Broadcasting
PIN Lock is an Integral Aspect in Prevention of SIM Swap Fraud – Effiong
Martin Effiong, Operator Partnership Manager for Infobip in Anglophone West Africa, is a seasoned IT Professional, driven to achieve excellence with a flare for VAS, SaaS and CPaaS Product design, architecture and monetization, with a profound interest in IoT.
His previous roles include Customer Support Engineer at ITS Nigeria, Manager, VAS and Content, Airtel Nigeria, Manager, VAS Operations and Governance, Airtel Nigeria and Innovation Lead, Airtel Nigeria
In this interview with Nigeria Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reporter, Effiong spoke on the threats of cyber fraud, particularly Identity theft and SIM swap. Excerpts.
Tell us a little bit about what you do for Infobip?
Thank you for the opportunity to interact with you about such a crucial subject. I’m Martin Effiong, Senior Operator Partnership Manager in Anglophone West Africa for Infobip. I manage robust engagements with the region’s mobile telecom operators in pursuit of collaborations that allow both of our entities to grow. In simple terms, we rely on operators for connectivity when they are suppliers to us, and we cater to their business communication needs when they are our customers.
What is SIM swapping? Why does it pose such a security risk to consumers?
There are plenty of reasons why you would swap your SIM. Say you’ve lost your phone or bought a new one – but your old SIM card doesn’t fit. Or maybe your SIM card was damaged, or you found a better deal with a new operator. It’s a perfectly legitimate process, but one which sadly many fraudsters are looking to exploit.
So, the abuse of a SIM replacement process for the benefit of individuals or perpetrators who are not the rightful SIM owners, and which usually happens without the knowing or participation of the rightful SIM owner is actually the SIM swap fraud. On why this is a serious security risk, to acquire access to a brand-new SIM card belonging to a legitimate owner, a SIM swap fraudster uses confidence techniques and internet stalking to mimic someone like me or you to an operator. They can intercept phone calls, SMS messages, social media accounts, and banking credentials using this method, giving them all the information, they need to develop a victim profile. Fraudsters can then use this profile to take over accounts, transfer money to themselves, and steal not only your life savings, but also your identity, in less than 20 minutes.
To what extent has this threat grown and evolved over the recent years?
According to data from the South African Banking Risk and Information Center (SABRIC), SIM swap-related fraud increased by 100 percent in South Africa between 2018 and 2019. In Nigeria, we have some equally frightening statistics, with mobile channel fraud increasing by 330 percent between 2019 and 2020. This report, published by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Scheme (NIBSS), demonstrates that it is a global phenomenon, but it is also very damaging to developing world economies due to their heavy reliance on the internet and mobile GSM generated or GSM enabled Internet services. So, yes, it has grown exponentially as internet and smartphone usage in the region has increased. In most instances, the first lines of defense are a username and password, but they should not be the only ones. Layering your security will help you protect your customers better and, if done correctly, will also improve their overall experience.
What steps should consumers be taking to protect themselves from SIM swapping?
The steps outlined here are the standard global best practices for using electronic devices that connect to the internet. Starting with the most general steps and progressing to those tailored to mobile device users. When using the internet, it is recommended that you be cautious and security aware of what can happen. When you are on your device, the privacy of your room does not translate to any form of privacy on the internet. As a result, you must exercise extreme caution in what you do, how you do it, and what information, particularly private information, you post on the internet, particularly on publicly accessible sites or social media applications.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the websites you’re visiting are secure. In terms of SIM swap fraud, make sure your SIM cards have a PIN lock. As a result, whenever your phone is turned off and turned back on, it will request a SIM PIN, or whenever your SIM is removed and re-inserted into your phone, or a new SIM is inserted, it will request a SIM PIN. In this manner, a stolen phone device whose SIM is being Swapped will request a SIM PIN.
Lastly, In the event of the receipt of unsolicited texts or emails about your SIM being ported or a PAC request, or if you unexpectedly lose phone service, contact your telco service support immediately. The same is true for contacting banks if a fraudster attempts to make an online or phone transfer. However, much of the onus should be placed on the verification services that operators have in place to protect their customers.
Can establishing a global security standard for telco providers reduce this threat?
From my perspective, Telcos and enterprises are doing a lot but can still do more to sensitize their customers of the associated risk of mobile-enabled transactions from SIM swaps. They will also do well to implement technology to better protect their customers from these frauds.
