Broadcasting
SERAP Sues Buhari, Ministers over Failure to Unblock Lines of 72m Subscribers

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a suit against President Muhammadu Buhari and two Ministers “over the failure to unblock the phone lines of over 72 million telecommunication subscribers barred from making calls on their SIMs.”
This followed their refusal to yield to SERAP’s earlier demand on the matter.
The latest move by the public watchdog body in a statement signed Sunday by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director.
The suit followed the recent directive by the Federal Government (FG) to telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines, as the deadline for the verification expired on March 31.
Following the directive, over 72 million subscribers have now been barred from making calls.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/711/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP said it was seeking: “an order setting aside the directive by President Buhari to telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines without due process of law, and for being inconsistent with the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.”
SERAP in addition said it was seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining President Buhari and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami from unlawfully directing telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines, without due process and in violation of Nigerians’ human rights.”
Similarly, the body is seeking “an order directing and compelling President Buhari to ensure adequate infrastructure and logistics to allow Nigerians including persons with disabilities, older persons and persons living in remote areas, to capture their data and conclude registration to obtain National Identity Number (NIN).”
In the suit, the statement indicated SERAP is at variance with order, “directing and compelling the Federal Government to unblock the phone lines unlawfully barred would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the country’s international obligations to respect, protect, and promote socio-economic rights.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Where agencies of government are allowed to operate at large and at their whims and caprices in the guise of performing their statutory duties, the end result will be anarchy, and authoritarianism, leading to the loss of the much cherished and constitutionally guaranteed freedom and liberty.”
It contends: “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. Access to telecommunications services is a condition sine qua non for the effective exercise of human rights. Therefore, the decision to block people from making calls is discriminatory, and a travesty.”
“The blocking of phone lines of Nigerians without due process of law has disproportionately affected those on the margins of society. This has resulted in the discrimination of marginalized or vulnerable groups.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Mr Isa Pantami.
The suit which the statement stated was filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “While Nigerian authorities have a legal responsibility to protect, ensure and secure the rights to life and property, any such responsibility ought to be discharged in conformity with human rights standards.”
“Fundamental rights are regarded as part of human rights and are protected to enhance human dignity and liberty.”
“Unblocking the phone lines unlawfully barred from making calls would improve respect for the rule of law, and ensure people’s right to freedom of expression, and access to information, as well as their right to associate with others.”
“The blocking of people from making calls constitutes impermissible restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, information, and association.”
“The rights to freedom of opinion and expression and access to information are protected under section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.”
“These rights must be protected online as they are protected offline. Any restriction on these rights must be provided by law, be necessary in a democratic society and serve a legitimate aim.”
“The blocking of people from making calls on their SIMs also amounts to an arbitrary or unlawful interference with their right to family life, and socio-economic rights, as it unnecessarily or disproportionately interferes with these fundamental human rights.”
“The decision to block the phone lines also appears to be arbitrary, and lacks any legal framework, independent and judicial oversight. This may allow authorities to act in an unfettered and potentially arbitrary or unlawful manner.”
“Under international human rights law, States including Nigeria ‘shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.’ States must refrain from cutting off access to telecommunications services.”
“Millions of Nigerians including persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, persons living in remote areas have been unable to capture their biometrics, and obtain their NINs due to logistical challenges, administrative and bureaucratic burdens, as well as the persistent collapse of the national grid.”
“The rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association, whether offline or online, promote the democratic ideal by allowing citizens to voice their concerns, challenge governmental institutions, and hold the government accountable for its actions.”
Recall that SERAP had about two weeks ago urged President Buhari to order reversal of the plan by the FG to block SIMs not linked with the subscribers NINs.
The body threatened legal action against the FG fails to yield to its demand.
Broadcasting
MultiChoice vs FCCPC: Only President has Power to Fix Prices- Court

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday ruled over a dispute between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and MultiChoice Nigeria over the recent hike in subscription fees for DStv and GOtv services, declaring that only the President has the power to fix or suspend prices in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho, trial Judge,ruled that the suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria constituted an abuse of court process as similar proceedings were already pending elsewhere, adding that the plaintiff should have pursued its arguments in that court, rendering the current filing procedurally inappropriate.
