Telecom
ATCON Seeks NCC’s collaboration on BTIF

The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has proposed collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to organize Broadband and Technology Investment Forum, BTIF, in all State of the federation.
The primary and strategic objective of the proposed forum would complement the Commission’s concerted efforts in respect of making broadband pervasive and ubiquitous as well as it would further encourage State Governments and private sector to aid the growth and development through deliberate and strategic investment in technology and broadband in their respective states.
ATCON President, Mr. Olusola Teniola, made the statements while leading a delegation of the National Executive Council, NEC, on a scheduled visit to the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta.
According to Teniola, the new NEC is poised to working with Prof. Danbatta and the Commissioners in order to make their tenure in the commission the one that would never be forgotten in the history of the Nigerian telecom sector.
“This strategic courtesy visit is put together to demonstrate the respect that we have for you and your office as records are there to show that the development of the sector is highly paramount in your strategic plan for 2018”.
Teniola said that by ATCON’s findings, the few years Prof. Danbatta has spent as the EVC of NCC has shown that his performance is highly rated and the new NEC is prepared to contribute towards sustaining the high performance in the office of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC.
“The new NEC based on the general perspectives in the industry we are confident that you are going to leave an indelible mark of greater achievements and the entire Nigerian telecom industry would be a better one for the decisions you have made on their behalf”, he said.
Revamping Broadband penetration initiative in Nigeria
The team also tabled ATCON’s concerns, especially in ensuring broadband penetration in Nigeria is high.
“The strategy that ATCON has earmarked to leapfrog our current broadband rating globally is what we call ATCON Broadband and Technology Investment Forum in all states of the federation.
“The plan is to work majorly with the Nigerian Communications Commission and all State Governors and Commissioners for ICT in Nigeria to organise this forum in all our states. In 2018, we plan to stage this forum in three states: Kano, Akwa-Ibom and Osun.
“The strategic objective of this initiative is to promote greater awareness about the state’s technology and broadband investments potentials; identify viable technology investment projects for both the private and public sectors; increase government and private investments and spending in Broadband Infrastructure.
“It has been established that for any state in Nigeria to seriously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its economic activities and the general welfare of its population, such states must invest more meaningfully in broadband infrastructure.
“As we all know that 10% broadband penetration can translate to 1.38% in our nation’s GDP, this forum will make concrete attempts to measure the state of broadband infrastructure in the state and what could be done to encourage as well as increase its capacity utilization”.
Welcoming the visitors Prof. Danbatta, first, congratulated both Mr. Olusola Teniola, President, ATCON and other newly elected NEC members and said it was a well-deserved mandate given to him and the new exco by the entire members of Association.
He urged Teniola to use this particular tenure to further strengthen the Association which has existence for 25 years.
Getting down to the issues: Right of Way, the EVC said it appears there is a solution in sight as Professor, Yemi Osinbajo , Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria had a meeting with Nigeria Governors Forum where he pitched to them in respect of Right of Way.
According to him, the Governors appeared to buy into the initiative of laying fibre which would cover upto 18000 km in Nigeria.
He added that the initiative would be solely driven by the Vice President and with this initiative, solutions shall be proffered to the challenges caused by right of ways and the 30% broadband penetration target set would be met and surpassed.
He also spoke on some benefits that come with high broadband penetration and emphasized the need for quality critical infrastructure.
“The Digital Transformation would change our country socially, economically and it would further lead to youth empowerment, foster e-learning, and open our society more”, he said.
Still on broadband:
Prof. Umar Danbatta commended ATCON for its advocacy in respect of Cybercrime levy of 0.005 and said the sector has contributed N1.43trillion to the country’s GDP and we need to talk more about the performance of our industry.
He said the contribution of N1.43 trillion was achieved because of the progressive regulatory put in place by the Nigerian Communication Commission which has also attracted further investment into the sector.
Prof. Umar Danbatta said ATCON‘s proposal on Broadband and Technology Investment Forum is apt and it aligns with the initiative being pursued by the presidency.
“This Presidency initiative is put in place to accelerate investment in the industry and ATCON would be carried along to realize the goals and objectives of the presidency initiative.
“It has been found that broadband is nonexistence in many states in Nigeria because of commercial reasons. The initiative being pursued by the presidency would ensure that some form of telecommunications services would be provided for the rural dwellers as well as ensure critical mass of ICT adoption among the underserved and unserved”.
Telecom
Anambra Deepens Digital Reforms, Eyes Top Ranking in Ease of Doing Business

