Telecom
NCC Set to license Amateur Radio Frequency
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun the process of licensing 60GHz Band frequency for the deployment of Amateur Radio services in Nigeria.
As a prelude to the licensing process the commission held a stakeholders forum on the modalities on the process in Lagos yesterday.
Prof.Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman / CEO, Nigeria Communications commission said, that the commission as a matter of tradition is institutionalizing formal policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in carrying out its regulatory functions.
The EVC represented by Mrs.Abigail Solanke, Director Research & Development, (NCC) stated that, as a world class communications regulatory organization, the commission sincerely believes that their actions must be guided by decisions that takes into consideration the inputs of all stakeholders.
He implore for the active participation of all stakeholders, in the deliberations that would lead towards opening of 60GHz V-band and the development of regulatory framework for amateur radio services in the Nigerian communication industry.
Danbatta said, “As we are all aware, the radio frequency spectrum is the fundamental resource for the provision of wireless communication services and has increasingly become scarce due to the emergence of new technologies and the growing demand for wireless services.
“In line with our eight point agenda to facilitate strategic collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders, facilitate broadband penetration, optimize spectrum usage and its benefits, ensure regulatory excellence and operational efficiency amongst others.
“As well as to traditionally institutionalize policy of ensuring participatory regulation by conducting industry wide consultation with all relevant industry stakeholders.
“The commission has decided yet again to provide an avenue for stakeholders and users of telecommunication resources, to converge and make inputs to be considered in the opening up of the 60GHz spectrum band and the draft regulatory framework for amateur radio.”
He noted that, the commission is using this medium to present draft authorization framework for the use of amateur radio services in Nigeria, adding that the intent is to license qualified persons or companies who are interested in the amateur radio services and amateur satellite services for the purpose of non-commercial exchange messages, intercommunication, self training, private recreation, wireless experimentation and technical investigations.
Engr. A. K. Nwaulune, Director, Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission during his presentation said that, the objective of the authorization is to ensure interference-free operation by all users of the amateur frequencies and optimal utilization of the bands.
He noted that, the purpose of the framework is to provide a clear and comprehensive outline for amateur radio operations in Nigeria.
He said that “eligible persons who may apply for amateur radio licenses must be over eighteen years of age.
“He should be technically competent to operate amateur radio station in line with ITU-R M.1544, which covers the basic skills required of an amateur operator.
“He must have passed the written examination and the practical Morse code test conducted by the Commission or a recognized authority in another country.”
He listed the types of licenses issued by the Commission for Amateur Radio as, Novice Class Amateur Authorization; General Class Amateur Authorization and Advanced Class Amateur Authorization.
Engr. Nwaulune, stated that the Use of Amateur Radio Station without an appropriate license is an offence and punishable under the Act, adding that applicant wishing to obtain an authorization to use an Amateur Radio shall download and complete an application form from the Commission’s website www.ncc.gov.ng. Spectrum Administration Application form.
“Applicant shall pay a non-refundable application fee of One Thousand Naira (₦1,000.00) only through the Central Bank of Nigeria Remita payment platform.
“Foreign Applicant who hold an authorization to operate an amateur radio station shall be issued a license to operate an amateur radio station while in Nigeria. The applicant can apply for the period of stay in Nigeria not exceeding one year,” he stated.
He noted that, the Commission will process an application for Amateur Radio license within 30 days upon receipt of a duly completed application form and evidence of payment of specified fees, provided also that the applicant has passed the mandatory Morse Proficiency Test administered by the Commission.
Starting February 2027, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has mandated mobile network operators and other communications service providers to notify it within four hours of detecting any cyberattack.
This is aimed at strengthening the protection of telecom infrastructure and subscriber data.
The directive is contained in the Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigerian Communications Sector (CRF-NCS) released by the NCC last month.
According to the NCC, the rule will take effect in February 2027, giving operators a year to put in place the necessary monitoring and reporting systems.
Under the framework, telecommunications companies must alert the regulator within four hours of detecting a cyber incident and continue to provide updates every four hours until the situation is contained.
Operators are also required to submit a confirmation report within 24 hours through a dedicated reporting portal.
The commission said the framework is designed to strengthen cybersecurity oversight in a sector that handles vast volumes of sensitive consumer and national infrastructure data.
Cyber threats targeting telecom networks can lead to service disruptions, data breaches affecting subscriber information, malware infections and other attacks capable of crippling communications systems, according to the regulator.
By introducing faster reporting timelines, the commission said it hopes to improve sector-wide situational awareness and ensure quicker response to threats before they escalate into major outages or data compromises.
