Telecom
NCC Assures Consumers of Protection @ WCRD, to Tackle Fake Phones

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it is working with other consumer products regulatory agencies to tackle the importation of fake and bio hazardous phones and accessories into the country.

Prof Umar Danbatta, EVC, NCC
The NCC also said that it has made positive efforts to curtail the excesses of some network operators and to expand the frontiers of freedom for the consumers.
Professor Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman, EVC, of NCC, who spoke at the World Press Conference in commemoration of the 2021 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) held in Abuja yesterday, said the collaboration with other agencies was also to ensure the protection of the environment in consonance with the theme of the consumer rights day which was: “Tackling Plastic Pollution”.
He lamented the recurrent cycle of fraudulent deployment of fake and substandard mobile devices usually made of iron and plastic components.
Danbatta urged the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other relevant Federal Government agencies to collaborate and inaugurate a committee to implement Mobile Devices Management Systems (DMS).
“This initiative is designed as a Public-Private Partnership aimed at combating the proliferation of fake, counterfeit, substandard and cloned communication devices in the telecommunications industry.
“The expected result of this initiative is that, only genuine materials malleable to enduring usage are available for consumer use,” he said.
He said the commission also implemented a strict type-approval process that ensured all equipment used in the telecommunications industry were of a suitable standard, both for the good of the consumers and for the preservation of the environment.
Speaking on the theme, Danbatta said the connection between the 2021 theme for world consumer rights day and the proactive initiatives of the commission toward protecting the environment as well as efforts on tackling electronic waste in Nigeria.
He said activities and actions slated to commemorate the world consumer rights day for 2021 were to raise awareness and engage state and non-state actors on the global plastic pollution crisis.
“This conference is conceived to highlight NCC’s commitment to protecting the telecom consumers and watch to highlight the regulatory role of NCC with respect to protecting the Rights of the Telecom Consumers and to connect it with the global significance of today’s celebration.
“The objective of the regulation is to manage E-Waste; promote reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery; “To improve environmental management system of operators in the telecom industry and reduce greenhouse emissions as well as enhance sustainable development efforts,” he said.
He recalled that in tackling the issues of plastic pollution, NCC drafted the Nigerian Commutations Industry E-Waste Regulation in 2018.
He further said the commission had made an established correlation between the vision and activities of NCC and the global consumer rights movement and the steps taken by the commission had direct bearing to the theme of this year’s world consumer rights day.
The NCC boss noted that the commission was concluding processes to issue the regulation on e-waste.
“It is mindful of the fact that many ICT and telecom devices have plastic components, whose waste materials can worsen plastic pollution.
“We reckon that improper disposal of such disused ICT-plastic embedded products has grave implication on public health and especially in achieving Goals 11, 12 and 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
“These goals speak to the imperative of adhering to practices that enhance Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production; as well as Climate Action respectively.
Danbatta pointed out that the commission had designed an array of consumer protection measures such as the “Do not Disturb” “Data Rollover” “112 safety number” and value-added services, which had reduced unsolicited calls and messages by 96 per cent in three years.
On the issues of SIM and National Identity Number (NIN) normalisation, the EVC said the commission had ensured full compliance with Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards registration guidelines by the service providers and telecom consumers.
“This is to ensure proper registration to stop the use of improperly-registered SIMs, which usage is difficult to track. Having a credible subscriber database helps in tracing a SIM card to the real owner in case of any criminal investigation.
“This will help in curbing the painful rise in tempo of kidnapping, robberies, banditry and similar crimes committed with the aid of the use of SIM cards.
“We have made arrests and prosecutions in the past in this regard and through this effort, we have been able to sanitise the telecoms ecosystem of improperly-registered SIM cards that pose threats to national security.
“It is, therefore, pertinent to say that the linking of SIM and NIN database will further help us in this direction, toward protecting the consumers and all citizens at large,” he said.
He thanked all telecom subscribers for their understanding and cooperation in the ongoing SIM-NIN harmonisation exercise.
Mr Ighoovie Majemite, chairman of the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) said the rights of the consumer was key to the development of the industry.
Majemite, however, said the forum was poised to further sensitise the consumer on their rights while adhering to safety and security protocols.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a new Consumer Handbook, a compendium of consumer information materials compiled to enhance education and protection of the consumer.
It also contained codes on consumer rights, obligations, practices, cyber security and safety tips.
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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