Telecom
ATCON Frowns at CBN Directive on E-Transaction Levy
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has decried recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to all banks on the collection of 0.005% levy on all electronic transactions into a National Cyber Security Fund account within the CBN which they said will affect some businesses.
Olusola Teniola, National President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Teniola noted that, the businesses which are to be affected are as follows; GSM Service Providers and all telecommunication companies; Internet service providers; Banks and other financial institutions; Insurance companies and Nigerian stock exchange
He explained that, the eventual implementation of this levy of 0.005% would cripple if not render useless government and private sector efforts to speed up the broadband penetration in Nigeria, adding that ATCON has a mandate to protect investment in the telecom industry from undue pressure from the government in the form of additional burden on its members that are already overtaxed by all tiers of governments.
“The underlining reasons for our Position is that the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015, Section 44 that the CBN seeks to implement, states in Section 44 an establishment of a National Cyber Security Fund.
“In Section 44.2 (a) a Levy of 0.005 of all electronic transactions by the businesses specified in the second schedule to this Act.
“Where in the Schedule five categories including GSM Service providers and all telecommunication companies and Internet Service Providers are to apply this charge!
“ATCON believes any premeditated actions that are capable of killing the telecoms industry must be eschewed by all tiers of governments in Nigeria as the perceived benefits of imposing this levy on aforementioned businesses have the direct capability to erase if not destroy the achievements that have been made since the telecoms sector was liberated.
“We therefore advise government to review this directive as it would affect some macro-economic elements such as loss of employment and we as Industry will have to increase prices to cover the collection, processing and pass on these costs to the 150million subscribers.” he stated
He noted that ATCON is of the opinion that formulation and implementation of policies are not properly coordinated, stressing that while some government agencies are working towards migrating all government services online some other government agencies are working towards discouraging people from making use of electronic channels via this obnoxious levy.
“It should be stated for the purpose of records that government should not think that the elasticity of demand for the use of electronic channels is inelastic as this move can stop people from transacting their businesses via available electronic channels,” he added.
He stated that they have made several request to meet with Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor of CBN to discuss some of the issues facing their members with respect to sourcing for foreign exchange to purchase the needed equipment that would enhance the telecom industry but to their surprise the central bank of Nigeria has refused to honour their invitation.
“We believe that any action that has the potential to destroy the telecoms industry should be avoided by all tiers of government in Nigeria as the accruable benefits of imposing this levy on our members are far lower than the revenue that it is going to create for the government.
“In view of this and other reasons enumerated above, the Association’s position is that the proposed levy of 0.005% tax bill should be withdrawn and its implementation seriously reviewed,” he said.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of African technology, few figures bridge the gap between high-level research and grassroots digital execution as effectively as Nnaemeka Ani.
Nnaemeka Ani
As the Founder of MGX Research Center and the visionary behind MexyGabriel, Ani has emerged as a leading protagonist in the narrative of Nigeria’s technological self-reliance.
The Visionary: Founding MGX Research
At the heart of Ani’s philosophy is MGX Research, a center dedicated to “first-principles thinking.” Under his leadership, the center has become a beacon for data-driven innovation, moving beyond the “hype” of the tech world to focus on persistent, localized solutions.
Through MGX Research Center, he is building a multidisciplinary ecosystem that cuts across artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, smart cities, digital identity, e-governance, EdTech, HealthTech, robotics, and automation
Ani’s mantra – “Africa’s rise begins with its own innovation” – is not just a slogan; it is a call to arms for African builders to stop seeking international validation and start authoring their own digital destiny.
As Founder and CEO of MexyGabriel Tech Company, Nnaemeka has driven multiple large-scale technology projects across Nigeria, focusing on digital infrastructure, enterprise solutions, identity and payment platforms, and youth-centered innovation programs. MGX Research Center functions as the research and development arm of this broader ecosystem, providing the thinking laboratory, prototypes, and strategic insights that inform products, policies, and investment decisions.
Nnaemeka is passionate about youth empowerment, innovation, and Africa’s digital future. His work through MGX Research Center aims to position Nigeria not just as a consumer of technology but as a creator of solutions, producing world-class research, thought leadership, and practical tools that can be deployed across states, universities, and private organizations.
He frequently collaborates with universities, government ministries, tech hubs, and global partners, championing a model where research is not locked up in theory but translated into deployable systems, smart policies, and scalable ventures.
Ani has demonstrated a unique ability to turn complex code into commercial and social value. His work has focused on:
- Infrastructure for Good: Developing platforms that bridge the divide between urban tech hubs and rural communities.
- Sovereign Technology: Championing the idea that African data should be managed by African-built systems.
The Public Servant: Digitizing Enugu State
Ani’s influence extends into the corridors of power. Serving as the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on ICT, he has been instrumental in transforming the state into a burgeoning digital ecosystem.
His work in Enugu serves as a blueprint for “Governance-Tech Synergy,” proving that when political will meets technical expertise, public service delivery can be revolutionized.
“We are no longer just ’emerging’; we are competing. Africa will rise by code, by courage, and by us,” said Nnaemeka Ani.
