence that Nigeria is poised for unprecedented growth.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is championing reforms to unlock its vast economic potential and create jobs,” she said, inviting foreign partners to participate in Nigeria’s next chapter of growth.
While discussing the recent reforms implemented by President Bola
Tinubu’s administration to attract investment, Verheijen noted that the country has historically underperformed in oil and gas production despite its wealth in the sector.
She referenced how countries like Brazil, which have only 30 per cent of Nigeria’s oil reserves, have outperformed Nigeria by producing 131 per cent more than the country’s current output.
“Despite our abundant resources, we have underperformed against our potential. For example, Brazil holds only 30 per cent of Nigeria’s oil reserves but produces 131 per cent more. This is largely due to under-investment,” she said.
She lamented that since 2016, Nigeria has attracted only 4 per cent of African oil and gas investments, while investment has surged in other, less resource-rich nations.
“Since 2016, Nigeria has managed to attract only 4 per cent of total investments in oil and gas, while less-resourced countries in Africa have enjoyed a larger share.
“When we analysed investment data, we also found that, between 2013, when Nigeria’s last deepwater project reached FID, and now, International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria have committed more than $82bn in deepwater investments in other countries they deemed to be more attractive destinations for their capital,” she told the audience.
Recognising this trend, the presidential aide highlighted efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to enact reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape.
She cited the government’s introduction of fiscal incentives targeting deep offshore and non-associated gas projects, marking the first time Nigeria has outlined a fiscal framework specifically for deepwater gas.
In efforts to enhance the upstream oil and gas sector, she said her office has collaborated closely with the office of the National Security Adviser to create and distribute focused Security Directives, leveraging insights gathered from on-the-ground operators.
Furthermore, Verheijen revealed steps to streamline approval processes by clearly defining the regulatory scopes involved.
This initiative, she said, aims to significantly reduce the extended project timelines that have historically plagued the industry, as well as the high-cost premiums associated with operating in Nigeria.
“Our target is to shorten the contracting timelines from an extensive 38 months to just 135 days, while also working to eliminate the 40 per cent cost premium that currently exists within the Nigerian petroleum industry,” she added.
The presidential aide also revealed efforts by the current President Tinubu administration to further open up the oil and gas sector for larger investments with a set of clear fiscal incentives for non-associated gas and deep offshore oil and gas exploration and production.
“This is the first time that Nigeria is outlining a fiscal framework for deepwater gas since exploration in the basin commenced in 1991,” she said.
According to her, amongst other initiatives, there has been a focus on midstream and downstream investments in compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electric vehicles as part of the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative.
She added that the administration has also worked to streamline regulatory processes, shorten project timelines, and reduce the high-cost premium of operating in Nigeria.
“We have also introduced fiscal incentives to catalyse investments in the midstream and downstream sectors, including compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and mini-liquefied natural gas.
“These align with the broader Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, which seeks to enable the displacement of PMS and diesel in three key sectors: heavy transport, decentralised power generation, and cooking. These incentives are also stimulating demand for electric vehicles.
“Our goal is to eliminate the 40 per cent cost premium within the Nigerian petroleum industry and cut down contracting timelines from 38 months to 135 days,” Verheijen stated.
She said the government has unlocked over $1bn across the energy value chain, with two more major investment projects expected by mid-2025.
“We are also facilitating the transfer of onshore and shallow water assets to local companies with the capacity to grow production while supporting the transition of International Oil Companies with resilient capital into deep offshore and integrated gas.
“We have unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the value chain and by the middle of 2025, we expect to see FID on two more projects, including a multibillion-dollar deepwater exploration project, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria in over a decade – one of many to come,” Verheijen explained.
Oludayo Adeagbo, a British-Nigerian, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar business email compromise (BEC) scheme.
According to the US department of justice, Adeagbo, who also goes by John Edwards and John Dayo, conspired with others to steal over $3 million from different entities in Texas, including local government entities, construction companies, and a Houston-area college.
Adeagbo and conspirators also defrauded a North Carolina university of more than $1.9 million.
The case began in August 2022 when Adeagbo and two other Nigerian citizens, Donald Echeazu, 42, and Olabanji Egbinola, 44, were extradited from the United Kingdom (UK), where they resided, to face charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The US department of justice said offences were committed in North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
On April 8, Adeagbo pleaded guilty in two cases against him in North Carolina and Texas for participating in a business email compromise scheme, which is also called a “cyber-enabled financial fraud” scheme.
A business email compromise scheme can be initiated by scammers creating fake accounts pretending to be companies that a business regularly does business with.
Court records showed that Adeagbo and his co-conspirators obtained information about significant construction projects throughout the United States, including an ongoing multi-million-dollar project at a university in North Carolina.
