Telecom
Telecom, Great Enabler for Economic Advancement
When the word telecommunications is mentioned, what readily comes to mind of many Nigerians is voice communications. This perception could be explained by the emphasis on voice by most telecom operators as well as voice being the most required of other services on their table.
There are four major services commonly being delivered by operators in the telecommunications sector of any economy, these include, voice, data, internet and video.
Today, these services are playing fundamental role in powering advancement in other sectors of any economy. Some of the sectors include financial, aviation, medical, education, manufacturing among others. In all of these, telecommunications is helping in enhancing effectiveness of the services delivered in the sectors.
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) explained that telecommunications is an essential infrastructure of the information economy, and that countries that lack sufficient access to modern telecommunications networks, find it difficult to be effectively integrated into the global economy. Against this backdrop, he said that the Nigerian government has, over the past eight years been providing the right environment to attract serious investors and encourage market forces to thrive, all aimed at attracting new sources of capital, accelerating network expansion, improving pricing, enhancing quality of service and introducing new technologies.
“There is no doubt that without ICT a nation or person cannot reach her full potential in today’s world. Two new reports, by the World Bank (Information and Communication for development report, 2006) and World Economic Forum (Global Information Technology report, 2005-2006), underline the fact that economic development depends on overall progress in a country’s ICT sector, and that, without such progress, both economies and companies suffer. Thus the World Banks study finds that firms that use ICT grow faster, and are more productive and profitable than those that do not. Access to broadband has also been identified as key to keeping small businesses competitive in any modern economy” he said.
According to him, “even for the poor and rural population, investments in ICT have been known to help reduce the burden of inadequate infrastructure particularly in the area of transportation. Rural areas, where the vast majority of the world’s population lives, as well as a significant proportion of poor people, tend to be greatly underserved by essential infrastructure. ICT can enable them to save both time and money if they are able to access information and services closer to home. ICT facilities are critical for local producers to coordinate activities, linkage with national and global opportunities as well as being able to withstand competition in their domestic markets”. Survival and growth in these contexts he said increasingly depend upon their innovativeness, capacity to learn and their effectiveness in using and absorbing technology, which is becoming essential factor in production, distribution, marketing and planning processes at all levels.
Even in the case of the “informal sector”, the source of livelihoods for most of the world’s poor and for a large percentage of women, ICT can assist with the delivery of social services, with micro-finance, with strengthening coping strategies and income generation thus contributing to general sustainable development.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) said telecommunication had replaced to a large extent, the need for travels, the need for physical meetings as conferences are held over video teleconference facilities with parties located in different parts of the world.
These advantages, he said, had changed the way people live and the way they do businesses and that Nigeria was on the map of this transformation. The modern day economy, he added, cannot be sustained without commensurate development in telecommunication. He further explained that virtually all industries in the country today depended on telecommunication services in one form or the other, be it manufacturing, oil exploration, production, traffic management and control, security and surveillance systems and the banking and finance sector.
Benefits to Financial sector
Before the liberalization of telecommunications sector in the country’s economy, there was nothing like online banking, where a bank customer can carry out transactions in any branch of the particular bank across the country outside where such account is domicile. Then, Nigerians where forced to carry cash from one city to the other to make purchases because they can not withdraw money from any other branch of the same bank order than where the account is domiciled.
Online banking services are the distance banking services over electronic media from the early ’80s. The term online became popular in the late ’80s and referred to the use of a terminal, keyboard and TV (or monitor) to access the banking system using a phone line.
Aside online banking, the financial sector has also benefited from the telecommunications which facilitated the introduction of electronic payment. Initial efforts in the use of electronic cards to carry out transactions through Automated Teller Machine (ATM) failed because there were no reliable telecommunications services to provide the communications link required for the system to work. A typical e-payment system requires communications link such as General Package Radio Service (GPRS) or cable between the ATM and the bank’s data centre as well as the switching platform. This is provided by telecommunications operators.
Adeyemi Adeyinka, managing partner, Intermac Consulting, an integrated consulting firm with focus on e-business with particular emphasis on e-banking and e-payment intermediation has observed that Nigeria has continued to make steady progress towards ensuring full banking transaction automation with the value of e-payment rising to N360 billion in 2008.
