The Federal Government has announced plans to increase telecom tariffs but assured Nigerians the hike will not be as high as the 100% requested by telecom operators.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will develop guidelines for a reasonable adjustment to telecom tariffs.

Tijani explained, “We have reviewed various factors to ensure the telecom sector continues to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. These include implementing the Executive Order to protect telecom infrastructure, significantly increasing local content, and ensuring the sustainability of telecom companies.

“As inflation affects economies worldwide, we are focused on maintaining the viability of these companies so they can keep supporting our economy. Over the past weeks, telecom operators have agitated for a 100% increase in tariffs, but this is not something the government can agree to at this time.”

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to balancing the interests of consumers and operators while fostering economic growth in the telecom industry.

READ ALSO: Telcos Seek NCC Approval for 100% Tariff Increase

The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a loan of €245 million ($254.76 million) to support the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the bank emphasized that the funding aims to ensure the smooth progress of the 203-kilometer standard-gauge railway, which will establish direct rail connectivity between Kano and Abuja upon completion.

“This railway will stimulate the development of related industries along the route, while also creating numerous job opportunities in Nigeria,” the statement noted.

The Kano-Kaduna railway project has been recognized as one of the key initiatives under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Construction is being handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with financial backing from the CDB.

The bank assured continued collaboration with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the timely disbursement of funds and the successful completion of the project.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed the arrest of a teacher following the circulation of a viral video showing the alleged physical abuse of a three-year-old boy at a school in Ikorodu.

The agency made this known on Wednesday through a statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account.

The video, originally posted by a user identified as #dammiedammie35, showed a female teacher slapping the boy’s face. The post was captioned:
"Footage from Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu. A teacher named Stella Nwadigo was witnessed mistreating and physically abusing a three-year-old boy, Abayomi Micheal. This raises serious concerns about the safety of our little ones in school."

In response to the outcry, the Lagos DSVA expressed gratitude to those who flagged the incident, assuring the public that swift action had been taken.

"We appreciate everyone who brought this disturbing incident to our attention. The teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and investigations are ongoing," the agency's statement read.

The DSVA emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to child protection, insisting that schools must provide safe and nurturing environments.

"Institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective spaces for all children. The state government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and collaborating with stakeholders to uphold a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse," the statement continued.

The agency also urged members of the public with additional information about this case or similar incidents to reach out via its toll-free hotline, 08000 333 333, or through its social media platforms.

Footage from Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, a teacher named Stella Nwadigo was witnessed mistreating and physically abus!ng a 3-year-old boy, Abayomi Micheal. The footage has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of our little ones in school💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ftLUWwvsXs

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) January 8, 2025