“To execute the scheme, Adeagbo, Echeazu, and others registered a domain name similar to that of the legitimate construction company in charge of the university’s project and created an email address that closely resembled that of an employee of the construction company,” the department of justice said.
“Using the fake email address, the fraudsters deceived and directed the university to wire a payment of more than $1.9 million to a bank account controlled by an individual working under the direction of Adeagbo and his co-conspirators.”
Adeagbo and his co-conspirators pulled the same tricks in Texas, targeting local government entities and universities pretending to be construction companies. They received over $3 million from the scheme and $5 million overall.
Adeagbo has been ordered to pay $942,655.03 in restitution and will serve seven years in prison.
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Chad’s military recently killed and injured many Boko Haram terrorists through air strikes, as confirmed by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Thursday.
In an interview conducted while dressed in full military attire, Deby revealed that he had ‘personally’ initiated the counter-offensive against Boko Haram terrorists, which had previously attacked the Chadian army in the western region near the Nigerian border last month.
Naija News understands that the Chadian government had pledged to “eradicate” Boko Haram when it commenced its operations in late October, following a raid by the jihadists that resulted in approximately 40 deaths and many more injuries at a military garrison.
“We carried out several air strikes on enemy positions that resulted in many dead and wounded,” Deby told reporters in the Lake Chad region without giving specific numbers of terrorists killed.
The operation is designed not only to ensure the safety of our civilian population but also to actively pursue, eliminate, and dismantle the capabilities of Boko Haram and its affiliates to inflict harm, stated interim Prime Minister Abderahim Bireme Hamid during a press conference last week.
It is worth noting that the Lake Chad region, characterized by its extensive waters and swamps, contains numerous islets that serve as sanctuaries for jihadist factions, including Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), which frequently launch assaults against both military forces and civilians.
In response to this threat, Chad, along with its neighbouring countries Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, established a multinational force comprising approximately 8,500 troops in 2015 to combat the jihadist insurgency.
Boko Haram initiated its insurgency in Nigeria in 2009, resulting in over 40,000 fatalities, and the group has since expanded its activities into adjacent nations.
In March 2020, the Chadian military experienced its most significant single-day casualties in the region, with around 100 soldiers killed during an attack on the Bohoma peninsula of the lake.
Victor Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray inflicted a first Europa League defeat of the season on Tottenham to move top of the table with a 3-2 victory in Istanbul on Thursday.
The Turkish champions have 10 points from four games and have all but secured qualification for at least the knock-out play-off round, while Spurs sit in fifth place after losing their 100-percent record.
Galatasaray took an early lead when Yunus Akgun smashed a sensational long-range volley into the top corner in the sixth minute.
But the visitors hit back just 12 minutes later as teenage striker Will Lankshear marked just his second first-team appearance with a goal by tapping in Brennan Johnson’s pass across goal.
Galatasaray took control before half-time, though, as Osimhen scored twice in the space of eight minutes.
The Nigerian star fired them back in front just after the half-hour mark, before cleverly volleying Dries Mertens’ cross past Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Osimhen has now scored six goals in eight appearances for Galatasaray since joining on loan from Napoli.
The home side passed up several opportunities to put the game out of sight for their opponents, but Spurs’ hopes of a comeback were hit when Lankshear was sent off for two yellow-card offences in quick succession in the second half.
Dominic Solanke pulled one back in the 69th minute, shortly after being brought on by Ange Postecoglou, but Galatasaray held on with relative comfort.
Eintracht Frankfurt are second in the standings, behind Galatasaray on goals scored, after Omar Marmoush’s 13th goal of the season clinched a 1-0 win against Slavia Prague.
The Egyptian clipped a superb free-kick in off the crossbar shortly after the break.
Athletic Bilbao are in third, separated from Eintracht also by goals scored, after coming from behind to grab a 2-1 success at Ludogorets.
Inaki Williams and Nico Serrano both scored in a two-minute burst from the Basque club.
Roma’s disappointing form this season continued as Kevin Mac Allister’s goal 13 minutes from time secured Union Saint-Gilloise their second point of the competition with a 1-1 draw in Belgium.
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as the White House chief of staff as he prepares to take office.
Donald Trump made this known in a statement on Thursday.
“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said.
“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”
According to CNN, Wiles brings a wealth of experience to the position. The daughter of the late NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall, she is a seasoned political operative with deep roots in Florida.
Wiles has been one of Trump’s most trusted and long-serving advisers. Following her role in securing Florida for Trump in the 2020 election, she acted as his de facto chief of staff during his post-presidency and led his 2024 campaign from start to finish—a notable achievement within Trump’s circle.
Her leadership was widely praised for delivering a highly sophisticated and disciplined campaign, which included effectively managing and minimizing the influence of fringe figures in Trump’s orbit.
