Broadcasting
How desirable is 5% Excise Duty on Telecom Services?
By Ibrahim Dan Halilu
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed has thrown Nigeria into another controversy amidst plans to launch the 5G network, which is expected to transform every sector and sphere of life of the citizenry.
Coming at a time when Nigeria warming up to launch the largest high speed mobile network technology (5G) in Africa, the 5% excise duty on telecom services being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service, is not only a negation of the laudable gains of the Buhari administration in the telecom sector but another incontrovertible proof of the administration’s poor policy coordination.
The expectation of most Nigerians is that the Finance Minister and the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service who are the prime advocates of the 5% excise duty will engage with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under whose purview the telecom sector presides, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which is the telecom sector regulator, to create a synergy before rolling out the new tax regime.
It is no brainer to understand the imperative of engaging with these two government institutions whose role is central to all that the administration has achieved in that sector.
The NCC has over the years implemented various initiatives and programmes that have stabilized the telecom sector and created a very healthy environment for the industry to thrive and offer quality and affordable service to Nigerians.
The commission’s declaration of 2016 as the Year of the Telecom Consumers has placed premium on the consumer as king who should be treated with respect and offered value for money.
Conversely for the mobile network operators who enjoyed massive support of the Commission disputes resolution, protection of critical telecom infrastructures, and restoration of operational facilities that enhance better performance of the industry.
The Commission has played a very strategic role in resisting arbitrary hike in tariffs and other charges for telecom services which can impose additional burden on the consumers. Instead, the NCC envisions a new tariff regime that has not only reduced the cost of data by more than 100% but further increased access to telecom services in Nigeria.
Its robust National Broadband Policy 2020-2025 is aimed at achieving a new landmark in telecom operations in Nigeria as it rolls out the 5G technology that will change the way of doing almost everything.
Similarly, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through its indefatigable minister, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami has launched Nigeria on the world map of countries that are transiting from analogue to digital economy with the unveiling of a robust policy on 5G Network and Digital Economy.
These are commendable efforts that should be complimented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through advocacy for a downward review or complete removal of some of the tariffs imposed on the MNOs and other service providers.
The presidential inauguration of a 27-person committee charged with the teak of exploring ways of improving Nigeria’s ranking on the Ease of Doing Business, should have been followed by an aggressive drive of the Federal Ministry of Finance to streamline some of the regulatory measures that hinder the effective performance of the industry such as multiple taxation, and promote policies that will remove barriers to consumer adoption of the new technology.
It is on this note that one wishes to appeal to the Minister of Finance to exercise the power conferred on her by the Finance Act 2020 with caution and empathy to the Nigerian consumers who are already overburdened by new series of taxes introduced by the Buhari Administration.
The Minster needs to find equilibrium between government’s desires to raise more funds and citizen’s expectations for better welfare as the destabilizing effects of the new tax regime outweigh its monetary benefits both to the economy and the citizens.
Firstly, the policy will reverse the gains recorded by the NCC in reducing the cost of telecom services to the consumer and efficient service by the Mobile Network operators (MNOs) who have to contend with multiple taxations and increased operation costs.
Secondly, the new policy may further have adverse effect on the flow of both foreign and local investment in the broadband infrastructure that is needed to scale up the deployment of 5G network to other cities across the country. The MNOs are already groaning under an indiscriminate multiple taxation policy that make is harming their business.
The greatest damage the new tariff will do to Nigeria’s telecom sector is derailing the rollout and total adoption of the 5G network that is being test run by the major telecom service network, the MTN whose competitor, Mafab has already announced an extension of the 5G launch to end of the year due to unforeseen challenges.
The Federal Government’s policy on 5G Spectrum for Digital Economy driven by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy may suffer a setback under the new harsh tax regime that targets the telecom sector as a major revenue earner for government.
The imposition of the 5% excise duty will be an additional burden on small businesses and individuals who wish to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities offered by the 5G network to expand and improve their businesses as they may face a new tariff regime.
Another possible consequence of the new tax regime is retarding the progress made in launching Nigeria into the open governance platform that promotes transparency and accountability, while enhancing citizens’ participation in governance as any increase in tariff will lead to low patronage of the telecom services.
It is my candid view therefore that the introduction of 5% excise duty on telecom services is both untimely and undesirable for Nigeria whose majority citizens are living below poverty margin, and have no visible source of income.
The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service should dissipate more energy on initiating people-centred policies that will support the NCC in performing its regulatory functions instead of frustrating the laudable efforts of the commission to promote affordable and efficient telecom services in Nigeria.
The duo should regard themselves as a part of the same government that enunciated the policy of promoting digital economy through universal access to telecom services for Nigerians instead of a separate entity that competes for space or attention.
