50% Tariff Increase for Telecom Operators
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a tariff increase for telecommunications operators, raising rates by up to 50%. This decision follows requests by network providers to adjust tariffs in response to market conditions, though the increase is far lower than the more than 100% originally proposed by some operators. The new tariff adjustments are capped at 50% of current rates and will adhere to the 2013 NCC Cost Study, with future reviews being conducted on a case-by-case basis.
Suleja Tanker Explosion: Victims Transferred for Better Care
In response to the devastating tanker explosion in Suleja, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate transfer of the victims to tertiary medical centers for enhanced treatment. Twenty patients were taken to the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja, and two others were moved to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi. The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is monitoring the situation closely to ensure the welfare of the victims and provide timely updates.
Wabara Criticizes Wike’s Comments
Former Senate President and PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, responded to disparaging remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, about him. Wabara, who served as the third-ranking official in Nigeria, criticized Wike for making unguarded and disrespectful comments in a live television interview. Wabara emphasized that such statements were unbecoming of someone in Wike’s position and urged him to show more respect in public discourse.
Lawmakers Summon Ministers Over Budget Allocation for Solid Minerals Ministry
The National Assembly’s joint committee on Solid Minerals has summoned Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, to testify regarding a proposed ₦9 billion budget allocation for the Ministry of Solid Minerals for 2025. Lawmakers criticized the allocation as insufficient, and the committee had previously requested Bagudu’s presence to explain why the funding was deemed inadequate for the ministry’s needs. The ministers are expected to appear before the committee for clarification.
NAF Denies Responsibility for Buguma Wellhead Explosion
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied any involvement in the explosion at a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) wellhead in Buguma, Rivers State. NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa clarified that the wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to illegal activities in the region, long before NAF operations began. He also released footage showing the crude oil leakage and surrounding flames, denying that the explosion was caused by NAF actions. The Air Force reiterated its commitment to targeting only illegal refining sites while safeguarding infrastructure.
Kemi Badenoch Criticized for Remarks About Nigeria
Daniel Bwala, the Presidential spokesman, accused UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch of attempting to undermine Nigeria to gain favor within her party. Badenoch had criticized the Nigerian government, claiming she did not want the UK to resemble Nigeria. Bwala dismissed concerns that her comments would negatively impact Nigeria’s efforts to attract foreign investors, arguing that Badenoch’s remarks were part of her strategy to appeal to her political base.
Niger Tanker Explosion Death Toll Rises to 98
The death toll from the deadly petrol tanker explosion in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 98, with 69 people confirmed injured. The explosion occurred when a petrol tanker lost control and spilled its contents, causing a massive fire. Over 20 shops were destroyed in the incident, and many people in the area were caught in the explosion while attempting to scoop fuel. Authorities have confirmed the ongoing investigation and response to the tragedy.
President Tinubu’s Teamwork Governance Style Praised
Daniel Bwala, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, highlighted the President’s collaborative approach to governance, which has fostered strong cooperation between the federal government and state governors. Bwala pointed to Tinubu’s work on the Tax Reform Bill, local government autonomy, and his consultations with governors as examples of his teamwork-oriented leadership style. Bwala emphasized that the President works closely with governors to ensure national progress and emphasized that delay in some allocations was due to seeking consensus with state leaders.
Bello Turji’s Son Killed in Military Operation
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that Nigerian military forces killed the son of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji during a major clearance operation on January 17. The operation, part of the military’s efforts to dismantle terrorist cells, also resulted in the destruction of a logistics base and the rescue of several hostages. The DHQ condemned Turji for abandoning his son and fighters during the operation, calling him a “coward” for fleeing the scene. The military vowed to continue its efforts to neutralize Turji in 2025.
Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th US President
Donald Trump was officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic comeback after losing to Joe Biden in 2020. In his second inaugural address, Trump promised immediate action on key issues, including immigration reform and US cultural policies. The inauguration was marked by the presence of various foreign leaders, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Due to inclement weather, the ceremony was moved indoors, marking the first time since 1985 that this happened during a presidential inauguration.