Connect with us

General News

Jonah Jang’s MTN Faux pas

Published

on

Dr Yemi kale, Statistician-General of the Federation
Kindly share this post

No doubt these are not the best of times for Plateau state, and for its governor, the main priority would be restoring the famed peace on the plateau, but that wasn’t what Governor Jonah Jang bargained when he made an unexpected faux pas on MTN Nigeria over a call centre manager’s decision to vacate the state for reasons of insecurity and safety of staff.

When news first broke on social media that the Plateau state government had called on residents and indigenes of the state to boycott services of MTN Nigeria, it was taken as one off the ever rolling mills of Nigeria’s rumour banks.

However, Yiljap Abraham, plateau state commissioner for information and communication, said last week in paid advertisement in select national newspapers that the state government took the decision following what he termed the mobile providers’ “discriminatory remuneration and underpayment of the over 1, 700 workers at the MTN Jos Call Centre, majority of whom are citizens of Plateau state, in comparison to their colleagues in other Call Centres across the country.”

The Plateau government has even set up a coordinating office let by its director-general, research and planning in the governor’s office to monitor and collate the effectiveness of its boycott call (or is it order?).

How do you order citizens to boycott services of a mobile operator that offers you the biggest coverage? What peace message would you be serving calling for a boycott when the issues could have been resolved otherwise if properly investigated?

Advertisement

Wale Goodluck, corporate services executive (CSE), of MTN Nigeria noted that the call centre was operated by an outsourced partner, Messrs CNSSL who employed about 650 staff. So it wasn’t yet up to the figure of 1, 700. The MTN CSE noted that the centre was to ultimately grow to employ about 2, 200 personnel.

He stated that continued ethno-religion violence in the state had put the lives of the call centre staff at risk prompting CNSSL to shut down the centre.

“MTN chose to open the call centre facilities in Jos with the hope of contributing to peace and harmony in the city by gainfully engaging the youth. It is sad that we are no longer in a position to do so, as our partners have had to close shop due to the prevailing situation in the area,” said Goodluck.

For a government desirous of maintaining good corporate relationship, especially with multinational big spenders, Governor Jang ought to have explored other avenues of mitigating the operator’s concern about security of its staff rather than choosing the war path.

Instead of stating: “MTN is not the only service provider and the obvious option for Plateau state citizens is to have recourse to alternative GSM services;” the government needed to have called the call centre operator and discussed terms of engagements.

Advertisement

No doubt Plateau state remains a keg of gun powder in the Nigeria security equation. Not until the deep rooted socio-ethnic-religious issues dividing the citizens are resolved, boycotting services of a mobile operator would rather add to the burden.

Often times, those who govern us appear oblivion of the real issues but rather chose to chase shadows as demonstrated by Governor Jang. By glossing over the Plateau crisis and using MTN as a scapegoat, Jang may possibly be opening up a Pandora’s Box.

Nigeria still grapples with issue of quality of service offered by operators. Broadband penetration remains a herculean task without feasible solutions in sight. Telecom services although largely seen as a big success story, remain largely an urban phenomenon.

Plateau state and the entire north region, (except Abuja) remains underserved due largely to factors other than insecurity. The issue of insecurity occasioned by activities of al Qaeda linked terrorists groups only adds to exacerbate an already bad situation.

Whereas Governor Jang, would want citizens to believe the call centre was direct investment of MTN Nigeria, truth is that CNSSL (communication network support services limited) is a wholly owned Nigerian ‘telecom support services company with expertise in design, implementation and maintenance of fibre optic cable networks, copper networks, access networks, and VSAT/ wireless networks.’

Advertisement

Writing in a post by Emeka Oparah, Airtel Nigeria Communications Diretor on facebook last week several commentators lampooned the governor for his action:

Emeka Ogbeide: You now know why we are where we are! Dis man na governor but na ororo dey him head. How can he produce concrete result? Warning; any location with a military chief executive will be no different. They never depart from barrack autocracy. Edo state just escaped. Watch out for others, joro jara joro.