In her search for new avenues to improve government revenue, the Finance Minister should look beyond imposing excise duty on telecom services, and engage with the public and other stake holders to explore other options that are richly available.
The government can tilt the scale towards diversifying its revenue generation to imports for luxury items, luxury life-styles, and reducing the cost of governance at different levels. There are many wasteful spending that can be scaled down to save money for government to meet its financial obligations which is the main thrust of the Minster’s argument.
These include the purchase of exotic vehicles for public office holders, foreign travels, high duty allowances, and foreign trainings for public officials. Others are blocking the conduit pipes and confronting corruption head on.
These and many others will spare a huge sum that can be channeled to more productive projects that will impact on the lives of the people.
The rush to impose new tax regime on consumers of telecom services will be self-defeating, if at the end of the day the only benefit it accrues to the government is more money to spend instead of better welfare for citizens.
The telecom services are no longer a luxury but necessary tools that Nigerians need to connect with the rest of the word, share their ideas, knowledge, and information for a much better society.
The government should not shut out Nigerians or make it impossible for them to reach out to the rest of the world to market their skills, talents, and products in return for the much needed foreign exchange which is the essence of the digital economy which is the fulcrum of the administration’s |economic policy.
Nigerians deserve efficient and affordable telecom services to conduct their business activities on a global scale, which the controversial 5% excise duty seems to negate. It is a right, not privilege!
Ibrahim Dan Halilu is an Abuja based media consultant and communication expert. He can be reached via email at idhalilu@gmail.com or mobile 08101064449 9SMS only).
By Seye Folajimi
I start each day with one goal: to be as efficient and focused as possible. A developer’s life is full of interruptions, and without good time management, it’s easy to fall behind. As a Backend Engineer at Moniepoint, I’ve assembled the toolkit that helps me and I believe by extension any technical professional to deliver results consistently.
In this feature article, I’ll share the tools and habits that have practically multiplied my productivity and sharpened my focus on the job.
My Daily Toolbox
I rely on a handful of core tools every day. IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code are my primary editors: IntelliJ for heavy backend work (it’s packed with features) and VS Code for quick edits or scripting. When testing APIs or debugging endpoints, Postman is indispensable for sending requests and saving environments. For spotting code or configuration differences, I often paste text into Diffchecker.com and let it highlight the changes. And for database work, MySQL Workbench provides a visual SQL editor and schema designer that saves me a ton of time. Dear professional, using the right tool for each task means fewer context switches and a smoother workflow.
Productivity Strategies That Power My Workflow
Beyond raw tools, I use structured habits to stay on track. I break the day into focused blocks and assign each chunk to an activity (coding, reviews, meetings, etc.). This time-blocking approach improves focus by letting me give my full attention to one task at a time. I also apply the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance; this ensures I tackle critical work first. Rather than flitting between emails, calls, and code, I batch similar tasks into dedicated slots. Some of my core techniques include:
Time Blocking: I assign specific blocks of time for coding, meetings, code reviews, and so on. This means I can dive deep into one task without switching contexts. (For example, I often use 25-minute sprints followed by a 5-minute break – the classic Pomodoro cycle – to keep my mind sharp.)
Prioritization (Eisenhower Matrix): Each morning I list my tasks and sort them by urgency vs importance. The Matrix helps me “do first” what truly matters and “delegate or drop” low-value items. This clarity prevents me from getting bogged down by busywork.
Automation: Whenever I catch myself doing something repetitive, I stop and ask, “Can I script this?” Whether it’s a shell script for routine commands or a CI/CD pipeline for deployment, automation frees up hours. Reducing manual repetition lets me focus on more critical work. Even simple automations (backups, report generation, test harnesses) add up to big time savings.
Notification Discipline: I turn off unnecessary notifications and check email/Slack only at scheduled times. By minimizing interruptions, I stay “in the zone” longer and preserve my cognitive energy.
Building My Custom Focus Extension: The Hot Gate
I even took matters into my own hands by coding a productivity tool from scratch, i called it “THE HOT GATE” .
The “Hot Gate” refers to the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE, a famous event in Greek history. It’s where King Leonidas of Sparta and a small force of Greeks (famously 300 Spartans) held off the vast Persian army of Xerxes I for several days.
The extension:
Blocks distracting websites during deep work sessions.
Organizes tabs to reduce clutter.
Unlocks distractions only during breaks.
I built it using JavaScript and browser APIs. One limitation: I can still turn it off manually. I’m considering adding a restriction to prevent that—but it’s still a local extension. Maybe someday I’ll publish it.
Breaks and Rewards
I’ve learned that smart breaks actually boost productivity. I take 2–4 minute strolls every hour, prompted by reminders from our infrastructure team. It’s refreshing and clears my head.
