By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, have been declared as public holidays by the federal government to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

A statement on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Ms Magdalene Ajani, confirmed that the two days are work-free to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

On March 1, 2025, Muslims in Nigeria joined the others across the globe for this year’s annual 30-day fast. It will end this weekend.

In the statement, the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was quoted to have congratulated Muslims across the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan, urging them to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.

He reportedly “encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.”

“On behalf of the federal government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfilment to everyone,” the statement noted.

By Adedapo Adesanya

On Wednesday, the Senate mandated the Senate Committee on Communications to investigate the recent increase in the cost of internet data packages by telecommunications companies in the country.

Recall that MTN had implemented another price hike on internet plans, the second time in the last three months after the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 per cent tariff increase in January.

The probe was part of resolutions after a debate on a bill sponsored by Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Senator representing Cross River South, which highlights the financial strain the price hike has placed on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who rely on affordable internet access for their livelihoods.

The probe will also recommend solutions for a more sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector.

The bill noted that the over 200 per cent increase in costs had “placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood.

“Among resolutions passed, the Senate asked the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, to engage with telecommunications providers to review the data costs and “ensure that pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians.”

The bill identified multiple factors contributing to the high cost of telecommunications in Nigeria, including poor infrastructure and unreliable power supply; high import duties on ICT equipment; multiple taxation and excessive regulatory charges; security concerns increasing operational risks and insurance costs; bureaucratic bottlenecks slowing business operations and innovation; and high diesel and alternative energy costs due to unreliable national grid supply

To resolve the challenges, lawmakers asked the federal government to engage with network providers to review recent data price increases and ensure fair and affordable pricing.

The red chamber also passed a bill mandating the compulsory registration of citizens to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system through the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.

The passage followed the submission and consideration of a report by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Mr Victor Umeh, the senator representing Anambra Central.

Mr Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonised, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices, enhances data accuracy, promotes inclusion and closes existing gaps in Nigeria’s identity database.

Once signed into law, the bill also provides for the creation of a centralized database and a commission responsible for registering citizens and issuing identity cards. It now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the President for assent.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Ikeja Electric Plc has dissociated itself from two persons with its identification cards who were caught stealing cables to a transformer in the Lawson community in the Ogba area of Lagos State on March 24, 2025.

In a statement on Wednesday, the energy company claimed the two suspects are employees of a third-party contractor, Arise Business Link, a company engaged by Ikeja Electric for debt recovery operations.

Recall that yesterday, the accused persons were caught by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) while cutting cables in the area and were handed over to the police for prosecution.

Reacting to the incident in a statement today, the Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric, Mr Kingsley Okotie, confirmed that the suspects are currently being interrogated by the Lagos State Police Command to gather more information about their activities, possible accomplices, and other relevant details to aid their prosecution.

He said they are not on the payroll of the electricity distribution company as it is being circulated on social media.

“To set the record straight, Ikeja Electric does not condone any unlawful act that undermines our commitment to delivering an efficient and reliable power supply. This applies to our direct employees, third-party contractors, and any individuals or groups, regardless of their status.

“Earlier this year, we made a public appeal to community members, security agencies, and traditional institutions to assist in combating vandalism and energy theft by reporting suspicious activities.

“The collaboration with local security groups and communities such as Lawson-Oke-Ira in Ojodu and Epe has been instrumental in tackling these crimes. Just weeks ago, vandals along the Epe corridor were apprehended, and now, another group has been caught.

“We commend the Lagos State Government, security agencies, local communities, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in the fight against these criminal activities.

“At Ikeja Electric, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards vandalism, energy theft, and safety infractions. These illegal activities not only disrupt power supply but also lead to significant financial losses due to infrastructure replacement and revenue shortfalls,” the statement said.