Many Nigerians appear to have scaled back their internet usage following a steep 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025, new data has shown.

Figures from the NCC indicate that internet consumption dropped from a record 1 million terabytes (TB) in January to 893,054.80 TB in February, a significant decline that coincided with the implementation of the new pricing regime. Although data usage picked up again in March to 995,876.10 TB, it still fell short of January’s total.

The tariff increase, which took effect on January 20, raised the floor price for several services. The cost of voice calls jumped from ₦6.40 to ₦9.60 per minute, SMS from ₦4 to ₦6, and 1GB of data from ₦287.50 to ₦431.25.

It marked the first major adjustment in telecom pricing in over a decade, as operators had long argued that rising inflation, forex shortages, and energy costs were eroding their margins.

While the dip in February could be partially attributed to typical seasonal trends, data usage also declined in February of both 2023 and 2024, analysts say the size of the drop this year points to a deeper consumer response to rising costs.

IT Expert, Jide Awe said, “Consumers are very sensitive to price changes in data and telecom services. A 50 per cent increase in such a short time will likely prompt a behavioural shift, especially among low- and middle-income users who form the bulk of the market.”

Despite the decline in usage, the tariff increase has proven lucrative for operators. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom provider with 90.49 million subscribers, reported a record ₦529.44 billion in data revenue for the first quarter of 2025.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate continued momentum in service revenue, underpinned by strong demand for data and a proactive approach to customer value management,” said Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria.

He added that the price adjustment is expected to further bolster revenue in the coming quarters.

Meanwhile, mobile subscriptions continued to grow. Total active mobile lines rose to 172.43 million in Q1 2025, while mobile internet subscriptions reached 142.05 million. Broadband penetration also increased to 47.73 per cent, signaling continued expansion of digital infrastructure—even as cost pressures test user engagement.

The coming months may determine whether Nigerians adapt to the higher telecom rates or begin cutting back further. For now, the data suggests that while telecom companies are seeing financial gains, many everyday users are making tough choices about how they connect.

A plume of thick black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, signaling that the cardinals locked inside have not yet chosen a new pope in their first round of voting.

The signal came roughly three hours and 15 minutes after 133 cardinals from around 70 countries cast their initial ballots in the secretive conclave. Their gathering follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years.

As tradition dictates, the cardinals were sequestered from the outside world, surrendering their mobile phones, while all electronic communications in and around the Vatican were jammed to preserve the confidentiality of the proceedings.

Crowds packed into St. Peter’s Square, many staring up at large screens streaming the day’s solemn rituals including a live feed of the chapel’s chimney and occasional glimpses of wildlife perched nearby. Some disappointed spectators left after hours of waiting, but those who remained erupted in cheers when smoke finally emerged, even though its color confirmed no decision had been made.

The conclave will resume Thursday, with cardinals set to vote again. The process will continue until one among them receives the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes to become the next pope.

(Al Jazeera)

Former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to tender all the statements he made during his interrogation before the court.

Naija News understands that Idris is facing trial on a 14-count charge alongside Geoffrey Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and the company Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited, at a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama.

All the defendants in the case have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Idris, who was arrested on May 16, 2022, over allegations of funds diversion and money laundering, claimed that the EFCC has not presented all the statements he made during their investigation.

The presiding judge, Halilu Yusuf, has ordered a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements should be admitted as evidence.

The counsel to Idris, Chris Uche, accused the EFCC of misleading his client, claiming that the agency had assured him no trial would take place if he provided information implicating a former finance minister and certain governors.

Idris, in turn, urged the court to reject his confessional statements, arguing that they were obtained under duress and in violation of sections 15(4) and 17(1)(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. He emphasised that his lawyers were not present during the interrogations and that the sessions were not recorded.

In response, Hayatudeen Suleiman, one of the lead investigators for the EFCC, denied the allegations made by Idris’ legal team.

The prosecution presented 13 of Idris’ 16 statements as evidence in the case, but Idris insisted that three key statements were not included.

