Telecom
Nokia Networks Aligns Vision with Nigeria National Broadband Plan
Nokia Networks (NNs) at its telecom conference titled, ‘Connect Nigeria: Exploring ICT Potential for Growth’, declared its readiness to enable Nigeria’s broadband strategy become reality.
NNs explored the road for connected Nigeria in line with the government’s ambitious National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2013-2018.
The plan aims to increase broadband penetration from 6% in 2013 to 30% by 2018.
It also aims to cover 80% of the population with 3G and LTE services and offer a minimum download speed of 1.5 Mbps.
About 150 industry experts representing Nokia Networks, operators, government, and IT companies participated in the conference.
According to a recent GSMA report, Nigeria is a fast growing economy and the largest one in Africa, but has low mobile broadband penetration.
However, due to various factors including high access rates of over 50% of the population (those who use a mobile despite not owning one), data consumption growth, a rise in digital entrepreneurship, and a large youthful population, Nigeria presents a growing opportunity for investment and innovation in telecom networks.
At the Conference, Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), “The Nokia Networks conference has brought out excellent insights from various telecom industry players on how to achieve further mobile broadband penetration in Nigeria in line with our ambitious NBP.
“The government is committed to enabling the operators to take the quality and coverage of mobile broadband services to a new level for the benefit of greater socio-economic development. We are confident that Nokia Networks’ commitments and advanced 2G, 3G and 4G mobile broadband technologies will significantly contribute in providing high quality mobile broadband services in our country on a par with leading services around the world.”
Also speaking, Bernard Najm, vice president and head of Middle East and Africa, Nokia Networks, said that Nigeria is a priority country in the Africa region for Nokia Networks.
Najm said, “Mobile broadband infrastructure in Nigeria needs to be strengthened to significantly improve network coverage and speed across the country including mid-size cities and rural areas. To help achieve National Broadband Plan’s objectives and drive the country’s socio-economic development, we are committed to providing operators here with our advanced 2G, 3G and 4G technologies, and global expertise in services to build and run the networks cost efficiently.”
In addition to its office in Abuja, the company opened its second modern office in Lagos in 2014 to enhance its operational agility for delivery of its mobile broadband infrastructure for all operators in the country.
In his contribution, David Gaul, head of Central East & West Africa (CEWA), said that Nokia Networks is the world’s specialist in mobile broadband with more than 200 3G radio customers serving over 1 bn 3G users worldwide.
He added that, the company is a global leader in LTE with 162 LTE customers by the end of 2014 and holds the world record in TDD-FDD carrier aggregation with 4.1Gbps.
“The company’s leadership in LTE has been recognized by Gartner which positioned the company in the ‘Leaders’ quadrant of the analyst’s Magic Quadrant for LTE in Q4, 2014. Nokia Networks’2020 vision predicts consumption of 1GB of personalized data per user per day.
“The company’s advanced, scalable radio technologies coupled with professional services aim to help operators in countries with low Average Revenue Per User (ARPUs) meet the ever growing network demands in a profitable way.
According to him, Nokia has since incorporated Nigeria in its strategy anchored on developing its businesses in order to realize its vision of being a technology leader in a connected world and, in turn, create long-term shareholder value.
He said Nokia works towards a ‘programmable’ world. “Today, most humans in the world are connected. By 2020, we think the number will reach 5 billion. This means we are entering a new phase, connecting things as well as people; this is a rapid shift to what we call the Programmable World. By 2025, we could have 50 billion things connected through devices, modules and sensors. That might even prove to be a conservative estimate.
“But the programmable world is about more than connectivity it is the interaction of sensors, people and ‘things’ and, in this context, a ‘nuclear power station’ could be a ‘thing’. The possibilities are endless and software will be the glue that brings both meaning and value to the Programmable World.
But there are also some challenges and conflicts to address: Explosion of technology choices; Alienating, increasing complexity of tech; Needy tech and Dependence on data and privacy, post Snowden world.
Also, Dr. Sam Nwosu, country director, Nokia Networks said that the Nigeria must address infrastructural challenges and remove other administrative bottlenecks militating against the network operators.
“Through Nokia Networks, Nokia invests in the innovative products and services needed by telecoms operators to manage the increase in wireless data traffic which is more than doubling every year.
“Future investment will focus on further building on our strong position in mobile broadband and related services, and strengthening our leadership position in next-generation network technologies. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our customers need in their networks. We provide the world’s most efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value of those networks, and the services to make it all work seamlessly.
