Nigerian Newspapers: Key Advocacy Calls | Thursday 30th January, 2025

Nigerian Newspapers

Here’s a roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines, highlighting the biggest stories making waves across the country.

1. Tariff hike: Labour plans telecoms boycott, 04 February protest – Punch

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday declared it would embark on a nationwide protest against the proposed 50 percent telecom tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission on 04 February in a communiqué signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero.

Our Take: At a time when citizens are already stretched thin by economic hardship, making communication even more expensive is like charging an entrance fee for fresh air. We urge the NCC to reverse this decision immediately and prioritise policies that enhance, rather than restrict, access to affordable telecommunication services.


2. ‘Neglected Tropical Disease Day: Spike in ailmenst pushes Nigerians’ care funding gap to N8.6 trillion’ – The Guardian

Despite the Federal Government’s ambitious plan for the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) and promises to eradicate the plague by 2030, progress is stalling in the face of bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate engagement with affected communities, and a care funding gap in excess of N8.6 trillion, according to estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Our Take: With an N8.6 trillion funding gap, the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases is looking more neglected than ever. We call on Minister Ali Pate to ensure the 2030 eradication goal is more than just a fancy deadline, as Nigerians need action, not another wishful policy, before NTDs become more comfortable here than the citizens!


3. Federal government secures $1.1billion AfDB loan to power 5 million people by 2026 – Vanguard

The federal government has secured a $1.1 billion loan from African Development Bank (AfDB), to provide electricity for 5 million people by the end of 2026.

Our Take: A $1.1 billion loan to light up 5 million lives is a great headline, but will it be a reality or just another flickering promise? As 2026 looms, the government, and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, must ensure this funding doesn’t disappear into the usual black hole of inefficiency. Transparent implementation, accountability, and actual power reaching homes, not just press statements, should be the priority.

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