The adjustment, authorised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), comes after over a decade of unchanged pricing in the industry, despite high inflation impacting the costs of operations.

The statement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre revealed that the approval, however, does not mandate an immediate increase in tariffs. “It is equally important to highlight that this approval does not mean automatic increases in tariffs. Operators are still free to maintain their current rates if they find them sustainable.”

The Presidency also noted that the approved tariff hike is well below the over 100% increase originally requested by service providers, pointing to the government’s goal to balance the needs of the telecom sector with the economic realities faced by Nigerian households and businesses.

The statement highlighted the role the telecom industry plays in Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of individuals and businesses that depend on uninterrupted connectivity for daily activities. 

“The telecom sector is a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of users and businesses that rely on uninterrupted connectivity for daily activities. Without a sustainable pricing model, the sector risks stagnation, with operators unable to maintain or upgrade infrastructure to meet increasing demands. By approving this modest adjustment, the NCC has ensured that operators can remain viable while creating room for innovation and improved service delivery.”

The Presidency pointed out that, without a sustainable pricing model, operators would face difficulties in maintaining and upgrading their infrastructure to meet growing demands. This, in turn, could lead to stagnation in the sector, sabotaging the quality of service.

It was also stressed that the NCC has introduced strict regulatory measures alongside the tariff adjustment, aimed at simplifying tariff structures and curbing exploitative billing practices. 

New sanctions for operators who fail to meet service obligations will ensure greater accountability and improved customer service. The Presidency reaffirmed that these changes aim to ensure that both operators and consumers benefit from a more transparent and fair telecommunications environment.

The adjustment comes after the NCC announced the approval on January 20, due to high costs of operations and the need for the sector’s sustainability. 

While the increase is seen as a necessary move to support telecom operators, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has threatened to challenge the decision in court. 

The association argues that the tariff hike was approved without sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, particularly the subscribers who will ultimately bear the cost.

Nonetheless, the Presidency remains firm on its stand, presenting the 50% tariff adjustment as an initiative for the telecom industry to thrive, meeting the demands of digitalisation.

The soon-to-be-launched card aims to bring better access to essential services, such as financial inclusion, government interventions, and job applications, providing Nigerians with a simplified, reliable identification system.

One advantage of the new ID card is its potential to drive financial inclusion. With over 100 million Nigerians currently excluded from the formal banking system, the new card will bring a good portion of the population into the fold. 

It will serve as a gateway for Nigerians to open bank accounts, access credit facilities, and request either debit or credit cards, with the added benefit of building a verifiable credit score. This development will make it easier for citizens to secure loans from both government and private financial institutions.

This innovation is backed by a partnership between NIMC and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which will work together to establish reliable credit scores for all Nigerians who have registered their National Identification Number (NIN). 

The integration of credit scores with the NIN will simplify access to loans and other financial services, greatly easing financial transactions for many Nigerians.

Again, the new National ID card will be a mandatory requirement for applying for jobs in both government and private sectors. This step aims to ensure that employers can confidently verify the identity of job applicants, giving them a clear and accurate view of an individual’s background. 

With the NIN card serving as an official identification, this process will help eliminate fraud and ensure greater transparency in hiring practices.

The ID card will also simplify a range of administrative functions. It will be accepted as a valid form of identification for essential services, such as voter registration and passport applications.

The simplicity of presenting a single card for these services will save time and reduce bureaucracy, ensuring that Nigerians can access services without unnecessary delays.

Added to these, the NIN card will help in the distribution of government interventions, helping to ensure that only eligible citizens receive social benefits. 

As part of the government’s vision to reduce corruption and improve transparency, the card will provide a secure means for accessing various government services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the National ID card will also be compatible with Nigeria’s digital currency, the eNaira. 

This will allow cardholders to make digital transactions securely, further integrating the ID card into the nation’s growing financial ecosystem.

Dr. Peter Iwegbu, head of Card Management Services at NIMC, confirmed that the distribution of the new cards will begin shortly, with plans in place for decentralised access through banks nationwide. 

Nigerians will be able to request and collect their cards at local bank branches, and the NIMC will ensure that the pricing remains consistent across institutions.

This initiative is expected to increase transparency, reduce fraud, and promote financial inclusion.