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Economy

Telecom Operators Beg Subscribers to Accept 50% Tariff Hike

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Nigeria's Telecom Industry

By Adedapo Adesanya

Telecommunication operators have appealed to subscribers to support the recent tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in the interest of the sector, the economy and all stakeholders.

The president of the Association of Licenced Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Gbenga Adebayo, made this appeal at an event tagged Forum with Telcoms CEOs’ over the weekend in Lagos.

The programme was held as part of stakeholders’ engagement following the recent 50 per cent hike in tariffs by the industry regulator, the first time since 2013.

Mr Adebayo said that the industry’s sustainability was crucial to driving the economic and essential infrastructure, noting that it had been a long journey for all in the sector and that the tariff hike was for the good of the economy.

“You may observe that in all the conversations we have had, and in responding to all the brilliant questions that have been raised here today, we have not spoken about profit.

“So, we have been talking about industry sustainability so that we can continue to be the driver of the economy and the development of infrastructure.

“My appeal is that subscribers are the reasons why we are in business, we would not be having this conversation if we do not have the subscribers interest at heart,” he said.

Mr Adebayo assured subscribers that the new tariff regime would bring about improved services, more understandable pricing and increased support for the economy, saying that the dynamics that led to the recent tariff review were influenced by various factors, including the price of diesel among others.

He said that if those factors were to change rapidly, the industry would also be forced to review its prices again.

On the issue of price control, he said that it would not benefit anyone, citing the example of the electricity sector where price control had not yielded the desired results.

Mr Adebayo also said that leaving tariffs to market forces would ultimately benefit subscribers, as long as there were no interference that could disrupt the market.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Corporate Relations Officer of the NCC, Mr Tobechukwu Okigbo, attributed the collapse of prices in the telecoms sector to the regulatory efforts of his organisation.

Mr Okigbo said that the prices went down from N14,000 SIM to almost free SIM due to the work NCC had done over time, submitting that the regulator’s role in price control could be minimised if the industry were to reach a point where approvals were no longer required for every single issue.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Economy

Nigeria Records $6.83bn Balance of Payments Surplus in 2024

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Balance of Payments Surplus

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria recorded a Balance of Payments (BOP) surplus amounting to $6.83 billion in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The apex bank, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, said this marks a decisive turnaround from deficits of $3.34 billion in 2023 and $3.32 billion in 2022.

“This improvement reflects the impact of wide-ranging macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy,” the apex bank noted.

Further details showed that Nigeria current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22 billion in 2024, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17 billion.

Meanwhile, petroleum imports declined by 23.2 per cent to $14.06 billion, while non-oil imports fell by 12.6% to $25.74 billion.

On the export side, gas exports rose by 48.3 per cent to $8.66 billion, and non-oil exports increased by 24.6 per cent to $7.46 billion.

Remittance inflows remained resilient, with personal remittances rising by 8.9 per cent to $20.93 billion.

International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) inflows surged by 43.5 per cent to $4.73 billion, up from $3.30 billion in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement from the Nigerian diaspora while official development assistance also rose by 6.2 per cent to $3.37 billion.

Nigeria also recorded a net acquisition of financial assets totalling $12.12 billion during the review year.

Portfolio investment inflows more than doubled, increasing by 106.5 per cent to $13.35 billion from $6.47 billion in 2023, while resident foreign currency holdings grew by $5.41 billion, indicating stronger confidence in domestic economic stability.

However, Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 42.3 per cent to $1.08 billion, with the central bank saying despite this, “The overall financial account posted notable gains.”

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Economy

Setback for Nigeria’s 2025 Revenue Projection as Brent Now $60 Per Barrel

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Brent crude futures

By Adedapo Adesanya

The latest signals from the global crude oil market suggest a rocky road for Nigeria’s 2025 budget as Brent oil price falls to $60 per barrel over a United States-triggered trade war.

Last Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced higher-than-expected tariffs across the board, with tariffs on China the highest. Nigeria, which exports a limited number of goods to the US, including crude oil, was hit with a 14 per cent increase in tariffs.

Since then, President Trump has announced additional tariffs on China, which are 104 per cent as of Wednesday, April 9, the day that the tariffs on all other countries, including the members of the EU, took effect.

China, on Wednesday, hit back at the 104 per cent US tariffs and hiked additional duties on American products to 84 per cent. The Asian country vowed to continue responding to Mr Trump’s tariffs as investors now see a trade war and recession as almost unavoidable.

The global markets have reacted with oil plummeting amid concerns of a recession and reduced demand for oil.

Nigeria is not exempt as it faces a higher shortfall from revenues amid dwindling oil prices, a development that will make it difficult to back the N54.99 trillion budget.

In the budget, the oil price benchmark was put at $75 per barrel with a crude production target of 2.06 million barrels and an exchange rate projection of N1,400 per Dollar.

Analysts expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of these assumptions – particularly the oil production target which currently stands around 1.5 million barrels per day and exchange rate around N1,600 per Dollar.

Calculations show that based on current realities, at the current $60 per barrel, Nigeria daily deficit will fall to around N85 billion even at an exchange rate of N1,400 based on the 2025 budget assumptions.

This will likely impact the revenue that will be remitted as the entire revenue doesn’t go into the coffers of the Nigerian government which receives only taxes and royalties and get other revenues from flaring penalties and Production Sharing Contract (PSC) profits.

Over the weekend, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) admitted that oil prices had weakened to around $65 at the time and noted that this presented challenge to oil exporters like Nigeria.

