Telecom
NCC Hosts Maiden Edition of Emerging Telecoms Technologies Research and ICT Innovation Forum
The Nigerian Communications Commission is set for its maiden edition of the Emerging Telecoms Technologies Research and ICT Innovation forum which will hold at Tayo Aderinokun Hall by Unilag Guest House, University of Lagos, Lagos State from the 10th -11th of June, 2019.
The Forum’s theme: “Developing Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem: Imperative for Improving Local Content”, according to the initiator – the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) – is in line with the Commission’s commitment to promoting ICT innovation and investment opportunities and facilitating strategic collaboration and partnership.
The forum presents a unique opportunity for NCC to bring together key players/actors in the Nigerian tech-ecosystem to deliberate and suggest policy, framework/strategy that could further develop the sector, thereby serving as a catalyst for improving local content in ICT/Telecommunication sector.
The collaborative stakeholder’s meeting is a two-day event. The first day will focus on identifying the gaps in the ICT/Telecoms sector, and the strengthening of collaboration between stakeholders and the Commission.
The second day will have a breakout session to discuss possible solution to the identified gaps.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, is expected to address the gathering comprising of stakeholders drawn from the Nigerian Tech ecosystem; Mobile Network Operators (MNOs); Internet Service Providers (ISPs); and Tech hubs. Professional Associations in the ICT sector, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Consumer Advocacy Groups and representatives from the financial sector will also be in attendance.
A lead paper on the theme, “Developing Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem: Imperative for Improving Local Content” will be presented by Ms. Funke Opeke, CEO, Main One.
Other stakeholders participating in the Forum have been slated as panelists in a discourse focused on: “Digital Skills Imperative for Retooling National Workforce and Developing Capacities for Future Work: Innovation Hubs as the Fulcrum of Local Content Development, Digital Inclusion, Employment and National Survivability”.
Further discussion will also take place on the topic: “Legislative and Government Support for Enhancing Tech Eco-System in Nigeria”.
The panelists for the three segments include: Prof. Francis Idachaba, Director of Academic planning, Covenant University Ota, Ogun State; Prof. G. Aderounmu, Dean Faculty of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State; and Mrs Yetunde Akinloye, Director, Legal and Regulatory Services Department of NCC.
Telecom
Nigeria May Re-introduce Telecom Tax to Obtain new $750m World Bank Loan
Nigeria may reinstate a previously suspended telecom tax and other fiscal measures as it seeks to secure a new $750 million loan from the World Bank, as per Nairametrics report.
This is according to the Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Nigeria – Accelerating Resource Mobilisation Reforms (ARMOR) P-For-R (P177308) program dated March 2024, between Nigeria and the World Bank.
A copy of the plan’s document was obtained and seen by Nairametrics suggest the government reintroduces the excises on telecom services, EMT levy on electronic money transfers through the Nigerian Banking System among other taxes.
President Bola Tinubu in July 2023 ordered the suspension of the 5% excise duty on telecommunications and the Import Tax Adjustment levy on certain vehicles.
However, it appears that this suspension may be lifted to meet the program targets for a new, yet-to-be-approved World Bank loan.
Nairametrics has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing between the Federal Government and the World Bank.
The program’s development objective is to strengthen the government’s financial position by enhancing its capacity to manage and mobilize domestic resources effectively, which includes improving tax and customs compliance and protecting oil revenues.
Affected stakeholders and sectors
The planned tax reforms under the ARMOR program are expected to have significant implications across various economic sectors.
According to the plan, affected stakeholders will include manufacturers of goods such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), telecom and banking service providers, as well as the general tax-paying public.
Importers and international traders will also feel the impact of these new fiscal policies.
Key industry groups such as the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) are engaged regarding the excise duties on telecom services.
The banking sector, represented by the Committee of Bankers, are engaged regarding the introduction of an Electronic Money Transfer (EMT) levy on transactions processed through Nigerian banks.
Additionally, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) will play a crucial role, particularly for those involved in producing targeted products such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
The plan document read:
“Domestic Revenue Mobilisation drive in the government ARMOR program seeks to increase revenue on some targeted industries and sectors of the economy. Specific groups and agencies within affected sectors include
“1. Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria: The introduction of excises on telecom services requires that all telcos are mobilised to fully participate in the collection of such revenue.
“2. Committee of Bankers: Introduction of EMT levy on electronic money transfers through the Nigerian Banking System would need the buy-in all banking institutions
“3. Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria: Manufacturers of tobacco products, sugar sweetened beverages(SSBs) and alcoholic beverages who would be required to collect excises on their products are critical stakeholders for the introduction of the new excise regime. They are currently organised into various sectoral groups under the Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria (MAN). Producers of alcoholic beverages organised under the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria also need to key into the reforms
“4. Importers: Strategic partners involved in importation of different items into the country will be mobilised to participate in the ARMOR program. A key stakeholder group is the Association of Nigeria Customs Agents (ANCLA).
“5. Vehicle Importers and Manufacturers: Stakeholders in the automobile trade industry must be engaged on reforms involving the introduction of green taxes on high GHG emission vehicles. Local manufacturing and assembly of vehicles is growing through a phase of growth in Nigeria. The demand for vehicles is mostly met through importation by vehicle importers under the aegis of Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON).”
The document also emphasized the importance of engaging vulnerable groups to ensure they are not disproportionately affected by these changes.
