Author: Vardiafrica

The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs until service delivery improves. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep. Obuku Offorji during plenary on Tuesday Offorji recalled that the minister had announced, after a stakeholders’ meeting on January 8, that telecom operators were pushing for a tariff increase, with some proposing hikes as high as 100 percent. While the minister clarified that the increase would not reach 100 percent, he stated that the…

The Government of Botswana has introduced new social welfare initiatives designed to improve the well-being of its citizens, with implementation set to begin in 2025. Key measures include a monthly allowance for newborn babies, free sanitary pads for female students, and an increase in the Old Age Pension, also known as the Tandabala Allowance. Botswana’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba N. Gaolathe, announced during the 2025/2026 budget presentation on February 10 that newborn babies would receive a monthly allowance of P300 until they turn one year old. “We are also proposing a targeted monthly allowance of P300.00…

President Bola Tinubu has instructed all ministers in his administration to provide a detailed account of their stewardship to Nigerians with immediate effect. The directive was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, February 11. Idris explained that the briefings by the ministers are intended to keep the public informed about the government’s actions and achievements, as well as to offer Nigerians the opportunity to ask questions. This move follows a previous directive from Tinubu, where ministers were required to sign performance guidelines before their swearing-in, signalling the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review on the transaction fees for automated teller machines (ATMs) In a circular signed by John Onojah, acting director of financial policy and regulation department, the CBN said the revised charges will take effect from March 1. The regulator said the move would address rising operational costs and enhance efficiency in the banking sector. The last time ATM transactions charges were reviewed was in 2019, when the CBN reduced the withdrawal fees from N65 to N35. While the latest increase means Nigerians will pay more for more ATM transactions, the apex bank…

MTN Nigeria has increased the price of its data subscriptions as telecommunications operators in Nigeria have begun the implementation of the 50% price increment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The revised MTN data prices seen by Nairametrics show that MTN’s 1.8GB monthly plan now goes for N1,500. This replaces the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000. The 20GB plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, a rise from N4,500. Text message now N6.00 While other mobile operators comprising Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile are yet to update their data…

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has warned police officers in the country against rights violations, and other misconduct.  “No operative should be seen carrying assault arms (rifles) while dressed in civilian attire (mufti),” the IGP said in a virtual meeting with police managers on Monday, according to a statement by Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi. The IGP said he has received various complaints regarding rights violations through the Force’s complaint channels. He warned that any conduct violating human rights won’t be tolerated and would be met with severe consequences. “The IGP also warned all tactical squads against the…

The Federal Government has commenced the selection process for appointing a new Accountant-General of the Federation and permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies in Oyo State and the North-West geo-political zone. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu. According to Walson-Jack, the selection process will involve a written examination conducted by a top Federal Government security agency. The examination questions will be set and marked by serving and retired permanent secretaries. “Observers from…

The Federal Government has hiked the application fees for new private universities to N25m from N5m. This was contained in a memo issued by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu said on Monday. The Commission said the move was part of its efforts at repositioning private universities in Nigeria to better meet the needs of the citizenry and for better coordination of the development of the Private University Education sub-sector of the Nigerian University System. It also said it has identified the need to review the guidelines for the establishment of private universities. The memo…

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms that prioritise inclusive growth and bridge financial gaps across the country. Accordingly, he inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) as part of the federal government’s commitment to achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. The event also witnessed the signing of an investment agreement by private sector stakeholders to provide the foundational infrastructure needed for the full operationalisation of the Aso Accord initiative. The accord signed on Thursday, 25th April 2024 at the State House Banquet Hall is a core pillar of…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has recorded some achievements in its war against abuse of narcotic substances, especially with the cooperation of sub-nationals. The agency’s spokesman Femi Babafemi in a televised interview today said some state governments in the country have embraced the NDLEA’s advocacy to make drug tests mandatory for appointees and employees. He said, “It’s an advocacy move and that has been going on since 2021. Quite a number of state governments are already making this a policy in their states to ensure that whoever goes for an elective position or whoever is appointed…