Telecom
Mart Networks Rallies Stakeholders to Deepen Commitment in Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
Mart Networks Group, a global value-added IT distributor, on Thursday convoked an international stakeholders conference for its partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) geared towards empowering local partners with the necessary skills and support that would ensure the successful implementation of its solutions in the Nigerian market.
L-R: Alex Nderitu, System Engineer, Roijie Networks; Peryan Aydas, Channel Manager, Mitel; Moiz Malooo Managing Director, Mart Networks Group; and Motunrayo Adigun, Sophos Product Manager, Mart Networks at the Stakeholders Conference tagged “Delivering Tomorrow’s Technology, Today” organised by Mart Networks Group in Lagos on Thursday.
Moiz Maloo, Managing Director of Mart Networks, speaking at the conference themed: “Delivering Tomorrow’s Technology, Today” reiterated the company’s focus on local talent development, technology transfer, and empowering Nigerian businesses with a comprehensive range of infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions.
The event held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos highlighted the company’s dedication in knowledge transfer as well as showcasing its comprehensive solutions tailored to the Nigerian market.
Maloo emphasized the global nature of the business, with team members traveling from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa to engage with local partners and discuss the latest in technology offerings.
Operating in 10 countries, Mart Networks established its Nigerian base in 2013, focusing on the distribution of a wide array of technological infrastructure.
Maloo explained, “We sell various technologies, including data centre infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and cloud solution training,” adding that the company also offers cutting-edge services such as compute, storage, hyper-converged infrastructure, video collaboration, and unified communication.
The event, aimed at strengthening relationships with local partners, saw product managers and technical engineers from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa sharing their expertise, with these professionals providing insights into Mart Networks’ diverse product portfolio and its application in the Nigerian market.
“Our goal with this event is to showcase the full range of solutions we provide,” Maloo noted. “By sharing knowledge with local system integrators, we empower them to deliver even greater value to their customers in Nigeria.”
With a strong presence in Nigeria for over a decade, Mart Networks is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of digital transformation, offering essential tools and training to help Nigerian businesses thrive in the technology-driven future.
Maloo who reiterated the company’s commitment to technology transfer and local talent development as it continues to expand in Nigeria, highlighted the company’s investment in knowledge transfer and training, emphasizing the importance of understanding the products they sell and the local markets they operate in.
“We believe strongly in knowledge transfer. If you don’t know what you’re selling or how to use it, it’s very hard to implement, especially on our continent. That’s why we invest heavily in training and building a strong technical team to support our local partners,” Maloo said.
He stated that Mart Networks takes pride in being a Pan-African distributor, unlike many competitors that bring in talent from outside the region.
“We understand the culture and business here. Our entire team in Nigeria is Nigerian, just like in Kenya, Tanzania, and wherever we operate. We focus on nurturing local talent and adding value to the market.”
Despite the volatility of the Nigerian naira, which has been a challenge for many businesses, Mart Networks has adapted through strategic planning and partnerships.
As an importer of technology—mainly hardware not manufactured locally—the company has worked closely with banking partners to hedge against currency fluctuations. “We plan better, speak to our banking partners, and hedge funds to ensure we have access to dollars,” Maloo explained.
Reflecting on Mart Networks’ 11-year presence in Nigeria, Maloo noted the company’s steady growth since its entry into the market in 2013. “We’ve grown year on year, despite challenges, including the pandemic.
“Over the last 18 to 24 months, we have restructured, invested in more resources, and have faith in the Nigerian market,” he said, adding that comparing the first nine months of 2023 with the same period in 2022, the company has already seen growth, and Maloo is optimistic about the future.
“Nigeria is a very promising market with great potential. If the naira stabilizes further, the economy could be even stronger. We’re committed to being a part of that growth and continue investing in the market and its talent,” he said.
With a focus on empowering local partners, Mart Networks is poised for further expansion, helping to shape the future of IT infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.