Setting a global verification standard to confirm a person’s mobile identity is critical in preventing SIM swap scams, in my opinion. This standard must be set by telcos, which have all the information required to verify an identity securely and, more importantly, in real time. For example, if a customer called a company with a question, the company could silently authenticate the person in the background using telco information, eliminating the need for the customer to answer a series of onerous security questions. Simultaneously, if any irregularities are discovered during the frictionless check, the suspicious activity is flagged, and a SIM swapping attempt may be impeded.
This is how the Mobile Identity authentication solution from Infobip works. It can confirm the mobile account activation date by checking for changes to your IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) number – or, more simply, ‘telecom account data’. If there is no reason to be concerned, authentication will take place silently in the background, without interfering with the user’s experience. If the IMSI number has recently changed, this will be flagged as suspicious activity. The service provider will then contact the user and request additional verification.
What other measures should telcos providers be taking to help protect consumers from this tactic?
Due to the negative impact of SIM SWAP fraud on customer experience, it’s understandable that GSM service providers would have to strike a balance between offering very strict security measures on the SIM replacement process to protect their customers from SIM swap fraud and also improving their service’s customer experience. It is about associating security with a positive customer experience and trust. Many businesses arelooking for ways to remove friction from customer interactions in order to provide the best possible experience. However, some critics believe that removing friction will reduce security and make customers less confident in their interactions with businesses. A smooth approach, however, should not jeopardize security.
At least three real-time identification and authorization services should be included in a strong authentication layer. At Infobip, this includes silent mobile verification (SMV), account takeover protection (ATP), and SIM Swap. Furthermore, as part of the customer journey, these checks should take place “behind the scenes.” This is especially significant in light of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent steps in granting licenses to two telecommunication companies to operate as Payment Service Banks (PSBs). This is after these businesses successfully completed a series of applications and requirements. This license allows these telcos to complement rather than compete with other banks. One of the key provisions of the PSB license issued by the CBN is safety of funds to the consumers of the Payment Service Banks’ products. This is where leveraging technology for KYC checks through a strong customer authentication framework comes to play in reducing fraud while increasing authorization rates. PSBs and Fintechs must implement security measures – consisting of at least two real-time identification and authentication services – when customers make an online purchase to meet KYC requirements. This enables businesses to verify the customer’s identity as well as the validity of the credit card being used to complete the transaction.
Nigeria’s pay-TV industry is facing one of its toughest periods in years as consumers increasingly migrate from conventional antenna and decoder-based television services to cheaper, more flexible and on-demand streaming platforms
The shift is putting pressure on established operators, such as MultiChoice, owners of DStv and GOtv; StarTimes and other traditional pay-TV providers, whose business models have long depended on recurring monthly subscriptions as per report by Business Hallmark.
According to Business Hallmark, the changing consumer behaviour is being driven by a combination of factors, including demographic transition, rising subscription costs, declining household purchasing power, improved internet access and the growing popularity of streaming services that allow viewers to pay for specific content or watch programmes at their convenience.
Streaming platforms are steadily expanding their appeal, offering consumers access to movies, sports (especially football matches and wrestling bouts), local content and international programs through smartphones, smart televisions and other internet-enabled devices.
Also, the proliferation of affordable data packages and connected devices has lowered the barrier to entry, allowing consumers to bypass traditional decoders altogether and consume content directly online.
Three of the major factors behind the changing behaviour of Nigerian television consumers are growing internet access, economic squeeze and changing demography.
Pay-TV subscriptions, once regarded by many households as a relatively affordable source of entertainment, are now competing with several other demands on disposable income.
For instance, entertainment spending are increasingly being subjected to tougher scrutiny with household budgets under pressure from food, tuition, transportation, electricity, housing and other essential costs.
Business Hallmark checks revealed that frequent price reviews by MultiChoice Nigeria’s have pushed the firm’s products beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
One of its products, GOtv, initially designed for average Nigerians, has six packages, namely GOtv Supa Plus, GOtv Supa, Gotv Max, GOtv Jolli, GOtv Jinja and GOtv Smallie.
GOtv Supa Plus with over 85+ channels currently goes for a monthly subscription fee of N16,800; GOtv Supa N11,400; Gotv Max N8,500; GOtv Jolli N5,800; GOtv Jinja N3,900, while GOtv Smallie subscribers choose between the N1,900/monthly, N5,100/quarterly and N15,000/annually options.