He explained that these statements, which were made on June 10, 2022, June 27, 2022, and July 5, 2022, were dictated to him by EFCC investigators without the presence of his legal counsel.

Idris told the court, “Apart from the 13 statements brought to court by EFCC, I made a total of 16 statements on different days in the course of the investigation.”

He further revealed that the statements were dictated to him, and he was not allowed to write any cautionary words, contrary to what the EFCC has alleged.

“None of my written statements were video recorded by my interrogators,” he added, pointing out the lack of documentation in the process.

The trial continued on Wednesday, with Idris providing details of his interactions with the EFCC. The judge adjourned the matter to July 17 for the prosecution to begin cross-examining the former AGF.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles celebrated their 100th match in the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-2 draw against Kenya.

The match, which took place in Cairo on Wednesday, helped the Flying Eagles secure a second place in Group B and qualify them for the quarter-finals.

During the under-20 AFCON encounter, Kenya made the game very challenging for the Flying Eagles as they had to fight back after trailing twice.

The contest started with excitement when Kenya surprised Nigeria in the sixth minute, with Kévin Injehu converting a penalty awarded after Emmanuel Chukwu was penalized for a handball.

Although this early setback momentarily rattled the Flying Eagles, they quickly regained their composure. Just seven minutes later, Kparobo Arierhi leveled the score with a well-timed finish after receiving a precise through ball from Simon Cletus.

The first half featured a competitive exchange, with both teams creating opportunities. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu made impressive saves to deny Aldrine Kibet on two occasions, while Ezekiel Kpangu’s shot at the other end was thwarted in added time.

After the halftime break, tactical adjustments were made by both teams to take control. Kenya reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute through substitute William Gitama, who scored from close range following a clever delivery from Humphrey Obina.

Nigeria responded almost immediately; Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box just four minutes later, enabling captain Daniel Bameyi to convert the penalty and equalize at 2-2.

In the final stages, Nigeria maintained relentless pressure, exhibiting strong ball possession and creating several scoring opportunities.

Despite several attempts from Divine Oliseh, Tahir Maigana, and Mendos, they were unable to find the back of the net, largely due to Kenyan goalkeeper Andres Omondi’s impressive performance.

The draw ultimately allowed Nigeria to finish second in Group B with five points, just behind Morocco, who topped the table with seven points following a 3-1 victory over Tunisia.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians to avoid consuming too much salt following a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome encouraged increased salt intake.

Oyakhilome, president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), claimed in the video that Africans are intentionally discouraged from using salt to promote sales of sodium-based medications.

Reacting to the cleric’s claims, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, laba Balogun on Wednesday, emphasised that while sodium as a key component of salt is essential for body functions, it must be consumed in moderation.

The ministry’s statement reads: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption. While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.

“Salt is not the enemy. Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions such as nerve activity, muscle movement, and fluid balance. However, the concern lies in excessive consumption, not in salt itself. In line with global best practices, the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Government recommend a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoonful). Going beyond this threshold increases the risk of preventable disease and death.

“Research shows that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake. This excessive intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease—non-communicable conditions that continue to claim thousands of lives annually.

“To address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy. This includes the launch of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, which aim to reduce sodium content across all food categories—from processed and packaged foods to meals prepared at home or sold in restaurants and by street vendors. This initiative mandates food manufacturers, regulators, and the public in lowering sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.

“We wish to state clearly: Doctors do not lie. Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care. The presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately.”

The ministry reaffirmed that faith and science are not at odds—they can and should work together for the well-being of our people.

“We therefore urge Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the Ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases,” the ministry urged.

All occupants of an 18-seater bus plying the Itobe/ Ochadamu road in Kogi East Senatorial district have been abducted.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened around 5pm on Tuesday when the fully loaded Hummer Toyota bus with registration number LAM 979 LG was hijacked at Ajegwu before Ochadamu and all occupants were taken into the bush.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the kidnappers intercepted the vehicle just behind his car and marched the bus occupants into the bush.

