General News
No End User Want to Experience Down Time- Gbenjo
\Sunday Gbenjo is the managing director of Totaltelecoms Solutions Limited with over two decade experience in the telecom industry. Gbenjo has worked with the Nigeria Naval Dockyard, Sam Telecommunications, Briscoe Telecoms and has attended various international and local seminars and exhibitions. He spoke to chike onwuegbuchi about issues service delivery in telecom space among others.
Security Solution
The solution is so simple; remember it is more security inclined. If you deploy the equipment, let us say at a bank with 10 to 15 branches in Lagos and outside Lagos, whenever there is a crisis in any of the banks, all they need do is press a button. Once the button is pressed, the emergency alert system would be transferred to the headquarters either in Lagos or Abuja and everybody will know that branch ABC located on Enugu Road is having a problem. It ensures that the law enforcement agents are quickly brought into the scene not only that, all the necessary information the law enforcement agents need to arrest the situation would be available.
Now the system has been modified to show pictures of what is happening at the. In our case, distance is no barrier, which means that if you want to monitor a location in Kano or Abakaliki and the headquarters which happens to be the monitoring room is in Lagos, you can easily do it. Not only that, you have the benefit of listening to all conversations at the troubled spot. Day in day out, we keep upgrading it at the requirement of individuals or corporate organizations by customizing it into what they need. Most of these things work with wireless distribution and all that is needed is small equipment.
Competing with Other Tracking Systems
The market is so big to the extent that one technology complements another technology. You will find out that where our system is needed, GSM tracking system might not be the suitable option. We still see ourselves as contemporaries within the IT sector. For example, we have a tracking system that can make use of Global System for Mobile communications, Sim cards, likewise there are some tracking units they have which make use of Radio Frequency (RF) signals. It is a matter of symbiotic relationship. The market is huge, where we are talking about a population of 140 million or more people. There is sufficient room to accommodate whatever anybody is bringing into the market, it a matter of one trying to pitch a tent in the market. I might decide that my technology should be for the banks and if the banks are satisfied with my product, they will key into it. Someone else might say he wants to address construction companies as his first point of call in the tracking business. Nigeria has a huge market for whatever anyone wants to offer, instead of competing with one another we can come under an umbrella, exchange ideas like what is happening with the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon). If someone comes to our company requesting for a solution we do not have, we should be free to refer the person to the company which specializes in the solution.
Managing Different Authorized Dealership
Apart from Motorola, we are an authorized dealer to Codan, we are also an authorized dealer of Tramingo tracking system. We are currently working with about 10 to 12 agencies under the United Nations. An agency might request for tracking unit while another might request for Codan radio equipment. It is a matter of giving you what you requested for, and managing them is not so difficult. It is about creating separate units that will handle each of the products. We have well trained engineers in data transfer equipment even up to factory level on Motorola equipment and Tramingo. Now we are going into surveillance radar system whereby we bring in what is called City Watch. I can be at Victoria Island and still watch what is going on in different parts of Lagos to ensure that security is provided for the rich, poor and everyone on the street. It is a matter of how the company is designed and how each of the units is put together.
Support for these Products and Solution
Any engineering firm either mechanical or telecom that wants to see beyond today must think about its product and what package it has in place for after-sale services. For instance, for Motorola products, before you are granted agency rights, they will ensure that you have competent engineers who have been well trained. Periodically, it is not a one-off training; it is a thing we do every six months. We also send them abroad for further training. All our equipment carries one to two years warranty and with that you should have adequate support otherwise you will keep changing equipment which might not be good for the business. At Totaltelecoms Solutions, after-sales service is our watch word. Most of the profit margin are from after-sales service so if we do not have competent engineers, the chances of we being efficient is not there. This time around time is money and no good end user will want to experience down time. Ours is to ensure that the down time of any equipment is minimal. Our after-sales service is valid and robust and we do not compromise standards.
