Telecom
Reps Ask FG to Safeguard $400m Nigeria’s Orbital Slots
The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the federal government to ensure timely registration and renewal of Nigeria’s orbital slots with a view to averting the loss of $400 million worth of investment in the industry.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Tolani Shagaya, who solicited for the intervention of the House.
In the bid to avert future occurrences, the lawmakers underscored the need for the present administration to establish an oversight mechanism to monitor progress regarding the utilisation of orbital slots and ensure compliance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations.
In his lead debate, Hon. Shagaya observed that Nigeria has been granted three orbital slots by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), essential for satellite placement in geostationary orbit.
“These slots are vital for telecommunication, broadcasting, weather monitoring, and national defence purposes.
“The House also notes that presently, just one of these slots is utilised through NigComSat-1, leaving the other two vulnerable to reassignment if left unused by the deadline of December 6, 2024.
“The House further notes that the expense of acquiring a new orbital slot is approximately $200 million USD, and the loss of these slots would not only result in a significant financial loss but also impede Nigeria’s technological progress and economic development.
“The House is aware that numerous factors contribute to the underutilisation of these slots, such as financial limitations, inadequate technical infrastructure, and delays in policy implementation.
“The House is also aware that the critical significance of these orbital slots goes beyond technological progress to include national security, disaster response, connectivity, and navigation capabilities.
“The House is concerned over Nigeria’s increasing competition with other countries for orbital slots, driven by the rising global demand for satellite services, which could lead to the permanent forfeiture of Nigeria’s assigned positions.
“The House acknowledges that it is imperative for Nigeria to expedite satellite development processes, secure necessary funding and explore partnerships with private companies and international space agencies to fully utilise these orbital slots.
“The House recognises that protecting Nigeria’s orbital slots goes beyond technical aspects; it is a critical element for national security, economic empowerment, and global standing. It is crucial to optimise the use of these slots to establish Nigeria as a significant player in the ever-changing space sector.”
The House further urged Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to intensify efforts in developing and launching satellites that will occupy our slots to prevent their forfeiture.
To this end, the House mandated the Committee on Digital and Communications Technology to conduct a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s current utilisation of its orbital slots and report within two weeks.
Mazen Mroue, a non-executive director at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, has resigned effective February 27, 2026, to prioritise other responsibilities within the MTN Group, the company announced in a Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) filing.
MTN Nigeria
The notice, signed by company secretary Uto Ukpanah, stated: “This is to enable Mr. Mroue to focus on other priorities within MTN Group Limited. The Board wishes to express its appreciation to Mr. Mroue for his immense service to MTN Nigeria and wishes him success in his future endeavours.”
Mroue joined MTN Nigeria’s board on June 1, 2022, bringing over 28 years of telecom experience. A veteran MTN executive, he previously served as CEO of MTN Uganda and MTN Liberia, non-executive director at MTN Cyprus, and held leadership roles at MTN Ghana.
Since February 2022, he has been MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, overseeing technology strategy and governance. Earlier, as MTN Nigeria’s COO from August 2018 to January 2022, he also sat on the MTN Nigeria Foundation board.
The exit follows MTN Nigeria’s stellar 2025 results, posting a ₦1.70 trillion profit before tax—reversing a ₦550.3 billion loss in 2024 driven by forex woes—marking one of the telco’s strongest rebounds.
Google has rolled out support for Yorùbá and Hausa languages in its AI-powered Search features—AI Overviews and AI Mode—enabling millions of Nigerians to get quick answers, summaries, and conversational web exploration in their mother tongues.
The update forms part of Google’s push to cover 13 African languages, including Afrikaans, Akan, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Afaan Oromoo, Somali, Sesotho, Kiswahili, Setswana, Wolof, and isiZulu, selected based on high search activity across the continent.
Now, a Kano student can ask complex questions in Hausa, while an Ibadan trader seeks business tips in Yorùbá—both receiving culturally nuanced AI responses via text or voice on Android, iOS, or web.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s West Africa Communications Manager, said: “Building truly global Search requires nuanced local understanding. With Gemini-powered AI, we’ve made advanced capabilities relevant in Yorùbá and Hausa, so Nigerians converse naturally with Search in their mother tongues.”
To use: Open the Google app, tap AI Mode, and query in Hausa or Yorùbá for personalised guidance—breaking language barriers and making technology reflect Nigeria’s diverse identity.
MultiChoice is closing its continental streaming platform Showmax after 11 years, notifying subscribers Thursday of the board’s decision to discontinue the service in the near future to refocus on sustainable digital offerings.
MultiChoice
The email assured no immediate disruption: “You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time.” Showmax, launched in South Africa in 2015 and expanded across Africa, offered movies, series, documentaries, and sports to rival Netflix and others amid rising online entertainment demand.
The shutdown follows Canal+’s approved takeover of MultiChoice last year, with the French giant offering ZAR 125 per share for remaining stakes.
The deal mandates HDP ownership boosts, local content investment, and splitting MultiChoice’s SA broadcasting arm into an independent entity to meet regulations.
MultiChoice prioritised subscribers during the transition, promising advance notice on timelines.
Showmax’s exit signals consolidation pressures in Africa’s cut-throat streaming market, where global players dominate despite local content strengths.
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