Business

Rising data costs will worsen Nigeria’s connectivity gap – CITAD warns

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised concerns over the increasing cost of internet data in Nigeria, warning that it further widens the country’s existing digital divide.

The centre argued that the increase in data will leave many underserved communities without access to essential online services.

Haruna Adamu Hadeija, the Coordinator of Community Network, CITAD, revealed this while speaking at a press briefing held at the CITAD office in Kano on Monday.

He emphasized the impact of rising data costs on marginalized communities.

According to Hadeija, the 50% tariff increase on data, calls, and SMS approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made it increasingly difficult for communities already struggling with poor connectivity to access the internet.

“Now that data charges have been jerked up by 50%, students and parents in underserved areas have to ‘dearly’ pay to enable their children to learn online,” Hadeija said.

“This cost hike not only widens the existing connectivity gap but also makes digital liberation nearly impossible for millions of Nigerians.”

Hadeija noted that while Nigeria has made strides in expanding internet access, an estimated 27.91 million people in 97 underserved communities still lack internet access, according to a 2022 report by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

He highlighted how this lack of connectivity continues to disenfranchise students, youth, and women, particularly those in rural areas.

“In regions where internet access is absent, parents must send their children far from home just to register for computer-based tests, conduct exams, and check their results. It is unfair that many communities are left behind because they cannot afford internet services,” he added.

The CITAD coordinator stressed the need for urgent policy interventions to address the widening digital divide.

He called on the Minister for Digital Economy to officially recognize community networks as an additional layer of connectivity providers in the country.

“We urge the USPF to support local communities with grants to deploy their own connectivity initiatives. These community networks are not competitors to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs); they are complementary solutions to bridge the existing connectivity gap,” Hadeija appealed.

CITAD also proposed capacity-building initiatives to empower local communities in resource mobilization and sustainability to create self-sufficient, community-centered networks.

Business

BREAKING: Air Peace suspends flight operations nationwide

Lagos to Abuja now costs N100,000 as operators list challenges

Air Peace Ltd. has announced the suspension of all flight operations nationwide due to the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to Ndiulo, the decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

He said without these reports from the control tower, flight safety could not be guaranteed.

“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.

“We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling,” he said.

The staff of NiMET on Tuesday commenced an indefinite strike over the condition of service and other demands.

Business

NNDC nets N3.24bn profit, unveils bold vision for growth

The New Nigeria Development Company Limited (NNDC) has reported a profit before tax of ₦3.24 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, representing a significant growth from ₦2.51 billion recorded in the previous year.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Board, Mr Lamis Dikko, during the company’s 56th Annual General Meeting held at The Raffle Suites on Wednesday in Kaduna.

In his address, Dikko appreciated the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) for its strategic direction and confidence in the newly restructured board.

He particularly commended the forum’s Chairman, Gov. Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, for his leadership and commitment to the reforms that wete repositioning the NNDC for optimal performance.

The chairman also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past biard led by Alhaji Tanimu Yakubu, highlighting their efforts in reorganising the Company’s investment activities, especially in the capital market.

According to him, in spite of the economic challenges in 2024, including soaring inflation that peaked at 34.6 per cent and food inflation at 39.93% the NNDC recorded a 33 per cent increase in revenue.

This totalled ₦794.64 million, while cutting down operating expenses to ₦974.14 million, a 9 per cent drop from the previous year.

Dikko attributed the improved performance to prudent resource management and operational efficiency, with the Company’s Shareholders’ Fund standing at ₦26.77 billion as of March 31, 2024.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the NNDC was proposing sustained funding to the Young Professional Development Trust (YPDT) and the Musa Bello Learning Resource Centre Fund.

He said the company had so far trained 1,718 young Northern professionals across various fields including Accounting,Insurance, Stockbroking, and IT through partnerships with institutions like ICAN.

According to him,looking ahead, the NNDC board has pledged to maintain strong corporate governance and pursuance of strategic investments.

It would focus on drive of inclusive growth in line with the vision of its founding fathers, notably the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.

“The new NNDC board is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous company that will continue to deliver long-term value for shareholders and contribute meaningfully to the development of Northern Nigeria,” Dikko affirmed.

The chairman concluded by commending the NNDC staff and the Northern Governors for their support while calling for continued collaboration to achieve shared developmental goals.

Business

Nigeria imported N14t Chinese goods in 2024 – NBS

The sharp imbalance also highlights the urgency of industrialising Nigeria’s export base to achieve more equitable trade terms. China retained its position as Nigeria’s top import partner in 2024, ahead of countries such as Belgium, India, the Netherlands, and the United States.

For exports, China lagged behind nations like Spain, India, the Netherlands, France, and Indonesia. Trade between the two countries has grown steadily over the years, driven by bilateral agreements, China’s infrastructure investment footprint in Nigeria, and the demand for Chinese machinery and manufactured goods.

There have been concerns around the structural trade imbalance, with experts urging policymakers to negotiate fairer trade terms and support local industries to reduce dependence on imports.