Similarly, following multiple tariff reviews, DStv Premium currently goes for N44,500 monthly; DStv Compact Plus N30,000; DStv Compact N19,000; DStv Confam N11,000; DStv Yanga N6,000 and DStv Padi N4,400.
On the other hand, StarTimes, which serves its customers through antenna signal transmission and satellite transmission, has only three bouquets, Nova, Basic, and Classic.
While Classic, the most expensive bouquet on the StarTimes’ shelf currently cost N6,000 monthly, Basic costs N4,000, while Nova costs N2,100.
While speaking to our correspondent on the major shift, some consumers explained that the choice is no longer between different pay-TV providers but between maintaining a television subscription and cancelling it altogether.
Eighty-two Nigerians, representing 68% of the 120 Pay-TV subscribers, who participated in an online survey conducted by Business Hallmark, said they opted for less expensive and more flexible alternatives, including YouTube and a growing range of streaming platforms, using smartphones, laptops, smart televisions and other internet-enabled devices to access entertainment.Geographic Reference
According to the respondents, the shift towards streaming lies partly in its flexibility. Instead of waiting for a program to be broadcast at a scheduled time, viewers now search for specific films, series, sporting events or other contents, which can be watched immediately, or downloaded to be watched or listened to later.
“I now watch contents when I want, across multiple devices, without necessarily being tied to the traditional channel and time-based television experience”, said Tolu Olamiti, an accountant in an audit firm in Lagos.
Another factor that is fueling the exodus from pay-TV model is the growing youth population. Checks revealed that online streaming is particularly attractive to phone-savvy younger viewers, whose television consumption habits are markedly different from those of previous generations.
While underage children watch cartoons and educational programs mostly from their parents or older siblings internet-enabled gadgets, teenagers and adults now watch news, sports programs and films through live streaming or download preferred programs to be watched later.
“With N200 data, I can download several new films to be watched at my convenience, instead of the old films, which providers always repeat on their channels. I also listen to music through out the day without worrying about electricity as my phone can go 2 days after full charge”, said Chukwuemeka Ibe, a student of Lagos State University (LASU).
In the same vein, access to fast and cheap internet plans is helping to drive the streaming surge. For instance, a subscriber can get a daily 1G data plan on the MTN Nigeria platform for just N200. This data plan can be used to download up to 1,000MB movies, or for streaming several hours of music online.
According to official statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), internet consumption in Nigeria reached 13.2 million terabytes in 2025, representing a 35 per cent increase from 2024, while average monthly data usage per active subscriber increased from 3.3 gigabytes in January 2023 to 7.4 gigabytes by May 2025.Geographic Reference
The NCC data indicates growing reliance on mobile internet services and digital platforms across the country with active internet subscriptions rising from 169.3 million in January 2025 to 182.2 million by January 2026.
Also, active internet subscriptions also surpassed 142 million.
Before the advent of internet, traditional pay-TV operators had ruled the television viewing industry largely through channel packages, exclusive content and decoder penetration. However, the rise of streaming has fundamentally altered the competitive landscape of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Fueled by the spread of smart devices and improved internet connectivity, streaming companies have been able to compete with traditional TV and radio providers through original programming, on-demand access, convenient timing and increased personalized viewing experiences.
A subscriber, who previously needed a satellite dish or digital terrestrial television decoder to access premium entertainment, can now use a smartphone or smart television and an internet connection.
The proliferation of affordable smartphones has further accelerated the process. Mobile phones have become entertainment devices for millions of Nigerians, particularly younger consumers, who spend more time watching short-form videos, movies and online programs than conventional television.
Also, social media platforms have become important competitors for consumers’ limited attention. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other digital platforms provide enormous volumes of free or relatively inexpensive video content, forcing traditional broadcasters to compete not only for subscribers but also for viewers’ time.
Several pay-TV subscribers, who spoke to our correspondent on the matter, said providers can no longer justify the traditional model of paying a fixed monthly fee for hundreds of channels they rarely watch.
Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) Health Committee has officially announced the launch of the Awba-Ofemili Health Awareness Campaign 2026, a community-wide initiative designed to promote preventive healthcare, disease awareness, early detection, health education, and healthy living across Awba-Ofemili.
Awba-Ofemili Health Awareness Campaign
The campaign, themed “Beyond Elu-Ulee (Buruli Ulcer): Building a Healthier Awba-Ofemili,” will be held on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at the Civic Centre, Awba-Ofemili, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The programme builds on the success of the committee’s maiden Elu-Ulee (Buruli Ulcer) Awareness Campaign, which raised awareness on Buruli ulcer and strengthened community engagement on preventive healthcare.
