Nigeria News (Standard)
ATCON Warns High Interest Rate Threatens Nigeria’s $1trn GDP Ambition at NCC Meeting in Abuja
Telecom operators urge urgent regulatory action as 33% lending rate, forex challenges endanger sector growth and digital economy targets
Telecom operators urge urgent regulatory action as 33% lending rate, forex challenges endanger sector growth and digital economy targets
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised alarm that the prevailing 33 per cent commercial interest rate is endangering the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom sector and jeopardising the federal government’s target of achieving a $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product by 2030. This warning was delivered in Abuja on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ consultation convened by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Mobile Termination Rates (MTR).
During the meeting, ATCON’s Coordinator of Telephone Operators, Chidi Ibisi, outlined how the high cost of borrowing, coupled with persistent foreign exchange volatility and inflationary pressures, is eroding the gains made since the sector was liberalised in 2001. According to Ibisi, investment in telecoms has grown from just $500 million at inception to over $75.6 billion today, but mounting economic headwinds now threaten future expansion and service delivery.
Ibisi stated that “High Interest Rates of over 33 per cent, high Foreign Exchange rates, high inflation,” among other challenges, have left operators struggling to finance network upgrades and expansion. He warned that unless regulators promptly implement cost-reflective termination rates for mobile calls, many operators may be forced to scale back operations or halt planned investments, with serious consequences for broadband access and job creation nationwide.
The telecom industry is considered a critical pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy strategy. Experts say any slowdown could undermine efforts to attract foreign investment and meet national targets for internet penetration and financial inclusion. ATCON emphasised that regulatory support is essential to cushion operators from harsh macroeconomic conditions.
While government has so far resisted calls from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose new taxes on telecom services and fuel, stakeholders insist that policy stability and improved access to affordable credit remain vital. The NCC said it would consider all submissions before issuing new MTR guidelines, while industry groups plan to continue lobbying for relief measures in the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Makinde Vows Swift Rescue After 32 Pupils, Teachers Abducted in Oyo’s Oriire LGA
Governor says Oyo ‘will not be Chibok’ as families protest, security forces intensify search in Old Oyo National Park
Governor says Oyo ‘will not be Chibok’ as families protest, security forces intensify search in Old Oyo National Park
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged that the mass abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area will not become a repeat of Nigeria’s infamous Chibok tragedy. The governor made the assurance on Tuesday at his Ikolaba, Ibadan residence while addressing families and demonstrators calling for urgent action to rescue the victims taken by armed men on 15 May 2026.
According to official briefings, gunmen attacked three schools—Community Secondary/Grammar School, Esiele; First Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele—abducting a total of 25 pupils and seven teachers. One teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was killed during the raid. Intelligence reports indicate that the abductees are being held deep inside Old Oyo National Park, a vast forest spanning several local councils and known for its difficult terrain.
The incident marks the first time in Nigeria that nursery and primary school pupils have been targeted in such numbers by kidnappers. Governor Makinde described the operation to rescue them as “a special type of operation if we do not want to lose any of those children,” stressing that the state government is “bending backwards” to ensure their safe return. He firmly declared: “Oyo State is not Chibok, and we will not be Chibok. Our children will never be in the same situation as Chibok children.”
The mass abduction has triggered widespread protests across Oyo State, with activists such as Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) leading calls for accountability and action. Security agencies have launched intensive search operations within Old Oyo National Park despite facing logistical challenges due to the dense forest. Makinde confirmed ongoing negotiations with the kidnappers while assuring residents that every effort is being made to avoid further casualties.
As at press time, rescue operations were still ongoing with heightened public pressure on government and security agencies to secure the victims’ release. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding government’s handling of the crisis.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/oyo-abduction-makinde-not-chibok-rescue-oriire-pupils-2026061800054213041
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bird Strike Grounds Air Peace Aircraft at Kano Airport, Passengers Disembark Safely
Incident disrupts flight operations on Thursday as emergency teams inspect runway for safety compliance in North-West city
Incident disrupts flight operations on Thursday as emergency teams inspect runway for safety compliance in North-West city
An Air Peace aircraft was forced to abort its scheduled flight and grounded at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Thursday after suffering a bird strike during take-off. The incident occurred in Kano State, North-West Nigeria, prompting the airline and airport authorities to initiate immediate safety protocols for all passengers and crew on board.
According to officials familiar with airport operations, the bird strike happened shortly after the aircraft began its take-off roll. The pilot reportedly detected an unusual sound and vibration, which led to a decision to halt further movement and return the plane safely to the terminal. All passengers were safely evacuated without any injuries reported.
Bird strikes are a recurring safety concern at several Nigerian airports, especially during early morning or late evening flights when birds are most active. Aviation experts have repeatedly called for improved wildlife management around major runways to minimise such incidents that can damage aircraft engines or delay flight schedules.
Following the incident, emergency response teams carried out a thorough inspection of both the affected aircraft and runway area to assess potential hazards and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. While neither Air Peace nor airport management issued an official statement immediately after the event, operations at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport were temporarily adjusted pending further clearance from relevant aviation agencies.
Industry observers say such safety-first actions are in line with global best practices. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is expected to review investigation findings before authorising the aircraft’s return to service.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Anambra Health Insurance Agency Urges Improved Patient Care, Timely Treatment in State Facilities
Agency highlights need for prompt service delivery as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare system across Anambra State
Agency highlights need for prompt service delivery as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare system across Anambra State
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency has called on healthcare providers in the state to prioritise improved patient care and ensure prompt treatment for all enrollees under the insurance scheme. The appeal was made on Thursday, 18 June 2026, as the agency reviewed ongoing efforts to boost service quality in public and accredited private health facilities across Anambra.
According to the agency, there is growing concern over delays and perceived lapses in patient management at some centres, which could undermine public confidence in the health insurance programme. Officials noted that timely intervention remains a critical factor for positive health outcomes, urging all participating hospitals and clinics to uphold the standards set by the scheme.
The move comes at a time when many residents are depending on the state’s insurance scheme for affordable access to medical services. The agency stressed that effective implementation is vital for reducing out-of-pocket expenses and advancing universal health coverage targets in Anambra. “We want every enrollee to receive timely and quality care without unnecessary obstacles,” a senior official stated.
The agency further reminded accredited providers that adherence to service guidelines is mandatory, warning that complaints about undue delays or poor attitudes would attract sanctions. Stakeholders were encouraged to report any issues encountered while seeking care under the scheme so they can be promptly addressed by relevant authorities.
Looking ahead, the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency pledged continued monitoring of facilities and engagement with both patients and providers. The agency assured residents that it remains committed to ensuring everyone enrolled gets value from the scheme while working to strengthen healthcare delivery across all local government areas.
Makinde Vows Swift Rescue After 32 Pupils, Teachers Abducted in Oyo’s Oriire LGA
Bird Strike Grounds Air Peace Aircraft at Kano Airport, Passengers Disembark Safely
Anambra Health Insurance Agency Urges Improved Patient Care, Timely Treatment in State Facilities
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