Ifeyenwa Chybe: If this is quite tru…….pls i suggest he need medicals……

Ken Ogujiofor: What a shame, relocation of call centre which employs 1700 workers is more important to Jang than the security of about 3m people within Jos and environ to be d front burner for his state executive meeting. We sure do have ladders (sorry LEADERS) in this country. Next time they will meet to issue orders for boycott of beef by indigenes as a result of Fulani cattle rearers attack.

This is one experiment going awry and for Plateau government and indigenes, they still have time on their hand to ameliorate the situation by calling on the affected parties for meaningful dialogue.

Advertisement

Definitely, it is in the best interest of both parties to get the call centre up and working – it saves employment burden for the Plateau state government, raises MTN’s profile in the national spread and increases capacity of the young graduates who finds job in these centres.

 

Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

General News

NUPRC Warns of Counterfeit,  AI-Generated Appointment Letters

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has cautioned the public against fake recruitment offers and fraudulent employment letters circulating in the agency’s name.

NUPRC Warns of Counterfeit,  AI-Generated Appointment Letters

Eniola Akinkuotu, head of Media and Corporate Communications of the Commission, stated that NUPRC has received reports of counterfeit and AI-generated appointment letters bearing names not known to the regulator.

The Commission also said fraudsters have been extorting money from jobseekers by promising placement within the agency.

NUPRC has reported the incidents to law enforcement and said investigations are underway.

The regulator reiterated that there is no ongoing recruitment exercise and warned members of the public not to make any payments for supposed job offers.

Advertisement

“Whenever the Commission decides to recruit, the process will be conducted strictly in accordance with extant laws and government regulations,” the statement said.

The Commission urged jobseekers to verify any purported offer and to rely only on official NUPRC communications for recruitment information.

The warning follows growing concerns about the misuse of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to fabricate apparently authentic documents that can deceive the public.

Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

Africa50 Secures Fresh Capital, Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate African Infrastructure

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform, has secured new investment commitments and strategic partnerships with international investors and Tanzanian institutions aimed at mobilising capital for infrastructure development across Africa.

The agreements, announced at the 2026 Infra for Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam, include a US$20 million commitment from British International Investment (BII) to Africa50’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF), as well as partnerships covering natural gas, electricity transmission and healthcare infrastructure in Tanzania.

The latest commitments bring the IAF’s total capital commitments to approximately US$330 million.

Under one of the major agreements, Africa50, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and TAQA Arabia will develop the first phase of a small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) project designed to distribute domestic natural gas to industrial and transportation customers across Tanzania.

Africa50 is partnering with TAQA Arabia and TPDC on the project, providing project development, investment and financial structuring expertise to develop a bankable model that could be replicated in Tanzania and other markets.

Advertisement

Mussa M. Makame, Managing Director of TPDC, said the partnership demonstrated Tanzania’s commitment to leveraging its natural gas resources to support national development.

“As a gas supplier to this project, TPDC will work with the project partners to broaden domestic access to cleaner, reliable energy and create greater value for the Tanzanian economy,” he said.

Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia subsidiary Rosetta Energy Solutions, said the LNG project would convert Tanzania’s gas resources into reliable energy for industry, communities and transportation.

“This project will turn Tanzania’s abundant gas resources into reliable energy for industry, communities and transport, strengthening energy security and accelerating industrialization,” she said.

Africa50 also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (TANESCO) to collaborate on electricity transmission Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Advertisement

The partnership is expected to facilitate Tanzania’s first Independent Power Transmission (IPT) project, drawing on Africa50’s experience with its IPT project in Kenya.

Engineer Timoth Mgaya, Acting Managing Director of TANESCO, said the partnership would help Tanzania attract private capital and strengthen its transmission infrastructure.

“Partnering with Africa50 provides Tanzania with strategic project-development and financing expertise as we unlock private capital for Africa’s transmission infrastructure,” he said.

The agreement, he added, would contribute to the development of East Africa’s power market while supporting industrialisation, economic integration and inclusive growth.

In the healthcare sector, Africa50 and Tanzania’s Ministry of Health signed an MoU to expand access to renal care and dialysis services for patients suffering from kidney diseases.