“At the same time, we encourage the enhancement of infrastructural development in the country to augment telecom operators’ investments,” he said.
Nokia invests in technologies important in a world where billions of devices are connected.
It’s focused on three businesses: network infrastructure software, hardware and services, which offered through Nokia Networks; location intelligence, which it provides through HERE; and advanced technology development and licensing, which it pursues through Nokia Technologies.
Meanwhile, Nokia divested its handset business to Microsoft in early 2014. The new Nokia now focuses on three strong business divisions – Nokia Networks, HERE, and Nokia Technologies.
Nokia Networks (which was formerly known as Nokia Solutions and Networks or NSN) is the largest business (90%) in the new Nokia, with this division contributing to 90% of its overall business in the company.
Legend Internet Plc has reported a loss for the six months ended January 31, 2026, as rising operating costs and finance charges weighed on earnings, according to its latest management financial statements filed on the NGX platform.
The company posted revenue of N505.36 million for the period, down from N622.64 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting a contraction in topline performance.
Despite generating a gross profit of N322.99 million, Legend Internet’s profitability was eroded by elevated administrative expenses, which surged significantly to N457.62 million from N166.78 million in the prior year.
This drove the company to an operating loss of N134.63 million, compared to an operating profit of N244.55 million a year earlier.
Finance costs further pressured the bottom line, rising to N64.71 million, while interest income provided only a limited offset.
Consequently, the company recorded a loss after tax of N99.34 million, a sharp reversal from the N239.85 million profit posted in the same period of 2025.
Earnings per share also declined into negative territory, closing at a loss of 11 kobo compared with earnings of 12 kobo in the prior period.
A review of the company’s financial position showed total assets increased to N3.45 billion as of January 2026, up from N3.21 billion in July 2025, driven largely by growth in cash and cash equivalents and receivables.
However, shareholders’ funds weakened to N2.55 billion from N2.80 billion, reflecting the impact of the reported loss and dividend payments.
Cash flow analysis indicates that net cash used in operating activities stood at N237.48 million, highlighting liquidity pressure in the core business.
This was partially offset by financing inflows, including loans, which helped lift cash balances during the period.
Further breakdown showed personnel costs rose markedly to N153.50 million, underscoring increased staff-related expenses, while depreciation and amortisation charges remained significant due to ongoing investments in network infrastructure.
The results underlined the pressure on smaller telecom and internet service providers navigating high operating costs, currency volatility, and infrastructure demands within Nigeria’s competitive digital services market.
Airtel Africa has emerged as the standout large-cap performer on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), recording a 10 per cent gain in a single trading week and reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most resilient and valuable telecommunications companies.
The telecoms giant closed the week at ₦3,655.70 per share, up from ₦3,323.40, making it one of the strongest contributors to market performance during a period characterised by selective investor activity and sector rotation.
The strong performance reflects growing investor confidence in Airtel Africa’s business fundamentals, diversified revenue streams, and long-term growth strategy. Analysts note that the company continues to attract attention from investors seeking stable, high-quality stocks capable of delivering sustainable value despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.
Unlike many of the week’s gainers, whose performance was largely driven by speculative trading and short-term market positioning, Airtel Africa’s rise was underpinned by confidence in its operational strength and strategic importance within the telecommunications sector.
Market watchers have identified Airtel Africa as a preferred investment destination due to its strong earnings profile, extensive regional footprint, and exposure to foreign currency-linked revenue streams. These factors have helped position the company as a key stabiliser within the NGX, particularly at a time when investors are increasingly selective in deploying capital.
The company’s performance also highlights the growing importance of telecommunications firms in driving economic growth and digital transformation across Africa. Through continued investments in network expansion, digital services, enterprise solutions, and financial inclusion initiatives, Airtel Africa remains at the forefront of enabling connectivity and economic opportunity for millions of people across the continent.
Beyond its stock market performance, Airtel Africa continues to strengthen its position through investments in digital infrastructure, mobile financial services, and technology-driven solutions that support businesses, governments, and communities. These initiatives have become increasingly important as demand for connectivity and digital services continues to accelerate across Africa.
Airtel Africa’s latest performance underscores confidence in the company’s long-term prospects and its ability to create sustainable value for shareholders. The milestone also reflects the market’s recognition of Airtel Africa’s role in shaping Africa’s digital future through innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth.
With telecommunications remaining a critical enabler of economic development, Airtel Africa’s strong showing on the NGX serves as another indicator of the company’s continued momentum and leadership within the sector.
