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7 Things Gimba Mohammed of MainOne Would Tell Buhari In 30 Minutes

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By peter oluka

Obviously, the information and communication technology (ICT) industry is critical to Nigeria’s economy. The pace of development brought about by the ever-evolving sector has permeated every facet of the economy.

The emergence of technology hubs across the country, and the growing efforts by young Nigerian “techpreneurs” in building mobile applications to solve challenges associated with health, education, financial inclusion, agriculture, and other socio-economic pain-point are evidences of ICTs’ potency to inject live into the economy through innovation and entrepreneurship processes.

The investments profile in the country’s telecommunications segment alone is on the upward swing, as it hit $70 billion (N21.4 trillion) in August 2017.

Achieved within a 16-year period, as disclosed by Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, the investments moved from a mere $50 million in 2001 to its current state.

However, the industry is faced with some challenges. Interestingly, the Presidency has noticed how these factors are undermining the industrial growth.

Recall, an executive fiat on “Ease of Doing Business”, has been on the front burner as Government of the day seeks measures to arrest the situation and ensure business community has the confidence to continue to support the economy.

Nevertheless, Gimba Mohammed, head, Regional Business/Oil and Gas at MainOne believes there are areas requiring urgent Government interventions.

When asked if had 30 minutes with President Muhammadu Buhari to speak about ICT, what policies would he like to see enacted in Nigeria?

Mohammed said the main points would be:

Execute Critical Elements Of The Broadband Plan

There are elements of the Broadband Policy that need to be quickly implemented, if Nigeria is to attain 30% fixed broadband penetration across Nigeria.

Quickly Execute InfraCo in Lagos

Lagos can be successful case study. We have challenges implementing our InfraCo license and appeal to the government to help resolve this.

Enforce Data Residency Policies With Incentives

Support indigenous players. We should begin to emulate more developed countries include China, most countries in Europe etc who have data domiciliation laws. We must identify and host critical national data in-country.

Focus On Big Ticket Items

The President should focus on big ticket items e.g Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education, Power, Security, Economic stability and leave Private Sector to do others.

The submarine cable build to Niger delta should be part of the agenda to create jobs for the teeming youths.

The Organised Private Sector is willing to support the Government, but there must be certain things in place.

Protect ICT Infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure

This has been on the front burner for a long time. ICT infrastructure deserve to be protected just like water, electricity and other critical infrastructure.  The Legislature ought to work with the Executive to actualise an all encompassing policy document in this regard.     

Take Government Online

All MDAs etc., must be accessible online, have a website and ensure transparency and openness and

Harmonise Taxes and Regulation

Harmonise Taxes and Regulation and ensure Nigeria’s Ease of Business rankings via Rule of Law and investment protection.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Nigeria Mulls Trust Fund to Preserve Telecom Infrastructure

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Nigeria’s telecom providers intend to establish the Telecom Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund to pay for equipment protection as the industry faces an alarming increase in infrastructure sabotage.

Nigeria Mulls Trust Fund to Preserve Telecom Infrastructure

The sector attended a meeting co-hosted by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), where they discussed ways for safeguarding critical ICT assets in the country.

During the conference the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) warned that major mobile operators now suffer more than 1,100 fibre-optic cuts every week.

Speaking at the conference in Lagos, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, represented by Edoyemi Ogoh, director of technical standards and network integrity, said the damage is crippling service reliability and undermining national security.

To curb the damage, the NCC is enforcing stricter infrastructure standards for fibre deployment and tower construction, launching nationwide awareness campaigns, and working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to align with broader security frameworks.

“When vandalism occurs, it’s not just operators that lose, ordinary Nigerians feel the impact when banking, healthcare, and emergency systems fail,” Maida stressed.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, reiterated the worries, criticising operators for failing to implement basic security measures such as perimeter fencing or CCTV.

He denounced the booming black market for stolen telecom components, which is frequently supported by insider cooperation.

“We need tougher prosecutions so those caught face the full weight of the law,” he urged.

In the case of NITRA, Chike Onwuegbuchi, chairman, proposed establishing a Telecom Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund to pay for preventative measures.

He also stated that educating communities about the costs of vandalism is critical to maintaining connectivity and protecting critical services.