Totaltelecom Solutions and Motorola
Totaltelecoms Solutions came into being about seven and a half years ago and right from inception, we have had a relationship with Motorola. Today as I am talking to you, we are ‘one tier representative in-country’ which means it is a total package. Total package comprises of marketing, integration, installation and consultancy. Before a company would be nominated to stand in for Motorola, it must have been well tutored and trained because what we do here locally is exactly what you get either in Chicago, Israel or wherever that kind of service is offered by Motorola. Apart from the Motorola representative that people know us with, we are also into system integration, bringing in new equipment, putting them together using our knowledge of engineering so that at the end of the day when Motorola sees some of the output of some of their products, they are amazed. This has happened several times. But you will find out that engineering in a global village now is more than doing jobs in the straight jacket the way it was brought from Chicago. Customers are becoming more and more sophisticated than what the manufacturers must have input into the system. It is now our obligation to ensure that we meet up with that challenge by adding extra value to customers.
Expansion Plan
By February next year, we will open our Abuja office. We have about 30 dealers in Abuja who act as back- ups when we are not there. What we did was to train these selected dealers to position them to be able to offer after sale support our products they sale. We also have a liaison office in Port Harcourt which takes care of the South-South and South-East zones. Most of the jobs we do is unlike the GSM selling outlets where people have to see you. Trunking projects are up to about 100 to 120 million at a go, you will have to dialogue with customers, it takes time before they even put pen on paper and it is not something that happens every now and then. The equipment we deal in is more of safety, security, and industrial equipment; it is not something you can just pick from the street. We have to ensure that the organization we are working with has the necessary government regulatory approval documents. We have to check if you have the frequency license, if not we will have to link them with the Ministry of communication to ensure that the governmental aspect of the transaction is done before they can get back to us for deployment of the solution or products.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over the backlash trailing her recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State
The controversy followed a viral video in which the First Lady urged unemployed Nigerians, particularly women, to consider starting businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little start-up capital.
Her remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that government officials should focus on creating jobs rather than encouraging citizens to take up petty trading.
Reacting to the criticism in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Ossai said he was surprised that many people looked down on the akara business, insisting it can generate more income than some white-collar jobs.
According to him, an akara seller operating in a strategic location can earn substantial profits with just a few hours of work daily.
“Akara business is better than a bank job sometimes. If you fry akara in a good location, after all costs, you make N20 per akara and sell 500 pieces every day,” he wrote.
Ossai estimated that such a business could generate about N10,000 daily, translating to approximately N60,000 weekly and N240,000 monthly, while noting that some operators earn well above N1 million every month.
“How much again is a bank job? Ask yourself,” he said.
The Delta governor’s aide also argued that the business is not as demanding as many people assume, saying it typically requires only a few hours of work each day.
“Before I forget, know that akara business is not a 6-to-6 job. It’s about three hours daily.
“I am disappointed in those looking down on akara business,” he added.
The remarks add to the growing debate sparked by the First Lady’s comments, with supporters describing entrepreneurship as a practical means of livelihood, while critics argue that the government should prioritise policies that create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
General News
EVC NCC, Aminu Maida, to Lead Speakers @ Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be the Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme of the Roundtable is: Fintech: Driving the Future of Digital Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu Maida was appointed the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Maida holds an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College, London in 2002 and in 2006, he bagged a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Between 2018 and 2019, Maida completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (FinTech Pathway) program at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Until his appointment by the President, Dr. Maida was the Executive Director, Technology and operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the country’s central switch company owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all licensed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria.
At NIBSS, Maida was responsible for holistically spearheading the technical and operational standardisation of all devices deployed in the financial system in Nigeria for interoperability.
Maida led a dynamic team that ensured that all terminals used in the e-payment industry and all devices deployed in Nigeria would accept all cards issued by banks and other licensed card schemes without discrimination.
Prior to his appointment at NIBSS, Maida was the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Nigerian-based FinTech Arca Payments Network and Senior Manager at Cisco Systems, United Kingdom.
