The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Nigeria has not made any request for funding.

Abebe Aemro Selassie, director of the African department at the IMF, spoke during a press briefing in Washington DC.

Selassie was responding to a question on speculations within Nigeria’s business circle that the government is considering going to the fund for financing.

Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has temporarily suspended the increase in the monthly subscription for its Nigerian subscribers.

The development comes nearly one month after the internet provider increased its standard package (residential) monthly subscription to N75,000, from N38,000 per month — an increase of 97.37 percent.

Also, the cost of the Starlink hardware was increased from N440,000 to N590,000.

Following the increase, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the company did not receive its approval before reviewing its subscription.

According to NCC, it had commenced a pre-enforcement action on Starlink.

In a notice to customers on Thursday, Starlink said it has decided to put the increase on hold due to “regulatory challenges”.

“Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service,” Starlink said.

“Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges.

“If you’ve already been charged at the higher rate, a one-time credit will be applied to your account to cover the difference. You also have the flexibility to cancel your service at any time.

“We remain committed to providing high-speed Internet in Nigeria, but we need regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience.

“Without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk.

“Thank you for choosing Starlink and supporting our mission to bring affordable, high-speed internet to more people as many people around the world as possible.”

Also, TheCable observed that on its website, Starlink has reversed its standard residential plan to N38,000, and mobile regional plan to N50,000, from N167,000, but its hardware remained at N590,000.

The Kogi stage government says it has secured the approval of the federal ministry of aviation and aerospace development to build an international airport in Zariagi area of the state.

In a statement on Friday, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communication, said the approval was contained in a letter dated October 9, 2024.

He said Usman Ododo, Kogi governor, is committed to timely completion of the airport project, adding that it will serve 10 nearby states and ease Lokoja-Abuja traffic.

“The Ododo Administration has considered it a top priority for Kogi State to have an International Airport and join the league of the aviation hub,” the statement reads.

“The strategic location of the state is no doubt, an invaluable advantage in harnessing the aviation service market as the centre of the nation.

“The project will not only boost the economy of the State, it will also create jobs and bring the potentials of the state to the global scene.

“The Governor is determined to hire the best hands in the industry to make the project a huge success. As you are aware, aviation is an industry of trust and standards.

“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Aviation Minister for the historic approval that will help to further develop Kogi State.”

Fanwo said the airport will have cargo capacity, a key focus of the project, alongside passenger services.

He assured residents of the state that Ododo’s administration will continue driving progress through strategic projects in the state.