The framework also requires telecommunications companies to establish dedicated Security Operations Centres (SOC) to monitor networks continuously for suspicious activity and cyber threats.
These centres are expected to detect and report malicious activities promptly while coordinating responses internally.
In addition, each operator must designate a cybersecurity lead responsible for working with the commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to share intelligence and coordinate responses to incidents affecting the communications ecosystem.
The NCC said the new framework forms part of broader efforts to strengthen resilience across Nigeria’s communications infrastructure and promote a unified cybersecurity posture in the sector.
The measures come amid growing global and domestic concern over data breaches and cyber intrusions targeting companies that manage large volumes of digital information.
Telecommunications companies, which serve as gateways for internet traffic, mobile banking, messaging and other digital services, are increasingly seen as critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyber threats.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has in recent years tightened rules around data protection and network security as the country’s digital economy expands.
A United States federal court in the Southern District of New York has comprehensively dismissed all claims against Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by registered users, in a high-profile lawsuit under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Binance
The 62-page decision represents a decisive legal victory, rejecting allegations from 535 plaintiffs who claimed the platform provided material support linked to 64 terrorist attacks.
The court meticulously examined and dismissed every central allegation, ruling that plaintiffs failed to establish Binance assisted terrorists, associated itself with the attacks, participated in or sought to advance them, or engaged in any conspiracy with terrorist organisations.
This full dismissal underscores the absence of evidence supporting the claims, affirming Binance’s long-standing position that the suit was meritless.
Binance General Counsel Eleanor Hughes described the outcome as “a complete vindication of all false allegations.” She emphasised: “The court has unambiguously rejected the false and damaging narrative that Binance assisted terrorists.
“We have always maintained these claims were without merit, and today’s ruling confirms that. We will continue to defend ourselves aggressively against any litigation or reporting that misrepresents who we are and how we operate.”
While the ruling grants plaintiffs 60 days to file an amended complaint in light of a recent appellate decision, Binance expressed strong confidence that no revisions can remedy the “fundamental deficiencies” identified by the court. The exchange views this as a thorough examination and rejection of the underlying assertions.
Binance reaffirmed its commitment to industry-leading compliance infrastructure, proactive regulatory engagement, and robust legal governance worldwide.
The company stressed that its operations do not support, facilitate, or enable terrorism in any form, and it plans to maintain constructive dialogue with regulators while pursuing vigorous defences against misleading narratives.
This development bolsters Binance’s position amid ongoing global scrutiny of crypto platforms, highlighting its operational integrity in a sector often targeted by unsubstantiated claims.
TikTok has announced an additional $200,000 investment in AI media literacy initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa during its third annual Safer Internet Summit in Nairobi, underscoring the platform’s push for safer online spaces amid rising digital challenges.
TikTok
The two-day event, themed #SaferTogether: ‘Innovation and Safety’, gathered government officials, regulators, safety partners, and industry leaders from the region. It builds on prior summits in Ghana (2024) and Cape Town (2025), focusing on collaborative solutions for online protection.
TikTok’s Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Tokunbo Ibrahim, stated: “Our mission is clear: to share learnings, tackle challenges, and advance actionable solutions that protect citizens online. By uniting policymakers, innovators, and creators, we ensure all-inclusive conversations for a resilient digital landscape.”
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Hon. William Kabogo, who opened the summit, added: “This reflects our commitment to collaboration, sector growth, and a safe digital space. We must advance digital innovation, responsible AI governance, and strong regional partnerships.”
Boosting AI Literacy with Local Partners
A summit highlight was TikTok’s expanded $2 million AI Literacy Fund, launched globally in November 2025. The new $200,000 in ad credits targets local organisations to combat misinformation and empower users.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, initial grantees include:
Mtoto News (Kenya): Producing content to help youth engage responsibly with AI.
Africa Check (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya): Enhancing fact-checking against AI-generated deepfakes.
CJID/DUBAWA (West Africa): Amplifying truth via independent fact-checking to fight information disorder.
Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Partnerships, Elections & Market Integrity, said: “We partner with trusted locals because their expertise makes AI literacy impactful, empowering communities as viewers or creators.”
Transparency and Moderation Advances
Delegates explored TikTok’s AI-driven safety measures, including mandatory labelling of AI-generated content (AIGC), advanced detection, and partnerships like the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) for watermarking.
With over 100 million daily uploads, AI aids proactive moderation: Q3 2025 data shows 14 million videos removed in Sub-Saharan Africa, 96.7% via automated tech, complementing human oversight.
The summit ended with pledges for ongoing digital safety efforts across the region.
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