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ATCON Regrets External Interference, Impact On NCC Independence

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(L-r): Olusola Teniola, 1st vice president ATCON; Engr. Lanre Ajayi, president ATCON; Prof. Umar Danbatta, EVC of NCC and Usman Malah, chief of staff to EVC of NCC during a curtesy visit of ATCON Delegation to NCC Headquarter, Abuja, recently.
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Association of telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has warned against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) being robbed of the independence contrary to the spirit and letters of Telecoms Act 2003.

Engineer Lanre Ajayi, ATCON’s President, raised the eyebrows in a speech presented during the Association’s meeting with NCC management in Abuja recently.

Ajayi recalled that Decree 75 of 1992 deregulated the telecoms industr led to the emergence of some private telecoms companies but it did not lead to remarkable growth of the telecoms industry.

He said that significant growth commenced after the enactment of Telecoms Act 2003 which granted NCC independence that kept its operation away from political interference.

“The immediate result,” he said, “was a transparent auction of the GSM spectrum contrary to the earlier practice of issuing out license based on patronage.

“The independence of NCC has led to an unimaginable transformation of the sector.

“Regrettably, in recent times, NCC is being robbed of the independence contrary to the spirit and letters of Telecoms Act 2003. This became more manifest when the issue of MTN fine arose, as some other organs of Government virtually took over the responsibility of NCC. We consider this trend omniuos and call on NCC to take charge of its responsibilities and exert its power as guaranteed under the law.

While expressing appreciation to the management of NCC for creating the opportunity for ATCON delegation to pay this visit, Ajayi barred the Association’s mind on some issues in the industry nagging for attention including broadband plan (&implementation), National Critical Infrastructure, and MTN fine.

On Broadband plan, he said, “We have noticed with regret the poor implemnetation of the National Broadband plan. The plan which aims to increase broadband penetration in Nigeria from 6% in 2013 to 30% in 2018 has only been able to increase penetration to 10% in 2016. We noticed that most of the timelines are not met and there is general poor supervision of the plan implementation. We call for the strengtheining of the National Broadband Council and an accelerated action on the implementation of the plan.

“National Critical Infrastructure – We are delighted by the recent passage and signing into law the cybersecurity act, which takes into consideration the issue of protection of National Critical Infrastructure which ATCON has been clamouring for. We however noticed the non implementation of the Act, which is supposeed to commence with the inauguration of the National Cybersecurity council.  We call for immediate inaguration of this council and an accelerated implementation of the Act to protect the investment of members and facilitate improvement in the quality of service of telecoms services in Nigeria

“MTN Fine – We would like to use this opportunity to express our concern about the handling of the fine given to MTN in respect of non compliance to regulation on SIM card registration. We would like to remind the commssion that the idea of introducing SIM card registration emanated from ATCON and was resisted by many when we sugested it. The regulation on SIM card registration may not have seen the light of the day if not for the persistent campagin by our then President, Dr Emmanuel Ekwuwem, who saw its importance in the prevention of national security breaches. We therefore believe we have a better understanding of the purpose of SIM card registration regulation and have moral right to intervene when the regulation is to be used for the pupose it was not intended for”.

He said that the Association has been campagning for the introduction of SIM card registration, “it was not our intention for it to be used to raise fund for Government. It was not our intention to use it as a tool to kill telecoms opertors and it was not our intention to create a tool that can be used to destroy our industry.

“Our singular intention was to protect the environment where we do business even if it means initial loss of business to telecoms operators as a result of its potential to slow down uptake of telephone services by customers. We have watched with regret the poor handling of the issue, the politicisation, remarks based on emotion and not on the objectives of the fine”.

He argued that while some see it as an opprtunity to make quick money by offering all sorts of services, legal, lobbyist etc., some politicians and public officers see it as an opportunity to show off the importance of their offices without an iota of consideration for the purpose of the fine and the impact its mishandling can have on the Telecoms industry and the Nigeria economy at large.

“For the avoidance of doubt ATCON does not tolerate unprofessional conduct and disrespect for rules. As a demonstration of this, we recently launched our code of ethics and we are determined to sanction erring members. Equally we have no objection to the use of fine as tool to ensure compliance to regulations but when an unanticipated scenario emanates where fines computes to an humongous amount that is capable of inflicting damages on the industry and country arises, it is only wise that the nation act in self-interest by seeking a review that ensures that the purpose of the fine, which is to act as deterrent to breaches of rules, is served while an inadvertent self-infliction is avoided.

