Telecom
Pantami Commends Agencies in the Communications Sector, Tasks them on NDEPS Plan
Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), has commended all the agencies in the communications and digital economy sector for being dedicated to the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, and urged them to work collaboratively and co-ordinately in order to achieve the Federal Government’s strategic objectives as articulated in NDEPS.
Pantami stated this at a retreat organised by Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE) for senior management staff of the Ministry and all its agencies which commenced on March 31, 2022.
The retreat was convened to evaluate the implementation of NDEPS in the context of what has been achieved, what needs to be achieved, and what processes should be emplaced to enhance the capacity of the Ministry and Agencies it superintends to mobilise all stakeholders to accomplish the objectives of NDEPS.
The retreat took place at the Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA) Centre at Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.
Citing the most recent report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Minister in his keynote and opening address told the forum that synergy among stakeholders in terms of co-operative posture, collaboration, coordination, deployment of social skills such as good listening skills, critical and analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, as well as project management and quality assurance skills, are central to organisational effectiveness, successes and the future of work, as projected by WEF. Pantami then urged all the agencies and their staff to challenge themselves to do more rather than think of themselves as competitors.
Also speaking at the retreat, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta asserted that the NCC has acted superlatively in implementing NDEPS and in the context of the vision of Federal Government and the supervision of the Ministry.
Danbatta who made clearly methodical presentation that chronologically documented NCC accomplishments under each of the eight (8) pillars of NDEPS, cited 10 of the 16 regulations that have been instituted in giving expression to Governments vision on developmental regulation, which is the first pillar of NDEPS.
These regulations were focused on Enforcement Processes, Lawful Interception, Quality of Service, Competition Practices, Licensing Regulations, and Universal Access and Universal Service among others.
Danbatta promised to also complete the review of the remaining soonest and activate their implementation. Danbatta, who used a triangulation method in contextualising the achievement of NCC under the first pillar, itemised the guidelines, regulations and policy development initiatives to discharge the burden of proof of NCC’s effectiveness in the regulation of ICT and digital economy sector through approaches that enabled development.
In implementing Digital Literacy and Skills, the second pillar, Danbatta also stated in his clearly explanatory presentation, that the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), set up by NCC in 2004, had trained 5,352 students through 49 institutions, provided educational training software to 398 secondary schools, and endowed 7 professorial chairs in various Nigerian universities across all the geopolitical zones.
On Solid Infrastructure, the third pillar of NDEPS, Danbatta stated that broadband penetration as at December 2021 was 40.88 percent, thus enabling 80 million Nigerians to have access to broadband services.
To reinforce the intensity of NCC’s commitment to improving broadband penetration, the EVC declared to the forum that NCC has emplaced a process for the deployment of optic fibre cable using Infrastructure Companies (Infracos). Danbatta was emphatic that the licensed Infracos have been directed by the Commission to commence immediate roll out without recourse to counterpart funding because the licence issued to them is independent of the counterpart funding agreement.
The Infracos are expected to lay 38,296Km of fibre optic cable. Also, in keeping with Government’s directive through a Federal Executive Council decision of 2005, NCC has constructed 32 Emergency Communication Centres (EECs) in various states, and 32 of those have been activated and are operational. Prof. Danbatta also documented copiously in his presentation, Commission’s achievement in the other five pillar areas.
Dr. Armstrong Takang, an innovative and technology-for-development specialist, who presented the lead paper as guest speaker, praised the Federal Government for concretely aligning ICT, and digital economy with national economic imperatives. Additionally, he commended NCC for driving the necessary infrastructure purposely and strategically, and for its effectiveness in regulating the telecom sector.
Takang, citing Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory Administration as good models, Takang emphasised the correlates of adoption of technology or automation in economic growth and effective governance, crediting technology for improved internally-generated revenue in Lagos State. Takang recommended that Nigeria must link technology to specific programmes that are impacting and sustainable. He also asserted that Nigeria needs to undertake pilots for projects that are planned for implementation and utilise the results of the pilots to scale up and for budgeting. Takang also bemoaned the human capital challenge in the ICT sector in Nigeria, insisting that at least 500,000 software engineers are required to redirect efforts for effectiveness of policy.
The Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in FMoCDE, Engr. Abubakar Ladan, and the following CEOs of the other agencies in the Ministry also made presentations on their efforts and activities towards accomplishing the objectives of NDEPS: Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF); Dr. Abimbola Alale, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), represented by Engr. Abdulrahman Adajah; Engr. Aliyu Aziz, Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Kachifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Plc; Dr. Adebayo Adewusi, Postmaster General of the Federation and Managing Director, Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST); and Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB). All the agencies and the Ministry were well represented at the retreat by at least 6 officers in the directorate cadre.
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), umbrella organization for all telecommunications and ICT companies operating in Nigeria, has warned that telecom networks in the country are under threat from infrastructure attacks and vandalism.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, who stated this during an interview with Channels Television, has called for stronger protection of communication infrastructure nationwide.
He also urged Nigerians to treat telecom assets as critical to national development.
Emoekpere said operators in the telecommunications sector are not indifferent to the quality of service delivered to consumers, noting that industry stakeholders are already working closely with regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to tackle persistent challenges affecting network performance.
