Despite Hardship, Glo Continues To Make Life Easier For Nigerians

By Osho Oluwatosin

Due to the economic hardship that has affected Nigeria as a country, several sectors, including telecommunications, have had to make necessary reforms and adjustments, especially in terms of tariffs, to reflect the reality of the Nigerian economic situation.

Some players in the sector, like Karl Toriola of MTN, had advocated for a 100% increase in tariffs due to the operational costs his company is enduring as a result of the economic hardship. Others also called for a similar increase, and as expected, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in tariffs in February.

Although several Nigerians complained bitterly due to the fact that several essential commodities are already expensive, in all fairness, an increment was necessary because telecommunication companies also pay high costs for commodities like diesel. If Nigerians continue paying the lower tariffs while operational costs keep increasing, some companies may begin to shut down.

However, if there is any telecommunications giant that has considered the feelings of Nigerians regarding the directives from NCC to increase tariffs, it is Globacom, the only indigenous telecommunications company owned by billionaire Mike Adenuga.

While the likes of MTN implemented a 200% increase and later apologized, Globacom, in its magnanimity and unwavering support for Nigerians, introduced some promos to ease the pain of Nigerians, especially the youth population that makes use of data.

One of the most hardship-alleviating initiatives by the company is the Glo eSIM 5GB free data, which was even extended to customers of other networks. According to the company, customers on other networks can easily use Glo eSIM as an additional SIM card and enjoy 5GB free of charge.

The outlet comes with an introductory free 5GB of data when the customer buys a data plan of N1,500 or more.

Customers already on other networks can now join the Glo network with eSIM as an additional SIM. Existing Glo customers can also enjoy this “SIM-less” freedom.

With the eSIM, customers no longer have to worry about space for a physical SIM on their phones. The eSIM is a software-based digital chip built directly into smartphones or wearable devices, thus eliminating the need for a physical SIM card for customers.

“Globacom is welcoming new customers on its network with the introduction of the eSIM. The eSIM, activated in any Gloworld shop or dealer outlet, comes with an introductory free 5GB of data when the customer buys a data plan of N1,500 or more.

“Customers already on other networks can now join the Glo network with eSIM as an additional SIM. Existing Glo customers can also enjoy this ‘SIM-less’ freedom.
“With the eSIM, customers no longer have to worry about space for a physical SIM on their phones. The eSIM is a software-based digital chip built directly into smartphones or wearable devices, thus eliminating the need for a physical SIM card for customers.”

Likewise, Glo recently announced a 15% bonus on every eTop-up for subscribers; this simply means that for every airtime recharge, customers get 15% added to whatever they bought.

In a press statement issued in Lagos, Globacom said, “In line with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers, we have introduced this bonus airtime promotion to help our customers get the most out of their mobile experience. Whether the airtime is used for calls, data, or messaging, this extra boost ensures that customers stay connected with their loved ones and colleagues without interruption. It was introduced to give our esteemed customers unprecedented value for money and a delightful calling experience on the Glo network.”

According to Glo, “The validity of the airtime is 7 days and cannot be rolled over; once the bonus airtime is not used within the validity period, it expires, and the customer forfeits the bonus.”

Furthermore, Glo partnered with establishments like Samsung to ensure Nigerians remain connected to the internet with unprecedented free data. Just recently, the telecommunications giant teamed up with Samsung, the world’s leading manufacturer of electronic devices, to bring a new offer to Glo subscribers. This tantalizing deal allows Glo customers to pre-order the highly sought-after Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone and enjoy unique benefits.

Globacom is also delighting customers who purchase any model from the Galaxy S25 series with 18GB of bonus data for 6 months under smartphone festival data plans, while they can also secure their pre-order at any Gloworld shop with an advance payment of ₦500,000. Pre-ordered phones will be delivered to customers from February 19 onwards.

Meanwhile, Glo has been engaging in several promos back-to-back for the benefit of Nigerians. Through the Glo Festival of Joy promo, more than 50 Nigerians have won vehicles as luxurious as the Toyota Prado and other home appliances for using the Glo network and recharging regularly.

What about the Glo Lucky Number game? At different times, subscribers have been rewarded with cash prizes ranging from N100,000 to N1,000,000.

All of these and more indicate one thing: Glo is the only indigenous company that cares about the feelings of Nigerians, and these promos are major means through which the populace can be eased from the nationwide economic hardship.

