Telecom
Tech Experience Centre excites Corporate Nigeria
Thursday 1st October, 2020 was celebrated in Lagos with the launch of the Tech Experience Centre, a revolutionary technology project spearheaded by TD Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost tech, lifestyle and solutions distributor – aimed at bridging the gap to cutting-edge technology for millions of Nigerians.
The Tech Experience Centre houses a convergence of globally renowned tech giants such as Cisco, HP, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, Zinox, Schneider Electric, Samsung, Apple and Bosch, among others, all under one roof to create an immersive experience of the latest technologies.
Equally important, the official unveiling of the centre provided a unique opportunity for invited guests to witness first-hand some of the amazing devices, gadgets and cutting-edge tech solutions being exhibited by the tech giants occupying the centre.
The event, a highly successful one, attracted a number of dignitaries from both the public and private sector to the high-rise Yudala Heights on 13 Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, venue of the high-profile commissioning.
Also present was a strong representation from Corporate Nigeria, with a number of Chief Executives from various sectors of the economy on hand to witness the unveiling of the unprecedented technology initiative.
The quality of attendance by corporate eggheads gave immediate endorsement to the launch. Some of those who experienced it described the Tech Experience Centre as the birth of a New Nigeria, while affirming the ambience, tech-infused set up and demonstration witnessed as worldclass.
One of the attendees, aformer Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Chairman, Agrited Nigeria Ltd., Ernest Ebi hailed the launch of the Tech Experience Centre as a commendable initiative, even as he congratulated the management of TD Africa and the Chairman, Zinox Group, for the successful birthing of the landmark project.
‘‘The Tech Experience Centre is a place worth visiting. The ambience and layout of the centre is amazing and the various technologies on display are exciting to see. I congratulate TD Africa and Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh on the successful launch of this project.
‘‘Indeed, it is a thing of pride that such a wonderful initiative can originate from Nigerians. This is another aspect of the Tech Experience Centre that makes it all the more delightful,’’ he said.
On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo hailed the Tech Experience Centre as a very impressive concept.
‘‘I trust TD Africa and the Zinox Group to always lead the way. So, I am not surprised with the world class Experience Centre that was unveiled. It is a very impressive concept.’’
Also expressing her thoughts on the launch of the Tech Experience Centre, Group President, YGroup Holdings Ltd., Fatumata Soukouna Coker described the innovation as an excellent statement of Nigeria’s emergence in the global tech space.
‘‘It was a privilege for me to be present to witness the launch of the Tech Experience Centre. It is a laudable project which will boost Nigeria’s profile in the global technology space.
“I will definitely be visiting the Tech Experience Centre after this launch. I was excited by all I saw on the day of the launch, especially some of the smart home appliances and kitchen piece displayed on the second floor.’’
In addition, another bank CEO, who spoke on condition of anonymity,was effusive in his encomiums when asked his experience about the Tech Experience Centre.
‘‘Sincerely there is nothing missing here from what you see in Silicon Valley and in other advanced climes. This Tech Experience Centre has shown that things can happen properly in Nigeria.
“I commend TD Africa and the Zinox Chairman, as well as other key players who visualized this project for executing it to worldclass standard,’’ he enthused.
The Tech Experience Centre was officially commissioned on Thursday, October 1, 2020, the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary, by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who was the Special Guest of Honour. Also present as Chief Host was the Lagos State Governor, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
In addition to providing access to latest technologies for Nigerians and reducing the decision-making cycle for CEOs as well as Chief Information/Technology Officers in the public and private sector, the Tech Experience Centre will also play a very essential role in building capacity among Nigerian youths.
Head of the Tech Experience Centre, Chidalu Ekeh says the centre will expose many to advanced trainings and certifications in the area of Information Technology, with many of them subsequently expected to build apps, crafts and other solutions that will address peculiar challenges in Nigeria and solve global problems.
Among the attendees at the event was the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), InuwaKashifu Abdullahi; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Lagos State, Dr. Hakeem Fahm; Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Founder/CEO, MainOne, FunkeOpeke; Chairman, Stanbic IBTC, PetersideAtedo; MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. SegunOgunsanya; MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, LaminManjang; Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, U. K Eke; MD/CEO, Ecobank, Patrick Akinwuntan; Managing Director, Polaris Bank Ltd., Innocent Ike; former Chairman of Accenture, Mr. Dotun Suleiman; Chairman, Officine Gullo, Alhaji Usman Mohammed; MD/CEO Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mr. FunsoAkere; Executive Director, Access Bank, Mr. Victor Etuokwu; MD/CEO, Providus Bank, Mr. Walter Akpani; CEO, CWG Plc., AdewaleAdeyipo; Chairman, Aso Savings and Loans Plc., Alhaji Ali Magashi; former CEO, Diamond Bank, Mr. EmekaOnwuka; Founder/CEO, Britannia Oil and Gas, Mrs Catherine IjuIfejika and her husband, Mr. Emmanuel Ifejika; media entrepreneur and ace blogger, Linda Ikeji; renowned fashion couturier, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, just to mention a few.
