The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reassured Nigerians that the recently approved tariff adjustments for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are strategic steps designed to enhance service quality and promote the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector.

While speaking in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida represented by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha stated that the newly approved tariffs are aiding in restoring profitability for telecom operators who have been significantly impacted by foreign exchange difficulties in recent years.

“About two years ago, some major operators were recording significant losses. Although revenues were increasing, heavy forex-related obligations wiped out much of the gains, which directly impacted service quality,” Dr. Maida explained.

“With the recent tariff review, operators are returning to profitability, enabling them to reinvest in network infrastructure. This will result in noticeable improvements in service quality and user experience nationwide.”

Dr. Maida announced that telecom sector investments are projected to surge in 2025, surpassing the levels of the previous two years.

Regarding tariff setting, he explained that Nigeria’s liberalized telecom industry adopts a transparent, data-driven process, with the Commission conducting thorough, cost-based studies before approving new tariff structures.

“Operators must provide comprehensive cost breakdowns to justify proposed tariffs. This allows the Commission to ensure charges remain fair, cost-oriented, and in line with economic and technical realities,” he stated.

Although consumers are not directly involved in the tariff-setting process due to its technical complexities, Dr. Maida stressed that the NCC remains a firm guardian of consumer interests by thoroughly reviewing all submissions from telecom operators.

Speaking on wider industry challenges, the EVC pointed to persistent issues such as fibre cuts, problems with identity verification, infrastructure vandalism, rising energy costs, and restrictions related to Rights of Way (RoW). He noted that the Commission is actively working with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to protect telecom infrastructure and ensure that vandals are prosecuted.

“We are committed to naming and shaming perpetrators and are working with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure that cases of infrastructure damage are fully prosecuted,” he said.

Dr. Maida reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to the national framework for Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“Telecom infrastructure is critical to national security and economic growth. Any individual or group found disrupting it will face the full weight of the law,” he warned, highlighting the importance of protecting telecom assets.

The NCC emphasized its ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in sharing accurate details about tariffs and industry benchmarks.

“It is not the public’s responsibility to monitor operator pricing. That’s our mandate,” Dr. Maida concluded, adding that the NCC remains open to partnerships and will continue providing dependable data on telecom tariffs and performance indicators.

Dr. Maida urged the media and public to maintain their support as the NCC strengthens its initiatives to improve digital connectivity, consumer satisfaction, and service reliability throughout Nigeria.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has shut down the visa centres for France, Belgium, and Italy, located at Mukhtar El-Yakub House in Abuja’s Central Business District.

The sealing was carried out on Thursday with the support of operatives from the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as staff at the centre initially resisted the enforcement action.

The sealed offices cater to Nigerians applying for visas to France, Belgium, and Italy.

Why Were These Visa Offices Sealed?

Speaking during the operation, the Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department at FCCPC, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, explained that the centre was shut down due to multiple regulatory violations, including its failure to receive a letter from the Commission meant to initiate an investigation into a consumer complaint.

She stated that the decision was also prompted by obstruction of the Commission’s inquiry and the provision of services that are “considered, upon reasonable suspicion, to be inimical to consumers’ welfare.”

Adeyinka ordered the company to appear before the Commission on June 20 to “testify, make depositions and provide evidence in relation to failure to receive a letter from the Commission to investigate a complaint and obstruction of investigation or inquiry.”

She said, “This is an enforcement operation against TLS. As you are aware, they provide visa support services to Nigerian consumers.
“On the 25th of March 2025, based on a consumer complaint, a letter was served on them to address the consumer complaint, as is the process of amicable resolution of consumer complaints at the commission.

“The officers of TLS, rather than receive the consumer complaint, proceeded to assault our officers who were conducting the lawful duty of protecting and implementing the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

“Upon receipt of that report, the commission directed that they should be summoned (1:25) to appear before the commission pursuant to Section 33 of the FCCPA.

“Rather than receive the summons of the commission, officers of TLS again on June 17, proceeded not only to assault our officers but also assaulted uniformed officers of the police force who were providing lawful security for the operations of the commission.

“Section 33 stipulates that any person who, without sufficient cause, fails or refuses to appear before the commission in compliance with a summons commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or fine not exceeding #20 million or both fine and imprisonment.”

Adeyinka concluded that the company would be held accountable for all losses and inconveniences suffered by visa applicants due to the enforcement action.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the centre is operated by TLScontact, a Teleperformance company. The management declined to comment on the incident.

Meanwhile, applicants and officials of the centre have been evacuated from the property while the premises has been sealed.

What Is The Fate Of Applicants Waiting For Approvals

As of the time of this report, there is currently no official statement addressing the fate of ongoing visa applications, raising uncertainty for affected applicants.

President Bola Tinubu praised the swift progress in Kaduna State under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership during a visit on Thursday, where he commissioned several projects. He highlighted the inclusion of N100 billion in the 2025 federal budget for the proposed Kaduna Light Rail.

During his one-day working visit, Tinubu launched a 300-bed specialist hospital, 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for public transport, a new vocational skills and training institute, and the revamped Panteka Market, now recognized as Africa’s largest informal skills hub, hosting over 38,000 artisans.

At a civic reception held at Murtala Square, Mr Tinubu declared Kaduna “a rising star in Nigeria’s development journey,” commending Governor Sani for transforming the state’s focus from insecurity to inclusion.

“From insecurity to inclusion, Kaduna is clearly on the rise. I am pleased to be back in Kaduna State, a place that holds deep connections in my political and democratic journey.

“Kaduna is rising again. We are going to do it together. Peace is the hallmark of development, and I am proud of the peace now reigning in areas like Birnin Gwari. Our administration will continue to back every effort that sustains growth and security.”

In his speech, Governor Sani described Tinubu as “a visionary leader who has redefined national priorities.”

He emphasized major reforms in education and rural development, noting that over 535 schools previously closed due to insecurity have reopened, and more than 500,000 hectares of farmland have been revitalized.

To alleviate economic challenges, Sani announced six months of free rides on the new CNG buses for students, civil servants, and pensioners.

“Our identity is no longer fear, we are defined by productivity, education, and progress,” the governor said.

Mr Sani highlighted the achievements of his administration, stating that 79 roads covering a total of 780 kilometres had been constructed. He also noted the establishment of 62 new secondary schools and the renovation of more than 1,000 classrooms.

In a move to ease the financial burden on students, the state government has implemented a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across all its tertiary institutions.

Speaking in a similar spirit of progress, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, outlined significant federal projects ongoing in Kaduna. These include the Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, which is 72 per cent completed, the Ibadan-Kaduna-Kano railway, the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, and the University of Applied Sciences in Kachia.

“These are not just projects, they are symbols of inclusion and renewed national hope,” he said.

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who initiated the specialist hospital project during his time as governor in 2009, described its recent completion as “a dream fulfilled,” adding that Kaduna had previously had fewer than 3,000 hospital beds for its population of over six million.

The event drew a high-profile audience, including numerous state governors, the Deputy Senate President, various ministers, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli. A large crowd of Kaduna residents also turned out, lining the streets in a strong display of support.