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

Is FirstBank Truly the First in Banking Services? 

For decades, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), widely referred to as FirstBank, has prided itself on being a leader in the Nigerian banking sector. Established in 1894, the financial institution has positioned itself as a pillar of strength and reliability, serving millions of customers and businesses across the country and beyond. However, beneath the grandeur of its century-long legacy lies a series of alleged scandals, boardroom power struggles, and allegations that challenge its claim to excellence in banking services.

A Legacy Tainted by Controversy

While FirstBank has built a formidable reputation in the industry, recent years have seen the institution embroiled in controversies that have raised serious concerns about corporate governance, transparency, and ethical banking practices.

One of the most notable scandals in the bank’s recent history was the leadership tussle that rocked its board in 2021. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had to intervene after an alleged improper removal of the bank’s Managing Director, Adesola Adeduntan, by the Board of Directors. The regulatory authority deemed the move as a violation of corporate governance principles and reinstated Adeduntan, highlighting concerns of internal wranglings and executive interference within the institution.

The power struggle within FirstBank’s boardroom has long been a topic of public discussion in Nigeria’s financial circles. The institution has seen a revolving door of leadership changes, with accusations of alleged undue influence by powerful stakeholders, including billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and former board chairman Ibukun Awosika. Reports suggest that internal factions within the bank often engage in a battle of interests, placing political and personal agendas ahead of the bank’s strategic objectives.

Moreover, regulatory authorities have had to step in multiple times to stabilize the governance structure at FirstBank, raising concerns about the institution’s ability to independently manage its affairs.

Beyond governance struggles, FirstBank has not been immune to allegations of financial misconduct. In 2022, reports emerged regarding questionable loan approvals and potential insider dealings that put the bank at risk of financial instability. Some of these allegations pointed to loans granted without adequate collateral, benefiting influential figures with ties to the bank’s leadership.

Additionally, customers have raised complaints over the years about unethical banking practices, including unauthorized deductions, delayed transactions, and poor customer service. These issues, while common across the Nigerian banking sector, call into question whether FirstBank is truly living up to its legacy as the premier financial institution in the country.

Given the crisis engulfing FirstBank, the CBN has maintained a watchful eye over the institution. The apex bank’s intervention in leadership disputes and its mandate for compliance with regulatory frameworks indicate that FirstBank’s operations are not without significant oversight. While such interventions are meant to ensure stability, they also highlight the deep-seated issues within the bank that require continuous monitoring.

Despite these controversies, FirstBank remains a dominant force in the Nigerian banking landscape. Its extensive branch network, digital banking initiatives, and financial products continue to serve millions of customers. However, the multiple governance crises, allegations of financial impropriety, and regulatory interventions suggest that the bank’s claim to being the “first” in banking services is increasingly under scrutiny.

To maintain its esteemed reputation, FirstBank must prioritize corporate governance, transparency, and customer satisfaction. The banking industry is evolving, and with increased competition from both traditional banks and fintech disruptors, FirstBank must clean its house if it truly wants to remain the leader it claims to be.

The question remains: Is FirstBank still the first, or is it just another financial institution grappling with systemic issues? Only time will tell if the bank can rise above its scandals and reaffirm its leadership in the sector.

EXCLUSIVE:  Presidency Weighs Major Reforms in Broadcast Sector Amid Pay-TV Controversy

Abuja – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) may be on the brink of a major regulatory shake-up as concerns over the pricing strategies, content access, and advertising monopolies of Nigeria’s dominant pay-TV operators come under intense scrutiny.

Though no formal directive has been issued, remarks made by NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu during an informal exchange with journalists after attending an industry event in Lagos have set the industry on edge, fueling speculation that the regulator is finally moving to rein in exploitative market practices

The urgency of the situation has been further underscored by a formal petition from DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT), which accused major pay-TV platforms of stifling competition and using their market power to restrict access to free-to-air (FTA) content. But if that wasn’t enough to trigger alarm bells in government, what followed surely did—a sudden subscription price hike by one of the country’s biggest pay-TV operators, despite the naira gaining strength and inflation beginning to ease.

The timing of the price increase has sparked outrage, with consumer groups questioning why a company would raise costs at a time when the price of other goods and services is falling. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has since challenged the draconian pricing strategy, and in a rare public alignment, the NBC has now declared full support for the FCCPC’s intervention.

Behind the scenes, the presidency has now directed the establishment of high-level ad-hoc teams within the regulatory agency to conduct a short-term review of the sector, signaling that the federal government is not only watching but may be preparing to act decisively.

THE FTA CRISIS: PAY-TV OPERATORS BLOCKING ACCESS TO FREE CONTENT

One of the most contentious issues under review is how pay-TV companies have turned free-to-air (FTA) channels into part of their paid subscription models. While these channels are meant to be freely accessible to all Nigerians, pay-TV operators have long bundled them into premium packages, ensuring that subscribers must pay to access content that is supposed to be free.

