Telecom
5G is Threat to National Security- ONSA

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has expressed concern over the proposed licensing of the fifth generation of wireless communications technology network (5G) in the country, describing it as a threat to national security.

ONSA said introducing the 5G network will make the infrastructure highly susceptible to eavesdropping, tracking, cyber-attacks, military and industrial espionage and other malicious activities by foreign actors
ONSA stated this yesterday at the public hearing on the status of the 5G network in Nigeria and its technological impact on Nigerian citizens, organised by the Senate joint Committee on communications, science and technology, ICT and cybercrimes, and primary healthcare.
Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno, NSA, who was represented by Dr. Bala Fakandu, communications office director, said though they were contacted before the deployment of the initial trial of the network, they were concerned about the deliberate vulnerabilities and backdoors within the 5G network equipment.
He said, ”I am going to talk about the National Security concerns. We are aware that the deployment of 5G will come with different types of equipment and so we understand that the stakeholders in the telecommunications industry will make an effort to ensure that they upgrade their systems in order to meet up with the new technology.
“We understand these are things that will be put in place particularly in the policy that the Honourable Minister has talked about but I need to emphasise it so that the stakeholders in the telecommunications industry will understand where we are coming from because the national security concerns are the concern of the Office of the National Security Adviser and concern of the president as well.
“In that guise, we are going to ensure on our own position and we urge the minister to carry the office along in the development of the policy so that we could have a robust framework to take care of these areas.”
However, Dr. Isa Pantami, minister for Communications and Digital Economy, said the country is ready for 5G and almost at the final stage of the process, as long as existing challenges are addressed.
Pantami, was of the notion that the country is ready for 5G network.
He said though they’ve not gotten to the point of knowing whether the network will be deployed, they are currently on track conducting research, investigations, engaging stakeholders and if all issues are addressed, the Executive will support the deployment in Nigeria.
Pantami said: ”We are not operating in circles. Nigerian telecommunication sector is part and parcel of the International Telecommunication Union (under the United Nations) where issues of telecommunication technology and its impacts are being discussed.
”Part of what we have achieved through the engagement, conducting research, engaging ITU and WHO at the international level, we are in the process of compiling our final position. And most of the compiled position will be part of my draft national policy which will be presented to the Federal Executive Council. Mr President is very much aware of all these stages from the beginning to where we stopped.”
He also denied claims that 5G is responsible for COVID-19 saying if there is any relationship with COVID-19, he would have been the first victim.
His words: ”To date I have not contracted the virus. And I did the test up to 10 times. So I did the trial personally. On the 25th of September 2019, we conducted the first trial of 5G in Nigeria. In other to demonstrate trust and prove leadership by example, I personally pledged to make a trial so if there is any security implication or medical implication, then Isah would be the number one victim.”
”There is no link between 5G and COVID-19. And there is no relationship between 5G and any disease. The only issue being raised usually is about radiation. But people don’t realise that the radiation of 4G more harmful than that of 5G. The radiation of the microwave oven at home is more harmful than that of the 5G. The radiation of even the smartphone itself is even more harmful than that of 5G.”
Declaring the public hearing open, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, president of the Senate, said in the ideal sense, 5G is supposed to be an advancement in communication, but concerns of citizens emanated from the limited knowledge of a virus that was wreaking havoc across the globe.
Lawan added that the Senate will only approve of the technology, only if, the security and safety of the citizens are guaranteed.
Telecom
NCC Blames Growing Data Demand Network Quality Issues

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has linked Quality of Service (QoS) challenges across telecom networks to rising data consumption, stating that operators are ramping up efforts to sustain investments to improve coverage and capacity.

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC,
Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, stated this during a breakfast meeting with the media in Abuja on Friday, where he noted that while service quality is improving, it is yet to meet regulatory expectations.
He said recent data shows positive signals from independent user-based measurements, indicating that network performance is getting better rather than deteriorating.
However, he explained that increased usage is offsetting gains, creating a cycle where improved services trigger higher demand, which in turn puts fresh pressure on infrastructure.
“We’re still not where we want to be, but are we satisfied as a regulator? I would say within the context for which we operate, I think the area of satisfaction is the fact that we’re beginning to see the right signals. But at the same time, we also see a rise in consumption. So it’s like a cycle. As they’re making investments and making upgrades, people are consuming more,” he said.
Maida disclosed that data consumption has risen by about 170 per cent in the last two years, describing the surge as a major factor behind network strain.
The EVC added that operators are responding with increased investments, with site upgrades expected to rise significantly this year to expand both coverage and capacity.
He also highlighted regulatory efforts to improve industry sustainability, including ongoing policy reviews, cybersecurity framework implementation, and collaboration with security agencies to protect telecom infrastructure.
Telecom
How Nigerians Are Secretly Using AI to Master Creative Skills Fast

Google has revealed new insights showing that Nigerians are increasingly leveraging Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative skills and explore artistic pursuits in 2026.