Meanwhile, IT Horizons, a leading IT systems integration company, has commended Mart Networks Group for its consistent support and long-standing partnership over the years.
Speaking at Mart Networks’ conference in Lagos, Stephen Asishana, Head of Sales and Business Development at IT Horizons, highlighted the crucial role Mart Networks has played in the company’s success since its inception 12 years ago.
“When we started on this journey, Mart Networks was one of the distributors that supported us, ensuring products were available at the right time, helping us fulfill our customers’ needs quickly,” said Asishana. “Our relationship has grown over the years as Mart Networks has expanded its portfolio, adding more brands, OEMs, and solutions. It’s truly a win-win relationship.”
Asishana who lauded the company’s commitment to engaging with its partners, not just through large-scale events like this, but with continuous interaction throughout the year, described the event as a key feature of Mart Networks’ annual calendar, which brings together local partners to showcase the distributor’s latest offerings.
“Mart Networks does this annually, but the great thing is that it’s not just a one-off. They stay in touch with partners throughout the year, constantly engaging us and providing insights into their products and services,” he added. “This event helps us as partners learn about the solutions they distribute, so we can pass that knowledge on to our customers.”
Asishana emphasized the significance of attending such events, noting that IT Horizons stands to benefit greatly by staying updated on the latest technological innovations. “Technology is always evolving, and events like this keep us informed about the latest trends. For us at IT Horizons, it opens our eyes to new possibilities, helping us identify solutions that can address the challenges faced by our customers.”
As the event progresses, IT Horizons expects to continue gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies that can enhance their service offerings. “We know our customers’ pain points, and this event helps us discover solutions that can effectively address them,” Asishana concluded.
With a solid partnership and continued collaboration, IT Horizons and Mart Networks are poised to drive further innovation and deliver greater value to businesses across Nigeria.
In a related development, Sophos, a global leader in cybersecurity, has commended its long-standing partnership with Mart Networks Group during the distributor’s annual event, “Mart Day,” which brings together key partners, OEMs, and end users from across West Africa.
Sandra Nnadozie, Channel Account Manager for West Africa at Sophos, highlighted the importance of the event as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and showcase cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
“Mart Networks is our distributor in West Africa, covering Nigeria, Ghana, and other regions,” Nnadozie said. “Today’s event is a chance for us to meet with our partners and end customers, celebrate with Mart Networks, and continue building on the solid foundation we’ve developed over many years.”
Sophos’ relationship with Mart Networks spans well over a decade, not just in West Africa, but also in regions like East Africa and the UK. “We’ve had a very cordial relationship, working together for more than 15 to 20 years. It’s like family. The partnership continues to grow stronger year after year,” she added.
Nnadozie emphasized that the primary goal for Sophos at the event was to further solidify its relationship with Mart Networks while also promoting the importance of cybersecurity. “We’re here to spread the ‘gospel of cybersecurity.’ The future of cybersecurity lies in Managed Detection and Response (MDR), which helps organizations manage their cybersecurity infrastructure, especially in the absence of a dedicated security team,” she explained.
As organizations face increasing cyber threats, Sophos is focused on educating businesses about advanced cybersecurity solutions like MDR to prevent data breaches and security lapses.
Sophos’ presence at the event underscores its commitment to helping businesses in West Africa safeguard their operations against evolving cyber threats while reinforcing its partnership with Mart Networks. “We are here to show that we stand strongly beside them,” Nnadozie concluded.
With cybersecurity becoming an increasingly critical concern across industries, Sophos and Mart Networks continue to work together to provide comprehensive solutions, ensuring that businesses in West Africa are better equipped to defend against the threats of tomorrow.
Vitel Wireless has entered into partnership with OPay Limited and Moniepoint Limited, to expand access to airtime and data services, particularly in Nigeria’s underserved and rural communities.
The collaboration enables millions of customers on both fintech platforms to seamlessly purchase Vitel Wireless airtime and data directly from their bank accounts and digital wallets, a move designed to simplify access and improve connectivity nationwide.
Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer, Vitel Wireless, said the initiative highlighted the growing convergence between financial services and telecommunications in Nigeria.
He noted that by leveraging the expansive reach and infrastructure of fintech platforms, the company is removing long-standing barriers to mobile access.
Nwabueze added that the move builds on Vitel’s existing partnerships with traditional financial institutions such as Fidelity Bank and Zenith Bank, extending its footprint into the rapidly growing fintech ecosystem.
“This integration allows users to conveniently top up airtime and purchase data bundles through familiar banking and wallet platforms, improving accessibility and overall user experience,” he said.
Also speaking, Odera Ben-Chiobi, product marketing manager, Vitel Wireless, said the partnership aligns with the company’s mission to democratize access to mobile connectivity across Nigeria.
According to her, the collaboration will bring telecom services closer to millions of Nigerians, especially in areas where access has historically been limited.
She added that combining telecom services with digital financial platforms will also support broader financial inclusion efforts.
Vitel Wireless currently operates nationwide through a network-sharing agreement with MTN Nigeria, leveraging MTN’s infrastructure to deliver its services across the country.
The company noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusive growth, with the potential to accelerate both financial inclusion and digital connectivity across Nigeria.
House of Representatives on Wednesday claimed that Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) weak regulatory oversight, was responsible for the country’s ongoing poor telecom service quality.
The lawmakers accused the NCC of failing to enforce standards that would compel operators to provide reliable connectivity.
They warned that persistent issues like dropped calls, slow data speeds, and network failures pose serious risks to lives and property, particularly during emergencies.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Ahmadu Jaha, representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency in Borno State.
Speaking on the motion, Jaha emphasised the critical role of telecommunications in Nigeria’s economy and daily life, while lamenting the widening gap between subscriber expectations and actual service delivery.
“Telecommunication has become a vital part of everyday life in Nigeria. It connects families, supports businesses, enhances education, and drives economic growth. However, despite its importance, the quality of service provided by many telecom companies remains unsatisfactory,” he said.
Jaha highlighted recurring problems such as dropped calls, poor internet speeds, and failed message deliveries as signs of deeper systemic failures in the sector.“The House is concerned that poor network connectivity is a major issue.
Subscribers frequently experience dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and difficulty sending messages. This affects both personal communication and business operations, leading to frustration and financial losses,” he added.
Lawmakers also expressed dissatisfaction with the high cost of services relative to the quality received.
Jaha noted that Nigerians pay substantial amounts for data bundles that are quickly depleted due to unstable connections and frequent interruptions.
He further pointed to inadequate customer service, where complaints often go unresolved for long periods, hindering emergency communications during fire outbreaks, medical emergencies, or accidents.
The lawmaker attributed part of the problem to insufficient infrastructure expansion, especially in growing urban centres and underserved rural areas.
“Network congestion during peak hours and in densely populated areas shows that infrastructure development has not kept pace with the growing number of users,” he said.
Supporting the motion, George Ozodinobi, deputy minority whip, accused telecom operators of prioritising profits over service quality while faulting the NCC for regulatory complacency.
“It is like these companies have made enough profits in billions, and so, they don’t care about improving the network anymore. The NCC, the regulator, has become complacent,” Ozodinobi stated.
Despite the sector’s rapid growth from under one million lines in the early 2000s to over 200 million active subscriptions today challenges such as insufficient base stations, unreliable power supply, multiple taxation, and infrastructure vandalism continue to hamper service quality.
In its resolution, the House urged telecom companies to invest in modern infrastructure, expand coverage especially in rural communities, improve customer service, and adopt fairer pricing that reflects actual service quality.
The lawmakers also directed the NCC to enforce stricter quality-of-service standards and hold operators accountable.
They further resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the root causes of poor service delivery and recommend appropriate legislative measures.
