Telecom
Dangerous Influx of Fake Phones into Nigeria
A dangerous influx of counterfeit cell phones are flooding Nigeria, causing concern to consumers, the industry and government.
This steady flow of counterfeit cell phones began in the early part of the 2000’s when mobile handsets became widespread in Nigeria.
Last year alone, some 1 million fake phones valued at N2.7 billion were imported into the country adding to the over 148 million sold annually worldwide worth $6 billion.
These phones have been dubbed ‘China phones’ or ‘chinco,’ a derogatory cliche to describe some of the substandard products coming from China.
The cheap price tag, usually less than $100, is what lures uninformed consumers into purchasing the knockoffs.
However, what buyers perhaps never put into perspective is the huge cost and pain which subsequently follows these cheap priced phones when the fail to work properly.
Some other substandard fakes may not infringe copyright and appear to be legitimate competition to genuine models, but are often produced without government approval, testing or certification and can quickly break down with potentially dangerous consequences.
Unlike the hundreds of safety checks genuine mobile phone products must pass before hitting the shelves, counterfeit phones are not tested for compliance with industry safety standards.
A new report into the black market devices has revealed they can contain high levels of lead and other substances which are a danger to the environment and human health.
With counterfeiters evading taxation, Nigeria loses a great deal of revenue, including sales and value added taxes as well as various duties and associated government charges.
Combating the growing counterfeit phone problem requires courage on the part of the government which must look for new technology that can identify substandard devices and permanently block users who don’t change to a genuine products.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the apex regulator of the telecom industry should also step up sensitization and awareness campaigns on the dangers of buying fake phones.
Phone manufacturers, mobile phone operators and the relevant agencies should join hands to curb the menace. Most importantly, mobile phone users should only buy devices from registered manufacturers and trusted retailers.
With the introduction of Travel Saga, a premium, fast-paced gaming experience that is currently live and accessible to customers on its network, Globacom has lifted the bar for mobile entertainment in the country.
Travel Saga is a story-driven, intricately connected role-playing game designed to provide the thrill, complexity, and competitive intensity of some of the most well-known action games in the world.
The game, which has been painstakingly optimized for mobile devices, redefines mobile gaming as a full-fledged digital battlefield by translating a console-grade experience onto data-enabled handsets.
Fundamentally, Travel Saga takes users on quick virtual journeys against recognizable international landscapes. In a dynamic, ever-evolving gaming environment, players are thrown into furious missions, fierce fights, and ever-expanding tales where talent, strategy, and endurance determine who rises through the ranks to become a true war hero.
In addition to the excitement of fighting, users are encouraged to go to various locations, take part in thrilling challenges, and participate in intense competition for in-app rewards like points and victory badges. With each encounter and accomplishment, the immersion increases with each level, maintaining momentum and excitement.
Flexible subscription plans with one-time or auto-renewal choices are available to subscribers for the service, which costs ₦100 per day and ₦250 per week. By dialing *70021#, customers can quickly subscribe and gain instant access to the action.
With Travel Saga, Glo reaffirms its dedication to innovation and high-end digital experiences, making top-notch gaming easily accessible to its customers. The game offers uninterrupted action, adventure, and competition, all smoothly supported by the Glo network.
SHELT, a leading cybersecurity-as-a-service provider, has earned inclusion in the 2025 MSSP 250, the annual ranking of the world’s top 250 Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) by MSSP Alert, a CyberRisk Alliance publication.
SHELT
The list evaluates firms on business performance, service breadth, and industry impact, spotlighting those excelling in growth, operational excellence, and advanced managed security amid rising cyber threats. Selection criteria include annual recurring revenue, profitability, workforce expansion, business growth, and the depth of managed security offerings.
SHELT’s recognition underscores its investments in scalable security operations, threat intelligence, and tailored managed services across multiple regions, enabling clients to navigate complex risk landscapes effectively.
“Being recognised in the MSSP 250 is a meaningful milestone for our team,” stated Youssef Abillama, CEO of SHELT. “It validates our focus on building practical, resilient security services that help organisations manage risk and respond effectively to today’s evolving cyber threats.”
The company hailed the honour as testament to its teams’ dedication and expertise worldwide, reaffirming commitment to enhancing capabilities and delivering trusted cybersecurity solutions.
Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook, has appointed Dina Powell McCormick, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, as its new president and vice chairman, bolstering its leadership amid aggressive AI and infrastructure expansion.
Dina Powell McCormick
The announcement, made on Monday, positions Powell McCormick – who recently stepped down from Meta’s board after eight months – to guide overall strategy, including multi-billion-dollar investments in data centres and global partnerships.
A Goldman Sachs veteran with 16 years in senior roles and prior stints as deputy national security adviser under Trump and in the Bush administration, she brings deep finance and international ties to the role.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hailed her as “uniquely qualified” for the company’s next growth phase, while President Trump praised the move on Truth Social as a “fantastic choice”.
The hire signals Meta’s efforts to strengthen White House relations, following recent dinners with Trump and U.S. investment pledges worth hundreds of billions
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