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, will host the first edition of AVEVA Day Nigeria, on 11 June 2026 at the EKO Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
AVEVA
Built around the theme, “Driving the Transformation: Leveraging Digital Technologies and AI to Achieve Operational Excellence, Increase Efficiency and Reduce Emissions,” the one-day event will bring together industry leaders to discuss how AI, Digital Twin, and cloud-native industrial platforms are transforming the design, construction, and operation of assets.
The event will host AVEVA leadership, technical experts, customers, ecosystem partners, EPCs, and decision-makers from across Nigeria’s energy and process industries.
Nigeria’s industrial sector is entering a new phase with operators under pressure to improve operational reliability, cut emissions, and unlock gas monetisation opportunities cost-effectively. Digital technologies have emerged as a key enabler of this balancing act.
The International Energy Agency’s Africa Energy Outlook highlights the growing role of AI and digital tools in balancing Africa’s energy ambitions with its sustainability goals. At the same time, initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030) and Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy are helping create the foundation for wider adoption.
Khaled Salah, Vice President – Africa, AVEVA, said: “Nigeria’s industrial economy is one of the most dynamic industrial markets in the EMEA region. As industries navigate growing demands around efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, technologies such as digital twin, industrial AI, and connected ecosystems are becoming central to transformation strategies. Through AVEVA Day Nigeria, we want to bring our global expertise closer to local industry leaders and demonstrate how the convergence of AI and industrial software can help local enterprises compete, and lead, on the world stage.”
Hanno Van Niekerk, Market Leader – Sub Saharan Africa, AVEVA said: “Nigeria has the scale, resources, and industrial ambition to become one of the leading energy and industrial hubs in the region. With continued investments in power infrastructure, and industrial development, the country is well positioned to drive long-term economic growth and strengthen energy access across Africa. At AVEVA, we are proud to support this journey by helping organisations leverage digital innovation to enhance operational performance, accelerate transformation, and advance sustainability goals.”
The event will begin with a welcome note from Khaled Salah, followed by a keynote from Gaurav Panpaliya, Enterprise Architect, AVEVA, on how AI-enabled Digital Twins are guiding industries towards autonomous, sustainable operations, supported by examples from global energy companies.
It will also feature interactive round table discussions hosted by Gururaj Purohit, structured around three focus tracks – Design & Build track, that will engage EPCs, capital project teams, and engineering companies, the Operate & Optimise track covering enterprise visualisation, process optimisation, asset reliability, AI/ML-based predictive analytics, and Predictive Asset Optimisation (PAO) and the IT/OT and Data Management track, focusing on the CONNECT industrial intelligence platform and how it underpins next-generation industrial operations.
Attendees will get a chance to explore the full scope of AVEVA’s industrial intelligence capabilities through a series of focused technical and industry sessions along with dedicated customer and partner presentation slots throughout the day.
Legend Internet Reports Losses despite N505m Revenue
INEC Probes Claims of Leaked Voter Data from CVR System
Ecobank Raises Record $450m in Nature Bond for Africa’s Biodiversity
NPS, New Payment Infrastructure Hits 153,000 Transactions in Pilot Phase
African Electric Vehicle Platform Raises $215m to Scale Electric Mobility in Nigeria, Others
MTN, VDT, Zoracom, Digital Realty Back 2026 Girls in ICT Campaign
Vitel Wireless Partners Fintechs to Expand Access to Services
CPN Begins Crackdown on Quack IT Professionals, Vows Tougher Action against Cybercrime
Nigeria Hit by 24.1m Data Breaches – Surfshark
Kaspersky Identifies Ongoing Supply Chain Attack on Official Daemon Tools Website Distributing Backdoor Malware
Telecom3 days agoNCC Retains Rudman as Chair of Newly Inaugurated IPv6 Council Board, Urges Advancement of Nigeria’s Digital Migration
E-Financial3 days agoNigerian Banks Under Pressure as Bad Loans Hit 8.03% After CBN Policy Shift
E-Financial3 days agoPOS Operators Threaten to Suspend Services over Exclusivity Practice
E-Business2 days agoAI and IoT Hold the Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – NCC
E-Financial2 days agoBanks Lending to FG Hit N15.66 Trillion in One Year– CBN
Telecom3 days agoMTN, ALTON, Upperlink, NiRA back 2026 Nigeria DigitalSENSE forum, awards
Broadcasting2 days agoGood News for DStv Users: Watch over 160 Channels Without Paying Extra
E-Business2 days agoKaspersky Reports on the Aspects of SOC Effectiveness to Consider for Blind Spot