Connect with us

Telecom

Pantami Says ICT Contributes 17.83 Per Cent to GDP

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Dr Isa Pantami, minister of Communication and Digital Economy, has disclosed that, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contributed 17.83 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2020.

Pantami Says ICT Contributes 17.83 Per Cent to GDP

Dr Isa Pantami, minister of Communication and Digital Economy

He disclosed this while presenting the ministry’s 2021 budget proposal and the 2020 budget performance before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Communications and ICT on Monday.

He said the contribution was an increase from 13% recorded within the same period in 2019.

However, members of the joint committee questioned the sharp increase of N21.9 billion in the 2021 budget proposal of the ministry above the 2020 budget.

They also asked the minister to explain why monies released to the Ministry in the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2020 was higher than the actual approval given to the Ministry.

The lawmakers also asked the minister why the Ministry proposed about 76 new projects in the 2021 budget when several projects of the Ministry are still ongoing.

Rep. Akeem Adeyemi, chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, specifically said the minister should explain the disparities between what was approved for the Ministry in the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2020 and what was released with the releases higher than what was approved.

He also questioned the utilisation of the funds released to the Ministry for the implementation of a number of projects, which are still either awaiting BPP approval or the procurement process is ongoing.

“Can the Honourable Minister guarantee this Joint Committee that projects in these categories would be executed before the expiration of the current fiscal year?” he asked.

He said the budget defence process will enable the Legislature to identify projects that have been concluded; those that are ongoing; those that remain unexecuted; and the reasons, if any, why some projects are not executed.

Responding, the minister said, the variation and why the amount is higher than the previous year, is to accommodate the proposal of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“That’s the major variation there, their budget now is part of our own and if you look at their salary it’s over 5 billion naira and I think that could be the reason.

“The Joint committee presentation has been very effective to us. Whenever you have the privilege to make presentation, it goes a long way in making your work much easier.

“In addition, the Chairman of the Senate and House Committee on Telecommunications raised some important issues. I will make an attempt to respond to them,” the minister said.

 

 


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Telecom

Konga Announces Mid-Year Shopping Festival

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce giant, is thrilled to announce the third edition of its highly anticipated Mid-Year Shopping Festival. This epic sales campaign, which runs from June 1st through July 31st, 2024, offers two months of intense price slashes across all product categories. It promises to be the biggest discount sale in the first half of the year, rivaled only by Konga’s legendary Black Friday extravaganza, Yakata.

This year’s Mid-Year Shopping Festival holds even greater significance, as it coincides with Konga’s 13th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone and reward loyal customers, Konga has pledged massive discounts on a staggering range of products.

Partnering with renowned global brands such as Apple, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, Starlink, L’Oreal, Haier Thermocool, LG, Nestle, and others, Konga is offering shoppers genuine products at irresistible prices. The e-commerce giant has pledged massive discounts across all categories and products, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Home and Kitchen Appliances, Electronics, Computing, Mobile Phones, Wine & Spirits, Fashion, and much more. Whether for personal use or bulk purchases, Konga’s Mid-Year Shopping Festival presents an opportunity for customers to make significant savings on their favorite products.

“We are incredibly excited to kick off our Mid-Year Shopping Festival and celebrate Konga’s 13th anniversary with our esteemed customers,” said Kunle Ajani, Head of Marketing at Konga. “At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with genuine products at unbeatable prices. It is our way of saying thank you for your unwavering support over the years.”

In addition to the massive discounts, the Mid-Year Shopping Festival will feature exciting events such as Flash Sales, Treasure Hunts, and Live Auctions on specific campaign days. These events offer customers the opportunity to snag incredible deals and win exclusive prizes while enjoying the thrill of the shopping experience. Furthermore, Konga is extending special deals to walk-in customers at Konga stores, providing another avenue for shoppers to access exclusive discounts and savings.

