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ATCON Urges NCC On Tariff Increment

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Mariam Sanni

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to consider reviewing call tariffs upwards by the first quarter (Q2) of 2025.

In an interview, Tony Emoekpere, president of ATCON, said the hike is necessary to enable its members to improve the quality of their services.

The association, established on December 10, 1993, is a professional, non-profit and non-political umbrella organisation representing telecommunications companies in Nigeria.

Emoekpere said the biggest challenge in the industry is currency depreciation which has negatively affected the quality of service.

“Like I have said before, revenue being generated is not enough to support the ongoing operations of most of the telcos and the infrastructure providers as well,” the president said.

“So, the earlier a firm decision is made on this issue, the better for the industry.

“Nigeria does not have a stagnant population; the population is growing every day. More and more people are coming to the bracket where they need operators’ services.”

Emoekpere urged the ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy, and the NCC to seriously consider the call for a tariff increase, highlighting the value chain nature of the sector.

Nigeria’s Quest For Greatness, Mirage Without Electoral Reforms – Okobah 

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From Owen Akenzua 

Renowned political  columnist and scholar, Dr Chris Okobah has underscored the urgent need for holistic electoral reforms to restore Nigeria  on the path of sustainable economic growth and greatness. 

Okobah, who made the remark while reflecting on the outgone year and prospects for 2025, posited that until the country gets its electoral reforms right ,  Nigeria would not attain the envisaged greatness  as a nation. 

He noted that sectoral reforms were necessary for the growth and development of any society adding, however, that such reforms would become politically expedient and hinged on the success of electoral reforms which, according to him, is key,  as it is strategically linked to leadership selection process.

According to him, it is only when elections are free, fair, transparent and credible that the people would have  trust on those with the wherewithal to effect the necessary changes in all areas of governance.

Okobah queried the electoral process that brought the incumbent president into power, saying  by all international standards, the process was faulty. 

He added that about 38 million out of a total population of 250 million  voted in the presidential election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. 

He also frowned at the lopsided appointments by President Bola Tinubu which he said was skewed in favour of the South-West, saying  the federal character principle ought to have applied on appointments. 

The lawyer also contended that institutional and systematic corruption which had permeated all sectors including the judiciary could only  be curbed when credible individuals with impeccable attributes are elected into political positions. 

On the way forward for Nigeria in the new year, Dr Okobah challenged the authorities to immediately initiate electoral reforms to restore the confidence of Nigerians in their leaders, just as he urged them to stop choosing political leaders on the basis of financial inducement. 

While assessing the performance of the National Assembly, Dr Okobah scored Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District high in view of the quality of bills and motions he had brought before the Senate. 

He listed such bills to include the bill on the use of  the naira  for the purchase of goods and services around the world  and the bill for the creation of  Anioma State  out of the present Delta State among others.

Police Arrest Couple Over Assault On Minor 

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Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a couple for allegedly raping and beating a 13-year-old girl in their residence in Port Harcourt.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Thursday in Port Harcourt.

NAN reports that the wife was said to have stripped the teenager and inserted pepper into her private part after accusing her of having sexual intercourse with her husband.

Iringe-Koko stated that the suspects had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, for investigation and possible prosecution.

Goodness, the mother of the teenager, whose full name was withheld to avoid stigmatisation, recounted the incident to NAN.

A resident of Rupokwu town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Goodness revealed that the assault on her daughter occurred on the evening of December 29, 2024.

She explained that when she was alerted by neighbours about the attack on her daughter, she immediately closed her shop and rushed home.

“Before I got home, neighbours had already rescued my daughter from the wife’s assault.

“My daughter was still writhing in pain from the beating and the pepper applied to her body and private area,” she said.

Goodness said after her daughter felt relieved, she revealed that on December 25, 2024, a female neighbour, who is a friend to the wife, took her to the house.

She noted that on that fateful day, the man sent his wife and her friend on an errand, leaving the teenager alone with him in the house.

The distraught mother reported that after the two women had left the apartment, the man attacked her daughter and allegedly raped her multiple times, threatening her to remain silent.

“After he raped her, he told my daughter to leave his house.

“My daughter returned home afterwards but did not report what had transpired, probably due to the threat from the man,” she added.

Goodnews  stated that on December 29, 2024, the wife visited her shop and asked the teenager to follow her to her apartment and assist her with house chores.

“It was on getting there that she accused my daughter of sleeping with her husband, stripped her naked, poured pepper on her and inserted same in her vagina.

“She then dragged my daughter outside and flogged her mercilessly with a machete, while neighbours recorded the attack,” she said.

The teary mother demanded justice for her traumatised daughter.

NAN reports the couple spent the new year in custody, while their children, aged four and two, had been placed in the care of relatives.

Meanwhile, Prince Wiro, the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, has condemned the alleged torture of the minor, calling it inhumane and barbaric.

“We have spoken with the teenager and observed the bruises and wounds on her body. We demand a thorough investigation by the Police.

“The man must be held accountable for the allegations while anyone else found responsible should be prosecuted,” Wiro said. (NAN)

2025: Make Nigerians’ Welfare Priority, Oguntoyinbo Tasks Govts

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From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan 

Chairman of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, Ambassador Olufemi  Oguntoyinbo has called on the federal and state governments to make citizens welfare their priority in the new year. 

He also  urged wealthy Nigerians to give back to the society and imbibe the spirit of helping the needy.

Oguntoyinbo, who is also a renowned philanthropist, said making the welfare of citizens a priority has promoted many countries  and brought them to the limelight.

He gave the advice while speaking with  journalists on the sideline of a new year party organised by Bullion Go-Neat Global in Ibafo, Ogun State, where Taye Currency, 9ice, Femi Lancaster entertained guests.

“I want to call on President Bola  Tinubu and  governors to put citizens’ welfare in the front burner.

“My advice for  the federal and  state governments is that they should take citizens’ welfare as number one priority. 

“When you make your citizens number one on your agenda, they will add value to the nation and the country will be ranked high. 

“There is no way your country will be doing well that the world will not give you recognition. If you travel from here to other countries, you will realise that countries that put the welfare of their citizens as priorities are enjoying the fruitfulness of that now.

“So in this new year, my advice is that government should make sure that as they formulate policies, they should create those that will enhance the living conditions of the people. They should formulate policies that will benefit Nigerians, so that we will not continue facing setbacks. You can see how we lost a  number of people recently,” he said. 

Oguntoyinbo also called on well-to-do Nigerians to assist the less privileged, saying this is important, as government alone cannot provide the needs of the less privileged people alone. 

He also vowed that he will continue to empower youths despite the harsh economy because, according to him, they are the future of the country.

Fubara Signs N1.1trn 2025  Budget Into Law 

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From Our Correspondent 

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has signed the  2025 budget worth N1.1 trillion into law.

The budget, christened ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,’ was presented before the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly on December 30, 2024.

Disclosing the signing of the budget via his X handle yesterday, Fubara appreciated the lawmakers for their unwavering commitment to service, noting that the budget would cut across several sectors in the state, including education and health.

“Today, I signed into law, the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill tagged ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,’ the bill is estimated at N1.1 trillion.

“I deeply appreciate the Rivers State House of Assembly for their diligence and my executives for their unwavering commitment to service.

“Together, we are setting the pace for a prosperous year ahead, focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.

“Let me on this note thank everyone and once again wish you a happy and prosperous new year  as we continue the journey of making Rivers State great again,” the governor tweeted.

Fubara had on December 30, 2024, presented the budgetary proposal of N1.188trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to the Assembly for consideration and approval.

This figure is an increase from the 2024 budget of N800 billion that was presented in 2023 to the House.

Reacting to the presentation of the budget to the four-member faction of the  Assembly, the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, accused the governor of perpetrating illegality.

This followed a similar occurrence in 2024 when Fubara shunned the 27-member factional Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule – loyal to his predecessor and estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike.

Ex-Senate President Lawan Commissions Radio Station In Yobe North

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By Abdulateeef Bamgbose

President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has commissioned the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Wetland FM in Gashua, Yobe State.

The new radio station was facilitated and built by Senator Lawan, and operates on the frequency 90.5 MHz.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Lawan expressed his commitment to ensuring access to quality information and communication services.

He urged the Director General of FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, who was present at the commissioning, to ensure that the radio station’s frequency was received in other local government areas of Yobe North.

He added that the establishment of the radio station heralds a new era of progress and development for his senatorial district.

“The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) has a long-standing reputation for providing credible and engaging radio programs. With the launch of Wetland FM 90.5 MHz Gashua, residents will now benefit from a wide range of educational, informational, and entertainment content that is tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.

“The radio station will play a significant role in promoting rural development, and providing a voice for the marginalized. It will also serve as a platform for promoting peace, unity, and understanding amongst the diverse population in Bade local government area and beyond.

“Furthermore, the economic impact of the communication platform cannot be overstated, as its presence will create employment opportunities for local residents and spur entrepreneurship by making it possible for businesses to advertise their products and services,” Senator Lawan said.

Sustaining EFCC And ICPC Rebound: A Critical Analysis

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By Zainab Suleiman Okino

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has persistently drawn sharp criticism for its glaring lack of proactivity, blatant politicization of investigations, and troubling predilection for media trials of alleged offenders. This unfavourable perception isn’t merely speculative—it has been repeatedly validated by the commission’s embarrassingly faulty prosecution strategies, resulting in the collapse of seemingly watertight cases, particularly those involving high-profile politicians. While the recent mass arrest of 792 cybercrime suspects might suggest a departure from the organisation’s historically politicized operations, we must approach this development with measured scepticism.

The commission’s trajectory since its establishment in 2003 reads like a cautionary tale of institutional manipulation. It has consistently served as a political weapon, wielded with precision by successive presidents against their opponents while conveniently shielding their allies from scrutiny. My personal encounters with the commission—first as a witness and later as an accused—provide firsthand insight into their selective prosecution patterns. Though I emerged unscathed after brief interrogations and perfunctory statement-writing, these experiences illuminated the deeply entrenched bias within the anti-corruption agency. Yet, despite its profound flaws, we must acknowledge an uncomfortable truth: without the EFCC and its sister agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria’s corruption landscape might be significantly more devastating.

The EFCC’s history of partisan enforcement reached notorious heights during President Obasanjo’s administration. Under Nuhu Ribadu’s leadership, the commission earned a reputation for aggressively targeting political opponents while turning a blind eye to flagrant corruption within the ruling party. This disturbing pattern didn’t merely persist—it became increasingly sophisticated through subsequent administrations, with each new government refining the art of weaponizing the EFCC for political vendettas. The Buhari administration particularly exemplified this trend, as anti-corruption efforts morphed into a thinly veiled mechanism for opposition harassment while government allies enjoyed virtual immunity. The arrest of former acting chairman Ibrahim Magu on corruption charges in 2020 wasn’t merely a scandal—it was a damning indictment of the institution’s susceptibility to the very corruption it purported to fight.

The recent cybercrime crackdown, while impressive in scale, demands rigorous scrutiny. Yes, the operation targeted actual criminal activities rather than political opponents, and the arrest of foreign nationals suggests improved international cooperation. The raid on Victoria Island’s “hustle kingdom,” yielding 792 suspects including 193 foreigners, has generated patriotic fervour in us understandably. However, we must question whether this operation represents genuine institutional reform or merely a strategic shift in targets.

The pervasive culture of cybercrime in Nigeria, manifested through various “yahoo” schemes, reveals a profound moral crisis in our society. The phenomenon of overnight millionaires through cybercrime isn’t merely a law enforcement challenge—it’s a damning indictment of our collective values. Perhaps most disturbing is the complicity of parents who maintain willful ignorance about their children’s suspicious wealth, highlighting a broader societal decay that transcends individual criminal acts.

The EFCC’s premature announcement of the Victoria Island operation, before completing thorough investigations, exemplifies the commission’s persistent addiction to publicity over procedure. While this raid may temporarily boost the agency’s image, particularly following its controversial handling of former Kogi state governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s case, it raises serious questions about investigative integrity and due process.

Critical inquiries remain insufficiently addressed: What systematic approach exists for investigating established cybercriminal networks within our communities? Why did the Victoria Island operation require such prolonged surveillance, and what triggered the eventual raid? The involvement of foreign nationals in these criminal enterprises raises alarming questions about our national security infrastructure. How have foreigners managed to so easily penetrate our systems, recruit local talent, and establish sophisticated criminal operations on Nigerian soil? The identity and influence of local facilitators demand thorough investigation.

The international dimensions of this case present both opportunities and challenges. Nations with stringent cybercrime laws will scrutinise the EFCC’s handling of foreign suspects, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and cross-border law enforcement cooperation. The question of extradition looms large, testing Nigeria’s commitment to international justice protocols.

Meanwhile, the ICPC’s recent performance statistics, while superficially impressive, warrant deeper analysis. Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu’s report of processing 1,187 petitions and securing 18 convictions in 2023, followed by 851 petitions and 13 convictions in 2024, reveals a concerning conviction rate. The recovery of 13 billion naira within 24 hours in September 2024, while noteworthy, raises questions about the sustainability of such operations and the fate of recovered funds.

The fundamental challenges confronting both the EFCC and ICPC extend beyond operational inefficiencies to the very fabric of Nigerian society. Corruption has become so deeply embedded in our national psyche that fighting it requires more than institutional reform—it demands a complete reconstruction of our social values. The agencies’ struggle against corruption resembles an attempt to drain an ocean with a bucket, given the systemic nature of the problem.

The path forward demands not just sustained commitment but a radical reimagining of anti-corruption efforts. Recent successes, while encouraging, must not blind us to the need for fundamental institutional reform. The true test lies not in high-profile raids or impressive statistics but in the consistent, impartial application of justice across all strata of society. Only when the EFCC and ICPC demonstrate unwavering commitment to prosecuting corruption regardless of political affiliations or social status can we begin to envision the Nigeria of our aspirations—a nation where integrity triumphs over impunity, and justice operates without fear or favour.

Zainab Suleiman Okino chairs Blueprint Editorial Board. She is a syndicated columnist and can be reached via: [email protected]

Tinubu’s Reforms Unavoidable, Will Pay-off, Orji Kalu Assures Nigerians

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From Abdullateef Bamgbose

Abia-North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu says that the Economic reform embarked upon by the Administration of President Tinubu will yield positive results.

The Lawmaker explained that the revamping of the Nation’s laws, some of which are over 100 years old is imperative and inevitable considering its obsoleteness and ineffectiveness to meet the expectations of the current global economic realities.

The former Abia Governor stated this on Wednesday at the Igbere home of Chief Daniel Eke a former Abia State governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), Chief Daniel Eke where he paid a New Year’s Visit.

With reference to the Tax Reform Bills Orji Kalu commended President Tinubu describing his move as a Bold step though he advocated for wider consultations he faulted its mode of its introduction saying that Nigerians were not sufficiently educated before the Bill was introduced.

According to him, for Nigeria to make any meaningful progress like China is currently doing, the 36 states must be made to compete among each other.

Kalu held that no state in Nigeria is poor, he insisted that every state is as important and endowed as the other, though he acknowledged the pains and sufferings experienced by Nigerians as result of the reforms but assured that the challenges will soon become a thing of the past.

Kalu explained; “Tinubu is a courageous leader who took the bull by its Horns, I’m not saying this out of sycophancy to gain any favours as you all know I’m an accomplished Politician and Business entrepreneur.

“We need to give the President a chance to carry out these reforms and the Tax Reform is not a bad bill, it is progressive but the problem is that Nigerians were not lectured enough and lack orientation about its many benefits.

“The Tax reform Bill is not bad but we need to carry other regions along. The other regions need to be educated on what the Tax Bill is all about.

Making reference to China Kalu also explained that the Tax Reform Bills will encourage competition among states which he said will bring about harnessing of State resources and improve productivity.

He said; “We can’t make any headway as Nation if we don’t go the China way, which is competition. Nigerians must face economic competition, each of the 36 states should compete with each other in terms of productivity. That is the only way the entire country can grow and develop like China.

“President Tinubu is trying to ensure that all the states become competitive. A country like China has been growing for the last 35 years at a 10% growth rate which has made it a Great country.

“They are growing not because of human rights but they are growing in competition. We must engage in competition if we want to grow the practice of sharing free money in Abuja cannot continue.

“We must test our resilience. All our laws need reformation. They are over 100 years old but we need to consult with the people. To catch up with other Nations we should build more Universities. We are still backward.”

Kalu admitted the sufferings of Nigerians and commended them for their patience, expressing optimism that 2025 would be a year of positive outcomes from the Tinubu-led government’s economic policies.

Kalu said; “President Tinubu is fully aware of the pains that people are passing through and I am also aware but there are some reforms going on and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“I understand the difficulties and sufferings of our people very well so I urge Nigerians to be patient and know that we are going through a process.”

In response Daniel Eke appreciated Kalu for the visit he also commended the Senator for his legislative impacts in the Senatorial District.

