Zdrastĭ,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here's what I've got for you today:
- NCC proposes a 30-60% hike in telecom tariff
- All social media platforms in Kenya to open physical offices
- Nigeria launches NIN-enabled farmer registry
NCC proposes a 30-60% hike in telecom tariff
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably tired of the suspense the Nigerian government is putting us through over this telecom tariff hike. Honestly, if I could sit down with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, I’d probably ask, “Sir Tijani, why are you doing this to us? Why not just tell us what we want to hear? Why all the drama giving me mini heart attacks every time I see an update?” 😂
Let’s backtrack for a second. This whole tariff hike drama started in December 2024 when rumours swirled about a possible 40% increase in telecom tariffs. Of course, the NCC quickly shut that down, calling it untrue. But then telecom operators came in swinging, proposing a massive 100% hike. The government wasn’t having that either, and here we are — caught in the middle of a tug-of-war that just won’t end.
Fast forward to now, and the federal government has spoken up. Tijani revealed on Channels Television that they’re considering a more moderate tariff hike of 30–60%. Why? To keep the telecommunications sector alive while ensuring Nigerians can still afford services.
He explained that the telecom sector contributes over 16% to Nigeria’s GDP, employs thousands, and powers our digital economy. But, he admitted, the industry is facing serious challenges, and something has to give.
According to him, recommendations from consultants like KPMG are being reviewed, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is overseeing the process. The aim? To make data-driven decisions that prioritise consumer interests while keeping the sector sustainable.
Aside from the tariff drama, the government is making some moves to improve connectivity in underserved areas. They’re rolling out 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks and setting up telecom towers in remote regions. Tijani also touched on efforts to protect submarine cables (you know, the ones that keep us online) and harmonise taxes in the telecom sector.
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And for those of us who’ve been frustrated with network disruptions, here’s a bit of good news: the government plans to hold operators accountable for service issues. They’re aiming for "meaningful connectivity," promising speeds of 25 Mbps in cities and 10 Mbps in rural areas, along with better service delivery overall.
So, while the idea of a tariff hike doesn’t exactly thrill anyone, the government insists it’s all about creating a sustainable telecom sector that works for everyone. Let’s see how it all plays out.
All social media platforms in Kenya to open physical offices
Guess what? The Kenyan government's at it again with social media platforms! Yesterday, on January 16, 2025, the Ministry of Interior announced that all social media companies accessible to Kenyans must set up physical offices in the country.
This move aims to ensure these platforms are directly accountable for their content and usage.
This isn't the first time Kenya has pushed for local offices. Back in August 2023, TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, agreed to establish a Kenyan office after meeting with President William Ruto. The goal was to enhance content moderation and align with community standards.
If you’re wondering why, in the same month, Bob Ndolo, the CEO of Briget Connect Consultancy, filed a petition with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, asking for TikTok to be banned in Kenya. Why? The petition claimed that TikTok’s content is inappropriate, promoting violence, bad language, explicit sexual content, and hate speech, all of which are said to threaten Kenya’s cultural and religious values. But it’s been over a year, and there’s still no sign of an office.
What now? The latest directive targets major players like Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. The government cites rising issues like harassment, hate speech, and incitement to violence as reasons for this mandate. By having these companies on Kenyan soil, authorities believe they'll have better oversight and can address misuse more effectively.
However, this move has sparked debates. Some argue it might be a step toward regulating online content, potentially infringing on free speech. Given Kenya's history with digital rights, many are watching closely to see how this unfolds.
In essence, while the government's push aims to tackle legitimate concerns about online misuse, it's essential to balance these efforts with the preservation of digital freedoms. Or what do you think?
Nigeria launches NIN-enabled farmer registry
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) is shaking things up in the agriculture sector with a new tech-driven approach. Teaming up with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), they’ve launched a NIN-enabled farmer registry and a Government-to-People (G2P) card initiative.
Per Nairametrics, this new setup is part of President Bola Tinubu’s push for food security under his Renewed Hope Agenda. The idea? To make things simpler, more transparent, and more inclusive for farmers across Nigeria.
So, what’s the deal? This initiative tackles the big issue of identifying farmers and getting government benefits to the right people. With the NIN system in play, farmers’ biometric data — like farmland size, crop type, or livestock details—will be stored in a central registry. This way, the government can cut out fraud and ensure only the real farmers get access to subsidies, loans, or other support.
Now, let’s talk about the G2P card. This isn’t your everyday card. It’s a biometrics-powered multi-purpose card that doesn’t even need the Internet to work. Whether you’re in the heart of Lagos or a remote village, this card lets farmers access government programs and services easily. Think farmer loans, input distribution, mapping farmlands, or even extension services — all in one chip.
The card is unique to each farmer and linked directly to their NIN. It can also work as a digital wallet for things like subsidies, welfare payments, or pensions. Plus, its built-in security features mean only the rightful owner can use it.
Why does this matter? Nigeria’s agriculture sector has always struggled with ensuring the right people benefit from government programs. This new system streamlines everything and ensures transparency, making it easier for farmers to get the help they need while cutting out middlemen.
And there’s more! NIMC isn’t stopping with just farmers. They’re rolling out a multi-purpose ID card with AFRIGO, a Nigerian card company. This card will double as an ID and a tool for financial transactions, set to launch in 2025. It’s part of a broader plan to integrate tech into how government services work.
In case you missed them
- Selar, a Nigerian eCommerce platform for digital creators, paid out ₦9.8 billion in 2024
- Nigeria’s December inflation rate ranks highest among Africa’s top 10 economies
- World Bank pledges $500 million to support Nigeria’s 90,000km fibre optic network expansion
- OPEC Fund to inject $30m into Africa’s largest onshore wind farm in Egypt
What I'm watching
- How did Germany Get so Strong after Losing WW1? | Animated History
- The Real Reasons Why People Become Atheists
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Have a fun weekend!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.