This deliberate restriction of FTA access has allowed pay-TV operators to meet their regulatory obligations while suppressing independent broadcasters, effectively cornering the market and forcing consumers into unnecessary payments.

Industry sources suggest that NBC’s review could lead to an enforceable policy ensuring that FTA channels remain truly free, whether a viewer is subscribed to a pay-TV package or not. Such a measure would restore fair competition, allowing independent broadcasters to reach their full audience without interference from dominant platforms seeking to control distribution.

This potential shift is widely seen as a direct challenge to the business model of major pay-TV platforms, which have long relied on their ability to bundle FTA channels into their paid offerings, forcing viewers to subscribe even when they don’t need to. Should NBC move forward with such a policy, it would represent one of the most significant regulatory interventions in the Nigerian broadcast sector in years.

THE ADVERTISING MONOPOLY: TIME TO BREAK THE STRANGLEHOLD?

Beyond price hikes and content access, another key issue under scrutiny is the monopolization of advertising revenue in the pay-TV sector. Industry analysts have long pointed out that a few dominant platforms control a disproportionate share of the advertising market, leaving independent broadcasters struggling to secure funding.

NBC’s review is expected to consider measures to cap the percentage of advertising revenue that pay-TV operators can command. The goal is simple—redirect a greater share of the market to independent broadcasters who rely solely on ad revenue to survive.

Additionally, NBC is said to be considering expanding the digital access fee, currently applied to certain pay-TV services, to all platforms benefiting from the Nigerian media market, including digital streaming services. This would ensure that all players profiting from Nigerian audiences reinvest a fair share into local content production, jobs, and infrastructure development, aligning with the government’s broader economic plan to expand the creative sector into a N3 trillion industry by 2030.

The growing influence of digital streaming services like Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime may also come under increasing regulatory focus. While these platforms have provided greater content diversity and access to global programming, there is concern that they have been allowed to profit from the Nigerian market without making sufficient reinvestments into local content production.

Sources indicate that NBC’s review may explore policies to collaborate with streaming platforms and reinvest a percentage of their Nigerian revenue into local productions. This would ensure that the country’s content creators benefit from the streaming boom rather than simply serving as consumers of foreign content.

NBC AND FCCPC: A UNITED FRONT AGAINST PRICE HIKES

The NBC’s decision to publicly align with the FCCPC on the issue of unjustified price increases signals a rare moment of regulatory unity. The fact that subscription costs are rising even as the naira strengthens and inflation drops raises serious questions about whether consumers are being taken advantage of by operators who are using their market control to set arbitrary prices.

Industry insiders suggest that the regulatory stance could set the stage for a wider investigation into pay-TV pricing structures, particularly how these companies justify their frequent price hikes despite economic conditions that suggest they should be lowering costs, not increasing them.

The possibility of sweeping regulatory intervention has split opinions in the industry.

Independent broadcasters and content creators see this as a long-overdue correction. For years, they have been locked out of fair competition, watching as pay-TV operators dominate advertising revenue, control content distribution, and force subscribers to pay for channels that should be free.

However, major pay-TV providers have been more cautious, with industry executives privately warning that increased regulation could “discourage investment” and “disrupt business models”.

One senior pay-TV official, speaking anonymously, expressed concern that the review process may introduce “unnecessary uncertainty” into the market. “There is a way to ensure fair competition without damaging the industry’s ability to attract investment,” he said.

THE PRESIDENCY’S NEXT MOVE: TO ACT OR TO WATCH?

While the presidency has not issued any direct public orders, its decision to mandate an immediate review of pay-TV and broadcast practices suggests that it is closely monitoring the situation.

The Tinubu administration has repeatedly emphasized the importance of creating a media and entertainment sector that works for all players, not just a select few. Sources suggest that the outcome of NBC’s review will be closely aligned with the government’s economic and creative sector goals—but how far the administration is willing to go remains to be seen.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With high-level regulatory reviews underway, public backlash against rising subscription prices, and growing government interest in breaking monopolistic control, Nigeria’s pay-TV industry is at a crossroads.

If the NBC follows through on its review, Nigerians could soon see FTA channels that are truly free, advertising revenue that is more evenly distributed, and streaming platforms that reinvest in local content rather than extracting profits without giving back.

But if the dominant pay-TV operators successfully lobby their way out of meaningful reforms, business will continue as usual—with Nigerians paying higher subscription costs for channels that should be free, independent broadcasters struggling for survival, and corporate giants dictating the rules of the game.

One thing is certain—the era of unchecked dominance in Nigeria’s broadcast sector is being challenged like never before. Whether this results in real change or yet another quiet backroom settlement remains to be seen.