As a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of multi-functional and international experience in FinTech & Telecoms & Enterprise Technology, Maida between 2010 and 2014, worked as a Network Design Consultant at EE, part of BT Group, and one of the largest mobile communications companies in the UK.
He was also at some point (2006-2010) a System Engineer at Ubiquisys, a leading company in intelligent 3G and LTE small cells, which is now part of Cisco.
Maida, a professional par excellence, combines a broad range of experiences, making him technically strong and commercially sound.
Reacting, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Prince Cookey said:
“Dr. Aminu Maida came to the NCC at a time Nigeria needed strategic repositioning of the digital economy landscape and telecom regulation in the country. He has positioned NCC as a leading voice in the digital space and telecom regulation in Africa and around the world.
Accordingly, stakeholders attending the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 would be looking forward to a robust conversation on the State of the digital economy, fintech market and the numbers on financial inclusion today and tomorrow.”
Cookey added that Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will also be on board as Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) will Chair the event.
Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga, Managing Director/CEO, PufferPay Limited will deliver the keynote paper at the Roundtable while Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council of NCRIB is Guest of Honour.
Distinguished members of the Panel include:
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
- Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, Group Managing Director/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc
- Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited
- Dr. Obioha Oti, President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN)
- Mr. Sarafadeen Fasasi, President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN)
The revolutionary success story of Moniepoint, Opay, PalmPay, Flutterwave and others in the digital payment system in Nigeria represents a positive expansion of the financial services sector in the country.
With millions of Nigerians and businesses lacking access to basic financial services, the importance of Fintechs remain sacrosanct in achieving substantial level of Financial Inclusion and expanding the frontiers of the industry.
According to AI Overview, Fintechs in Nigeria have revolutionised the financial landscape by dramatically increasing access to banking services, driving, for example, a 20% increase in financial inclusion and helping to bring the banked population to roughly 63%. These firms have introduced faster, affordable digital payments, lending, and investment services, forcing traditional banks to adopt digital transformation.
On investment, AI Overview stated: “Fintechs in Nigeria dominate the tech landscape, securing 35% of total tech funding ($2 billion total) in 2024, with over 430 companies attracting roughly 36% of all African fintech investment. Despite global challenges, the sector remains highly resilient, driven by high demand, with significant deals including Moniepoint’s $110 million series C.”
The 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 aims to underscore the positive contribution of Fintechs in deepening Financial Inclusion, expanding access to financial services and contributing to economic growth in the country.
Expected participants at the Roundtable include regulators, operators from key sectors of the economy, media and members of the public.
(LASTMA) has launched a new toll-free short-code hotline, 3367, to improve emergency response, enhance traffic managemestrengthen accountability across Lagos State.
The new platform replaces the agency’s previous long-service code and provides a simpler and more accessible channel for residents to report traffic-related incidents. The service is available at no cost to subscribers on MTN, Glo and Etisalat (T2) networks.
Motorists and other road users can use the hotline to report vehicle breakdowns, road crashes, disabled trucks, stranded tankers, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
The platform also allows members of the public to report the conduct and professionalism of LASTMA personnel, a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the agency.
To ensure wider accessibility, callers can communicate with hotline operators in English, Yoruba or Pidgin English, helping to eliminate language barriers and encourage greater public participation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager, LASTMA, described the launch as a major milestone in the agency’s efforts to build a safer, more efficient and technology-driven traffic management system.
He said the hotline reflects LASTMA’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to tackle transportation challenges while strengthening collaboration with residents.
According to Bakare-Oki, the 3367 hotline provides Lagos residents with a direct, convenient and free channel to report incidents requiring urgent attention, noting that the growing complexity of Lagos as a major African megacity demands a proactive and technology-enabled approach to traffic management.
He assured residents that all reports received through the platform would be handled professionally and confidentially before being forwarded to the appropriate operational units for prompt action
Bakare-Oki urged the public to make effective use of the hotline to support road safety, improve accountability and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system across the state.
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