Adding to the excitement, Konga will launch its revolutionary delivery solution, KongaNow, which enhances customers’ overall shopping experience through free same-day delivery in the major cities in Nigeria. This novel delivery service is set to redefine the standards of e-commerce by providing efficient delivery and ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly. Konga’s dedication to providing top-quality products, exceptional service, and unmatched discounts reflects its unwavering commitment to ensuring that customers receive maximum value for their purchases.

“We understand the importance of providing our customers with a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience,” said Mr. Ajani. “That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce KongaNow, our innovative delivery solution that offers free same-day delivery. With KongaNow, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of receiving their orders on the same day, completely free of charge.”

The excitement extends beyond the shopping experience! KongaPay, a member of the Konga Group, adds to what shoppers gain during the Mid-Year Shopping Festival. Enjoy the convenience of free transfers to any bank account within Nigeria while making your Konga purchases. Additionally, get rewarded for taking care of your everyday needs. For every airtime/cable TV/data/utility bill payment made using KongaPay, you’ll receive a 5% cash back (capped at N500). This empowers you to save even more while managing your essential bills conveniently.

June is already shaping up to be the hottest month for deals and discounts, courtesy of Konga’s latest promotional blitz. During the Mid-Year Shopping Festival, you can confidently purchase genuine products from reputable brands. This commitment to authenticity ensures you get the quality and performance you deserve for your hard-earned money.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

Glo, Airtel Missing as MTN is Named Most Admired African Brand @Brand Africa 100

Published

on

Kindly share this post

MTN Group has been named the most admired African brand in the newly released Brand Africa 100: Best Brands report for 2024. This recognition marks the tenth consecutive year that MTN has held this position. The report highlights MTN’s commitment to “doing good for society, people, and environment” through its Environmental, Social, and Governance efforts.

MTN’s work in various sectors, including education, health, sports, and more, has significantly contributed to the growth of these industries. In Nigeria, the MTN Foundation invested ₦2.5 billion in 2023 across several Corporate Social Investment projects, impacting over 58,000 individuals, 15,000 small businesses, and 65 schools. Over the past 20 years, the MTN Foundation has committed NGN28.2 Billion in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across Nigeria’s communities.

In sports, MTN has demonstrated its dedication to supporting development, from sponsoring the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023 to investing in grassroots athletics programs like the MTN CHAMPS tournament. Additionally, MTN Nigeria recently became the first technology company in Africa to receive the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) MOVE certification.

MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating, “MTN is committed to meeting our customers’ current and future needs, leveraging digital capabilities for a more sustainable future, and fostering strong partnerships to drive meaningful change. These awards inspire us to keep focused.”

The report also noted that while international brands like Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Coca Cola, and Apple have retained their positions as the top five admired brands for the fifth consecutive year, MTN has solidly maintained its position as one of the most admired African brands for ten consecutive years.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Telecom

NCC Directs Telcos to Audit Billings to Address Data Depletion Complaints

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has said that mobile network operators (MNOs) have been directed to audit their billing systems, to address consumer complaints about data depletion.

NCC Directs Telcos to Audit Billings to Address Data Depletion Complaints

The commission made this known in a statement on Friday.

“Quality of experience takes into account all touch points along the consumers’ journey in using telecom services from selection, through onboarding, usage, support and even off-boarding,” NCC said.

“This means that consumers are empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy a seamless onboarding into the network of their choice, enjoy quality service at fair costs, receive responsive customer service and enjoy protected off-boarding where they choose to leave the ntwork.

“To address consumer complaints on data depletion, the commission has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems and is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans.

“These initiatives would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer.”

elsewhere, the NCC said it is committed to tackling industry debt issues more seriously.

The commission said it has also embarked on critical advocacy initiatives to address long-term challenges in the sector, “including advocacy for designating telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, as well as successfully persuading over six states to waive right of way (RoW) fees, even as he initiates discussions with more states”.

NCC said engagement is ongoing with the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms towards addressing multiple taxation issues in the telecoms sector.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending