This roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines highlights some pressing issues and the urgent advocacy calls they warrant.
1. ‘Telecoms tariff hike: Subscribers meet NCC today as Labour mobilises for showdown’ – Punch
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers will meet with the Nigerian Communications Commission on Friday, hoping to talk some sense into them and bring the 50 percent telecom tariff hike down to a more reasonable 10 percent.
Our Take: We call on the NCC to reverse the hike because Nigerians are already stretched thin.
2. ‘Inflation will fall, economy to grow by 4.1 percent this year – CBN’ – Vanguard
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has projected that the economy will grow by 4.1 percent growth in 2025, as well as record decline in inflation, with continued increase in foreign exchange inflow into the country.
Our Take: While a 4.1 percent growth forecast sounds lovely, Nigerians need more than hopeful projections, they need prices that don’t change between morning and night. If inflation is truly set to fall, we call on the CBN to show Nigerians the policies that will make it happen, not just press statements.
3. ‘Inflation: 13 million more Nigerians at risk of falling below poverty line in 2025’ – The Guardian
Rising inflation, high interest rates, and naira depreciation could push an additional 13 million Nigerians below the national poverty line by 2025, according to a new report titled ‘2025 Nigerian Budget and Economic Outlook’ by PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwC).
Our Take: With 13 million more Nigerians at risk of poverty, it’s clear President Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ won’t fill empty stomachs. We call for less economic gymnastics and more strategic action, before Nigerians start budgeting air for breakfast.