 

 


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MTN’s mPulse Spelling Bee Returns with Regional Competitions and ₦40M in Prizes

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MTN Nigeria has announced the commencement of the seventh edition of its mPulse Spelling Bee, a national competition that has grown into one of the most impactful youth literacy initiatives in the country. With a new structure that emphasises nationwide inclusion and physical regional competitions, this year’s edition will engage thousands of students and amplify the brilliance of young Nigerians across all six geopolitical zones.

Kicking off with a practice stage on July 28, 2025, the competition is open to Nigerian students aged 9 to 15 in primary and secondary schools. For the first time, regional competitions will be held physically in three cities: Ibadan for participants in the South-West, Enugu for participants in the South-East and South-South, and Abuja for participants in the North-Central, North-East, and North-West. This new structure reflects MTN’s commitment to giving every child, regardless of region, the opportunity to learn, compete, and shine.

The Spelling Bee competition unfolds in five progressive stages: Practice Stage, Round1 (Entry Phase), Round 2 (Regional Qualification), Round 3 (Physical Regional Competitions), and the Grand Finale. From the first round, the top 3,000students (500 per zone) will qualify for regional rounds, and the best 20spellers from across Nigeria will proceed to the Grand Finale in Lagos. Seven top finalists, each from the regional competitions in Ibadan and Enugu, and six top finalists from the competition in Abuja, will make up the Top 20 finalists for the Grand Finale in Lagos.

The total prize pool for this year’s edition is over ₦40 million, with rewards spread across students, schools, and teachers. The overall winner will be crowned MTN CEO for a Day, receive a ₦5million educational grant, and be named mPulse Face of the Year. The winner will also receive a brand-new laptop and smartphone. Their teacher will receive₦500,000, while the winner’s school will be awarded 10 laptops, 10 MTN 5G routers, and a ₦10 million flagship project.

“The MTN mPulse Spelling Bee isn’t just a competition; it’s a platform for young Nigerians to access recognition, leadership opportunities, and academic support. We are proud to be empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders,” said Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria.

Last year’s winner, Ikenna Ikechukwu, described his journey to the top as one that required determination and sacrifice. “Preparing for the competition meant sleepless nights. There were so many words to learn, and while it’s impossible to know them all,I aimed to master at least 60 to 70%. This platform doesn’t just reward winners; it gives you the confidence to aim higher and believe in your abilities. A special thanks to MTN for this amazing initiative that helps students learn, play, and shine,” he shared.

Now in its seventh year, the mPulse Spelling Bee continues to serve as a bridge between education and opportunity, empowering young minds to grow beyond the classroom. With thousands of students set to participate, this edition hopes to spark conversations, spotlight regional talent, and showcase the power of words in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Hosted on the mPulse website (https://mpulse.mtn.ng), the mPulse Spelling Bee is designed to promote literacy, strengthen comprehension and build confidence through digital learning and healthy competition.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Cloud Accelerator to Power Africa’s Startup Future

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Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria
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MTN Nigeria has announced the launch of the MTN Cloud Accelerator, a 12-week programme designed to propel African growth-stage startups into their next phase of expansion by providing access to funding, mentorship, and MTN’s robust cloud infrastructure.

Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria

Applications opened on July 7, 2025, and will close on August 15, 2025, with the first cohort of selected startups set to be announced on September 1, 2025. The programme will run from September 6 to December 6, 2025, offering founders a powerful platform to scale their businesses faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

“This initiative reflects MTN’s belief in Africa’s innovators and their ability to transform communities and economies,” said Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria. “Through the MTN Cloud Accelerator, we are giving founders the tools, networks and resources they need to compete not just locally but globally.”

Targeting startups with MVPs or live products, the MTN Cloud Accelerator is designed for innovators operating in high-impact sectors, including fintech, health tech, agritech, edtech, AI and data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and retail/e-commerce.

Participants will gain access to funding opportunities, mentorship from industry experts, API integrations into MTN’s ecosystem, and go-to-market and sales support to accelerate customer acquisition and scale faster.

The MTN Cloud Accelerator builds on MTN’s ongoing investment in Africa’s technology infrastructure. This forms part of MTN’s commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital economy and positioning the continent’s startups for global competitiveness.

Applications are now open, and startups meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply by visiting www.mtnaccelerate.com before the deadline on August 15, 2025.


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