NEWS
NCC Approves 50% Tariff Increase On Phone Calls, Data, SMS
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50 percent increase in tariffs for phone calls, SMS, and data services, sparking mixed reactions from stakeholders and subscribers.
This adjustment raises the minimum price of calls to N9.6 per minute from N6.40 and increases the maximum price to N50 per minute. The average cost of calls now stands at N16.5 per minute, up from N11. SMS charges have risen to N6 from N4, while the cost of 1GB of data has climbed to N431.25 from N287.5.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the NCC explained, “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.”
Telecom operators have long advocated for tariff hikes due to rising operational costs. Since 2023, factors such as the significant devaluation of the naira and inflation, which reached 34.8 percent in December 2024, have worsened their financial challenges. According to the NCC, tariff rates have remained unchanged since 2013 despite a 300 percent spike in operating costs.
READ MORE: WHO Expresses Regret Over US’ Withdrawal
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, previously indicated that telecom prices would rise by 30 to 60 percent, aligning with the NCC’s decision.
The commission justified the tariff hike as a necessary step to bridge the gap between operational expenses and current rates while ensuring service delivery is not compromised. “These adjustments would support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage,” the NCC stated.
Telecom firms, including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, have promised to channel the increased revenue into improving network infrastructure. MTN’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said, “This balance of tariff increases, alongside investment commitments, means that not only will the telecoms industry have the confidence to invest and a clear pathway back to sustainability – but the higher prices will lead to better networks, more relevant services, and so the better customer experience that enables growth.”
Despite these assurances, consumer groups like the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) have expressed concerns. “This, undoubtedly, is against the public interest, contrary to the false narrative of NCC that described the recent adjustments as pro-public interest,” NATCOMS stated.
As subscribers brace for higher telecom costs, industry stakeholders remain hopeful that the hike will result in long-term benefits for Nigeria’s growing demand for digital services.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
SEE ALSO: Document reveals Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded N10b damages from husband before marriage, firm reacts
The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: Two Arrested as Delta Police Uncover Cache of Illegal Weapons
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
JUST IN: Ex-Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Is Dead
Delta Begins ₦5bn Empowerment Scheme for 100,000 Beneficiaries
Alausa Hails Dangote Foundation’s Plan to Give Four Million Students IPO Shares
APC Campaign Council Sets Inaugural Meeting for Tuesday Ahead of Kaduna Flag-Off
Renaissance Capital Sees Significant Upside in Dangote Refinery, Lifts Valuation by 33.4%
Dangote Refinery IPO Elicits Participation in 90 Countries Globally
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
In the awesome pattern of things you’ll receive a B+ just for effort. Exactly where you misplaced me personally was first in your details. You know, they say, details make or break the argument.. And that could not be much more accurate in this article. Having said that, allow me reveal to you what exactly did deliver the results. Your writing is rather powerful which is probably the reason why I am making the effort in order to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, despite the fact that I can notice a leaps in reasoning you make, I am definitely not convinced of just how you appear to unite your details that produce your conclusion. For right now I will, no doubt subscribe to your issue but trust in the near future you actually connect the dots better.
Adorei este site. Pra saber mais detalhes acesse nosso site e descubra mais. Todas as informações contidas são informações relevantes e únicos. Tudo que você precisa saber está ta lá.
Este site é realmente fantástico. Sempre que acesso eu encontro coisas boas Você também vai querer acessar o nosso site e descobrir detalhes! conteúdo único. Venha descobrir mais agora! 🙂
Este site é realmente incrível. Sempre que acesso eu encontro novidades Você também pode acessar o nosso site e saber mais detalhes! Conteúdo exclusivo. Venha descobrir mais agora! 🙂
I have not checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time learning much more or figuring out more. Thanks for great info I was in search of this info for my mission.
I admire your piece of work, appreciate it for all the informative posts.
whoah this weblog is excellent i love reading your posts. Stay up the good work! You know, a lot of persons are searching around for this info, you could help them greatly.
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some excellent points, I as well think this s a very wonderful website.
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
There is perceptibly a lot to realize about this. I suppose you made certain good points in features also.
Some genuinely interesting details you have written.Assisted me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
I was reading some of your posts on this website and I think this web site is really instructive! Continue posting.
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one¦s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Awsome blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.
What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you’re now not really much more well-preferred than you might be right now. You are very intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably in relation to this topic, made me in my opinion imagine it from so many various angles. Its like women and men are not interested except it’s something to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. At all times care for it up!
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
You actually make it appear so easy along with your presentation however I to find this matter to be actually something which I believe I would never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me. I am taking a look forward on your next submit, I will attempt to get the hold of it!