Telecom
Eugene Juwah, Former NCC Boss Dies in Canada
Dr Eugene Juwah, former executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is dead.
Eugene Juwah, Former, EVC, NCC
Juwah, according to family sources, died in Canada where he relocated to after his tenure expired in 2015 and was succeeded by Prof. Umar Dambatta.
The family have not issued any statement on the demise of the Delta State born technocrat as at the time of going to press
Juwah, played coordinating roles in the setup of ETACS, GSM and CDMA mobile network in Nigeria, possesses hands-on knowledge of specification and construction of digital exchanges, base stations, data communications and subscriber access networks.
At the Nigerian Communications Commission, Juwah has championed the introduction of Emergency Communication Services, Mobile Number Portability, Sim Card Registration and Broadband Access Expansion.
Juwah had over 30 years of experience in information Technology and telecommunication industries with more than 20 years of the above at top management level.
Juwah was a fellow of the following Professional bodies Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, Nigerian Computer Society & Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Fresh out of university, he started his career as a computer systems programmer with Shell BP Petroleum Development Company from 1976 – 1978.
As a young graduate working in a multi-national company, he developed and maintained computer applications programs in the Commercial Information Systems Section of the Information and Computer Systems Department (ICS).
He worked with the team that repositioned business activities such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Materials Resource Planning and Payroll as a practical demonstration of his hands- on experience
It was from Shell BP that he moved to Leventis Technical Ltd, a computer systems/telecoms subsidiary of the famous Leventis Group, a Nigerian conglomerate.
He held various positions during his stint with the company.
He was a System Analyst from 1982 to 1984, Sales Manager from 1984 to 1986 and Marketing Manager from 1986 to 1988. It was in 1988 that he was elevated to the position of Divisional General Manager (Computer systems).
He held this position until 1993 when he was poached by one of the pioneer cellular telecoms company in Nigeria –MTS.
In recognition of his expertise, Juwah was appointed to serve as Director, Cellular Operations, for Mobile Telecommunications ServicesLtd (MTS). He was one of very few people that participated in the erection and testing of the first privately owned mobile telecommunications network in Africa through MTS.
He was personally responsible for the quality of service that MTS delivered through his direct supervision of several departments like the Technical, Dealer Sales and Support, Customer Service, Switch and Billing Operations and Engineering operations.
The top flying professional delivered his duties so efficiently yet effortlessly at MTS between 1993 and 1996 that his technical know-how was noticed by CIL (now Globacom).
He was drafted into the new company in 1997 in preparation for the roll-out of the new era in the history of Nigerian telecommunications.
It would be recalled that CIL was one of the very few companies that won provisional bid to operate the global system of mobile telecommunications (GSM) in Nigeria during the regime of late General Sani Abacha before the license was voided by the democratic regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. While at CIL between 1997 and 1999, he was Director, Special Duties whose duties include the supervision of CIL’s 30,000 capacity GSM Network infrastructure the company had before its metamorphosis into Globacom.
During his period with the company, he coordinated the technical, business and commercial aspects of negotiations leading to the signing of agreement for purchase and start up of a 30,000 GSM 900 Mobile Cellular Network with Alcatel of France.
He also led negotiation teams to NCC for license award and revalidations as well as frequency allocation and regulatory compliances.
The versatile people manager also supervised detailed radio network study and microwave transmission network survey for the successful take-off of the project.
Not one to ignore the minutest detail, Juwah coordinated site acquisitions and the construction of MSC and base stations for the initial 30,000 GSM Network capacity.
On the commercial end for CIL, he supervised the start up data requirements for Interconnection and MSC software customization.
These include access networks and routing details, Customer Care and Billing System as well as Data preparation.
He also designed the detailed Business Plan of the company as the primary financial model which today guides its operations. In a clear-cut demonstration of his people-skill, he was instrumental to the recruitment of the company’s initial high-level staff which included some expatriates.
Following the re-alignments in the evolving mobile telecoms sector in 1999, Juwah was again poached by MTS as Executive Director (Network and Operations), a position he held until sometime in 2005. From 1997 to 1999 that he was away from MTS, the company which started-out as a very promising telecoms company suffered a period of dormancy. It was therefore a major task for him to click the re-start button of MTS by playing a significant role in the restarting of MTS operations. He also coordinated liaison with NCC for license renewal, frequency permits, equipment type approval and interconnection regulatory compliances. All of these were made possible because of his vast experience in the sector as well as his well oiled network across board.
On his return to MTS, Eugene also coordinated operational activities for the rollout of the CDMA Fixed Wireless Service, which include MSC and cell site design, construction and commissioning, other operator interconnection design, negotiation, testing and commissioning, integrating a new prepaid calling system and a new Packet Data Service Network for data and internet services.
He also led technical negotiation teams in the projected new areas of business activities of the company. Some of these new areas include Long DistanceCarrierand International Data Access Businesses sectors.
On a professional note as a consultant, Juwah has served in so many executive capacities as consultant. He was Chief Executive Officer of Transaction Technologies Ltd. (TTL) from 1996 to 1997.