When contacted, the state police public relations officer, SP William Aya, said the command was still compiling information from the DPO in charge of the area.

He promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as he gets the details of the incident.

Paris Saint-Germain clinched a place in the Champions League final as goals by Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi gave them a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the second leg of their last-four tie on Wednesday, securing a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

Ruiz crashed in a shot from the edge of the area in the 27th minute at the Parc des Princes to leave PSG firmly in the driving seat after they had withstood an early bombardment from the visitors.

Already leading in the tie after Ousmane Dembele’s goal in last week’s first leg, PSG then saw Vitinha have a second-half penalty saved.

However, Hakimi put the tie beyond Arsenal when he scored in the 72nd minute, even if Bukayo Saka did then pull one back for the visitors.

PSG advance to a showdown in Munich on May 31 against Inter Milan, and it will be the second Champions League final in their history, five years after a defeat by Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

Arsenal, meanwhile, saw their European dream come to an end as they fell short of reaching what would have been their second final, 19 years after losing to Barcelona in Paris.

Still without a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, all that is left to play for now for Mikel Arteta’s side is securing a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League.

There was an electric atmosphere all evening in Paris, and PSG were able to celebrate getting to a final in front of their fans for the first time, after their victory against RB Leipzig in the last four in 2020 was played behind closed doors during the pandemic.

There was a feverish mood in and around the ground pre-match, but PSG have tripped up in big Champions League ties plenty of times over the last decade.

In addition, their top scorer, Dembele, was not in the starting line-up, having come off with a hamstring problem in the first leg.

Gunners Bombardment

Arsenal, with Thomas Partey back in midfield after missing the first leg through suspension, did their best to silence the raucous home support by throwing everything at the Parisians right from the off.

Declan Rice headed just wide, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Gabriel Martinelli from close range before producing a stunning save low to his left to keep out a Martin Odegaard shot, all inside the opening eight minutes.

PSG did eventually settle, and they almost went ahead on 17 minutes when Desire Doue teed up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose curling shot hit the far post.

Then Doue wasted a great chance, shooting straight at David Raya in the Arsenal goal after Bradley Barcola had intercepted a loose ball.

But PSG did score before the half-hour mark, the goal coming in the wake of a free-kick awarded for a Rice foul on Kvaratskhelia.

Vitinha’s delivery was headed out by Partey but fell to Ruiz on the edge of the box, and he controlled before smashing in a left-foot shot as the ball bounced back up.

It was the ideal moment for the 29-year-old Spaniard to score his first Champions League goal.

Barcola failed to convert a good chance for the hosts to score again moments later, and Arsenal still had some hope going into the second half.

Only another stunning Donnarumma save with his fingertips prevented Saka from pulling one back on 64 minutes, before PSG were awarded a spot-kick.

German referee Felix Zwayer gave the penalty after being summoned to the pitchside monitor when a shot by Hakimi brushed the outstretched hand of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arteta was furious at the decision, yet Vitinha’s kick was turned away by Raya diving to his left.

Nevertheless, PSG made it 2-0 on the night when Dembele, on from the bench, teed up Hakimi to finish in style.

This being PSG, however, there was a wobble as Saka quickly pulled one back from close range after Arsenal substitute Leandro Trossard had got the better of Marquinhos on the wing.

Saka then somehow blazed over with an open goal gaping from Riccardo Calafiori’s cross, ensuring that there would be no miracle Arsenal comeback, and it would be PSG’s night.

AFP

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has described his purported suspension from the Labour Party by the embattled national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, as a desperate act of a clown looking for a crown.

Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Wednesday, stated that the Supreme Court had in a judgment stated that Abure is no longer the national chairman of the party.

He called on the Inspector General of Police to arrest Abure for impersonation, while the Independent National Electoral Commission should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment as a way of preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court and protecting democracy.