He noted that the increase in the adoption of the electronic model is not only driven by the need for electronic services but also by the love and speedy uptake of new technologies by Nigerians.
According to him, most astonishing, is the fact that the uptake of technology in the country cuts across all strata of society. This is even as artisans, market women and Okada riders make use of the e-payment systems as well as the upwardly mobile professionals. All these are great indications that there is a lot of prospect for electronic payment in Nigeria.
Medicine
Ordinarily, one would argue that medical profession has little or nothing to do with telecommunications, except when a nurse needs attention of the doctor she can call him or her through mobile phone, if he is out of the hospital premises. But, telecommunications goes far beyond this. We hear the word ‘telemedicine’ this system allows doctors to carry out surgery or treatment at remote locations from the city. This system is powered by telecommunications. Without telecommunications there is nothing like telemedicine which is the way forward in the effort to achieve advancement in the primary health care service delivery in the country.
Oil and Gas
Oil and Gas sector of the country’s economy has become the biggest corporate customers of most telecommunications operators providing satellite communications as well as two way radio services. The nature of oil prospecting demands that workers at the rig which are located at creeks which are far from the city need to communicate with their operational base in the city. This is done through effective communications services provided through Very Small Aperture Terminal (Vsat) as well as two radio service that makes use of satellite communications all part of telecommunications services.
Nay, oil and gas companies require satellite communications to monitor their facilities located at creeks to determine point of damage if such facility suffers one.
Education
In Education, the use of information and communication technologies continues to expand exponentially, bringing unprecedented opportunities for achieving greater educational access and success. Given this potential, governments and its agencies have invested substantial resources to providing facilities in schools, colleges and universities around the country, thus increasing access to IT education, improving literacy and improving the quality of education generally. More importantly, distant education programmes are made possible by internet connectivity, where a student in Nigeria can be part of a lecture in an educational institution say, in London or United State America (USA) live as well as make contributions while the lecture is going on.
Aviation
Aviation sector is not left out as one of the sectors that are benefiting from the services of telecommunications. Without missing words, telecommunications is the bedrock of aviation industry as aircrafts flying in the air maintains constant communications link with the control tower without which the plane will immediately crash. This vital link that makes flight possible is provided by telecommunications sector.
The Federal Government as well as the State Governments declared their commitment to positioning Nigeria among the top twenty economies of the world by 2020, and are of necessity, required to be seen to be committed to providing the right policy and regulatory environment that will attract massive investment into the various sectors of the economy. The telecom sector leads the way in this regard and has achieved international recognition for Nigeria as the leading country in Africa and among the top ten in the world as a result of this commitment.
With the growth being experienced in the telecommunications sector and its adoption in different sectors of the economy, it is believed that the hope of the country becoming one of the top twenty economies will be realized if the right policy is put in place to encourage the application of Information and communications technology to our national life.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged for the development of a more comprehensive framework for tracking investments in the telecommunications sector, saying current capital importation data does not fully reflect the level of investment being made by operators.
The association made the call while reacting to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q1 2026 Capital Importation Report, which showed a decline in foreign capital inflows into the telecommunications sector from $80.78 million in 2025 to $7.24 million in the first quarter of 2026.
In a statement jointly signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON Chairman, the association commended the NBS for its efforts in tracking investment flows across key sectors of the economy, but stressed the need for a broader assessment of investments within the telecom industry.
According to ALTON, while foreign capital inflows have declined, telecommunications operators continue to make substantial investments in network infrastructure, technology upgrades and operational expansion through domestic funding sources and reinvested earnings.
The association also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the 50 per cent tariff increase approved in 2025, describing the policy as a critical intervention that helped stabilise the sector during a difficult period.
ALTON said the tariff adjustment addressed revenue sustainability challenges, restored operational viability and enabled operators to shift from financial distress to a growth-oriented model characterised by increased capital reinvestment.
“The timely intervention enabled operators to transition from financial distress to a sustainable, growth-focused model characterised by significant capital reinvestment,” the statement noted.
Providing insight into the sector’s investment profile, ALTON disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), tower companies and other industry players invested a total of ₦2.13 trillion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) in 2025. It added that operators have earmarked another ₦1.86 trillion for capital projects in 2026.