On election night, Trump publicly acknowledged Wiles’ contributions during his victory speech, although she opted not to address the audience at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Her preference for maintaining a low profile has strengthened her rapport with Trump and his key supporters.
Earlier today, CNN reported that Wiles had set specific conditions before agreeing to take on the chief of staff role, chief among them being greater control over who has access to the president in the Oval Office.
The Cadre Harmonisé report on food and nutrition insecurity analysis said no fewer than 133.1 Nigerians would face a global hunger crisis in 2025.
The Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, disclosed this in a statement yesterday. It said the report was prepared by the federal government and supported by partners, such as the World Food Programme, WFP, and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, among others.
The statement read: “The food and nutrition insecurity analysis, Cadre Harmonisé, led by the government of Nigeria and supported by partners, alerts on the deterioration of food security in Nigeria, with 133.1 million people expected to face high levels of food insecurity in the next lean season (June-August).
“It is an alarming seven million people increase from the same period last year, driven by economic hardship, coupled with record high inflation, impacts of climate change and persistent violence in the northeastern states.
“Nationally, the number of people experiencing emergency levels (Phase 4) of food insecurity is projected to increase. While no populations have been classified as catastrophe (Phase 5), populations experiencing emergency (Phase 4) are anticipated to increase from 1 million people in the peak of the 2024 lean season to 1.8 million people at the same period in 2025, representing an 80 per cent increase.
“Approximately 5.4 million children and nearly 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition or wasting from six of the most affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in the northeast, as well as Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara in the northwest.
”Of these, an alarming 1.8 million children could face severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and require critical nutrition treatment.
“Drivers of food security in Nigeria grapple with several factors that continue to exacerbate
the food insecurity situation, namely economic hardship, coupled with record high inflation (which reached 40.9 per cent for food, and 34.2 per cent for all items in June 2024).”
Speaking at the presentation of the report, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Temitope Fashedemi, who was represented by the Director of Nutrition and Food Security, Dr Nuhu Kilishi Mohammed, underscored the significance of the Cadre Harmonisé during the presentation, which recommended that the results be adopted for planning and implementation of food and nutrition security interventions across federal ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, 26 Cadre Harmonise States, the humanitarian community and other partners in Nigeria.
On his part, FAO Representative ad interim in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dominique Koffy Kouacou, expressed FAO’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria.
“Working closely with our partners, FAO is dedicated to implementing durable solutions that tackle the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition.
”By enhancing agri-food systems, we strive to meet urgent needs, while promoting long-term, sustainable progress for communities”, Kouacou said.
Highlighting the longstanding issue, the Country Director, World Food Programme, WFP, David Stevenson, said: “The hunger crisis in Nigeria, fuelled by the ongoing conflict in the northeast, needs urgent addressing.
”Restoring peace in the northeast is critical for us to build pathways to production and achieve the northeast’s potential as the food basket of the country.”
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, emphasized the urgent need for action.
Munduate said: “Children are at the center of the food insecurity crisis and face irreversible consequences, both physical and cognitive, and potentially even death.
”It is our moral imperative to ensure that the right of every child to adequate food and nutrition is upheld.”
Consequently, the United Nations urged the federal government, donors and stakeholders to commit resources and implement measures to avert a potential food and nutrition disaster, emphasizing the need for immediate multi-sectoral support across the nation.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has vowed not to pollute the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
He urged stakeholders of the PDP to unite and rebuild the party to better serve Nigeria.
Makinde made the plea during the inauguration of the Board of Governors of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) in Abuja on Thursday.
He insisted that the country needs direction and Nigerians are looking to the party to provide an ideological base.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Makinde thanked the PDP for giving him the platform to serve Oyo State. “Since 2019, I have benefited from this party. I promise not to pollute the well from which I have drawn,” he said,
The governor emphasized that Nigerians now recognize the difference between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in national governance.
“As we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. By revitalizing the PDI, we are laying that foundation.”
“Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP to provide an ideological base,” he said.
Makinde urged every politician to consider their legacy, noting, “Players will come and go, but you must be remembered for something.”
With the inauguration of the PDI Board of Governors and the unveiling of the PDI roadmap by Director-General Dr. Edward, Makinde expressed optimism that the PDP is taking a significant step toward defining its ideology and cementing its place in history.
Makinde praised those who have worked toward the revitalization of the PDI, recognizing the institute’s role under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar in providing insights for national development. “During those years, the PDI contributed positively to governance,” he noted.
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The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his readiness to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if there is a need to account for his eight-year tenure in office.
Obaseki made this known in Abuja during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, an event highlighting his administration’s achievements, particularly in the education sector.
The outgoing governor said he ignored all noise during his administration and focused on education.
Obaseki emphasized that he has nothing to fear regarding any allegations.