Google AI
According to the latest trends for March, there is a growing shift toward using technology as a practical assistant for personal growth, learning and creative expression across the country.
Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a creative powerhouse continues to shape this trend. From the global dominance of Afrobeats to the rise of Nollywood—now ranked as the fifth-largest film industry globally—the country’s cultural influence remains strong. Industry data shows Nollywood’s value is approaching $8 billion, with over 70 per cent of viewership for Nigerian-produced content coming from international audiences. Similarly, Afrobeats continues its global surge, recording more than 13 billion streams annually on platforms like Spotify.
Google’s data indicates that Nigerians are deliberately using digital tools to sharpen their creative abilities. Interest in learning painting has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, reflecting new forms of artistic exploration.
Music-related learning is also on the rise, with searches for guitar lessons increasing by 80 per cent. At the same time, users are exploring emerging AI-powered tools such as Lyria 3, highlighting a blend of creativity and advanced technology.
Beyond the arts, Nigerians are turning to digital tools to broaden global connections. Interest in learning Italian has jumped by 130 per cent, while searches for Japanese language learning have doubled within the past year.
This growing appetite for digital learning is supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech-driven economy. Research by Public First suggests that every dollar invested in digital technology generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The ICT sector has also emerged as a key contributor, accounting for over 16 per cent of the country’s real GDP.
Students and families are equally tapping into AI-powered tools for education. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches have also risen by 70 per cent.
These developments are being bolstered by improved digital infrastructure, including projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, which significantly increases internet capacity and connectivity across the region.
Commenting on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade said it is encouraging to see Nigerians using AI creatively to unlock new opportunities.
He noted that the rise in creative arts and language learning reflects a population actively shaping its future with technology, using AI tools as “24/7 tutors” to build skills and connect globally.
Google added that tools such as Search and Workspace are already delivering measurable productivity gains, with Nigerian knowledge workers saving over 22 million hours weekly—equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion boost in productivity.
The surge in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent, further underscores a broader shift as Nigerians increasingly integrate technology into their creative, academic and professional lives.
Telecom
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Lands on Konga, Blending Innovation with Accessibility

Samsung Galaxy S26 series has made a confident statement of intent; a flagship lineup that blends refined design, intelligent performance, and forward-looking innovation into one cohesive experience. Nigerian consumers looking to get their hands on these devices can now shop directly on Konga or visit any Konga retail center nationwide.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra have generated significant global attention, and Nigeria is no exception. This series represents a quantum leap in mobile technology, delivering features that aren’t just incremental improvements; they fundamentally transform how we interact with our smartphones.
Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the revolutionary Privacy Display technology. Samsung has engineered a solution for the modern, mobile professional who needs to work in public spaces without compromise. Using advanced light-control technology, the S26 narrows the viewing angle, making screen content visible only to the person directly in front of the device. Whether you’re reviewing sensitive documents or personal messages, you can interact with your device with complete confidence.
Equally compelling is the Steady Horizon Lock, an advanced camera stabilization system that elevates mobile photography to a professional level. This intelligent system uses gyroscopic sensors and AI-powered algorithms to keep your display perfectly level, regardless of how you hold the device. Whether you are capturing high-speed motion or recording content on the move, the S26 ensures smooth, professional-grade output that reviewers worldwide have called a total game-changer for mobile videography.
The Galaxy S26 series also takes AI integration to unprecedented heights. These devices feature deeply embedded AI that learns your specific usage patterns, anticipates your needs, and optimizes performance in real-time. From intelligent battery management that extends your usage based on your daily routine, to predictive text that understands context with remarkable accuracy, the S26 series doesn’t just respond to your commands, it anticipates them. This positions the device as more than just a smartphone; it’s a personal digital assistant tailored to your lifestyle.
Beyond the hardware, Samsung has prioritized device protection through Samsung Care+ (SC+). Offering comprehensive protection for your investment, SC+ provides significant peace of mind for premium owners. To take full advantage of this, customers are encouraged to register their devices within 30 days of purchase to benefit from substantial discounts on screen repairs for the first 12 months.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series delivers a compelling blend of innovation, performance, and user-centric features. With its availability on Konga.com, Nigerian consumers have access to cutting-edge technology through a trusted and convenient purchasing channel.
As the market continues to evolve, this collaboration highlights the importance of authenticity and experience in shaping the future of tech in Nigeria.
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