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Today's Headlines: POS Operators to Hike Charges; Visa Applications to Go Online Before March 1 – FG

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50% Telecom Tariff Hike: POS Operators to Hike Charges

The Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) has indicated that its members may increase service charges due to the federal government’s recent approval of a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs. Ogungbayi Ganiyu, AMMBAN's National Public Relations Officer, explained that since their operations heavily rely on telecom services like data, the tariff increase will significantly impact their businesses.

Although POS operators may initially absorb the additional costs, Ganiyu warned of a potential ripple effect leading to higher service charges. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has vowed to challenge the tariff hike in court.

Visa Applications to Go Online Before March 1 – FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that all visa applications will transition to an online system by March 1, 2025. Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo shared this update during an interview on ‘X Spaces’ with Dr. Segun Awosanya.

The government has established a centralized visa approval center to ensure uniformity, enhance national security, and curb corruption in visa processing. The new system will allow for proper vetting and efficient processing of visa applications.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the development of an 8.3-petabyte data center at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja. This facility consolidates immigration data, replacing previous practices of storing sensitive data with private contractors, which violated the Data Protection Act. The advanced data center is one of the largest in the world and is part of broader reforms to streamline Nigeria’s immigration services and improve national security.

Ogun police arrest two for vandalising govt cables, iron rods

Police operatives in Ogun State have arrested two suspects, Agbo Jeremiah (34) and Sunday Ngbuta (29), for allegedly vandalizing and stealing cable wires and iron rods in the Ogunmakin area of Owode Egba. The arrests were made on Monday evening by officers from the Owode Egba Police Division.

The police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects were apprehended after the driver transporting the stolen items raised suspicions and alerted police officers on duty.

According to Odutola, earlier in the day, officers from the Safer Highway team near Macpherson University noticed two individuals carrying rolls of cables and iron rods. Their request for help in transporting the items raised suspicion, prompting the driver to inform the police at Ogunmakin. Upon stopping the vehicle, the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items, which are believed to belong to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, and further investigations are ongoing.

NASS to consider increased funding for govt watchdog agencies

The Nigerian Senate has pledged to allocate adequate funding to government watchdog agencies, emphasizing their crucial role in enforcing compliance with financial regulations among revenue-generating agencies. This decision was disclosed by the Senate Committee Chairman on Finance, Mohammed Sani Musa, during the 2025 budget defense of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) in Abuja.

The FRC Chairman, Victor Muruako, expressed concerns over inadequate funding, stating that the proposed N1.6 billion budget for 2025 was insufficient to cover the Commission's extensive responsibilities, including ensuring remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). He called for increased financial support and an amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility Act to enhance enforcement and accountability.

Musa acknowledged the challenges posed by the "budget envelope" system, which has historically underfunded the FRC since its establishment in 2007. He assured that the Senate would reconsider the FRC's budget and explore ways to secure better funding to enable the Commission to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Senators Abdul Ningi and other committee members supported the FRC's calls for increased funding and legislative amendments, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing public finances. Musa also indicated plans to address the Senate President on the matter to ensure improved funding for the Commission.

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