Advertisement

The partnership is expected to provide healthcare infrastructure, reliable medical equipment, experienced operators and long-term investment to strengthen the country’s capacity to deliver life-saving renal services.

Meanwhile, BII’s US$20 million investment in the IAF makes the UK development finance institution the latest Limited Partner in the fund.

BII and Africa50 also signed an MoU to deepen cooperation and identify opportunities for co-investment and further mobilisation of capital into African infrastructure.

The IAF invests in equity and quasi-equity opportunities across power, transport and logistics, water and sanitation, digital infrastructure and social infrastructure.

The fund leverages Africa50’s relationships with African governments, corporates and project developers to deploy capital into infrastructure projects with strong commercial and development potential.

Advertisement

Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive Officer of BII, said the partnership would help mobilise additional capital into sustainable infrastructure across Africa.

“Africa’s infrastructure needs are significant, but so are the opportunities,” Maasdorp said. “By combining our expertise, networks and capital, we can help unlock investment that drives growth, creates jobs and improves lives.”

Alain Ebobissé, Group CEO of Africa50, said the new partnerships reflected the organisation’s evolution from a project development institution into a major infrastructure investment platform.

“Africa50 was created to develop bankable projects, mobilize finance for investments in Africa’s infrastructure and accelerate delivery,” he said.

According to Ebobissé, the organisation is now positioned to scale up infrastructure investment by translating the vision of African leaders into commercially viable projects capable of attracting capital from both African and international investors.

Advertisement

The agreements were announced as Africa50 marked its 10th anniversary under the theme, “A Decade of Economic Impact: From Vision to Delivery.”

Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

MTN Engages UNILAG, YABATECH Students on Careers in Technology, Finance, Cybersecurity

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Nigeria, leading technology company, recently hosted undergraduates from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) for an immersive career engagement session, at the MTN Rooftop Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos.

MTN Engages UNILAG, YABATECH Students on Careers in Technology, Finance, Cybersecurity

MTN

The event exposed students to career opportunities across cybersecurity, finance, internal audit and forensic investigations while providing practical insights into the skills required to succeed in today’s workplace.

The session was designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by helping students better understand the diverse career paths available within the telecommunications and technology sector.

The engagement brought together students studying Economics, Banking and Finance, Cybersecurity and Accounting, providing an opportunity to interact directly with professionals from various business functions.

Through presentations and discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the competencies, experiences and continuous learning required to build successful careers in a rapidly evolving business environment.

The engagement comes at a time when technology-related roles, including cybersecurity specialists, are among the world’s fastest-growing occupations, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025.

Advertisement

During the visit, the students met with senior cybersecurity and forensic professionals who shared insights into their respective fields and discussed emerging trends shaping the future of work.

The sessions also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available across different fields, demonstrating that success in the industry is not limited to any particular course of study.

Undergraduates were also introduced to the evolving nature of the audit profession, as data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly important areas of focus for internal auditors.

During a session on building a meaningful career in Internal Auditing, undergraduates were encouraged to approach their professional journeys with purpose, continuous learning and a commitment to personal growth.

The session emphasised that career success extends beyond securing employment and involves developing relevant skills, understanding one’s strengths and intentionally pursuing opportunities that align with personal values and long-term goals.

Advertisement

Speaking during the engagement, Chief Internal Audit and Forensic Services Officer, Ibe Kalu Etea, represented by the General Manager, Internal Audit and Forensics, Wasiu Ibrahim, encouraged the undergraduates to remain open to opportunities beyond their academic backgrounds and focus on developing transferable skills. “Students can take any career path they want to. You can upskill and transition into a different career, even if it is not what you studied in school.

“Do not let your course of study determine your career path. Focus on building relevant skills, staying curious and continuously learning because opportunities exist across many fields,” he said.

The Undergraduates also participated in an interactive question-and-answer session, where they sought guidance on career development, workplace expectations and professional growth.

The initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing future talent by connecting young people with industry leaders and equipping them with the knowledge, exposure and confidence needed to navigate their career journeys.

 

Advertisement

Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending