MultiChoice Nigeria has slashed the price of its DStv decoder from ₦20,000 to ₦10,000 to attract more subscribers after losing 1.4 million customers in two years. This move comes as part of the “We Got You” campaign, which also offers free upgrades to higher subscription packages for loyal customers renewing their plans by July 31, 2025. The company says it wants to make premium content more affordable and diverse, not just focusing on football but also movies, drama, and kids’ shows. However, MultiChoice’s recent price cuts follow a tough legal fight with Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The commission had ordered MultiChoice to stop increasing subscription prices while investigating its hikes. Despite this, MultiChoice went ahead with a 25% price increase in March 2025, leading the FCCPC to file charges against the company and its CEO, John Ugbe, accusing them of ignoring regulatory directives and obstructing the inquiry. MultiChoice challenged the FCCPC’s authority in court, arguing Nigeria’s free market allows it to set prices based on business needs. But the court dismissed MultiChoice’s suit, saying the FCCPC must follow proper investigation procedures before imposing restrictions. The legal tussle highlights tensions between consumer protection efforts and business survival amid Nigeria’s tough economic conditions. With inflation, power issues, and fuel scarcity affecting costs, MultiChoice says the price hikes were necessary. Now, the company hopes the new decoder price and subscription offers will win back customers and keep its services competitive in Nigeria’s pay-TV market.
NIMC trains NYSC corps members to boost nationwide NIN enrolment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has started training selected NYSC corps members to help enrol Nigerians for the National Identification Number (NIN) in every ward across the country. This move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to register all Nigerians and legal residents quickly and efficiently. So far, NIMC has issued NINs to over 120 million people but wants to reach those in hard-to-access areas through this ward enrolment initiative. The corps members are undergoing intensive training to prepare for this task. NIMC’s Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, praised President Tinubu for his strong support and thanked the Minister of Youth Development and the NYSC Director General for their cooperation. The initiative also encourages children under 16 to enrol for their NINs in their local wards, making the process more convenient and accessible. This campaign is important because having a NIN is essential for accessing many government and private services in Nigeria. Bringing enrolment closer to the people will help increase registration rates and improve national identity management. NIMC plans to roll out the ward enrolment soon, so Nigerians should watch out for announcements in their communities and take advantage of this opportunity to get their NINs.
Lagos diverts traffic for 110-day repair of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge
Lagos State has announced a major traffic diversion plan ahead of a 110-day repair on the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge starting June 28, 2025. The repair work, previously postponed, will be done in eight phases across both lanes of the bridge. The first four phases will cover the inbound Alapere stretch from June 28 to August 16, while the remaining four phases will focus on the inbound Oworonshoki section from August 16 to October 5. To ease traffic flow during the partial closures, motorists are advised to use alternative routes. For example, drivers from Iyana Oworo should divert through Gbagada and Anthony to reach Ikorodu Road, while those from Eko Bridge are encouraged to use Funsho Williams Avenue to connect to Ikorodu Road. Only one lane will remain open near each work zone, limited to 50 meters before and after the repair sites, to reduce disruption. Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers will be deployed along affected routes to manage traffic and assist commuters. Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the repairs are essential for the bridge’s long-term safety and urged motorists to be patient and follow the diversion instructions. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure will supervise the replacement of the bridge’s expansion joints during the project. This repair is crucial as the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge is a key transport link on the Lagos mainland, and the government aims to complete the work with minimal impact on daily commuters.
MTN Nigeria commits ₦3 billion to boost technical talent development
Over time, MTN Nigeria has pledged a total of ₦3 billion to support the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative by Minister Bosun Tijani, which aimed at growing the country’s tech workforce. The telecom giant made this commitment in a recent press release, highlighting its ongoing investment in developing technical skills across Nigeria. The 3MTT initiative seeks to train and empower three million young Nigerians with the technical know-how needed to thrive in the digital economy. MTN’s funding will help expand training programs, provide resources, and create opportunities for young professionals and students interested in technology careers. This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals to strengthen its tech ecosystem and reduce unemployment among youth. By backing 3MTT, MTN is playing a key role in building a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving tech industry in Nigeria. The initiative is expected to continue growing, with more partnerships and investments planned to reach the ambitious target of three million trained talents across every state.
Lagos to start digital house numbering from July 1
Lagos State will begin using a new digital system to number houses starting July 1, 2025. The Lagos Identity Project aims to make property identification easier and improve services like emergency response, postal delivery, and urban planning. The system will use digital plates with QR codes and colour codes specific to local governments. Scanning these QR codes will give access to important property details, helping residents and officials alike. The project kicks off in Ikeja Local Government, where 23,000 properties will be numbered first before expanding to other areas. Dr. Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, said the system will also help curb tax evasion, rental fraud, and improve security and transportation services. He noted that this initiative builds on Lagos’ smart city efforts and could serve as a model for other states. The digital house numbering is expected to make Lagos a smarter city by improving government response and making everyday services more accessible to residents. The project is a partnership with tech firm Interspatial, which conducted two years of aerial mapping to support the system. With this launch, Lagos is set to enhance how residents and officials interact with property data, making the city more efficient and connected.
Lebara Nigeria, new telecom enters with a new way to buy phone minutes
Lebara Nigeria has officially setup to compete in the telecom market with a fresh approach: selling voice minutes instead of traditional airtime. The company rolled out its 0724 phone number series and secured full connectivity with all major Nigerian networks, promising seamless calls from day one. Lebara holds a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) license, the highest level in Nigeria, allowing it to lease infrastructure and offer innovative services nationwide. Unlike usual airtime, where you pay upfront and minutes disappear unpredictably, Lebara’s voice bundles let you buy exact minutes. For example, if you buy 100 minutes and your call lasts 30 seconds, you still have 99 minutes and 30 seconds left. This means clearer billing and better value for users. Samuel Alabi, Lebara’s Head of Corporate Communications, said, “You buy minutes, not airtime. That’s the kind of clarity and control we’re bringing to Nigerian telecoms.” The company aims to offer affordable, transparent, and high-quality services to compete with big players like MTN and Airtel. Lebara’s entry could shake up Nigeria’s $20 billion telecom market by giving customers more control and pushing other operators to improve. The launch is set for the third quarter of 2025, and it could make mobile communication more predictable and affordable for millions of Nigerians.