After big wins (like deploying a major feature or solving a tough bug), I reward myself—whether it’s a nice meal, a movie night, or just a chat with friends. These rewards keep me motivated and prevent burnout.
Wrapping Up
In my experience, combining the right tools with disciplined habits is what unlocks consistent high performance.
I’m constantly refining my setup—automating repetitive tasks, organizing my schedule better, and building systems that help me stay in the zone.
At Moniepoint and beyond, delivering quickly and reliably takes more than just code. It takes systems thinking, self-awareness, and the discipline to evolve your workflow over time.
By adopting these practices, I’ve become both more productive and more fulfilled. And I’m hoping the story is same or at least similar for you after reading this.
Seye Folajimi is a backend engineer with Africa’s fastest growing financial institution, Moniepoint Inc.
This summer, London’s West End will transform into a vibrant showcase of African excellence as TALES (The African Lifestyle Experience) returns with its most ambitious edition yet: Reimagine 2025.
A Luxury Cultural Experience
Hosted at Luxury Promise, 28 Cavendish Square, just off Oxford Street, the event will run from July 25 to August 3, 2025, offering ten days of curated experiences, fashion-forward storytelling, and cultural immersion.
With over 70 curated brands spanning fashion, beauty, art, music, and home décor, TALES 2025 will spotlight Africa’s brightest creative talents and celebrate craftsmanship across the diaspora.
Key Highlights
- Exclusive African Fashion & Craftsmanship Discover one-of-a-kind pieces, from bold fashion in traditional textiles like Aso Oke, Adinkra, and Bantu, to luxury handmade beauty products and bespoke interiors.
- Fireside Chats with Industry Icons Intimate conversations with trailblazers and tastemakers exploring the future of African entrepreneurship, culture, and design.
- Kidpreneur x The Veteran A standout feature returns, bridging generations of innovation by spotlighting rising Gen Z entrepreneurs alongside industry legends like Gloria Ije Anyaehie-Coker, founder of GIA1 Fashion.
- Exclusive Travel Offer with Air Peace TALES is partnering with Air Peace to offer a 15% flight base fare discount for brands and attendees flying to London, strengthening connections within the diaspora.
A Global Movement Powered by Bellafricana
Backed by Bellafricana, a platform empowering African creative entrepreneurs across 18+ countries, TALES champions authentic African stories, craftsmanship, and visibility on the world stage.
Supported by the City of Westminster
The City of Westminster proudly supports TALES 2025, reinforcing London’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and inclusive cultural celebration. The event will be featured across Oxford Street’s Instagram and website, ensuring maximum visibility.
Why It Matters
Following the runaway success of TALES 2024, which featured 40 brands and attracted a global audience, Reimagine 2025 raises the bar. As London’s fashion and cultural scene increasingly embraces diversity and authenticity, TALES 2025 is a timely and necessary celebration of African brilliance.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, culture lover, or global tastemaker, TALES 2025 is where Africa’s future-forward creativity meets London’s cultural heartbeat.
Event Details
Venue: Luxury Promise, The Corner Showroom, 28 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0DB 
Dates: July 25 – August 3, 2025 
Admission: FREE — Registration required at
Bolt, Africa’s leading ride-hailing platform, hosted its Bolt Family Fest in Lagos to honour driver loyalty, reward top performers, and strengthen community ties within its driver network.
As Bolt’s largest market in Nigeria, Lagos served as the ideal location for this vibrant celebration of excellence and shared growth.
The event recognised and rewarded some of Bolt’s longest-serving and still-active drivers, who have been with the platform for 7 to 8 years since the early days when Bolt was known as Taxify.
These veteran drivers were specially recognized and rewarded, each receiving a cash award of ₦200,000 in appreciation of their commitment to the platform and consistent service delivery.
In addition to honouring loyalty, the Bolt Family Fest provided a platform to scale up vehicle branding efforts in the city.
The on-site branding process was made easy and accessible for drivers, while attractive incentives including branded merchandise, gift bags, and raffle entries encouraged participation.
A key highlight of the day was a lucky dip giveaway, where two lucky drivers, one newly branded and one previously branded each walked away with a brand-new SmartTV.
Osi Oguah, General Manager, Bolt Nigeria said: “Our drivers are the heart of everything we do at Bolt, and this event is our way of saying thank you for their dedication and professionalism. We’re not just building a platform, we’re building a family.
“The Bolt Family Fest is about creating moments of connection and showing our drivers they are seen, appreciated, and celebrated.”
The event delivered multiple wins for Bolt including increased the number of branded vehicles in Lagos, enhanced Bolt’s street-level visibility across the city and strengthened the sense of unity and pride within the driver community.
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