The company specialized in the provision of network solutions to telecommunication networks. He was also lead consultant to Communications Investments Ltd where he provided advice and guidance in negotiations with Motorola of USA for the purchase of a 10,000 capacity GSM Network.
He also coordinated the development of a full feature Telephone Banking System and the development of a Cloning Fraud Control System for Analogue Wireless Networks.
Still on consultancy, he was also Lead Consultant to Intercelluar, a fixed wireless network operator in Nigeria, on purchase, installation and operation of a customer care and billing system.
During this period, he entered into representative agreement with Natural Microsystems of US and Eureka of France for the development of sophisticated prepaid billing platforms.
There is no gain saying the fact that the high flying Juwah is well read and never misses any opportunity to brush-up on new developments in his career.
Below is a sneak-pick into his supplemental career enhancement strides. Prepaid Calling Solutions, Alcatel SEL , Stuttgart, Germany, 1998; Customer Care and Billing Systems, Alcatel SEL, Stuttgart, Germany, 1998; GSM Infrastructure Manufacture and Testing, Alcatel SEL, Gunsenhausen, Germany 1997 and Telecommunication Regulation and Operator Interconnection, IBTC, London, 1995. Others include Pricing, Billing and Fraud in Telecommunications, IBTC, London 1994; TACS Infrastructure and Operations, Cellnet, Slough, England1994; Computer Systems Management, Control Data, Minneapolis, USA 1991 and Advanced Computer Systems, Control Data, Minneapolis, 1990.
It is this broad array of academic and professional qualifications as well as a wide range of experience spanning over three decades that Juwah will be bringing to bear on the NCC task. Indeed, it can safely be said that the telecoms industry in Nigeria is set for an upward swing.
Juwah was married and blessed with two children who are still teenagers. “I spent a long time in school so I didn’t get married on time,” he explains in a manner of excusing his rather late fulfillment of man’s procreation mandate. He relaxes mostly at the Ikoyi Club where he plays tennis every other Saturday when the demands of business is lenient enough to allow him time.
MTN Group has moved a step closer to taking full ownership of telecommunications tower operator IHS Towers, after shareholders of the infrastructure company approved the proposed acquisition at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).
The telecommunications group announced that IHS shareholders voted in favour of the transaction by the required two-thirds majority at the EGM held on 4 August, satisfying one of the key conditions precedent to the deal.
MTN first announced in February that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining shares in IHS, a move that would give the mobile operator full ownership of one of Africa’s largest independent tower companies.
The acquisition forms part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which aims to strengthen the group’s digital infrastructure capabilities and diversify revenue streams as demand for connectivity, cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow across the continent.
“The approval by IHS shareholders is an important step toward completion of the transaction,” says Ralph Mupita, MTN Group president and CEO.
“Within our Ambition 2030, the three-platform strategy, towers are a critical value-creation driver that will strengthen MTN’s strategic and financial position for the future, in a world where digital infrastructure and AI are becoming increasingly essential to Africa’s growth and development.”
Tower infrastructure has become increasingly strategic for mobile network operators as demand for high-speed mobile broadband, cloud computing and AI-powered services drives the need for expanded and more efficient network capacity.
The proposed acquisition is expected to strengthen MTN’s position as it continues expanding its digital ecosystem across Africa, where it serves more than 300 million subscribers.
IHS is one of the world’s largest tower companies, with nearly 29 000 towers in Africa serving various mobile network operators in five key MTN markets.
According to the mobile operator, the proposed transaction, which follows discussions noted in February, marks an important step to unlock compelling value for MTN, and strengthen and reintegrate its ownership of critical digital infrastructure across Africa.
For IHS shareholders, MTN notes, it provides an attractive opportunity to crystalise value.
The funding for the proposed transaction of the remaining shares MTN does not already own, for a consideration of $2.2 billion (R35 billion), will be through cash of approximately $1.1 billion on IHS’s balance sheet, along with available liquidity and debt from MTN.
MTN has approximately 24.7% shareholding in IHS, and as part of the transaction, it intends to take the company private through the acquisition of all outstanding shares it does not own, pursuant to a cash merger.
By reintegrating the tower assets, MTN says it will be able to internalise the margin currently paid to IHS, benefit from current and future incremental third-party revenues, improve cost predictability and unlock significant long-term value embedded in its existing investment.
The transaction remains subject to the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals, which MTN says are still in progress. No timeline has been provided for the completion of the acquisition.
Telecommunications services provider Airtel Nigeria has further extended its national retail footprint with the rollout of 350 out of a planned 500 premium experience centres, which are designed to bring faster, more convenient service closer to millions of Nigerians.
The new retail shops, officially unveiled at a symbolic launch at City Mall, Onikan, Lagos, mark the latest phase in Airtel Nigeria’s grand retail strategy. They significantly expand the company’s extensive network of over 9,000 exclusive shops across every local government area, more than 350 premium experience centres, and over 73,000 retailers in all top towns and cities nationwide.
