However, the fares in Lagos, Ondo, and Taraba states were significantly higher than the national average during the same month.
Lagos led with N850 per journey, followed by Ondo at N725, and Taraba at N670, highlighting regional disparities in transportation costs.
These are according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Transport Fare Watch report for March 2024, as published on the website of the data agency.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, disclosed that Starlink had raised its monthly subscription fee by 97%, from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000. The price for the Starlink installation kit also saw a hike, increased by 34% to ₦590,000 from the previous ₦440,000.
Starlink informed customers of the changes last week, noting that both current and new users would be affected. However, Nigerian telecommunications sector regulator NCC clarified that it had not sanctioned the adjustments. “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka stated.
He further explained that the commission was “surprised” by the move, as Starlink had previously submitted a request for a price adjustment, which the NCC was yet to approve. “The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs,” Muoka added.
Under Section 108 of the NCA 2003, the NCC holds the authority to regulate telecommunications tariffs, mandating that no licensee can impose service charges without securing tariff approval from the commission. Section 111 of the Act further empowers the NCC to impose financial penalties on licensees that exceed approved rates, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the commission shall prescribe and enforce appropriate financial penalties upon any holder of an individual licence who exceeds the tariff rates duly approved by the commission for the provision of any of its services,” the Act stipulates.
The NCC has yet to specify the exact penalties Starlink may face but has emphasised its commitment to maintaining regulatory stability within the Nigerian telecommunications sector.
Related story: Starlink Mini Dish Revolutionizing Internet Connectivity in Nigeria
More than 350 people have died from cholera in Nigeria in the first nine months of this year, a 239% jump from the same period last year, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed on Monday.
Cholera, a water-borne disease, is not uncommon in Nigeria where health authorities say there is a lack of potable drinking water in rural areas and urban slums.
NCDC said 359 people had died between January and September compared to 106 during the same period last year.
The number of suspected cholera cases also surged to 10,837, up from 3,387 the previous year, with most of those affected being children under five years old.
Lagos, the country's commercial capital, recorded the highest number of cases, NCDC said.
Authorities in northeastern Borno said on Friday that a cholera outbreak had hit the state, which is also dealing with flooding that has displaced nearly 2 million people.
Emirates Airlines has restarted daily passenger flights to Nigeria, connecting Dubai and Lagos cities.
The first Dubai-Lagos flight was conducted on October 1, 2024, following a two-year suspension. Emirates halted it flights to Nigeria on October 29, 2022, due to trapped funds and the government’s inability to provide dollars for foreign carriers to take as their profits.
“This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are excited to resume operations to Lagos, helping reconnect travelers seamlessly to and through Dubai,” Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airlines, said in a press release published on October 3, 2024.
The new daily flight from Dubai to Lagos, EK783, is scheduled to leave Dubai at 09:45 local time and reach Lagos at 15:20 local time. The return flight, EK784, departs Lagos at 17:30 local time and arrives back in Dubai at 05:10 local time the following day. The new route is operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Dubai-Lagos service has been scheduled to optimize connections to and from key locations in Europe, the US, Far East and the wider Middle East, making it easier to travel to and from Nigeria. Emirates will also help travelers from Nigeria with 48-hour and 96-hour Dubai visa applications.
“We are pleased to welcome Emirates back to Nigeria,” Festus Keyamo, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, said. “Emirates has become a global brand and Nigeria, being the most populous black nation in the world, is the sure destination for all major airlines in the world.”
Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates, will assist Nigerian businesses by providing over 300 tons of cargo space in and out of Lagos every week. The cargo will be sent to the markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain.
Nigeria is expected to receive imports from markets such as UAE, India and Hong Kong, featuring a variety of items such as general cargo, medicine and electronics.
By Goda Labanauskaitė, AeroTime
Related story: Ban lifted on Nigerian Travelers to UAE After president Tinubu’s Visit
Nigeria is moving forward with a new policy framework aimed at jumpstarting its natural gas sector, hoping to draw in up to $10 billion in investments. The proposed measures include a series of tax incentives to attract both local and international investors to explore the country's deep-water gas resources.
The framework, which has already been approved by the Federal Executive Council, now awaits approval from the National Assembly. Once passed into law, this policy is expected to fast-track the development of Nigeria's natural gas infrastructure. Not only will this accelerate gas exploration and production, but it will also help the country transition away from relying heavily on fossil fuels for transportation. By doing so, Nigeria aims to boost its energy security and reduce its dependence on imported fuels.
The Nigerian government's strategic push toward natural gas is part of a broader effort to secure long-term energy independence and stabilize the economy. By providing tax breaks and other incentives, the government is positioning the gas sector as a key growth area that can create jobs, attract foreign investment, and reduce the nation's carbon footprint.
With the global shift toward cleaner energy, Nigeria's focus on natural gas development is timely. The success of this policy could significantly alter the nation's energy landscape and place it at the forefront of Africa's growing gas industry. Investors and industry professionals are now watching closely to see how quickly the new laws are implemented and how effectively they drive real change.
Earlier this week, Nigeria was set to approve the proposed $1.3-billion sale of ExxonMobil's shallow water assets to local firm Seplat. The transaction has been stuck at the regulatory approval level for months. While seeing its shallow water assets in Nigeria, it is looking to boost its deepwater investments in the country.
By Julianne Geiger, OilPrice