Justice Omotosho noted that while the FCCPC has investigative powers under its establishing Act, it lacks the authority to fix or suspend prices unless specifically delegated by the President through a gazetted instrument and held that such delegation was not presented to the court.
“The power to fix prices is exclusively that of the President. Any decision taken without such delegation is a nullity,” the Judge held and added that Nigeria operates a free market system and service providers like MultiChoice retain the right to set their prices, with consumers free to accept or reject them.
The Judge further ruled that FCCPC’s actions, including directing MultiChoice to suspend its price increase, breached the company’s right to fair hearing and appeared selectively targeted.
He dismissed the FCCPC’s claim that MultiChoice held a dominant market position, calling the argument untenable.
“The use of services like those provided by the plaintiff is discretionary and not essential. Nigeria can do without it,” he added and warned that attempts to fix prices by regulatory bodies could scare off investors and harm the economy of the country.
The court held that while the FCCPC may investigate market practices, it cannot impose price controls without proper legal backing.
MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, announced a price hike on March 1, 2025, citing inflation and rising operational costs. The adjustments saw subscription fees increase by up to 25% across various packages.
Broadcasting
Navigating the Maze: Solutions for Nigeria’s Flourishing Foodtech Industry

By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store
Nigeria’s foodtech sector holds immense promise to transform our nation’s food production, distribution, and consumption systems.
However, this burgeoning industry currently navigates a complex maze of challenges that could significantly hinder its progress. While innovation and entrepreneurial drive are abundant, a confluence of infrastructural deficits, economic headwinds, technological disparities, and logistical complexities casts a shadow on the sector’s long-term viability.
Understanding and addressing these multifaceted hurdles is paramount for foodtech companies aspiring to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security.
One of the most significant impediments to the foodtech sector’s advancement is Nigeria’s persistent infrastructural weaknesses.
The unreliable power supply, a well-known constraint for businesses nationwide, directly threatens food preservation, increasing spoilage risks and driving up operational costs for companies reliant on refrigeration and consistent processing.
Similarly, the often-deteriorated state of our road networks complicates logistics and transportation, hindering the efficient movement of goods from farms to consumers and across the supply chain.
Furthermore, limited access to clean water exacerbates operational challenges, particularly for maintaining food processing and hygiene standards. Collectively, these infrastructural shortcomings inflate operational expenses and introduce vulnerabilities throughout the food supply chain.
Economic constraints add another layer of intricacy. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates create instability in pricing and procurement, especially for businesses dealing with imported technologies or ingredients. Persistent inflation erodes consumer purchasing power and increases the cost of essential inputs, squeezing profit margins for startups.
Moreover, limited access to credit and investment capital makes it difficult for emerging foodtech companies to secure the necessary funding to invest in crucial technology, infrastructure, and expansion efforts.
This financial constraint can stifle innovation and prevent promising ventures from reaching their full potential.
The digital divide also poses a unique challenge for foodtech companies aiming to leverage online platforms and digital solutions. While mobile phone usage is widespread in Nigeria, disparities in digital literacy and access to reliable internet connectivity can restrict the widespread adoption of online food ordering and delivery services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
This necessitates creative and inclusive strategies to bridge the digital gap and reach a broader consumer base.
Inefficiencies within the supply chain represent a critical bottleneck in the Nigerian food system. Fragmented agricultural supply chains, characterised by numerous intermediaries and a lack of transparency, contribute to alarmingly high post-harvest losses.
Inadequate storage facilities and inefficient transportation infrastructure further compound these issues, leading to significant waste and price volatility.
Addressing these systemic weaknesses is crucial for ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for all Nigerians.
Navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape can also be a daunting task for foodtech businesses. The presence of multiple regulatory agencies, coupled with often bureaucratic and time-consuming processes for obtaining licenses and permits, can create significant hurdles for startups. Clear, consistent, and streamlined processes within the regulatory framework are essential to foster a more enabling environment for innovation and growth.
Building consumer trust and acceptance for new food technologies requires overcoming inherent skepticism and unfamiliarity. Concerns regarding food safety, quality, and the security of online transactions can hinder the adoption of novel food products and digital platforms.
Transparent communication, robust quality control measures, and consistent consumer engagement are vital for building confidence and fostering widespread acceptance.
Finally, a notable talent gap exists within the Nigerian foodtech ecosystem.
A shortage of professionals possessing specialised skills in food science, technology, business management, and logistics can limit the growth and innovation capacity of companies in this sector. Addressing this skills deficit through targeted training and development initiatives is crucial for long-term success.
Despite these significant challenges, promising pathways forward can be forged through innovative and context-specific approaches. Investing in localised infrastructure solutions, such as independent power generation and efficient localised logistics networks, can mitigate the impact of broader infrastructural deficiencies.
Exploring diverse funding avenues beyond traditional banking, including angel investors, government grants, crowdfunding, and revenue-based financing, can alleviate financial constraints.
Adapting to the digital divide by leveraging basic mobile technology and employing offline strategies like local agent networks can expand reach and inclusivity.
Building resilient supply chains through direct farmer relationships, investing in aggregation centres, and utilising technology for farm management offer tangible solutions to logistical inefficiencies.
Proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and advocating for clearer, more supportive policies are crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape effectively. Building consumer trust necessitates transparent sourcing practices, clear communication about product benefits and safety, and active engagement with consumer feedback.
Finally, investing in talent development through collaborations with educational institutions and in-house training programs can bridge the critical skills gap.
Foodstuff Store is emerging as a business with a clear vision to directly confront several of these challenges. We are actively developing a decentralised network of businesses supported by strategically located distribution hubs across target states.
This approach will directly address the limitations imposed by poor road networks, ensuring more localised access to our food products.
Furthermore, the establishment of regional storage facilities, including a state-of-the-art solar-powered cold storage, directly tackles infrastructural deficiencies related to food preservation and ensuring a consistent supply.
Foodstuff Store’s ambition for end-to-end management of the food supply chain, encompassing in-house production, direct sourcing, advanced storage solutions, and efficient distribution, offers a powerful solution to existing supply chain inefficiencies.
This integrated approach promises enhanced quality control, significant reductions in post-harvest losses, and a more reliable supply of both perishable and non-perishable goods for our customers.
Our aspiration to become the “Amazon for Food Products” is a clear and ambitious goal underpinned by a technology-driven approach to all aspects of our operational management.
Foodstuff Store’s vision underscores a business model strategically designed to overcome significant hurdles within the Nigerian foodtech sector, offering a beacon of potential and a pathway to a more secure and efficient food system in a challenging yet remarkably promising landscape.
Broadcasting
History as TVC News Unveils Nigeria’s First AI-Powered News Anchors

TVC News has broken new ground in Nigeria’s media space with the launch of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) news presenters.
Rolled out in May 2025, the AI anchors will deliver news bulletins in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, reflecting the broadcaster’s commitment to technological advancement and linguistic inclusion.
The initiative is designed to enhance news delivery by supporting human journalists, not replacing them.
TVC Communications, the parent company of TVC News, described the development as a milestone in its efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into broadcast journalism.
“We are thrilled to pioneer this innovation in Nigeria’s media industry,” said Victoria Ajayi, chief executive officer, TVC Communications.
“Our AI news anchors represent a new era in news reporting, and this move underscores our dedication to using technology as a tool for growth and progress.”
Ajayi clarified that the AI-generated content will undergo thorough editorial review.
“Trained journalists and editors will assess every output to ensure it meets our standards of accuracy, balance, and credibility,” she noted.
In response to concerns about the potential misuse of AI, the organisation said it had established rigorous editorial safeguards, including watermarking and verification protocols. It also reaffirmed its adherence to the Nigerian Broadcasting Code and journalistic ethics.
With this launch, TVC News has become a trailblazer in AI-assisted journalism in Africa, setting a bold example for future media innovation across the continent.
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