Quick Facts: Nnaemeka Ani
Category | Detail |
Current Roles | Founder, MGX Research; Founder, MexyGabriel; SA on ICT to Enugu State Governor. |
Core Philosophy | “First-Principles Thinking” – Breaking problems down to their core truths. |
Key Advocacy | Digital Sovereignty, Sovereign AI, and localized STEM education. |
Notable Mantra | “By Code and By Courage.” |
Why He Matters in 2026
As Nigeria enters a transformative year marked by the January 1, 2026 Tax Reforms and the push toward 70% Broadband Penetration, Ani represents the “New Guard” of leadership. He is one of the few voices consistently advocating for the Tripod Method, balancing technology, local policing, and traditional authority, to ensure that Nigeria’s digital growth is matched by national security.
Nnaemeka Ani is not just as a “tech guy,” but as a Strategic Reformer. He is a “Leader to Watch” because he understands that for technology to thrive in Nigeria, it must be supported by sound policy and cultural relevance.
MTN Nigeria has hosted the Prestige Experience, a refined evening of culture, connection and celebration, as part of its ongoing Y’ellotide initiative marking the Yuletide season.
MTN Nigeria
The event, held on Friday at The Royal Box, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together customers, partners, stakeholders, and dignitaries in an atmosphere of appreciation and festivity.
The Prestige Experience showcased Nigerian creativity and elegance through a curated blend of fine dining, fashion, and music. Guests were treated to Michelin-inspired cuisine prepared by renowned Chef Stone, fashion showcases highlighting African heritage, and soulful performances by acclaimed singer Asa.
The evening was anchored by popular hosts Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Michelle Dede, with comedic interludes from veteran comedian Alibaba.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman of MTN Nigeria, described the gathering as an expression of gratitude and partnership. He said the Prestige Experience reflected MTN’s appreciation for the trust Nigerians continue to place in the brand.
“The MTN Prestige Experience is a cornerstone of our commitment to you, our valued partners. Your trust and continued patronage are the bedrock of our success, and this gathering reflects our appreciation for that trust.
“We are not just a service provider but are committed to being a trusted partner in Nigeria’s progress,” Ndukwe said.
In his remarks, Dr Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasised the importance of genuine connection during the festive season.
“We recognise the immense value of the relationships we have built together, and we are committed to ensuring that your experience remains unparalleled.
“You are essential partners in our journey, and we look forward to many more years of shared success and collaboration,” Toriola said.
Distinguished guests at the event included members of MTN’s Board and Executive Management, industry leaders, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from the creative sector, reflecting the diversity and richness of the MTN ecosystem.
The Prestige Experience forms part of MTN’s broader Y’ellotide celebrations, which reaffirm the company’s belief that meaningful connections and shared experiences remain central to its relationship with Nigerians.
Google has unveiled a new feature that allows Gmail users to change their existing email addresses without losing data or access to services, marking a major shift in the company’s long-standing policy.
Gmail
According to an update on Google’s account help page, the new option enables account holders to replace their current @gmail.com address with a new one while retaining all associated data, including emails, photos, and integrations with services such as Google Drive, Maps, and YouTube.
The guidance, however, was first spotted on the Hindi version of Google’s support page, suggesting that the rollout may begin in India or Hindi-speaking markets before expanding globally.
The English-language support page still carries the older advisory that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed.”
Google explained that under the new policy, users who update their Gmail address will automatically keep their original address as an alias.
This means emails sent to the old address will continue to arrive in the inbox, and the original address will remain valid for signing in to Google services.
Previously, users seeking a new Gmail address had to create an entirely new account and manually transfer their data, a process that often disrupted third-party app integrations. The new feature eliminates that inconvenience, ensuring continuity for users.
The company further clarified that while users can reuse their old Gmail address at any time, accounts that change their address will face certain restrictions.
These include a 12-month waiting period before another new Gmail address can be created, and the inability to delete the newly chosen address once it has been set.
Google assured users that all existing data would remain intact after an address update, including stored photos, messages, and emails.
The gradual rollout of the feature indicates that full global adoption is expected in the coming months, a move likely to be welcomed by millions of users who have long requested the ability to update their Gmail identities without starting afresh.
Nigeria’s N58.18trn Budget and Rising Cost of Deficit Governance
Nnaemeka Ani – The Architect of ‘Code and Courage’
MTN Nigeria Appreciates Partners, Customers at Lagos Prestige Experience
InsomniaQ Spotlights African Creativity in Lagos
T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament
Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report
Cyber Tsunami Hits Nigeria as Breaches Surge 1,047%, esentry Q3 Report Reveals
Financial Sector Faced AI, Blockchain and Organised Crime Threats in 2025 – Report
Minister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
Report Reveals Half of 2025’s Compromised Passwords were Already Leaked
News3 days agoHow Moniepoint’s Founders, Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike are Redefining African Tech and Finance
Telecom1 day agoGoogle Finally Allows Users to Change Gmail Address, Keeps Data and Services Intact
News1 day agoInsomniaQ Spotlights African Creativity in Lagos
General News1 day agoT2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament
E-Financial5 hours agoNigeria’s N58.18trn Budget and Rising Cost of Deficit Governance
Telecom5 hours agoNnaemeka Ani – The Architect of ‘Code and Courage’
Telecom5 hours agoMTN Nigeria Appreciates Partners, Customers at Lagos Prestige Experience