The Tech Centre is widely expected to boost Nigeria’s relevance in the global technology race and shore up the country’s march to technology independence.
For the first time, Nigeria will play host to the latest global technologies including those not normally available in Africa, offering all classes of visitors a first-hand experience of new gadgets, solutions and infrastructure that would have previously required a visit abroad, thereby saving corporate organizations, government establishments and individuals money or scarce foreign exchange expended on these trips.
Nigeria’s telecom operators recorded 155, 397 fibre-cut incidents between April and May 2026, and these they blame on why internet or calls suddenly stop working.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed fibre-cut incidents increased from 74 276 in April to a record 79 121 in May, bringing the two-month total to the highest level recorded by the industry.
This represents a 2 428% increase from the 5 934 incidents reported during the first quarter of 2026.
Vandalism remained the leading cause of fibre cuts, accounting for more than 54 000 incidents despite telecom infrastructure being designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure, a classification intended to strengthen protection of key digital assets.
Also road construction constantly damages fiber where iggers and machines tear up buried cables during road repairs or construction.
Even with all these, some state governments make it hard for companies to fix cables quickly across different areas with all manners of fees and levies.
The NCC designation provides for penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for offenders, but operators continue to face widespread infrastructure damage.
Proposed solutions, including Nigeria’s Dig-Once policy and AI-powered fibre sensing technologies, have yet to achieve widespread adoption.
The NCC is developing a cost-based framework for shared underground duct infrastructure, while operators are exploring AI-powered fibre sensing technologies that can detect cable damage in real time and improve network resilience.
Nigeria is pursuing ambitious broadband targets under its National Broadband Plan and has expanded fibre deployment to about 35 000 kilometres.
However, infrastructure protection has not kept pace with network expansion, leaving subscribers vulnerable to unreliable connectivity despite continued operator investment.
Standard Bank has partnered with Helios Towers to provide a $29 million Social Documentary Credit Facility. According to the financial services company, this transaction marks Standard Bank’s first Documentary Credit Facility structured in a Sustainable Finance format.
It notes that the facility will support the procurement and importation of telecommunications infrastructure and related services across Africa.
It will also provide payment certainty to suppliers, while supporting Helios Towers’ working capital requirements and infrastructure expansion programme, the bank adds.
Structured in accordance with the Loan Market Association’s Social Loan Principles, the financing is designed to promote digital connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure development in underserved markets.
This will help Helios Towers further expand its footprint and enhance mobile network coverage and connectivity across the continent.
Helios Towers operates one of Africa’s independent telecommunications tower platforms, enabling mobile network operators to extend coverage across multiple markets.
Standard Bank notes that the facility supports the expansion of tower infrastructure and services, increased network densification and improved connectivity in underserved markets and remote regions across the African continent.
It will also drive digital inclusion and tackle the digital divide while supporting economic growth and socio-economic development.
“This transaction demonstrates the power of innovation in trade finance. By combining a first-to-market Social Documentary Credit Facility with a cross-border funding solution, Standard Bank has supported Helios Towers’ growth ambitions while helping extend digital connectivity to underserved communities across Africa,” says Benoit Samouilhan, global transaction banker at Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking.
According to the bank, this facility enables positive social impact by increasing and improving network coverage and connectivity in some of the world’s most remote regions.
“Reliable digital infrastructure is fundamental to Africa’s future growth and development,” says Alex Carter, group finance director at Helios Towers.
“This facility provides us with the flexibility and certainty needed to support our ongoing infrastructure investments while advancing our mission of expanding connectivity across the continent. We value our longstanding relationship with Standard Bank and look forward to building on this partnership.”
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will on Thursday convene a stakeholders’ consultative forum to review the draft business rules for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria.
NCC
The forum, scheduled to hold at 10 a.m. at the NCC Annex Office, Mbora, Abuja, is expected to bring together telecommunications operators, industry associations and other stakeholders to provide input on the proposed regulatory framework before its finalisation.
The commission announced the event on its official social media platforms, inviting interested stakeholders to participate in the consultation process.
The engagement is part of the NCC’s efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for MVNO operations and promote greater competition, innovation and consumer choice in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are telecommunications service providers that offer mobile services by leasing network capacity from licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), rather than owning spectrum licences or telecommunications infrastructure.
The NCC has identified the MVNO licensing framework as one of its initiatives aimed at deepening competition, expanding access to telecommunications services and driving digital inclusion across the country.
The consultative forum is expected to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to review the draft business rules, make recommendations and contribute to the development of a robust operational framework for the emerging MVNO segment.
The commission is expected to issue further details on the outcome of the consultation after the meeting.
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