The planned investments, according to the association, will support network expansion, technology enhancement and other critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving service quality and coverage nationwide.
ALTON argued that the disparity between reported foreign capital inflows and actual capital expenditure points to a gap in the way sectoral investments are currently measured and reported.
It noted that a significant portion of telecom sector investments now comes from domestic capital sources and reinvested operational earnings, which may not be adequately captured under existing foreign capital importation metrics.
To address this challenge, the association proposed a collaborative engagement involving the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop a more inclusive investment-tracking framework.
According to ALTON, a transparent and comprehensive investment reporting system would provide a more accurate picture of the sector’s contribution to the economy, strengthen investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for telecommunications investment.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators and government agencies to ensure the sector’s contributions to national development are properly documented and recognized.
ALTON also assured Nigerians that telecommunications operators remain committed to continuous investments in network expansion, modernisation, resilience and service quality improvement.
It added that sustained collaboration among government, regulators and industry stakeholders would ensure uninterrupted access to digital services that drive economic growth, innovation, financial inclusion and national development.
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, has taken note of media reports regarding the recent operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State, which led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention, and fraudulent activities.
QNET
QNET unequivocally condemns all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation, unlawful detention, and other criminal acts. We commend the NSCDC for its swift intervention and for prioritising the safety and welfare of those affected.
While investigations are ongoing, QNET wishes to state clearly that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visas, migration services, or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment. Any individual or group making such representations is acting without the knowledge, authorization, or consent of the company.
Commenting on the incident, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, said: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation.
“We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.
“We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”
QNET maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct. The company actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and takes disciplinary action against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies.
Since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, QNET has intensified its collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the media to combat scams and misinformation associated with its brand.
These efforts include the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, as well as strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Beyond Nigeria, similar initiatives have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone under the broader QNET Against Scams campaign.
These programmes are designed to educate communities on how to identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics, and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.
QNET remains committed to working alongside governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups to combat fraud, protect consumers, and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify information about QNET, its products, and its business model through the company’s official website, www.qnet.net.
Individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes, or any misuse of the QNET name are urged to report such incidents through QNET’s compliance and integrity channels.
Suspected cases may be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at [email protected]. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with QNET’s compliance procedures.
For more information about QNET and its anti-fraud initiatives, visit www.qnet.net.
About 85 global medical professionals, scientists and policymakers participating in the “Science of Defeating Malaria”, leadership development course and initiative from Harvard University, USA, have commended the establishment of NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies factory as pivotal to eradicating malaria and infectious diseases in Nigeria and Africa.
While touring the multi-million dollars NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies factory on Sunday, June 7, 2027, the team impressed by the facility for the production of PCR kits and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), said it was a good move to establish 100 per cent Nigerian-owned diagnostic brand.
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, NASENT-TROMENT Biotechnologies, Mr. Selim Hani, in a presentation stated that the factory is a strategic partnership between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Troment Nigeria Limited aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sovereignty through local production of diagnostic technologies.
“This facility built from ground zero in the last 18 months, focuses on manufacturing of RDTs and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products, enabling early detection of major infectious and public health diseases. Diagnostic test kits under the N-CheckUP brand will be produced to test Malaria, Hepatitis B & C, HIV ½, Pregnancy, COVID-19 Antigen, Typhoid, Syphilis, Blood Glucose among others.
“It is designed to produce 600 million diagnostic kits per year. It will reduce Nigeria’s (and West Africa) reliance on imported medical diagnostics while improving accessibility and affordability of across the country and the African region,” he added.
Technical Partner, NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies, Dr. Engin Narinc, said “this facility is Africa’s first fully localized Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit factory. From concept to full-scale launch, our end-to-end production process is designed to deliver world-calss diagnostic solutions built entirely in Africa, for Africa.”
Team lead, Science of Defeating Malaria Initiative, Professor Dyann F. Wirth, Harvard University, USA, and one of the world’s leading malariologists, led the team on a tour of the various sections of the factory. She said “this is an amazing facility that would add value to the eradication of malaria and other public health disease in Nigeria and the continent.”
The visiting Science of Defeating Malaria leadership development course and initiative is currently holding its programme from June 7-13, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria. It trains global health professionals, scientists, and policymakers to eliminate and eradicate malaria.
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