“Crude oil prices have also weakened – declining by over 12% to approximately US$65.50 per barrel – presenting new dynamics for oil-exporting countries such as Nigeria,” the CBN statement added.

In light of this development, with prices now weaker, financing Nigeria’s budget will one of President Bola Tinubu’s pressing challenges.

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Economy

Making Money with Cryptocurrencies and Alternative Assets Wisely

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quantum AI Trading

With the emergence of cryptocurrencies and alternative assets, the prospect of increasing your fortune has never been more alluring. “What if you could turn your digital assets into real wealth?” Regardless of your level of expertise, knowing how to operate in this ever-changing industry is crucial. A thorough grasp is necessary to navigate the complexity of alternative assets, and making the proper connections with the right resources can make all the difference. Go quantum-ai.trading is a cutting-edge platform that connects traders with knowledgeable insights, improving their experience in these ever-changing markets. This manual will guide you through tried-and-true tactics, potential hazards, and creative methods to profit from the growing realm of digital wealth.

Understanding Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies have emerged as a revolutionary force in the world of finance, offering decentralized digital currencies that are not controlled by any central authority. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets have garnered significant attention as potential ways to store and grow wealth. The first step in making money with cryptocurrencies is understanding their core principles and functionality. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies rely on blockchain technology—a decentralized ledger that records all transactions.

Many investors see cryptocurrencies as a high-risk, high-reward venture. The volatility of the market means that prices can skyrocket or plummet quickly, creating opportunities for both large profits and significant losses. However, with careful research and strategic planning, cryptocurrency investors can capitalize on these fluctuations.

Trading Cryptocurrencies

One of the most popular ways to make money with cryptocurrencies is through trading. This involves buying and selling digital currencies on exchanges, aiming to profit from price movements. Traders typically use two main strategies: day trading and swing trading.

Day trading refers to making multiple trades within a single day, capitalizing on short-term price fluctuations. This strategy requires constant monitoring of market conditions and a keen sense of timing. Successful day traders rely on technical analysis, using charts and indicators to predict price movements.

Swing trading, on the other hand, involves holding assets for a few days or weeks, aiming to profit from medium-term price swings. Swing traders typically focus on market trends, news, and other factors that could influence the value of a cryptocurrency.

Both approaches require skill, experience, and risk management. Beginners should start small and gradually increase their positions as they gain confidence and expertise in the market.

Mining Cryptocurrencies

Another method of earning from cryptocurrencies is through mining. Mining involves using computer power to solve complex mathematical problems, securing the blockchain network, and verifying transactions. In return for this work, miners are rewarded with newly minted coins.

Mining can be done individually or by joining a mining pool, where resources are shared among multiple participants to increase the chances of solving a problem and receiving rewards. While the rewards may seem appealing, mining can be resource-intensive, requiring expensive equipment and substantial electricity costs. As a result, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with limited access to affordable power.

However, for those with the right resources and knowledge, mining can be a lucrative venture. It’s essential to consider the upfront investment in hardware and the ongoing costs of electricity before diving into mining.

Investing in Alternative Assets

While cryptocurrencies have gained popularity, other alternative assets also present opportunities for profit. These include commodities, real estate, precious metals, and collectibles. Investing in these assets can offer diversification and hedge against traditional market risks.

Commodities, such as gold, oil, and agricultural products, can be profitable investments, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Investors can purchase commodities directly or use derivatives such as futures contracts, which allow them to speculate on price movements without owning the physical goods.

Real estate is another alternative asset that has long been a popular investment choice. Investors can profit by purchasing property and renting it out or flipping it for a profit. Real estate investments tend to provide long-term returns and are often seen as a safer bet compared to more volatile assets.

Precious metals, such as gold and silver, are considered a store of value. Many investors turn to precious metals during periods of inflation or market instability. These assets can be bought in physical form, such as coins and bars, or through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the price of metals.

Finally, collectibles, such as rare art, vintage cars, and limited-edition items, can be valuable assets. However, investing in collectibles requires specialized knowledge and an understanding of the market’s trends. While some collectibles can appreciate significantly in value, others may not provide the same return on investment.

Diversification and Risk Management

When exploring cryptocurrencies and other alternative assets, diversification is crucial. Rather than focusing solely on one asset class, investors should spread their investments across various sectors to mitigate risk. Diversifying helps balance the potential for gains with the protection of capital.

Risk management is equally important when investing in high-risk markets like cryptocurrencies. Setting stop-loss orders, only investing what one can afford to lose, and keeping a close eye on market trends are all strategies that can help minimize potential losses. Being prepared for the possibility of volatility can help investors stay calm and make informed decisions during turbulent market conditions.

Long-Term Investment Strategies

For those looking to make money with cryptocurrencies and other alternative assets, long-term investment strategies can be just as rewarding as short-term trades. Holding assets for an extended period, also known as “HODLing” in the cryptocurrency world, allows investors to ride out market fluctuations and potentially reap larger rewards in the future.

By carefully selecting promising assets and maintaining patience, long-term investors can benefit from the compounding effects of their investments. This approach often requires less active involvement than day trading or swing trading, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a more passive investment style.

Conclusion

“The upcoming era of finance is digital—will you join it?” With the ongoing transformation of the investment landscape by cryptocurrencies and alternative assets, the opportunity to generate wealth is unmatched. By keeping yourself updated, broadening your investments, and implementing wise financial strategies, you can discover new paths for economic advancement. Welcome the future, and begin to have your money earn more for you now.

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