Emoekpere stressed that many of these challenges are beyond the direct control of operators and require stronger public cooperation in protecting telecom infrastructure.
He added that infrastructure destruction remains one of the biggest threats to service quality and network stability in Nigeria.
According to him, telecom assets should be regarded as essential national infrastructure that must be safeguarded by all citizens.
He said, “We’re here complaining about poor service, but when we see people vandalising infrastructure, we don’t complain; when we see people cutting cables, we don’t report.”
He further urged Nigerians to be more proactive in reporting acts of vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
Emoekpere warned that continued damage to telecom facilities will only worsen the quality of service experienced by consumers across the country.
He called for stronger awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of protecting communication infrastructure.
He also emphasized that improving service delivery requires shared responsibility between operators, regulators, and citizens.
He appealed for collective action to safeguard telecom infrastructure, noting that its protection is key to improving connectivity and driving national development
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new digital customer support channels, including WhatsApp and live chat services, to improve accessibility and service delivery for Nigerians and legal residents seeking assistance with National Identification Number (NIN) related issues.
NIMC
NIMC disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and customer service reforms.
According to the commission, the new support channels include a live chat feature on its official website and an official WhatsApp platform designed to provide faster and more convenient access to customer support services.
Members of the public can now access support through the Live Chat feature on the NIMC website via www.nimc.gov.ng and the official WhatsApp support line: +234 701 566 6971.
The commission said the initiative aligns with efforts to improve public sector efficiency and enhance access to government services through technology-driven solutions.
NIMC noted that the new platforms would enable users to receive prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction without necessarily visiting physical offices.
The commission said the move reflects its commitment to service innovation, citizen-centred engagement, and efficient identity management service delivery.
Under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC said it had continued implementing reforms and digital solutions aimed at expanding access, strengthening public trust, and improving service delivery.
The commission encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise the official platforms for verified information, assistance, and updates on NIN services and related identity management matters.
It also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and engage only through official communication channels to avoid fraud, scams, and misinformation.
The statement was signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC.
As families across the world celebrate Mother’s Day, QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, honours mothers as the everyday force behind healthier homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities. From managing households and supporting family wellbeing to balancing careers and personal responsibilities, mothers play a central role in sustaining daily life. Yet, amid these responsibilities, their own wellness is often overlooked.
In today’s fast-paced environment, the demands of modern living continue to take a toll on human energy and well-being. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate that 75% of Nigerian employees experience work-related stress, with 60% reporting persistent feelings of overwhelm.
These pressures are often compounded by economic realities that require many individuals to juggle multiple responsibilities or income streams. For women, particularly mothers, this burden is even greater. Beyond professional demands, they often take on the primary role of managing household well-being, childcare, and daily routines.
This continuous cycle of responsibility leaves little time for rest, recovery, or intentional self-care, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental strain.
At the same time, access to basic wellness essentials remains a challenge. According to data from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, 28% of Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, approximately 75% lack basic sanitation, two-thirds do not live in premises with a handwashing facility that includes soap and water, while 20% practice open defecation.
In many homes, ensuring safe water and overall family health largely falls to mothers, further reinforcing their central role in household well-being. This reality highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating mothers who consistently take on this responsibility, often placing the needs of their families above their own.
Commenting on the significance of the global observance, Ayokunmi Solesi, General Manager for QNET Nigeria, said, “Mothers are the backbone of many households. They give their time, energy, and care so consistently that their own well-being can sometimes take a back seat. Mother’s Day is an important reminder that supporting mothers’ health and wellness is not just a personal priority, but a family and societal one.”
He added that this perspective aligns with QNET’s 2026 global campaign, “Energised, Every Day,” which focuses on practical solutions that support everyday living. “When mothers are well-supported and energised, it positively impacts the entire household. Wellness should be part of daily life.”
As conversations around health continue to evolve, there is a growing shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based wellness – simple, consistent actions that support long-term vitality. This includes prioritising proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and balance as part of everyday routines, particularly for individuals managing demanding schedules.
Supporting this approach, QNET offers a range of products designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Its nutritional supplement, EDG3 Plus, provides essential nutrients that contribute to daily vitality and help individuals maintain energy levels throughout busy days.
Recognising the importance of safe hydration in overall health, the HomePure Nova helps improve the quality of drinking water at home, supporting healthier households and reducing exposure to common water impurities.
In many Nigerian homes, where women play a key role in managing family health, access to cleaner water remains an essential part of everyday wellbeing.
Complementing this is the Amezcua Bio Disc 3, part of QNET’s wellness range, designed to support overall wellbeing across different aspects of daily life. Its versatile use within the home – from supporting food preservation to enhancing water quality and contributing to a more balanced living environment – makes it a practical wellness companion for families, particularly mothers managing multiple household needs.
As Mother’s Day is observed this year, QNET encourages families and communities to not only celebrate mothers but also to actively support their wellbeing. By creating healthier homes and encouraging better daily habits, the company reinforces its belief that true wellness begins with everyday choices and with those who hold the family together.
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