From Angela Nwanodu
Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to building a tech-driven and business friendly environment.
The State Government led by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR reiterated the commitment at the maiden State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) technical session and statewide town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, held at the International Conference Center, Awka.
The event formed part of the nationwide tour by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), bringing federal reform champions face-to-face with state officials, private sector leaders, and the business community.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, welcomed the PEBEC team and stakeholders, describing the session as timely and essential.
He stressed that Anambra’s business reforms are deliberate and data-driven, echoing Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR’s belief that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”
Governor Soludo reaffirmed that although Anambra currently ranks 7th nationally and leads the South East on ease of doing business, the state views reforms as an ongoing, measurable process grounded in technology, planning, and accountability.
Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, DG of PEBEC, in her goodwill remarks delivered via video, described the SABER programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative, as a transformative partnership co-designed to help states implement global standards and create easier, more transparent business environments.
She stressed that while designing reforms matters, real impact comes from effectively implementing them, with states as the true engines of economic growth.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, in her opening remarks, emphasized that with over 98% of Anambra’s wealth held by the private sector, government reforms must be deliberate and responsive.
She noted that under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has remained intentional about ensuring businesses face fewer obstacles and enjoy a competitive edge.
During the technical session, PEBEC reform leaders Ohiemi Gabriel, Ifeanyi Icheke, and Oluwatofunmi Odunladi commended Anambra’s reform champions for their consistent efforts in reporting, as well as the state government’s resolve which earned the state 7th place nationally and first in the South East in 2021 and 2023.
They encouraged Anambra to deepen its reforms ahead of the next ranking in December 2025, which will spotlight top-performing states and most improved states, alongside tailored recommendations for investors.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion and town hall meeting anchored by the PEBEC team, featuring members of the State Executive Council as panelists, including the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA; Commissioners for Industry, Lands, Power and Water Resources; MD of ANSIPPA; and MD of ASBA.
During this session, panelists discussed how technology is central to Anambra’s reform agenda. They spotlighted initiatives like the ANAMGIS (Anambra Geographic Information System), which digitizes land processes; the Grievance Redress Mechanism that swiftly addresses investor concerns; the adoption of the .anambrastate.gov.ng domain to standardize official digital communications and strengthen trust in government services; and the ongoing expansion of fiber ducts to enable 5G connectivity, all reflecting the administration’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision.
The conversation also highlighted Solution Lens, a civic engagement platform designed to deepen citizen participation and transparency by allowing residents to track and report on government projects across the state.
Together with strategic projects like road constructions which are deliberate efforts by Governor Soludo to inter- connect Anambra State for easy moving round in doing business.
These reforms aim to enhance transparency, and position Anambra as a smarter, investor-friendly state
As Anambra prepares for the next PEBEC evaluation, government and stakeholders reiterated their resolve to keep reforms measurable, digital-led, and investor-focused
With technology and intentional governance at its heart, Anambra State is strengthening its position as a modern hub where businesses can invest, scale, and thrive.
Telecom
MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform

In a defining step toward sustainable transformation, Nigeria has officially joined the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a platform empowering corporate board members to take decisive climate action.

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The initiative’s virtual launch drew a dynamic mix of leaders—former ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and climate advocates from across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed attendees with a call to reimagine corporate leadership: climate risks, she noted, should no longer be treated as external issues—they must be integrated into strategic decision-making. She pointed to green finance, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models as key areas of opportunity.
Echoing that sentiment, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, warned that climate challenges already influence everything from access to capital to long-term competitiveness. “Climate risk directly affects our bottom line. It’s no longer optional to care—it’s necessary,” he said.
Toriola detailed how MTN has embedded climate governance at the core of its operations. From energy-efficient innovations like solar-powered towers and motion-sensor lighting to a nationwide battery and device recycling program, MTN is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Crucially, all executive performance indicators now include sustainability goals—with incentives tied to measurable impact.
He didn’t shy away from the hard truth: genuine climate progress will require sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs,” he said, urging corporate leaders to prioritize climate resilience even when it’s inconvenient or costly.
As CGI Nigeria joins a growing global network of corporate climate advocates, the message is clear—business leadership must go beyond profit to steward environmental accountability. From the boardroom to rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s private sector has a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Telecom
Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded 3,016 customers in Season 10 of its ongoing Millionaire Promo. So far, 12 customers have won the top prize of ₦1 million each, while 3,004 others have received different cash rewards.
The winners were selected through electronic draws held between January and June, ensuring broad participation. The promo is open to new and existing savings account holders and ends in September.
During the fifth draw held on June 17, four additional customers won the star prize of ₦1 million each, with 112 others also receiving cash prizes. The latest millionaires include Ranti Badmos from Lagos, Wilson Onoezikome in Kaduna, Esther Obafemi in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Israel Oruma in Asaba, Delta State.
Israel Oruma, a timber merchant, expressed his delight at winning, saying the prize would significantly support his business.
“This is a pleasant surprise. I have been facing financial challenges recently. The ₦1 million will go a long way in assisting me. I’m investing it in my business and will encourage all my staff, family, and friends to open an account with the Bank. Thank you, FCMB.”
Adetunji Lamidi, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, said the Millionaire Promo reflects the bank’s broader mission to enable financial security and opportunity for everyday Nigerians.
“At a time when many are facing economic pressure, savings-driven initiatives like this shift the focus from getting by to making progress. It gives people a reason to save, rewards loyalty, and shows that banking helps create real-life impact.”
Speaking on the integrity of the selection process, Oyinkan Kusamotu, Principal Legal Officer at the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated: “It’s great to witness FCMB’s commitment to compliance, fairness, and transparency throughout the draw process, which builds trust with customers and stakeholders.”
To qualify for Season 10 of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, customers must increase their account balance by at least ₦10,000 and maintain it for 30 days to enter the monthly and seasonal draws. Each additional ₦10,000 saved increases the customer’s chances of winning. Dormant or inactive account holders can also participate by reactivating their accounts. Draws are held nationwide, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win.
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