He said; “Other Senators have given frying pans as empowerment but need good roads , employment, infrastructure, industries that will employ our people.

“Senator Kalu is not just doing his legislative work he has also established processing companies that will employ our people which is what that matters most. He is doing this in the best interests of our people.”

Earlier in his remark Kalu reinstated his commitment to enhance his delivery of economic and infrastructural dividends to his constituents.

“I will continue doing my duty as a Senator and that duty is very sacred and I will never compromise. I had to leave my private companies worth millions of dollars to concentrate on my duty as Senator and my duty is more important.

“I had to show the people of Abia-North a distinguished way of being led by a Senator. I have replicated what I did as a Governor and I have returned the power back to the people to decide on who governs them I have demonstrated as Governor and now as a Senator,” he said.

Welcoming Year 2025

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Many across the globe eagerly awaited the year 2025 in anticipation that the New Year will usher in relief from socio-economic, political challenges in various parts of the world.

At the sub-regional level, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is torn apart as the trio of Mali, Niger and Burkina Fasso have decided to shift emphasis from belonging to the group, thus forming their own alliance. Despite the rapprochement from the ECOWAS leadership, they have remained adamant and continued to be ruled by the juntas, widely accepted and admired by the citizens’, a clear testimony that their erstwhile civilian democratic leaders were not living above board. They were accused by the military of corruption and unflagging misgovernance.

It is worthy of note that to check any military incursion into politics there must be in place the right leadership devoid of parochialism, nepotism and corruption.

Interestingly, ECOWAS leadership has told the three countries to re-consider returning to the group but they have remained adamant amid expectations that they would follow through with the appeal from the ECOWAS.

Back home, we are be-clouded by not a few crises across the country in the outgone year as kidnappings, terrorism and sundry issues of insecurity are major features in 2024. 

The year 2024 closed on a tragic note as a result of the contentious Christmas day military airstrikes that allegedly killed 10 villagers as well as injured many in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

In the aftermath of the tragedy the Nigerian military has been trying to wriggle itself out of the embarrassment.  This is coming on the heels of previous error-strikes where civilians were hit in the military’s attempt to track down terrorists.

Again, there was the embarrassing death of scores of Nigerians in parts of the country with the Ibadan children’s funfair, Okija and Abuja stampedes standing out some of the sad incidents in 2024.

Notwithstanding the enormities of incidents that marred last year there is room for optimism in 2025.

Hence, we are of the view that what is imperative for our leaders is to maintain decorum, give exemplar leadership, promote good governance and put corruption at a relative reasonable level as we know corruption may not be completely wiped out.

Furthernore, there is the need for the citizens to continue to give support as necessary to the leaders in the New Year so as to be exonerated from being the factor militating against their performance. It must be emphasized that where peace eludes the polity, leadership no matter how well entrenched and endowed would only achieve little. Both fronts should work in harmony to achieve progress.

In anycase, the AljazirahNIGERIA family wishes Nigerians a blissful and rewarding experience in the New Year and beyond.

PDP Warns Banks Against Colliding With Edo Govt Over LGs Account 

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FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY 

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Edo State chapter has warned commercial banks not to conspire with the state government to alter the signatories of local government councils accounts. 

Chairman of the State PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Benin City.

Aziegbemi, who alleged that the directive by Governor Monday Okpebholo to banks to change the signatories of the accounts of councils was to pave the way for the looting of funds.

He threatened that if any bank obeys the directives, the party would have no option than to drag it to court.

The chairman also alleged reports of illegal requests for sensitive council documents by unauthorised persons in the state.

According to him, “We are also witnessing another very disturbing trend,  local government chairmen are signatories to the account of their various councils.

“What Governor Okpebholo and his cohorts are trying to do is to change the signatories of those accounts making sure that the elected chairmen that are supposed to be signatories to these accounts do not have access to it. 

“We have also witnessed unauthorised attempts to alter signatories to local government accounts, as well as clandestine efforts to withdraw funds without a proper mandate.

“There are also reports of illegal requests for sensitive documents by unauthorised persons.”

Aziegbemi noted that the flagrant disregard for the  judiciary and the subversion of the constitution by the Edo State government in the purported suspension of the 18 local government chairmen and their vice is a serious threat to  democracy.

He added that the action would not only undermine the rule of law, but also create a dangerous precedent, weakening the entire legal and democratic system.

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