Hello,
Delight from Techpoint here,
Here's what I have for you today:
- 10% more for your calls: NATCOMS' proposal
- When ₦50K buys a toxic work environment
- Uber, Bolt on thin ice with frustrated drivers
10% more for your calls: NATCOMS' proposal
In August 2024, Nigerian telcos threatened to cut services, considering a load-shedding strategy in response to financial pressures. While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) acknowledged the challenging environment, they suspect this is merely a tactic to justify a tariff increase.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) disagrees.
NATCOMS is now advocating a modest 10% tariff increase for telecoms companies. It argues that this adjustment would help address the rising operation costs and create a balance that benefits telecom providers and their users.
Deolu Ogungbanjo, president of NATCOMS, highlighted telecom operators’ challenges in maintaining their services. Given the current economic conditions, it is clear that many telcos are struggling, leading to a noticeable decline in service quality, with some reportedly already implementing load shedding.
NATCOMS has stated it will hold the NCC accountable if the situation worsens. The association has also insisted that any tariff increase should be accompanied by strict monitoring to ensure the additional funds are used to enhance service quality.
When ₦50K buys a toxic work environment
Being a startup employee often brings a host of amusing experiences. More often than not, the demands of the job outweigh the pay. But would you take on the CEO's responsibilities for ₦50K?
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I might consider it if it were $50K, but in naira? Nah, in Victoria's voice.
Many people face toxicity in their workplaces yet struggle to recognise it. This often leads them to doubt their potential and question whether they are the problem.
Take Timi*, for instance; he claims that his employer “punished” him by withholding his salary. For a Nigerian, he remains surprisingly composed, as I know how most people would react to such a situation.
One key indicator of a toxic work environment is the absence of boundaries. Personal time and space should be a priority. While it's important to foster relationships, if those interactions make you uncomfortable and you feel unable to assert yourself, that's a significant red flag.
In Oluwanifemi's latest story, you will gain insight into the mind of someone who has endured considerable workplace toxicity yet still aspires to work with startups. Read it here.
Uber, Bolt on thin ice with frustrated drivers
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has issued a statement, condemning e-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt for their unfair policies and practices towards drivers.
The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the driver score feature on the app and the rigid commission structure. This is not the first instance of discontent among app-based transporters; in June 2024, Uber and Bolt drivers in Lagos urged the government to address regulations affecting the e-hailing sector.
The driver score feature was initially intended to provide a metric for measuring the percentage of successful trips. However, according to Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, the Lagos council chairman, it has become a significant constraint, causing instability and psychological stress that limits drivers' flexibility.
Moreover, the commission for drivers has remained unchanged despite ongoing economic difficulties in the country. With rising fuel costs, long hours spent in petrol queues, and the investment of time and effort, drivers feel the current commission structure fails to adequately compensate them for their hardships.
While drivers are calling for an increase in ride fares, this would ultimately affect customers, who would bear the brunt of any price hikes. Currently set at 25%, drivers are advocating for a reduction to a unified 10% commission, which would enhance their earnings per trip.
In case you missed them
- 54gene founder breaks silence on resignation, opens up about personal struggles
- Intelsat unveils CellBackhaul in Nigeria to enhance Africa’s connectivity infrastructure
What I'm watching and reading
- Beyond our solar system: An epic journey to neighbouring stars
- The man who only loved numbers by Paul Hoffman
Opportunities
- Spiralyse is hiring a frontend developer. Apply here.
- An organisation is hiring a virtual assistant. Apply here.
- Interswitch is looking for a Data Scientist and Business Developer Manager in Lagos. Apply here.
- Flutterwave is hiring for several roles in Nigeria, Malawi, Egypt, and South Africa. Apply here.
- Paystack is hiring for several roles in Nigeria and Ghana. Apply here.
- Moniepoint is recruiting for several roles in Lagos and remotely. Apply here.
- Briter Bridges is hiring for several roles in Nigeria, Kenya, and London. Apply here.
- Kuda is looking for a Product Manager. Apply here.
- Quidax is hiring a Head of Growth and Partnerships. Apply here.
- Kuda is hiring a Senior IOS Engineer. Apply here.
- Meta is hiring software engineers here.
- Follow Techpoint Africa's WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Sunny Delight for Techpoint Africa.