Huge kudos to Globacom.

– Osho Oluwatosin is a journalist and publisher of www.trixxng.com

Waste for Gas – GTCO Plc Launches Initiative to Improve Quality of Life for Households and Empower Women

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), a leading financial services institution renowned for its innovative approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder engagement, today announced the launch of its “Waste for Gas” project to improve quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities. This transformative initiative aims to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income households in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.

The Waste for Gas project underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities. By providing households with gas-powered cooking, the initiative simplifies daily routines, freeing up time for essential activities that support financial resilience. The initiative also introduces a structured “waste for gas” exchange programme that promotes responsible waste management, fostering a culture of sustainability.
The project will unfold in two key phases, ensuring that it reaches those most in need. In the first phase, teams from GTCO, in collaboration with local government representatives, will conduct door-to-door visits across 12 wards in Obafemi Owode Local Government from Monday to Friday, February 18th – 21st, 2025.

These visits will help identify beneficiaries who currently rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking. Participating households will collect and return plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners. In the second phase, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 22nd and 23rd, 2025, efforts will be shifted to monitoring and increasing adoption of the new cooking method among the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, stated: “At GTCO, we are committed to driving progress, not just through innovative financial solutions but by creating real impact in the communities where we operate. Waste for Gas is about making life easier for families, giving them more time for what truly matters—whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development. Beyond this initiative, our goal is to continually evolve sustainable platforms that empower people, strengthen communities, and contribute to socioeconomic progress.”

As GTCO continues to expand its CSR footprint, the Waste for Gas project serves as a blueprint for future interventions that drive meaningful, long-lasting impact in underserved communities.

About GTCO Plc
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is a leading financial services institution headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with operations across 10 countries in Africa and the United Kingdom. GTCO Plc transitioned from a pure-play commercial bank—licensed since 1990—to a fully-fledged financial services company in April 2021 under a non-operating financial holding company structure, with shares listed on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The operating entities within GTCO’s robust financial ecosystem include Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank), Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (GTFM), Guaranty Trust Pension Managers Limited (GTPM), and HabariPay Limited (Habari).

As a “Proudly African and Truly International” Institution, GTCO has been at the forefront of enriching lives and promoting enterprise across the African continent through its transformative platforms and differentiated offerings.

NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

Tensions are running high as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunications services over the recent 50% tariff hike. The NSCDC announced it has deployed operatives nationwide to protect telecom base stations and prevent any disruptions during the protest.

The NLC has vowed to press ahead with its plan to shut down the operations of major telecom providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo unless the Nigerian Communications Commission reverses the price hike by February’s end. The union has also directed Nigerians to boycott telecom services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily until further notice, citing a breach of public trust by the operators.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, in a chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, stressed that any disruption to telecom services could expose the country to increased criminal activities and compromise national security. “The NSCDC will not allow any action that could jeopardize the nation’s security. We are on red alert, and any illegal activity during the protest will be dealt with according to the law,” Afolabi warned.

A nationwide deployment of NSCDC personnel, including undercover and intelligence officers, has been ordered to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities. The agency cited credible intelligence suggesting that hoodlums could hijack the protest, using it as an opportunity for vandalism and looting.

Meanwhile, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have criticized the NLC’s plan. PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu argued that the tariff hike is necessary due to rising operational costs, including the removal of fuel subsidies. “The NLC acted in error by not consulting our union before making decisions,” Okonu said.

ATCON President Tony Emoekpere echoed the sentiment, calling the planned shutdown “misguided.” “This is an industry-wide challenge, not just a labour issue. Resorting to such drastic actions will only harm the economy,” he explained.

However, NLC leaders remain defiant. Lagos State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi dismissed the NSCDC’s warnings as intimidation tactics. “No one can threaten us! This is about our commonwealth. If necessary, we will shut down electricity too. Let them do their worst,” she declared.

The NLC maintains that the tariff increase represents a betrayal of public trust, given the government’s earlier agreement to review the proposed hike before any implementation. The union also slammed the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.

As the standoff intensifies, the NSCDC is calling for dialogue to avoid any potential disruption. “Dialogue remains the best solution, and we hope organized labour will listen to reason,” Afolabi added.

With both sides digging in, the nation braces for potential unrest in the coming days.