Technology
Telco Subscribers Propose 10% Tariff Hike, Reject NCC’s 50% Approval
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) wants a maximum of 10 per cent increase in tariffs as against the 50 per cent announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Recall that the leadership of the body in an interview on Tuesday said it would challenge the federal government’s decision to allow operators increase tariff by 50 per cent in a court of law.
In another round of interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, the President of NATCOMS, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, said the group understood the dilemma faced by the telecommunications industry and had suggested a 5 – 10 per cent marginal increase in tariff.
He said that the approval by the federal government for the telcos to raise tariffs at a maximum of 50 per cent was unacceptable, arguing that it will “affect everyone from the biggest industry to the smallest company, such as the Point of Service (POS) operators.”
“It will increase operational costs,” he added.
According to Mr Ogunbanjo, experts had x-rayed the telecoms sector and said it was in intensive care, meaning it needed to be attended to.
“We now depend on telecoms for our meetings, for the banks, everybody depends on it even the education sector, yes, a lot of things depend on it.
“So, that is why we painfully agreed that, look, a moderate or marginal five per cent to 10 per cent increase will be fine.
”You know, we do not mind an increase if it is to salvage the industry that is helping us, that means so much to us and that is also contributing double-digit to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
“So, we appreciate that. It’s painful, but we granted. We said, okay, we will not mind if it is just five per cent to 10 per cent increase,’’ he said.
The NATCOMS boss stressed that, if the operators really needed funds, they should explore the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
“The industry operators can opt for an Initial Public Offer (IPO) for Nigerians to buy shares in their companies as a way of raising funds.
“However, a situation where a whole 50 per cent is granted for tariff hike is not cheap and it is a no! no! from us subscribers.”
He reiterated that the body will take the case to the court.
“I mean, for what we are already going through, no for us, we will challenge this in court,’’ Mr Ogunbanjo insisted.
The NCC announcing the hike on Monday said the increase was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.
“…Over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024,” the announcement statement noted.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigeria’s telecom landscape is about to be abuzz, with the much-anticipated launch of Flexmobile from Hazon Technologies.
Feelers indicate that the company will soon make a commercial debut, as the regulatory approval is now in the final stage.
It was gathered that the commercial rollout for Flexmobile should be June 1, 2026, as this depends on the authorisation of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates the sector. The telco will have the distinctive 081 number series.
Early signals suggest a product ecosystem engineered around flexibility, data-centricity, and user control—an approach aligned with the evolving expectations of Nigeria’s digitally connected population.
For seamless operations, Flexmobile has sealed commercial agreements with its MVNE, IMBIL, and Airtel Nigeria.
“What lies ahead is more than a launch—it is the beginning of a new way to experience telecoms in Nigeria,” the chief executive of Hazon Technologies, Mr Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi, said at a recent media briefing.
“After years of building the right partnerships and infrastructure, we are approaching a defining milestone. Flexmobile is designed to challenge conventions and introduce a smarter, more flexible telecom experience for Nigerians,” he added.
While full details of its offering will be unveiled at launch, Flexmobile is expected to introduce a suite of value-added services designed to go beyond traditional connectivity—positioning the brand at the intersection of telecoms, lifestyle, and digital enablement.
Backed by strong institutional partnerships and a robust MVNE framework, Flexmobile enters the market not just as another operator, but as a platform with the potential to reshape how telecom services are consumed and experienced.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, ipNX Nigeria, is joining forces with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to accelerate broadband penetration and drive inclusive digital growth across the country.
Recently, an executive delegation of the organisation paid a visit to the chairman of the regulatory agency, Mr Idris Olorunimbe.
“We are pleased to engage with the new chairman of the NCC and show our support as he takes on this important role.
“Strong leadership and a clear policy direction are essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“At ipNX, we remain committed to working closely with the commission and other stakeholders to expand broadband access, enhance connectivity in educational institutions, and ultimately bridge the digital divide.
“This collaboration will empower millions of Nigerians and further position the country as a leader in Africa’s technological evolution,” the Managing Director of ipNX Nigeria, Mr Ejovi Aror, said at the visit.
In his remarks, Mr Olorunnimbe thanked the firm for the show of support, reiterating the commission’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private sector participation in achieving universal broadband access across Nigeria.
This collaboration is expected to advance Nigeria’s transformation agenda in technology and help boost the federal government’s broadband agenda for the country.
ipNX Nigeria has said it remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge broadband and ICT solutions, and this engagement underscores its unwavering dedication to supporting national development through technology-driven initiatives.
By Adedapo Adesanya
MTN Nigeria is restructuring its fintech business by bringing in its parent company, MTN Group, as a major investor to help cushion against losses that have plagued the units.
Yesterday, MTN Nigeria announced that its parent firm, based in South Africa, will acquire a 60 per cent stake in MoMo Payment Service Bank Limited (MoMo PSB) and Y’ello Digital Financial Services (YDFS) Limited.
MoMo is a payment service bank business that provides financial services, including deposits, payments, transfers and digital wallets to individuals and small businesses in Nigeria via digital and mobile‑based platforms.
Y’ello Digital is a licensed super-agent that provides agency banking and financial services, including cash deposits, withdrawals and bill payments. It operates through the MoMo network.
In an explanatory note in respect of the proposed transaction on Tuesday, MTN Nigeria said the transaction will cost N95.5 billion and reduce its exposure to the “loss-making” financial technology (fintech) companies.
According to the Nigerian subsidiary, the acquisition, which the South African company will conduct through another subsidiary, MTN Group Fintech, is a restructuring that consists of two phases.
MTN Nigeria said the first phase is the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in each of the two fintech companies by MTN Group.
“MTN Group Fintech will acquire a 60 per cent stake in each of the Fintech Companies through a combination of primary issuance of shares by the Fintech Companies and a secondary acquisition of shares in MoMo PSB from MTN Nigeria, at an agreed valuation of N95.5 billon (on an intra-group debt free and cash free basis), resulting in an implied capital injection of N152.06 billion payable in cash or consideration other than cash, or a combination (the “Investment Amount”) into the Fintech Companies; and MTN Nigeria will retain a 40% stake in the Fintech Companies,” the statement read.
According to the explanatory note, the second phase is the creation of a financial holding company named Fintech HoldCo, which will be 60 per cent owned by MTN Group Fintech and 40 per cent owned by MTN Nigeria.
The fintech units are currently loss-making, and this move will help MTN Nigeria to reduce financial risk and share future losses and investment burden. However, it will still keep a significant minority stake (40 per cent)
The network provider said the transaction phase will be completed with Fintech HoldCo acquiring the shares held by MTN Group Fintech and MTN Nigeria in MoMo and Y’ello Digital.
“Subject to obtaining the approval of the CBN, Fintech HoldCo will become the 100% owner of the shares in the Fintech Companies, having acquired all the shares held respectively by MTN Group Fintech and MTN Nigeria in the Fintech Companies,” the telecommunications company said.
MTN Nigeria said an annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on April 30, for shareholders to consider and, if thought fit, approve the proposed transaction.
The telco said the proposed transaction distributes operational risks, allowing MTN Group Fintech to share future capital risks, such as losses, regulatory burdens and execution risks.
In August 2024, MTN Nigeria acquired a 7.17 per cent stake held by Acxani Capital Limited in MoMo.
The acquisition increased MTN Nigeria’s total stake in MoMo to 100 per cent.
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