“We are of the opinion that MTN has suffered sufficient losses: loss of reputation, loss of market value, loss of revenue and have learnt their lessons. We are of the opinion that the fine should be reviewed downward to a figure not more than their profit for one year. This should be enough to serve as deterrent for future breaches while ensuring that they are kept in business to provide Nigerians services that we badly needed at this stage of our development. Our plea for leniency is based on our conviction that the breach was not done with a criminal intention to injure our national security but by share act of negligence. Our approach would have been different if otherwise proven.

“At this point, we would like to advise that all politicians and public officers who are not of NCC and who seems to have abandoned their core jobs to focus on this MTN fine to please allow the NCC, who is charged with the responsibility of regulating the industry, to handle the matter professionally and in the best interest of the nation. The fact that NCC presently has no Commissioners’ (Board) is no excuse for others agencies and individuals to usurp their roles as it well known that in the absence of the board, the Honorable Minister acts as the board. Non NCC public officers should intervene only on invitation by NCC,” Ajayi said.

 

 

 


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Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

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MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.

IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.

MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.

The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.

The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.

Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.

In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.

Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.

MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.

Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.

“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.

The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.

Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.

 

Source: IT Web Africa


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ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

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Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.

He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.

Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.

The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.

“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.

“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.

He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.

He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.

He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”


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New Horizons Nigeria Commissions ICT Centre @Adeleke University to Boost Tech Skills

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In a major boost to technology education and digital innovation in Nigeria, New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of the US-based global ICT training organization, New Horizons Worldwide, has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT facility at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

New Horizons Nigeria Commissions ICT Centre @Adeleke University to Boost Tech Skills

New Horizons Nigeria

The facility, named the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre, was constructed and donated to the university by New Horizons Nigeria as part of its commitment to equipping Nigerian universities with modern infrastructure capable of preparing students for global competitiveness in the digital economy.

The commissioning ceremony which held on Tuesday March 3rd, 2026 drew dignitaries from the university community, industry, and academia.

The event began on a vibrant note as cultural dancers from the university’s Theatre Arts Department entertained arriving guests with lively traditional performances.

The new ICT center represents another milestone in the long-standing partnership between New Horizons and Adeleke University, a collaboration that has spanned more than a decade.

Through the partnership, the institution has delivered project-based and certification-based ICT training programs, producing thousands of students with globally recognized digital skills and professional certifications across diverse technology disciplines.

Also, the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre features four fully equipped ICT studios with high-end computer systems, full air-conditioning, and seating capacity for over 750 users. The facility also includes modern conveniences intended to enhance digital learning and professional certification training.

The building was officially commissioned by Chief (Mrs) Modupe Adeleke Sanni, who represented the Chairman of the University Council, Chief Adedeji Adeleke.

In her remarks, she commended New Horizons Nigeria for its sustained investment in the university and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening the partnership in the years ahead.

Also speaking at the event was the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Professor Solomon A. Adebola, who praised the organization for its consistent contributions to the technological advancement of the institution and the empowerment of Nigerian youths through practical digital training.

Furthermore, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership and governing council for their support and enduring collaboration.

He reiterated the organization’s vision of equipping Nigerian universities with facilities and training that will enable students to compete effectively in the global technology ecosystem.

Mr. Akano further noted that New Horizons remains committed to driving innovation within Nigerian universities, with the long-term goal of enabling institutions like Adeleke University to generate research-driven technological solutions capable of attracting patent rights and global recognition.

New Horizons Nigeria, widely recognized as Africa’s largest ICT training organization, continues to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria’s digital education sector. In 2025, the institution received the prestigious Best ICT Training Company award from CompTIA in South Africa.

This further reinforce its leadership position within the continent’s technology training ecosystem. Also, as a franchise of New Horizons International, which operates in over 90 countries across six continents, the organization has consistently aligned with global best practices while addressing local capacity gaps. The organization currently provides ICT training services to more than 30 universities and nearly 200 high schools nationwide.

The center would be used for the training of high-end technical courses like Cyber Security, Web Development, Artificial intelligence, Full Stack, Graphics and CompTIA courses like Hardware, Network and Security Plus.

New Horizons have won about 350 national and international awards in the last 20 years of its operation and it trains over 100,000 students yearly across 27 universities and 150 secondary schools, as well as corporate organizations, government agencies and retail offices.

Students trained by New Horizons Nigeria are always well-sought after in the labour market after graduation and the certificate they obtain are recognized in all the 90 countries where New Horizons have offices.

In conclusion, the ceremony ended with an energetic cultural performance by the university’s theatre group from the Theatre Arts Department, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The commissioning of the Elder (Dr.) I.C. Egbuta ICT Centre further strengthens the collaboration between New Horizons and Adeleke University and is expected to deepen efforts toward producing highly skilled ICT professionals and innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

 

 

 

 


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