Built as compact, high-efficiency touchpoints, the newly launched shops are designed to enable subscribers complete all transactions such as Home Broadband, Fiber and Outdoor Units Subscription, Postpaid Plan Subscription, Enterprise Applications Enquiry and Subscription, as well as Prepaid Product services such as SIM registration and Data Plan purchase, other enquiries and comprehensive account support.
Simultaneously, several shops commenced operations at Purple Mall, Lekki; Marina, Lagos Island; Magodo, Lagos; Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta; Trend Setter Mall, Benin; Abakaliki, Ebonyi State; Kano City Mall, Kano; Carpenters Mall, Gwarinpa, Abuja; and other parts of the country.
The rollout emphasises the company’s continued investment in customer experience and responds directly to feedback from customers seeking quicker access to everyday services without the longer waiting times that may be associated with larger retail centres.
Speaking on the company retail objectives, Joypratip Sengupta, Director, Sales and Distribution, Airtel Nigeria, explained that quality retail experience ultimately drives customer satisfaction. “Our goal is to demonstrate our dedication to exceptional quality of service, and these new shops, by their design, location, and equipment fit right within our goal to deliver superior service to every one of our customers,” he said.
He added that the expansion reflects Airtel Nigeria’s belief that excellent customer experience goes beyond technology to ensuring customers can receive support whenever and wherever they need it.
“Our business at Airtel is to ensure that we bring our services closer to our customers, and everything we do is centred on putting the customer first. These experience centres are open to help customers carry out their transactions faster and with greater ease. Whether you want to replace a SIM, purchase one of our routers, recharge airtime or data, or resolve any service issue, you can now do so more conveniently and closer to where you are,” he said.
He explained that the initiative represents a significant update to Airtel’s retail strategy, placing greater emphasis on accessibility, speed, and convenience.
“These express shops are designed to reduce traffic at our larger shops while giving customers faster access to the services they need. More importantly, they reinforce our vision of building the most accessible customer service network in Nigeria. As the telecom operator with the country’s largest retail footprint, we will continue expanding into more neighbourhoods, making it easier for customers to connect with Airtel wherever they are,” Sengupta noted.
In her remarks at the launch, Lynda Amechi, Head, Shops and Retail Postpaid Business, revealed that the new retail model was born from listening to customers and reimagining how Airtel delivers its services.
She said, “At Airtel, some of our best ideas come directly from our customers. One of the recurring concerns we received was the time customers sometimes spent waiting at our larger experience centres, even when they only needed simple transactions completed. We listened carefully and realised that many of these requests could be resolved within minutes if we brought our services closer to the communities where customers live and work.”
These new shops are also integrated into Airtel Nigeria’s broader customer experience agenda, which have seen the company continue to invest in digital self-service platforms, AI-powered customer support, nationwide customer forums, and significant network expansion across the country.
With this phase of shop launches, Airtel Nigeria has expanded customer access across the country while integrating digital innovation into physical touchpoints.
The Presidential Renewed Hope Media Tour has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its progress in advancing indigenous technology development, describing the agency as a key driver of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
The commendation came during a visit by the presidential media delegation to NASENI’s headquarters in Abuja, where members inspected the agency’s technology and manufacturing facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Information and Strategy, described the agency’s achievements as “impressive, impressive, impressive.”
He said NASENI’s progress demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian youths to excel when provided with the right leadership and support.
Onanuga also praised the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, for repositioning the agency to support the Federal Government’s industrialisation objectives.
In his remarks, Halilu said sustainable industrial growth does not necessarily depend on producing goods entirely from local inputs but requires strategic investment in technology development, innovation and partnerships.
He explained that the agency is focusing on commercially viable innovations capable of creating jobs, reducing production time and supporting the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy.
According to him, NASENI is also strengthening technology transfer, commercialisation of research outputs, mentorship programmes for innovators and the Innovate Naija Challenge, which offers a ₦500 million prize fund to support promising Nigerian innovations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended NASENI’s achievements and urged the media to give greater visibility to the Federal Government’s programmes and accomplishments across various sectors.
Also speaking, Hadiza Bala Usman stressed the need for stronger strategic communication and increased patronage of locally developed technologies and innovations.
Similarly, Sunday Dare advocated policies that would encourage Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise NASENI products and other locally manufactured goods.
Other members of the delegation, including Tunde Rahman and Otega Ogra, also commended the agency’s strategic partnerships and locally developed technologies.
During the tour, the delegation inspected facilities dedicated to drone technology, helicopter assembly, reverse engineering, precision manufacturing, renewable energy, agricultural technology and recycling systems.
The visitors also witnessed the implementation of NASENI’s 3Cs framework—Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization—which the agency said is driving indigenous manufacturing, innovation and technology transfer.
At the end of the visit, stakeholders called for sustained nationwide campaigns to promote Nigerian-made products, strengthen local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and accelerate the country’s industrialisation agenda under President Tinubu.
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