It appears that the Nigerian economy has entered into the season of tariffs increases as the telecommunications companies have intensified efforts to secure approval to increase end-user tariffs.

Despite the public outcry against tariffs increased by Digital Satellite Television (DStv) made public on Wednesday, the telcos, same day, revealed what many consider their background lobbying for their own share of the subscribers’ purse through higher tariffs.

The campaign for telcos tariffs increase is being championed through their industry mouthpieces, the Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) and Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

In a joint statement on the matter, the ALTON and ATCON claimed high cost of operations and asked for a cost-reflective tariff of services.

They also urged the Federal Government to protect telecom infrastructure against willful vandalism and theft.

The statement reads, “ALTON and ATCON respectfully reiterate that telecommunications infrastructure development requires substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades.

“Despite the adverse economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last 11 years, primarily due to regulatory constraints.

“For a fully liberalised and deregulated sector, the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities, threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence.

“ATCON and ALTON call upon the government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.”

On infrastructure deficits, ALTON and ATCON said their members still lack access to essential telecommunication services due to a myriad of challenges, including multiple taxation and regulations and prohibitive Right of Way (RoW) charges, inadequate electric power supply and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

The groups sought the protection of assets and network infrastructure and urged the Federal Government for legislation that designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

“Both Associations expressed deep concern over the escalating security threats facing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. Telecommunications infrastructure undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and socioeconomic growth, especially as the country currently contends with multiple security challenges that require urgent and immediate actions in response to these threats.

“Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt telecommunications services and result in significant financial losses for operators.

“The associations urge the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications infrastructure and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection measures and combat vandalism and sabotage effectively,” the statement added.

On regulatory independence, ALTON and ATCON advocate for the sustenance of a culture of independence in the regulatory landscape to safeguard against undue influence and unwholesome incursion into the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) domain, which will inspire trust in the telecommunications sector and encourage investment.

The associations further posited that, “Regulatory neutrality and independence are crucial to ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector. Statutory provisions lend credence to this notion, as a lack of an impartial regulator will lead to a failure to maintain public confidence in the objectivity and independence of its decisions.

“We reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with the government to address the challenges facing the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. By fostering a conducive regulatory environment, prioritising infrastructure development, enhancing security measures, and facilitating pricing adjustments, the government can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driving economic growth and societal development.”

The government of Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru would be building on the strong scores of his predecessor, and current Minister of Works, Engr Dave Nweze Umahi.

Biztellers reports that the Nwifuru administration plans to float an airline, as soon as the ongoing asphalting of the runway at Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Abakiliki is done with.

Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, made the disclosure in her office at Onueke, shortly after an inspection tour of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.

According to her the airport would be fully functional by August.

She commended Gov Nwifuru; immediate past governor, Engr Umahi, engineers on site and monitoring heads of departments involved in the project for their cooperation and efforts to ensure that the airport met regulatory requirement prior to take took off.

She said, “If you do not blow your trumpet, another person will blow it wrongly. We are here as a team to tell you what our dear governor is doing on the runway of the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo Airport.

“Many have been asking questions, are we good to go? Are we able to deliver the road by May as we promised? With your eyes and your senses, you people have seen what we have done and the extent we have gone.

“Before the asphalting, we have started witnessing the coming in of flights and you know as I have said before, it is both human and cargo airport. We are good to go in terms of exporting our food.

“Ebonyi State is good with production. We can export our rice, we can export our garri and even our salt. We will package it in a way that is acceptable and packaged it out.

“We are at the centre of attraction as South East is concerned. Those of them that are coming from Abia, Enugu, Anambra, and even part of Cross River will be landing here. Those of them that are travelling from outside will be landing here. It will not only be a beehive of activities, but an economic hub of the South East because many people will benefit from here.”

The Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has described the Dangote Group as the driving force of the Gateway International Trade Fair.

President, OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mike Akingbade, made the assertion when Governor Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun officially opened the 13th edition of the Trade Fair at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta

Engr Akingbade applauded the support of the Dangote Group in sustaining the Trade Fair, which he noted had led to the prosperity of the state and economic freedom for the people.

He said, “A special commendation must be given to Dangote Industries Limited which has remained the major sponsor of the Gateway International Trade Fair for many years.

“The committed support of the Dangote Group is the elixir with which the trade fair is activated and OGUNCCINA is eternally grateful for the wonderful gesture of the company.”

Biztellers reports that the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair is holding with the theme: “Achieving Economic Prosperity through Business Connection, Trade and Investment.”

According to Engr Akingbade, the fair is aimed among others, to allow businesses to expand their reach, access new markets, and diversify their customer base.

He emphasized that forging robust business connections, participating in trade activities, and making strategic investments will unlock new markets, stimulate economic growth, and enhance overall prosperity.

The commendations are coming just as companies under the leading African Indigenous Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited, hit the trade fair with their various products as part of strategies to increase market share and deepen customers’ affection.

Regional Sales Director, Dangote Cement PLC, Lagos/Ogun, Tunde Mabogunje in his goodwill address, assured the Ogun State government and the OGUNCIMMA of the continuous support of the company.

He noted that the Group was dedicated to enhancing the prosperity of Nigeria by creating opportunities for Nigerians and businesses in the country.

Mabogunje said visitors to the Dangote Group’s pavilion at the fair would have the opportunity of buying products of these companies at reasonably reduced prices as the Dangote businesses would be selling at discounted prices.

He also hinted that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery would be part of the next edition of the Trade Fair.

“We want to appreciate Ogun State for bringing us as a partner. We want to assure you that we will be here next year bigger. By next year, our refinery will be part of the Trade Fair,” he said.

Gov Abiodun visited the Dangote pavilion immediately after performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and commended the company and others for supporting the Trade Fair which he noted was aimed at stimulating economic growth.