Telecom
Atiku Pledges to Continue Digitisation of Nigeria, Provides Enablement for Youth to Prosper

The former Vice President, under the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo democratic government, (1999-2007), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa and presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party ( PDP), on Thursday, in Lagos, acknowledged the role he played as that administration’s Head of the Economy in ensuring that the ICT sector is set on a sound foundation to flourish.

L-R: Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Govt, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Book Author, Mr Aaron Ukodie, Atiku Abubakar’s Rep, Mr Uyi Giwa-Osagie, Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, and Rep of MainOne Managing Director, Ms Funke Opeke.
He pledged to continue in that stride of making Nigeria a more digitised country, and provide enablement for the youths to prosper through enhanced and pervasive digital platforms, if he becomes the president in 2023.
As a head of the economy, Atiku supervised the liberalization and deregulation process that saw to the emergence of the GSM and digital revolutions.
Atiku spoke through Barrister Uyi Giwa- Osagie, who represented him at the launch of a book titled Nigeria Drivers of Digital Prosperity, where he received an award as Nigeria Digital Prosperity Enabler for championing the liberalization of the Telecom Sector.
Apart from forestalling efforts by some in government to scuttle the GSM license on the day it held, Atuku noted how “in February 2002, I inaugurated a 22-member Telecommunications Sector Reform implementation committee, aimed at increasing access to phone services for Nigerians, primarily through the GSM, and further facilitated all necessary licensing for the GSM to come into effect in Nigeria”.
Heaping praises on the Author of the Book, Aaron Ukodie, Nigeria’s pioneer ICT journalist, saying that “this very important book… truly resonates with me… particularly thankful to the author of this book… who has taken the initiative to document the historic journey of Nigeria’s ICT and Telecommunications prosperity and how this has inspired our achievements in this sector till date”.
Atiku said the introduction of the GSM revolution made possible by Digital Mobile Licensing, has reshaped the economic and social wellbeing of Nigerians and Nigeria as a country.
Atiku expressed gratitude for being honoured and acknowledged through this book as one of the pioneers of and contributors to Nigeria’s digital transformation within the ICT sector, in addition to the efforts of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
He said he is immensely proud to be associated with something so significant in Nigeria’s history, saying some of the insights of the book, accurately tells the true story of the digitization journey applauding the writer in “the delivery of this piece, which boldly encapsulates his mastery and experience as a journalist for decades”.
He said the milestones of the ICT are a testament of his commitment and the visionary leadership of the government that he served in as the Vice President of Nigeria, “|wherein I was in charge of the country’s economic management team.
While commending the significant role played by several actors, some who were at the launch, Atiku said he would support the country and the young people of Nigeria, on its digitization agenda, as “this forms a core part of my campaign promise and delivery to the Nation, in my current quest to be the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come May 29, 2023”.
Apart from Atiku, others who received awards include, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, the former Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC during whose tenure the foundations for the digital prosperity were laid and prospered at the NCC.
He got the award of Champion of Nigeria’s Digital Transformation and Prosperity.
The current EVC, Professor Umar Danbatta received the Icon of Nigeria’s Digital Prosperity award.
Others who received award include Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary of Akwa Ibom Government and former Presient of ATCON who got the award of Order of Excellence for Impact on Nigeria’s Digital Properity.
MTN, 9Mobile, Mainone, Mr Tim Akano, Ms Funke Opeke, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, Sir Demola Aladekomo, Lanre Ajayi, Mohammed Rudman, President of NIRA were some of those who received awards at the event for the roles in the Digital Prosperity journey and for their support for the eWorld Forums.
Telecom
ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

Comrade Adede John Williams, president of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers’of Nigeria (ATICEN), has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for suspending the planned strike over tariff hike by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Nigeria telecommunications operators.

Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,
He called on members and the general assembly of the Nigeria Labour Congress, telecoms subscribers, stakeholders, and all interested parties to see the need to accept the reality of things as they unfold.
He emphasised that rising inflation, energy costs, operational costs, and currency devaluation challenges faced in the country were the key reasons for the recent tariff hike, adding that the costs of importing telecommunications equipment, the maintenance support system, and unreliable electricity supply had affected the profits supposedly accrued to telecoms operators.
He, therefore, urged the telecommunications subscribers and Nigerians to always have the interests of the services of telecommunications operators at heart for the industry’s sustainability, as the industry regulator is always championing the consumer’s protection rights.
“So, it is important to know that the recent increase in telecoms tariff was approved according to its regulatory power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges for telecommunications operators operating in Nigeria,” he said.
Williams equally acknowledged Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maina, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for taking a proactive step in managing the NLC’s planned strike.
Telecom
Airtel Nigeria’s Communications Director Champions Workforce Transformation at PAU Career Fair

Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR Airtel Nigeria, has called for a human centric approach to workforce transformation in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Mr. Adeniran made this statement during a panel discussion titled ‘Building a Workforce for the New Era: Talent, Technology, and Transformation’ at the 2025 Career Fair, hosted by Pan-Atlantic University on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the University main campus.
He stressed the importance of organizations prioritizing clear corporate communication, continuous learning, and reverse mentoring to foster a resilient, future ready workforce, highlighting how crucial corporate communication is in enhancing workforce agility and driving innovation.
“Organizations that master transparent and engaging communication are better positioned to integrate digital tools seamlessly while maintaining a strong human connection. It’s not just about technology; it’s about empowering people through effective engagement, and purpose-driven messaging.” He said.
Mr. Adeniran also urged organizations to invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce, advocating for a proactive approach to talent development that ensures employees remain relevant amid industry shifts.
He highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing talent through initiatives such as the “Open Talent Economy” an ambitious initiative aimed at preparing undergraduates for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
The panel discussion brought together leading industry experts, including Olabisi Omoregie (Head, Corporate Services, Fast Credit Ltd) and Abike Wesey (General Manager, HR & Admin, Mutual Benefits Assurance).
Moderated by Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji, the discussion delved into the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation on employment. Panelists emphasized that while technology is reshaping job functions, human adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight are still crucial.
The career fair reaffirms Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to fostering meaningful engagements that bridge the gap between academia and industry. The institution remains dedicated to empowering students and professionals with the insights needed to excel in the evolving job market.
Telecom
TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike over Telecom Tariff Hike

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to “down tools,” arguing that citizens are “feeding from hand to mouth” following the recent hike in telecom tariff.
Festus Osifo, president of TUC, made this known when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
He blamed the hike on mismanagement of foreign exchange, which he believes the government can handle easily.
Osifo, said the TUC is not begrudging the telcos, knowing very well that the socio-economic landscape they operate in has changed dramatically, but insisted that the government has the responsibility to ensure that the economic outlook of the country is stable for businesses to thrive.
According to him, “Government has the tools and wherewithal to be able to manage the landscape to ensure that the cost of doing business goes down. And one of the ways is that exchange rate because that is the root cause of the problem.”
Asked what ultimatum they are giving to the Nigerian government, he added, “The NAC [TUC, which is like the National Working Committee] has met today. After that, we’ll have the Central Working Committee meeting, and we also have the NEC.
“So at the NEC, we’ll take the final decision. So the NAC was the one that met today.
“All we are saying is that if you allow your currency to slide, it will affect all of us.”
He added, “We are completely apolitical. For one, I don’t belong to any political party; I’ve said that severally, so we look for what is in the best interest of the Nigerian workers and Nigerians in general.
“We started shouting about this early last year; if our exchange rate is better managed, at the end you are going to see that there is no need for that increment.”
Asked if the TUC is proceeding with an industrial action, he said, “Absolutely,” adding that they will “down tools and go to the streets.”
He said the NEC of TUC has the responsibility to give a date for the strike.
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