Telecom
Court Sets aside Earlier Order Stopping MTN and ATC from Constructing Base Stations in Nigeria
Justice Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has vacated its Interim Order made on November 21, 2023, barring MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited from constructing new Base Transceiver Stations across Nigeria.
The order was made in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2359/2023 – between HEDA Resource Center, Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, MTN, ATC and others, a suit which was commenced by the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Center against the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited and others.
HEDA Resource Center stated that ATC proposed to build 2,500 Base Transceiver Stations for MTN’s operations which it claimed were within close proximity to Base Transceiver Stations belonging to IHS Towers Nigeria Limited. Without notice to the other parties to the matter, HEDA Resource Center obtained an interim order from the Federal High Court, Lagos, on account that it was imperative for the Court to stop MTN and ATC from constructing any Base Transceiver Stations across Nigeria.
MTN had through its lawyers, Kenna Partners, led by Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, applied to set aside the interim order, arguing that the order ought not to have been granted as there was no real urgency or imminent wrong disclosed by HEDA Resource Center.
MTN contended that HEDA Resource Center, in obtaining the interim order, concealed key facts which would have aided the Court in coming to a different decision on the issue. Similarly, ATC through its lawyer, Nicholas Okafor, argued that the interim order obtained against ATC was baseless in law and was made in the absence of jurisdiction.
The Court in its Ruling, agreed with MTN that the interim order made in favour of HEDA Resource Center ought not to have been granted, given that there was no genuine urgency disclosed by HEDA Resource Center, such as to warrant the making of the order in the first place. The Court also agreed with MTN that HEDA Resource Center concealed the important fact that none of MTN’s Base Transceiver Stations were in violation of Nigeria Communication Commission’s Regulations on spacing that should exist between towers. The Court adjourned the matter to April 22, 2024.
Wale Owoeye, the Managing Director/CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited, a leading ICT firm based in Lagos State, has been honored as one of Nigeria’s 50 most influential personalities in the digital economy.
He received this prestigious recognition at the recent “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” event held in Lagos.
Organised by IT Edge News Africa, the event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including prominent industry associations such as the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Association of Licensed Data Protection Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON).
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, and Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, a distinguished scholar and politician, delivered keynote presentations.
Olatunji emphasized the crucial role of data protection in the digital economy, while Yilwatda outlined essential steps for Nigeria to maximize opportunities in the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Nnamani, whose presentation focused on the “Myths and Realities of the Nigerian Digital Economy,” underscored the accelerated digitization of both consumer and enterprise sectors in Nigeria, driving demand for digital skills and data center capacity.
Gathering recognizes Owoeye’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy
The gathering recognized Owoeye’s exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy. With a remarkable career in Nigeria’s ICT/telecoms sector, Owoeye has successfully steered Cedarview Communications to expand its presence to Port Harcourt and Abuja, offering a wide range of Value Added Services (VAS) in the telecoms market.
Cedarview has also established strategic alliances in Asia, Europe, and the US to facilitate growth in its operational areas. Additionally, Owoeye serves as the VAS Coordinator for the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), further solidifying his impact on Nigeria’s digital economy.
Published since 2009, IT Edge News Africa is one of Africa’s leading technology and business publications.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Paga Hits N14tri Transactions Value in 15 Years
Prof. Aliyu, AI Practitioner to Keynote ABoICT 2024
Dufil Prima Foods Brings Relief to Indigent Families in Abeokuta
Wale Owoeye Shines among Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Leaders
The NCC, Telcos and the Tariff Discourse
See Full List of Fake Loan Apps Blacklisted By CBN
CBN Sacks another 50 Staff, 117 Disengaged in 20 Days
AfDB, AGF Partner on Female Entrepreneurs’ Access to Finance
Nigeria Plans AI Strategy Workshop for National Development
IMF says Rising Cyber Threats Pose Serious Concerns for Financial Stability
News3 days agoUK Pledges €1Bn to Fight against Malaria in Nigeria
Broadcasting3 days agoFCCPC to Review Multichoice’s Tariff Hike
News2 days agoLegit.ng, Shade of Life Foundation Partner to Advance Autism Awareness in Nigeria
Editorial3 days agoTelcos Ask NCC to Allow Them Hike Tariff
News2 days agoPresident Tinubu Appoints Jim Ovia as Student Loan Fund Chairman
Telecom2 days agoAirtel Nigeria Leads Telecom Market Surge
News2 days agoAs Nigeria Struggle, Tanzania Turns off Power Plants Due to Excess Supply
E-Financial2 days agoCIBN says Recapitalization will Empower Banks to Lend more to Economy