Obaseki, who acknowledged the hardships Nigerians are facing, called on the All Progressives Congress, APC, to shift its focus from vendetta to addressing the suffering of the people.
According to him, his political opponents in Edo State are full of vendetta and are jealous of his administration’s achievement.
He also expressed his belief that the bitterness and vindictiveness in the political landscape are secondary to addressing the real challenges faced by the country.
He said, “I’m not afraid of the EFCC. Why should I be? What is important is focus. I came into office and ignored the noise, concentrating on what I felt was important, and today you can see the results.
“If the EFCC calls on me, I will hand myself over; I have nothing to hide.
“What matters is focusing on our people and making Nigeria better. The suffering is too much. We, who are privileged, should focus on making a positive impact not on side issues like vendetta.”
Reflecting on his legacy, Obaseki said he is leaving office with his head held high, stressing that his administration’s educational reforms, including the enrollment of over 400,000 children and the establishment of a technical college, would leave a lasting impact on the state.
Obaseki pointed out that, unlike previous attempts at educational reform, his administration had implemented tangible solutions.
He added, “We are not just talking about teacher training or increasing enrollments. You can come to Edo and see the data. We have enrolled over 400,000 children, and you can identify them because the data on every child is there.”
“People Who Once Recharged ₦5,000 0r ₦10,000 Now Mostly Recharge ₦200 Or ₦300 – Telecom Operators Lament
AFOLABI
Telecom operators in Nigeria have lamented the harsh economic conditions in which they operate, saying urgent steps need to be taken to save the industry from collapse.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of the operators, said there is a need to increase tariffs so that the operators can remain in business.
He, however, observed that the increase must be done in such a way that consumers won’t suffer, noting that already, some people in Nigeria who once recharged ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 now mostly recharge ₦200 or ₦300 due to harsh economic realities.
Adebayo made his views known while speaking at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja.
“This is a critical moment for the telecom industry,” Adebayo said. “If we act now, we can establish a platform for growth and improve the user experience. Delaying necessary decisions will not only harm investor interests—many of whom are Nigerians feeling the same daily pains—but will also stifle innovation and the development of new services.”
He said while the operators understand the current economic hardships Nigerians are facing, there is an urgent need to increase tariffs to reflect current economic realities.
According to him, if the steps are not taken, the telecom industry in Nigeria stands the risk of losing the gains that have been achieved in the last 22 years.
He said: “People who once recharged ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 now mostly recharge ₦200 or ₦300 because of limited disposable income. Yet, they still benefit from connectivity at pre-crisis rates. Reversing the gains of the last 22 years would be detrimental to Nigeria’s future.
“If we don’t address these sustainability issues, the consequences will be much worse. Prices will need to rise, but this must be done thoughtfully, through dialogue and partnerships with the government to find lasting and manageable solutions.”
In his keynote, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Prof. Umar Danbatta noted that the challenges in the industry are a global issue and require immediate attention to address consumer concerns while keeping issues of data depletion and billing transparency in mind.
Equatorial Guinea’s government has dismissed the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), Baltasar Ebang Engonga, after the discovery of around 400 explicit videos involving him with high-profile women across the country.
The dismissal, ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, was confirmed by Real Equatorial Guinea, which cited Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4.
The decree outlined that Engonga’s removal was due to alleged professional misconduct and personal behavior incompatible with his public role.
The scandal erupted after several videos surfaced online, reportedly showing Engonga in intimate encounters with influential women and relatives, sparking widespread controversy on social media.
Reacting to the scandal, First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang voiced her disapproval during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.
The First Lady expressed her concern for the privacy and dignity of Equatoguinean women, urging the government to take swift action to protect them from such incidents.
In a Facebook statement from her Press Office, the First Lady emphasized the importance of safeguarding women’s privacy and rights in the digital age.
She called for proactive measures to uphold a respectful and secure environment for all women, noting that the government has made strides in promoting gender equality but must continue to address issues that compromise the dignity and safety of women.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Nigerians will only pay their taxes if they can see it is properly utilized.
He asserted that while it is important for citizens to pay taxes, there must be something on ground to show for it.
Wike stated this after inspecting the dualization of Kuje township road.
He explained that the funds his administration is using to construct roads in the federal capital are from FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said, “No government will say they have all the resources needed to provide services to the people.
“What is important is that we try to make sure everybody pays his or her taxes.
“What I can tell you about Nigerians is that, when they see that the taxes they pay are being utilised, they reciprocate by making sure they pay their taxes.
“They are however reluctant to pay, when they pay taxes, and nothing is on ground to show for it.”
Speaking on the resources for all completed and ongoing projects in the city centre and area councils, the minister said, “it is a matter of strategy and being prudent with available resources. “
He added that the FCTA was trying as much as it could to continue to increase its IGR.