The statement read, “The attention of Governor Alex Otti has been drawn to the news of his purported suspension alongside other eminent leaders of the Labour Party from the party by the former national chairman of the party, Julius Abure.

“The statement by Abure and his gang of commedians is not only a joke taken too far, but an affront on democracy by a group of inconsequential irritants who are desperate to use Gov.Otti’s name to advance their self-serving economic agenda.

“For the records, the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has rightly and unambiguously stated that Julius Abure is no longer the national chairman of Labour Party.

“The judgment which is in agreement with the constitution of the Labour Party, and formed the basis for the setting up of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, stripped Abure of every authority to parade himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

“Just few hours after being summoned by a committee set up by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee to come and respond to allegations of gross misconduct bordering on financial misappropriation, impersonation and anti-party activities levelled against him, Abure decided to be smart by half by rushing to the press to announce the purported suspension of Gov. Otti and other eminent members of the party.

“We enjoin Nigerians to disregard Abure’s laughable statement and continue to see him and his co-conspirators as a group of clowns in desperate search of a crown they do not deserve.”

Peter Obi of the Labour Party has taken a jab at prominent Nigerians and others who ganged up in protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan when he pushed for fuel subsidy removal in 2012, but are now silent as President Bola Tinubu implements the same policy. 

At the memorial of the late Edwin Clark on Wednesday, Mr Obi described the statesman as one who sacrificed for Nigeria but berated other prominent Nigerians like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Tunde Bakare, Femi Falana, and others who led the protests that shut down the country over Mr Jonathan’s fuel subsidy removal move more than a decade ago.

“I listened to my brother Mike when you talked about, ‘may the Labour of our heroes’ past not be in vain’. I’m happy that Jonathan is here. But I can tell you their sacrifice is in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing. We were in this country, when people were protesting, when there was no need to protest under Goodluck Jonathan. Where are those protesters? Have they died? Where are they?” Mr Obi said.

Making reference to the historic #OccupyNigeria protest in 2012, Mr Obi said: “Jonathan increased fuel from N87 to N120 and people were protesting in this country. And when it was N900 they weren’t protesting. People protested when $1 was N180, and when it was N1,500 they weren’t protesting. Are they dead?”

The #OccupyNigeria protest broke out in January 2012 in response to Mr Jonathan’s move to scrap fuel subsidy, forcing a reversal of the policy.

Over a decade later, Mr Tinubu—who was a staunch opponent of subsidy removal—announced fuel subsidy removal on May 29, 2023, the day he assumed office as Nigeria’s 16th president. The announcement saw fuel prices skyrocket from N145 to over N1,000, and later drop slightly to N950.

Days later, Mr Tinubu also announced exchange rate unification—a policy that saw the Nigerian naira collapse from N750 to the dollar to over N1,500 to the dollar.

The dual policies of the Tinubu-led government have triggered unprecedented economic hardships, forcing Nigerians to hit the streets in protest.

Though some of the prominent Nigerians who participated in the #OccupyNigeria protests have remained silent, thousands of Nigerians shut down the country in a 10-day protest from August 1–10.

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has suspended six prominent members of the party including the party’s only elected Governor, Alex Otti of Abia State. 

This decision was contained in a statement issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, in Abuja, on Wednesday. 

He said, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr.Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.

The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.

1. Dr. Alex Otti

2. Senator Ireti Kingibe

3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha

4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene 

5. Hon. Amobi Ogah

6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note.

It will surprise Nigerians and party faithfuls that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card carrying member of the Party. We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party.

Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna state governor joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are clearly confused where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies.

The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the head mistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her Plea Bargain with EFCC and all the properties she allegedly forfeited. She should also tell Nigerians  how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.

In any event, the party’s financial records are straight and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited account has been published. INEC being the regulatory body sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account and they gave a clean report and as well commended the party for its financial transparency. It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, Labour Party financial records was adjudged to be among the best.

Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition; those driving the agenda lack the capacity, the character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party, how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests. Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”