Headlines
NCC orders telecom operators to compensate subscribers for poor service from April
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that its directive mandating telecom operators to compensate subscribers for poor service quality will take effect this month.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commission made this known in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document released on Tuesday, providing further clarification on the policy and identifying categories of subscribers eligible for compensation.
According to the NCC, the directive applies specifically to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Quality of Service (QoS). The affected operators include MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile, although the Commission did not specify which of them fell short of the required standards.
The regulator explained that the compensation would cover service failures affecting voice calls, data services, and SMS delivery. It added that subscribers may qualify if they experienced poor network service in an affected Local Government Area and carried out at least one revenue-generating activity, such as a billed call, SMS, or data session, during the period under review.
The NCC further clarified that the compensation process would be automatic, with operators mandated to identify affected customers and credit them directly without requiring any application.
“Operators are required to identify affected subscribers and provide compensation directly. Only service failures that fall below defined thresholds under the Quality of Service Regulations will qualify,” the Commission stated, adding that short or quickly resolved interruptions may not be eligible.
The framework covers both individual and corporate subscribers. The Commission also noted that a separate compensation mechanism already exists for Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
The directive follows an earlier announcement by the Commission, through its Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, directing telecom operators to compensate users in areas where network quality falls below prescribed standards.
According to the NCC, the policy is part of efforts to prioritise consumer protection within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, recognising the critical role of telecom services in economic activities, social interactions, and access to digital opportunities.
“When service quality is poor, the consequences affect productivity, commercial activities, and public confidence in the communications system,” the Commission said.
The move marks a shift in regulatory strategy. Previously, the NCC primarily imposed fines on defaulting operators, with little direct benefit to affected subscribers. The new approach ensures that users who experience poor service receive compensation.
Industry challenges, however, persist. The Commission noted that telecom operators continue to grapple with issues such as frequent fibre cuts, with an average of about 1,100 incidents recorded weekly, impacting service delivery despite ongoing investments in infrastructure.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
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