Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has expressed concern over the rise in celebrity-centric news, asserting that it distracts Nigerians from pressing issues like the recent increase in MTN data costs and other national concerns.
Effiong’s statement comes as Nigerian citizens have been swept up in a whirlwind of celebrity scandals and controversies, often overlooking critical developments that affect their daily lives.
Among the pressing concerns is the recent hike in mobile data prices by major phone networks like MTN, which has sparked widespread anger among subscribers.
Taking to his social media handle, the lawyer wrote, “One week, multiple dramas.
“Nigerian celebrities are keeping us busy and distracted with their personal issues and controversial lives while the situation in the country is worsening
“MTN has diabolically increased the cost of data and there’s no sufficient outrage or protest from us (Nigerians). We are preoccupied with Tuface and his marital affairs.”
MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, had on Tuesday increased its data tariffs.
The company also confirmed this in a response shared on its X (formerly Twitter).
The company wrote: “Y’ello! Thanks for stopping by, We apologise for any inconvenience and delayed Response. A price increase has been implemented to enhance our services and serve you better, which is why you are seeing the updated amount.”
Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had introduced new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees for banks and financial institutions, effective from March 1, 2025.
This move according to CNN in a statement signed by John S. Onojah Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department aims to enhance efficiency and increase the deployment of ATMs across the country.
The circular titled “Review of Automated Teller Machine Transaction Fees”, the apex bank stated that the review aligns with Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020.
The revised fees will affect both domestic and international transactions.
Under the new structure, “On-Us” withdrawals—when a customer uses their own bank’s ATM—will remain free.
However, on-site ATM withdrawals will attract a N100 fee for every N20,000 withdrawn.
For “Not-On-Us” transactions, which occur when a customer withdraws from another bank’s ATM, an off-site withdrawal will be charged N100 plus a surcharge not exceeding N500 per N20,000.
The circular clarified, “The surcharge, which is an income of the ATM deployer/acquirer, shall be disclosed at the point of withdrawal to the consumer.”
International withdrawals on both debit and credit cards will be based on a cost recovery model, meaning the exact charge imposed by the international acquirer will apply.
Additionally, the CBN has scrapped the previous provision that allowed customers three free monthly withdrawals from other banks’ ATMs.
The circular states, “The three free monthly withdrawals allowed for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply.”
The directive mandates all banks and financial institutions to implement these charges by the stipulated date.
The CBN believes the move will ensure fairness in ATM service costs and encourage further investments in the sector.
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