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NCC Commits to Combating Digital Violence

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Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Nigerian Communications Commission has expressed the commission’s commitment to combating digital violence in the country.

The EVC stated this in his speech at the 2023 World Day for safety of journalists on “Mitigating Increasing Online Violence Against Journalists” organized by Media Centre for Promotion of Safety Awareness held in Lagos.

According to him. “Digital violence takes many forms, from online harassment and cyberbullying to the spread of misinformation and hate speech. It has the potential to cause profound harm, not just to individuals but to society.

“Journalists have the responsibility to shed light on these issues, to uncover the truth, and to hold those who perpetrate digital violence accountable.

“At NCC, our mission has always been to ensure that communication networks in Nigeria are secure, reliable and accessible to all. We understand the importance of privacy in the digital age and are committed to upholding the rights of every Nigerian, hence our regulatory activities are carried out in a way that ensures that citizens are not exposed to online violence, which applies to journalists as well”.

The Commission, he said has taken significant steps in its efforts to combat digital violence. Such as collaborating with the relevant sister agencies to ensure the implementation of extant legislations that protect Nigerians online.

He debunked some misconceptions that the commission tracks phone conversations of Nigerians. “We do not engage in the tracking of phone conversations. Privacy is a fundamental right, and we take it as our responsibility to protect privacy of individuals”.

Some other initiatives he said NCC has implemented to ensure tame digital violence include Child Online Protection. “The internet is an indispensable part of their lives, but it can also expose them to dangers. To address this, the NCC has partnered with various organisations to implement comprehensive child online protection programmes. Through education, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with schools and parents, we aim to create a safer online environment for our young ones,” he noted.

Dr. Maida however reiterated the unwavering commitment of the commission to cyber security. “The Commission set up the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT), which plays a crucial role in addressing cyber threats.

“The CSIRT’s dedicated professionals work tirelessly to identify and mitigate cyber-attacks, ensuring the security of our digital infrastructure. I urge journalists to leverage the regular advisories issued by the team to safeguard themselves in the digital space,” he added.

Acknowledging the challenges in combatting digital violence, he stated that digital landscape is vast and constantly evolving, making it difficult to stay ahead of malicious actors.

“Jurisdiction for policing the space is spread among several agencies, hence the need for collaboration to effectively halt the unwholesome activities of online threat actors. We therefore believe in the power of collaboration to overcome these challenges.

“As a result, we have initiated partnerships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and civil society organisations to create a united front against digital violence. Together, we are developing strategies, sharing intelligence, and implementing joint initiatives to protect our digital space”.

He stated resolve of the commission to focus on key areas to stem the tide of digital violence through education and awareness. “Education is the first line of defense. We must empower our citizens with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. The NCC will continue to invest in awareness campaigns and educational programmes.

“A robust legal framework is also essential to hold digital offenders accountable. We are working closely with lawmakers to ensure our laws are equipped to address the ever-evolving challenges of digital violence.

“In addition, empowering our citizens to report digital violence is paramount. We have established channels for reporting and encourage everyone to use them. Let me share a success story- a recent case where a citizen reported a phishing attack to our CSIRT team, leading to the identification and neutralisation of a cybercriminal network,” he said.


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Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

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Vitel Wireless, pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an audacious “data that never expires” campaign designed to address consumer pain points in the market.

Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless

Fast-depleting data is a major issue for mobile users, particularly in Nigeria, with numerous complaints against network providers alleging that data plans exhaust prematurely.

But Vitel Wireless said it is now addressing the situation after extensive engagement with Nigerian consumers, particularly young people and small businesses.

Kenneth Neabueze, chairman of Vitel Wireless, said “What we’re saying to Nigerians is this, you buy the data, and you keep the data for as long as you want. There’s no more. You bought 2GB for two days, and it expires. If you buy that data under our scheme, it stays with you forever,” he said.

He added that the model promotes transparency and cost efficiency. “So it’s saving us money, it’s giving us transparency, and it’s giving us the ability to have control over how we spend and use our data,” he stated.

He noted that the concept was inspired by research into the everyday challenges Nigerians face.

“We talked to students who would tell us that in the middle of doing a project, they would be told that the data had expired, and we asked, ‘ How do we innovate?” We have analysed it, and we know, given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, you should buy the data with discounts of almost 40 per cent, and that’s why we are transparent”

The company has also unveiled a suite of products and services aimed at redefining connectivity, including its flagship Vitel Xphone.

The company explained that its services are available via both physical SIMs and eSIMs, with the 0712 number offering global use.

According to the firm, users can retain existing mobile numbers or migrate seamlessly, while enjoying nationwide coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with full GSM services including voice, SMS, USSD, and mobile data.

Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer of Vitel Wireless, described the firm as a technology telecom focused on innovation beyond traditional voice and data services.

“We’re coming in with a lot of innovation to activate applications and create tools that people can use in their businesses, homes, and daily lives,” he said.

He added that eSIM technology allows users to operate multiple lines on compatible devices, while introducing a range of digital solutions aimed at enhancing communication, safety, and business operations, anchored by its flagship Xphone.

Hence, the platform combines GSM and VoIP technologies to deliver seamless voice, video, and messaging services, along with cost-saving benefits and nationwide connectivity.

It is complemented by the Oga App, which enables real-time staff monitoring, automated payroll, and performance tracking to improve organisational efficiency.

Similarly, the network also rolled out SecureMe and Asset Tracker to address security and asset management needs.

While SecureMe provides GPS tracking and emergency alerts for personal and workplace safety, Asset Tracker helps businesses monitor and manage physical assets in real time.

Vitel Wireless noted that on pricing, challenged consumers to compare daily data costs across operators, while adding that the network offers discounts for higher volumes without imposing expiry limits.

Also speaking, Chinenye Adebayo,  relationship partnership manager, outlined opportunities for Nigerians to join the company’s distribution network by visiting the website and becoming a mobile agent or sun-agents in any state.

The company noted that its offerings, including Close User Group (CUG) services and high-speed wireless network, are designed to provide integrated digital solutions for individuals and enterprises, as it seeks to position itself as a disruptive force in Nigeria’s telecom sector.


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Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

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MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.

IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.

MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.

The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.

The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.

Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.

In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.

Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.

MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.

Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.

“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.

The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.

Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.

 

Source: IT Web Africa


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ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

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Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.

He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.

Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.

The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.

“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.

“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.

He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.

He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.

He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”


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