According to the Chairman of the ADU Health Committee, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, KSM, the 2026 campaign represents a significant expansion of the committee’s health intervention agenda.
“This campaign is about moving beyond awareness to action. We want to deepen community health education, encourage early detection of preventable diseases, strengthen school health initiatives, promote First Aid awareness, and build sustainable partnerships that will improve the health and well-being of our people,” he said.
The 2026 campaign will feature community health education, free basic health screening, school health support, First Aid awareness programmes, and stakeholder engagement with healthcare professionals, development partners, and community organisations.
The committee has called on sons and daughters of Awba-Ofemili, residents, friends of the community, corporate organisations, philanthropic individuals, NGOs, healthcare institutions, and development partners to support the initiative through financial contributions and strategic partnerships.
To support the implementation of the campaign, the ADU Health Committee has opened a dedicated fundraising channel through Fidelity Bank Plc, with donations payable to Awba-Ofemili Education Volunteers (Account No. 6060490921).
The Committee appealed to all supporters to use “HEALTH FUND” as the transfer narration so that contributions can be properly recorded and accounted for under the ADU Health Committee Health Fund.
Secretary of the ADU Health Committee, Mr. Cornelius Nwakonobi, emphasized that every contribution would make a meaningful impact.
“No donation is too small. Every contribution will support community health education, medical outreach, school health programmes, First Aid support, and preventive healthcare initiatives. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Awba-Ofemili,” he stated.
The ADU Health Committee reaffirmed its commitment to working with government agencies, healthcare professionals, development organisations, the Nigerian Red Cross, community stakeholders, and the Awba-Ofemili diaspora to advance sustainable health interventions in the community.
For partnership enquiries, sponsorship, or additional information, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the ADU Health Committee Secretariat.
Broadcasting
NBC Files Fresh Appeal against Judgment Barring it from Imposing Fines on Broadcast Stations
National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has filed an application seeking the permission of the court of appeal to file a fresh appeal against the judgement of the federal high court in Abuja barring it from imposing fines on erring broadcast stations.
In the application filed at the court of appeal in Abuja by Dapo Akinosun, counsel to the NBC, the commission argued sanity in Nigeria’s broadcasting sector is under threat and that the public interest would be better served if the court grants the application.
On January 17, 2024, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, a judge at the federal high court in Abuja, restrained the NBC from imposing a N5 million fine on broadcast stations sanctioned in 2022 over allegations of “undermining Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry in Nigeria”.
The affected broadcast stations were Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of DSTV; TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV); Trust-TV Network Limited; and NTA StarTimes Limited.
The suit was filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA).
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the NBC appealed the judgement filed an appeal at the court of appeal in Abuja.
In June, the court of appeal dismissed the commission’s appeal, holding that it was “fundamentally defective” and incompetent.
Jane Inyang, lead judge of the panel, held that the parties before the lower court were identified as “Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda (as applicant) and National Broadcasting Commission (as respondent)” but in the notice of appeal the purported appellant was described as the “Nigerian Broadcasting Commission”,
The judge held that the discrepancy was significant and that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the commission’s appeal.
In the application, the NBC urged the court to grant it leave to raise and argue a fresh issue on appeal relating to the legal capacity of MRA to institute and maintain the original suit before the lower court.
The commission argued that the defect in the earlier notice of appeal, which resulted in the dismissal of its appeal, arose “solely from an inadvertent misdescription” of its name by its lawyer.
The NBC told the court that the subsisting judgement raises questions on the commission’s statutory powers to regulate broadcasting and enforce compliance with broadcasting standards in Nigeria.
The commission argued that the subsisting judgment is capable of creating uncertainty regarding its regulatory powers if it is allowed to stand.
The NBC also argued that without the pronouncement by the appellate court on the issues raised in the appeal, its regulatory framework would be weakened.
“A weakened regulatory framework may embolden non-compliance with established broadcasting standards, thereby increasing the dissemination of false, misleading and unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety, panic and social unrest,” the NBC said.
“Absence of effective regulatory oversight may further encourage irresponsible broadcasting practices and the misuse of broadcast and digital media platforms by persons who deliberately publish sensational, inaccurate or inflammatory content to intimidate, harass or unduly influence individuals, institutions and public discourse.”
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