It also said:
“Services that will be subjected to the newly introduced excises are regulated by key public sector agencies. The introduction of the new revenue measures will require the application of existing regulatory mechanisms available within these institutions. The concerned institutions include
“1. Nigerian Communication Commission
“2. Central Bank of Nigeria.
“There are also agencies with the mandate for making policies on some of the issues covered in the ARMOR program with respect to policy framework on matters of public interest in Health and Environmental Protection. The government institutions relevant to ARMOR in this regard are.
“1. Federal Ministry of Environment
“2. National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
“3. Federal Ministry of Health”
Telecom
Google and African Union Partner to Launch #DiscoverMyAfrica
The Office of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy and Google today announced the launch of the #DiscoverMyAfrica Shorts Challenge, a month-long initiative to celebrate the rich diversity, heritage, and vibrant spirit of the African continent. Throughout May, YouTube creators across Africa are invited to share short videos capturing their unique perspectives, using the hashtag #DiscoverMyAfrica.
“#DiscoverMyAfrica empowers African youth to share their stories and rich cultural heritage globally,” said Chido Mpemba, African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy. “Partnering with Google fosters creative expression and dialogue on content responsibility, digital preservation, and AI’s impact on Africa’s creative industries. This aligns with our vision for a digitally-enabled Africa harnessing cultural wealth for economic growth and social progress.”
The YouTube Shorts Challenge encourages creators to showcase various facets of African life, from music and art to food, fashion, and local landmarks. To further celebrate Africa’s vibrant music scene, YouTube is turning up the energy with YouTube Music Nights in Nigeria and South Africa, showcasing the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats and Amapiano. Two dedicated playlists, “Africa’s Next Wave” and “Africa Superstars,” will highlight both emerging talent and iconic voices that have made the continent a global music powerhouse.
Nollywood superstar and style icon Osas Ighodaro will immerse viewers in the luxurious side of Lagos with her new show “Spa with Osas.” Enioluwa and The Geng will unravel the drama and secrets of high school elites in their highly anticipated series “All of Us.” And comedy superstar Broda Shaggi is guaranteed to bring the laughs with his hilarious new project, “Shaggi’s Palava.” These exciting new shows will premiere exclusively on YouTube.
Aspiring filmmakers and content creators can also take advantage of specialized workshops designed to hone their skills and expand their reach. A dedicated Nollywood workshop in Nigeria, and broader #DiscoverMyAfrica workshops for content creators will offer valuable insights and resources to creators at all levels.
“We are committed to supporting the diverse voices and talents that make up Africa’s creative landscape,” said Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube.
“These initiatives provide valuable resources and platforms for African filmmakers, musicians, and content creators to share their stories and connect with global audiences.”
To learn more about #DiscoverMyAfrica and how to get involved, visit www.blog.google/africa or follow #DiscoverMyAfrica on social media.
Telecom
QNET Triumphs as it Scoops Three Prestigious Awards @ PR Awards 2024
In a remarkable acknowledgment of its excellence in public relations and communications, QNET, a leading lifestyle and wellness direct selling company, proudly announces its victory in three distinguished categories at the 11th annual PR Awards. Demonstrating its prowess in crisis management, corporate strategy, and technological innovation, QNET is setting new standards for excellence in Direct Selling.
This year, QNET was honoured with the following recognitions:
Silver Award for Best Corporate Strategy – An endorsement for QNET’s Fingreen financial literacy programme that has been rolled out in three countries over the last 18 months and has helped over 7000 people, including college students, home makers, street vendors, and female small traders, with the tools they need to take charge of their financial future.
Silver Award for Best Use of Technology – An important recognition for QNET’s QBuzz Blog, an innovative platform that leverages technology to foster community engagement and provide insightful company and industry content.
Bronze Award for Best Crisis Management Strategy – Celebrating the success of the “Truth About QNET” campaign, which effectively navigated the company through challenging times with transparency and integrity.
The PR Awards, renowned for highlighting the best in the PR and communications sector across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, saw entries from the most prominent brands and organisations in the region. An independent panel of senior industry experts from leading brands selected this year’s winners, underscoring the credibility and prestige of the awards.
Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation & Reputation Officer at QNET, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are profoundly honored by the recognition at the PR Awards 2024, which reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence, innovative strategies, and our commitment to providing outstanding value to our customers.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, and they motivate us to continue setting new benchmarks in the industry.”
QNET’s success at the PR Awards is not just a celebration of its achievements but also a promise to its stakeholders of its dedication to excellence and innovation. As the company looks forward to future challenges and opportunities, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and service in the industry.
For more information about QNET and its achievements, please visit QNET’s website.
- Telecom2 days ago
Rewane, Financial Expert Backs Telcos’ Move to Hike Tariff
- News2 days ago
Digital Transformation Can Unlock Nigeria’s Prosperity -NIGCOMSAT Boss
- E-Business2 days ago
Konga Launches Free Same Day Deliveries on Starlink, Apple & Samsung Nationwide
- E-Business2 days ago
Cybervergent’s Q1 2024 Report Reveals Rising Threat of Remcos RAT Malware in Financial Sector
- Uncategorized2 days ago
Uche Ikejimba Secures Sixth Consecutive AMVCA Nomination With Best Unscripted M-Net Original Nod
- E-Business2 days ago
ISDL Achieves IMS Certification
- Telecom2 days ago
Africa Data Centres Unveils ADC Channel Programme
- E-Financial2 days ago
Court Jails Nwachukwu, Ex FCMB Manager 121 Years for N112m Fraud