Technology
Telco Tariff Hike Not Good for Low-Income Earners—LCCI
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that while the approved tariff hike may ease production costs for telecommunications operators, low-income consumers will surely experience more pressure on their livelihood.
Recall that last week, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent hike on mobile phone calls, SMS, and internet data costs for the first time since 2013.
However, there have been reactions from consumers, with the LCCI joining to shout from the rooftop, calling for continuous engagement by stakeholders in the sector to create a win-win situation.
According to the Director General of the LCCI, Mrs Chinyere Almona, while telecommunications had become a critical part of lifestyle and businesses; the sector must remain competitive to deliver quality services.
She noted the emerging innovative landscape in food production, surveillance technology for security and exploits of artificial intelligence depended on a robust digital ecosystem.
Mrs Almona said the current environment in which the sector operated had become too expensive for their profitability.
She explained that factors such as rising energy costs, increasing price of network equipment, inflation, and currency depreciation placed heavy financial burdens on operators.
According to her, a combination of these factors led telecom providers to increase tariffs to mitigate the rising cost.
“The recent hike in telecoms tariff has attracted mixed reactions.
“While this hike may offer relief for the operators, it risks placing additional strain on consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets,” the DG said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos.
She noted that a factor of consideration by most stakeholders was that Nigerian citizens and businesses deserved better services from the operators, adding that consumers deserved more robust regulation from government.
Mrs Almona said that in the quest for a one trillion-dollar economy, there was need for more investments in critical infrastructure.
This, she said, would drive the much-needed digital revolution for growth and development.
“A robust digital infrastructure will support innovation across all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Looking beyond the hike, the operators and regulators need to settle down into delivering quality services to drive operational cost efficiency for businesses and support the automation of government services.
“We reiterate our call for reducing human interface in the conduct of regulatory services like licensing of products, obtaining necessary permits, issuance of certifications, and port operations.”
Mrs Almona also noted that a significant item for inclusion in rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is activities in the Information and Communications Technology sector.
She said the sector recorded resilient growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and had also led other sectors in the post-pandemic recovery and stability.
She stated that this reality should attract more government attention and funding for the digital and creative industry.
“To remain competitive and continue to provide quality service, telecom operators must overcome significant challenges.
“Nigeria’s digital economy must be empowered to catalyse economic growth and be the driver of innovation and possibilities,” she said.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A mobile application, MyLagosApp, designed to provide real-time updates on events, entertainment, hospitality, transport services and government-related payments, has been launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The digital platform was created by the Software Lab in MTN, according to the Chief Information Officer of MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke, and is embedded with global security standards and practices with ISO 27001 certification.
At the launch of the app last Thursday, it was emphasised that security was a key priority in the design and development of the app to ensure the protection of user data and secure access to the app’s features and functionalities.
MyLagosApp, currently entitled MyCityApp on the app store, is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Users have been encouraged to download it to experience firsthand how urban living in Lagos has been transformed with the app.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mr Obafemi Hamzat, while speaking at the unveiling of the app, reinforced the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced city management and connectivity.
He described it as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to enhancing the lives of citizens through technological innovation.
“I commend the collaboration between MTN Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, alongside other key stakeholders, for making this vision a reality.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of technology in bridging the gap between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and improve lives.
“The app serves as a vital link between the government and the people, simplifying access to public services, providing real-time updates, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
“Whether you need to navigate government processes, access essential city services, or stay informed about key developments, MyLagosApp places all the information you need right at your fingertips,” Mr Hamzat said on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
On his part, the chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, said, “As we embrace the future of e-governance, digital entertainment and commercial innovation, initiatives like this are essential in making Lagos a truly smart city, and we are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government to drive digital transformation and enhance urban living.
“With the launch of MyLagosApp, we are leveraging technology to simplify access to essential services, improve connectivity, and create a smarter, more efficient Lagos for residents and visitors alike.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, amid growing concerns over potential privacy violations.
This was disclosed, the chief executive of NDPC, Mr Vincent Olatunji, at a press conference in Abuja, where he also announced the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDPC act – GAID 2025).
According to Mr Olatunji, the commission is particularly concerned about how these platforms handle Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.
He said the NDPC is actively investigating the data processing activities of Tiktok and Truecaller to ensure their compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
He noted that the goal was to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data.
The investigation follows increasing scrutiny of global technology companies over data privacy concerns, particularly regarding how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025 provides a comprehensive framework for the implementation of Nigeria’s data protection law, setting out specific guidelines for compliance, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both private and public sector organisations.
He emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring that individuals’ rights to privacy are upheld in line with international best practices.
Mr Olatunji further reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must align with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions on their operations.
The NDPC has called on the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The agency stated that reporting data breaches have become easier with dedicated channels of reaching out to the commission from its official website.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Google has intensified calls for Nigerian businesses to tap into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as data shows how it is fundamentally transforming consumer behavior and creating unprecedented opportunities.
According to Mr Brendon Kraham, Vice President of Search and Commerce, Global Ads Solutions, the numbers show that Google products around the intersection of searching, streaming, scrolling, and shopping can help position businesses for growth.
Amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, technology is proving to be a pathway to drive brand awareness that resort to action.
“We’re observing a significant evolution in how people interact with technology and brands. This evolution is driven by AI and characterized by a multi-modal consumer journey, where searching, streaming, scrolling, and shopping seamlessly intertwine,” Mr Kraham stated.
He added that AI is now powering businesses when it comes to modern search and advertising with Google’s AI Overviews, powered by Gemini, demonstrating how AI can provide richer, more conversational answers, leading to increased user engagement and exploration.
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