Zdravstvuyte,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here's what I've got for you today:
- A digital platform for monthly rent in Lagos
- Why he’s in this company for the long run
- New guidelines for telcos in Nigeria
A digital platform for monthly rent in Lagos
Lagos State has disclosed plans to launch a new digital platform for monthly rent payments to make things easier for residents.
They’re hoping this will rake in about ₦2.5 billion a year from around 100,000 users. The platform will be a joint project with agencies like the Ministry of Housing and tech partners.
So, why’s this a big deal? Lagos has been hit with complaints about skyrocketing rent, with prices soaring over 100% in the past four years.
The state government says the platform will tackle those issues by offering a clear and efficient way to handle rent, which could help ease the financial strain on residents.
The state’s putting about ₦300 million into the project over the next 4 to 6 months for development, operations, and promotion.
This move comes after the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akindeli-Fatai, pointed out the struggles with affordable housing in Lagos, thanks to its rapid population growth and limited land.
Let the best of tech news come to you
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
On top of the new platform, the government’s also cracking down on landlords who are charging outrageous rents.
Akindeli-Fatai has warned homeowners against unreasonable rent increases and said the government will take action against those who do. There have been a lot of complaints about high rents lately, so the state is stepping in to ensure things are fair.
Overall, this new initiative is part of Lagos’s effort to tackle the rent crisis and make it easier for residents to manage their payments. With the rising cost of living, this platform could offer some much-needed relief and transparency for Lagosians.
Why he’s in this company for the long run
In this week’s Work Life, Oluwanifemi caught up with Dozie, a full-stack software developer at a company that's tripled in size over the past two years. Dozie’s not planning to leave anytime soon, and the best part? He works remotely, even though there’s a physical office. Talk about living the dream!
Dozie’s story is refreshing. He talked about how he taught himself full-stack development while in school and eventually scored a job that’s been well worth the wait.
First off, where it started: Dozie’s coding journey kicked off in his second year of university back in 2015, studying Computer Science. Funny enough, before getting admitted, he wanted to study Petroleum Engineering. There’s a lot more to the story, so you’ll want to check it out to get the full scoop.
Here’s the next part: After finishing school, he had several plans in mind. While still a student, he began training other students in programming. One of his big goals after graduation was to set up a tech hub to take this training to the next level.
Although he couldn’t start it right away, it’s still a passion he’s determined to pursue. Dozie envisions creating a unique training centre in Nigeria with innovative learning methods and aims to become a globally recognised problem-solver in engineering.
Curious about Dozie’s full journey? Click this link to dive into his story!
New guidelines for telcos in Nigeria
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out new guidelines for telecom operators to ensure they give clear info on how subscribers are charged for calls and data.
Why? To tackle the frustrating issues of sudden data depletion and rapidly draining airtime many users have been facing.
Per the regulator, the new guidelines, — the ‘Guidance for the Simplification of Tariffs’ — are all about promoting transparency and helping consumers understand their charges better.
The NCC wants telecom companies to display all tariff details on their websites, including how each plan stacks up against others. This way, subscribers can make more informed decisions about their plans.
Now, when you check your balance with the *310# code, you should see detailed info like your plan name, validity, and rates for calls, data, and texts. The NCC also wants telecoms to focus on clear consumer education and straightforward marketing.
I gave it a try yesterday, but it seems like nothing has changed. Maybe Airtel is a bit late to the party? I wouldn’t think so, especially since we're not talking about Glo or 9Mobile. Just saying! 😂
Jokes aside, operators have until December 3, 2024, to migrate subscribers to the new simplified tariff plans while offering existing bonus-led plans. The watchdog also insists that all promotional offers be standalone with clear terms, subject to approval.
This new rule comes after endless complaints about data disappearing too quickly, usually blamed on background apps and auto-updates. To fix this, the NCC has ordered an independent audit of billing systems by the mobile networks and is pushing for clearer tariff info.
In case you missed it
- 3 reasons why WhatsApp will not leave Nigeria
- Answering 6 crucial questions on taxing remote workers in Lagos
- FCCPC asserts its orders against WhatsApp are based on legitimate concerns
What I'm watching
- Why Logical Thinking is Illogical - Rory Sutherland
Opportunities
- Pillser is hiring a remote UI/UX Designer needed. Apply here.
- Are you a tech professional in Africa? Take a few minutes to fill this questionnaire about your job among others. You also stand a chance at winning 100 Euros.
- Follow Techpoint Africa's WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
- Flutterwave is hiring for several roles in many countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, India, and Egypt. Apply here.
- Ventures Platform has over 100 job openings across its portfolio companies. Apply here.
Have a productive week!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
