Telecom
ATCON Regrets External Interference, Impact On NCC Independence
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.
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), umbrella organization for all telecommunications and ICT companies operating in Nigeria, has warned that telecom networks in the country are under threat from infrastructure attacks and vandalism.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, who stated this during an interview with Channels Television, has called for stronger protection of communication infrastructure nationwide.
He also urged Nigerians to treat telecom assets as critical to national development.
Emoekpere said operators in the telecommunications sector are not indifferent to the quality of service delivered to consumers, noting that industry stakeholders are already working closely with regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to tackle persistent challenges affecting network performance.
Emoekpere stressed that many of these challenges are beyond the direct control of operators and require stronger public cooperation in protecting telecom infrastructure.
He added that infrastructure destruction remains one of the biggest threats to service quality and network stability in Nigeria.
According to him, telecom assets should be regarded as essential national infrastructure that must be safeguarded by all citizens.
He said, “We’re here complaining about poor service, but when we see people vandalising infrastructure, we don’t complain; when we see people cutting cables, we don’t report.”
He further urged Nigerians to be more proactive in reporting acts of vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
Emoekpere warned that continued damage to telecom facilities will only worsen the quality of service experienced by consumers across the country.
He called for stronger awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of protecting communication infrastructure.
He also emphasized that improving service delivery requires shared responsibility between operators, regulators, and citizens.
He appealed for collective action to safeguard telecom infrastructure, noting that its protection is key to improving connectivity and driving national development
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new digital customer support channels, including WhatsApp and live chat services, to improve accessibility and service delivery for Nigerians and legal residents seeking assistance with National Identification Number (NIN) related issues.
NIMC
NIMC disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and customer service reforms.
According to the commission, the new support channels include a live chat feature on its official website and an official WhatsApp platform designed to provide faster and more convenient access to customer support services.
Members of the public can now access support through the Live Chat feature on the NIMC website via www.nimc.gov.ng and the official WhatsApp support line: +234 701 566 6971.
The commission said the initiative aligns with efforts to improve public sector efficiency and enhance access to government services through technology-driven solutions.
NIMC noted that the new platforms would enable users to receive prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction without necessarily visiting physical offices.
The commission said the move reflects its commitment to service innovation, citizen-centred engagement, and efficient identity management service delivery.
Under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC said it had continued implementing reforms and digital solutions aimed at expanding access, strengthening public trust, and improving service delivery.
The commission encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise the official platforms for verified information, assistance, and updates on NIN services and related identity management matters.
It also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and engage only through official communication channels to avoid fraud, scams, and misinformation.
The statement was signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC.
As families across the world celebrate Mother’s Day, QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, honours mothers as the everyday force behind healthier homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities. From managing households and supporting family wellbeing to balancing careers and personal responsibilities, mothers play a central role in sustaining daily life. Yet, amid these responsibilities, their own wellness is often overlooked.
In today’s fast-paced environment, the demands of modern living continue to take a toll on human energy and well-being. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate that 75% of Nigerian employees experience work-related stress, with 60% reporting persistent feelings of overwhelm.
These pressures are often compounded by economic realities that require many individuals to juggle multiple responsibilities or income streams. For women, particularly mothers, this burden is even greater. Beyond professional demands, they often take on the primary role of managing household well-being, childcare, and daily routines.
This continuous cycle of responsibility leaves little time for rest, recovery, or intentional self-care, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental strain.
At the same time, access to basic wellness essentials remains a challenge. According to data from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, 28% of Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, approximately 75% lack basic sanitation, two-thirds do not live in premises with a handwashing facility that includes soap and water, while 20% practice open defecation.
In many homes, ensuring safe water and overall family health largely falls to mothers, further reinforcing their central role in household well-being. This reality highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating mothers who consistently take on this responsibility, often placing the needs of their families above their own.
Commenting on the significance of the global observance, Ayokunmi Solesi, General Manager for QNET Nigeria, said, “Mothers are the backbone of many households. They give their time, energy, and care so consistently that their own well-being can sometimes take a back seat. Mother’s Day is an important reminder that supporting mothers’ health and wellness is not just a personal priority, but a family and societal one.”
He added that this perspective aligns with QNET’s 2026 global campaign, “Energised, Every Day,” which focuses on practical solutions that support everyday living. “When mothers are well-supported and energised, it positively impacts the entire household. Wellness should be part of daily life.”
As conversations around health continue to evolve, there is a growing shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based wellness – simple, consistent actions that support long-term vitality. This includes prioritising proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and balance as part of everyday routines, particularly for individuals managing demanding schedules.
Supporting this approach, QNET offers a range of products designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Its nutritional supplement, EDG3 Plus, provides essential nutrients that contribute to daily vitality and help individuals maintain energy levels throughout busy days.
Recognising the importance of safe hydration in overall health, the HomePure Nova helps improve the quality of drinking water at home, supporting healthier households and reducing exposure to common water impurities.
In many Nigerian homes, where women play a key role in managing family health, access to cleaner water remains an essential part of everyday wellbeing.
Complementing this is the Amezcua Bio Disc 3, part of QNET’s wellness range, designed to support overall wellbeing across different aspects of daily life. Its versatile use within the home – from supporting food preservation to enhancing water quality and contributing to a more balanced living environment – makes it a practical wellness companion for families, particularly mothers managing multiple household needs.
As Mother’s Day is observed this year, QNET encourages families and communities to not only celebrate mothers but also to actively support their wellbeing. By creating healthier homes and encouraging better daily habits, the company reinforces its belief that true wellness begins with everyday choices and with those who hold the family together.
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