Mr. Daddy Mukadi, the Chief Regulatory Officer of Airtel Africa and Chair of GSMA Africa’s Policy Group, has called on African governments to recognise telecommunications as a core economic pillar and to implement two specific tax reforms that could dramatically accelerate digital inclusion across the continent.
Speaking at the first edition of the États Généraux du Secteur des Postes et Télécommunications in Kinshasa, DRC – an event convened to support the development of a strategic roadmap for the country’s digital and telecommunications sector and attended by H.E. President Félix Tshisekedi – Mukadi, who’s also a member of the GSMA Global Policy Group, urged government and industry stakeholders to rethink the role of telecommunications in national development.
He argued that it should be framed not as a sector specific concern, but as a continent-wide imperative.
“The telecoms sector can no longer be considered merely as a support sector,” Mukadi said. “It is now a core sector. Both are vital, and every other sector, from security and finance to transport and health, depends on digital technology for growth.”
His remarks come at a critical moment for Africa’s digital economy. According to the GSMA’s Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report, the mobile sector contributed US$220 billion to the continent’s economy in 2024. This is equivalent to 7.7% of GDP and is projected to reach US$270 billion by 2030.
Yet despite mobile networks now covering 95% of Africa’s population, nearly 75% of people across the continent remain offline.
The GSMA identifies this gap as Africa’s greatest connectivity challenge, driven above all by the unaffordability of devices.
Mr. Mukadi, therefore, called for strategic adjustments to public policy, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks, to support wider access to digital services.
He asserted that the telecommunications sector should be treated as a foundational pillar of economic development, with stakeholders working together to accelerate investment, expand coverage and close the usage gap across the continent.
The Chief Regulatory Officer of Airtel Africa also highlighted key barriers to digital inclusion, including the affordability of smartphones and the impact of import duties on telecommunications infrastructure.
He proposed a two-to-three-year exemption on import duties and taxes for entry-level smartphones priced between US$40 and US$150 to help bridge the usage gap. He also called for the removal of entry duties on telecommunications equipment for at least three years to support the expansion of network coverage.
According to him, “these measures would help deliver inclusive and sustainable digital technology for economic and social progress,” Mukadi said. “They would also support faster connectivity, improved access and the ability to connect more people, businesses and communities to the digital economy.”
He added that government and the private sector must work closely to create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation, protects consumer interests and supports long-term investment.
Police Arrest Members of N713m Bank Fraud Syndicate, Chinese Suspect at Large
CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC
Reps Claim NCC’s Weak Regulatory Oversight Responsible for Poor Telecom Services
Vitel Wireless Partners Fintechs to Expand Access to Services
Kaspersky Identifies Ongoing Supply Chain Attack on Official Daemon Tools Website Distributing Backdoor Malware
Kaspersky Discovers Vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon Chips that can Lead to Data Loss & Device Compromise
FG to Gift Nigerians over 100 Free TV Channels from May 15
MTN Suspends Data, Airtime Borrowing Service over New FCCPC Lending Rules
What Adekunle Gold’s Support Means for ‘The Gathering on 100
Bank Customers to Pay N1,500 for ATM Card Issuance, Replacement – CBN
General News3 days agoWhy 9 African Countries Are Looking to Nigeria for Data Protection Lessons
E-Business3 days agoFirm Spots Rising Scam Activity Around the 2026 World Cup, from Bogus Tickets to $500,000 “grant” Emails
E-Financial3 days agoCBN to Raise N700Bn in First Treasury Bills Auction this May
Telecom3 days agoTelcos Recover N2 Trillion following Crackdown on Indebted Subscribers
Telecom3 days agoOrganized Criminals Plunder Telecom Infrastructure across Nigeria, Cause Service Disruptions
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Remits N878.7Bn Taxes, Levies in 2025
E-Financial3 days agoWhy African Crypto Brands must Communicate like Banks, Not Startups
E-Business2 days agoKled AI, US Data Firm Blocks Nigeria over High ‘Fraudulent Activity’