Telecom
Durability and Reliability of Nokia Phones in the Past are Still the Core of Our Promise Today – Umunakwe

Joseph Umunakwe is the General Manager, HMD Global: West, East and Central Africa. He spoke to chike Onwuegbuchi about HMD Global’s commitment to building on its heritage and delivering trusted and secure Nokia smartphones that are built to last, in 2021 and beyond.
How did HMD Global deal with the effects of the pandemic, the quietness and the launch of its new products?
2020 did change the entire global business operating landscape and shifted mind-sets on ways of working. We are proud of the team at HMD Global – we came together and pulled through an extremely challenging year. Now, we are stronger than ever.
In 2020, we were the first brand to launch a truly universal 5G device capable of global roaming and optimized for the future. In a world that is now more dependent on virtual, seamless, always-on connection, the ability to connect from anywhere has become vital to so many Consumers.
Nokia smartphones led the Counterpoint Research 2020 trust rankings based on the four pillars of software, security updates, build quality, and devices recommended for enterprises for the second year running.
In August 2020, as an affirmation of their trust in us, our partners – this includes Google, Qualcomm and Nokia – invested 230 million in our business.
Despite the challenges of an extremely difficult year, we were able to strengthen our position and commitment to delivering trusted devices that are secure and built to last, across our range of Feature phones and Smartphones.
Improving Nokia brand market share and visibility in Nigeria
Nokia Mobile is well known in the Nigerian market. Our Finnish heritage of quality, durability and trust continues to resonate with our fans. We believe that mobile technology can enhance the lives of consumers everywhere and we continue to focus on bringing the best innovation that will usher in digital inclusiveness in Nigeria and other markets in our region.
We give consumers reason to choose us by focusing on eliminating their pain-points, offering premium experiences at affordable price-points and lowering the cost of ownership. Consumer experience is at the heart of our strategy. We innovate for the benefit of the consumer.
For example, we are expanding our affordable 4G smartphone range and working hard to ensure our fans get top specifications at the right price point because 4G is the new baseline, leaving users of 2G and 3G more vulnerable to uncertainty.
Uniqueness of Nokia mobile devices from other smartphone brands in Nigeria
Simply put, Nokia devices are trusted, secure and built to last. The durability and reliability that you remember from Nokia phones in the past is still the core of our promise today. Your Nokia phone stays with you for longer.
Each Nokia smartphone receives three years of monthly security updates and two years of software upgrades. In addition, we offer our standard one-year product warranty thereby giving peace of mind to our fans.
Our devices have a purposeful Nordic design characterized by functionality. With our signature two-day battery life, the latest Android operating software – we recently released Android 11 on our Nokia 8.3 5G, our customers can unleash their creative instincts and stay connected to what matters most to them.
In fact, in October 2020, Counterpoint Research revealed that Nokia phones led the trust rankings based on the four pillars of software, security updates, build quality, and devices recommended for enterprises for the second year in a row.
We deliver the fastest and most regular software and security updates among Android devices. We have released over 1000-plus software updates in the past four years to ensure phones are updated longer than the industry average.
Engagement with dealers some of whom also market other phone brands
We are a company built on a unique partnership model. Our dealers are our partners and partnership is very important to us. They are an extension of our promise to enhance the lives of our consumers.
As a result, we place a priority on building close relationships with each of them, working to understand their businesses. Our market representatives are almost constant fixtures at their stores, seeking to understand and clarify their needs.
It comes back to our values of trust and building on our heritage of reliability. Nokia is a brand people already trust. We intend to maintain that across the spectrum, whether with our partners or our fans.
Support to dealers with the required advertisement and promotions, considering the possible conflict of interest that would exist
We take the responsibility of supporting our partners seriously. Our various marketing and communication activities are aimed at creating awareness and driving foot traffic to our local partner stores.
We support our dealers through our communications activities, including them where necessary in our promotion content and signposting them. Our priority is to develop and build win-win relationships that will stand the test of time. As mentioned earlier, trust is an important value for us as a business.
As our fans trust us to deliver quality devices, we trust our partners to deliver our promise to the last mile consumer anywhere they may be. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic and the attendant lockdowns, we stayed close to our channel partners and continued to deliver much needed products to both people on the frontlines and our consumers.
What Nigerian consumers should expect from Nokia mobile this year
Our focus on enhancing the lives of our consumers remains core to our business. Therefore, we will continue to deliver on our strategic pillars in both 5G, and affordable 4G.
We want to make mobile technology accessible to Nigerians. Our fans in Nigeria can certainly expect to see affordable smartphones with premium features that provide them with innovative experiences.
We will continue to innovate across multiple platforms and business segments to deliver value to our fans both in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Telecom
T2 Commits to Innovation, Resilience as Customer-centric Ethos Form New Focus

The rebranding of 9mobile to T2 is a key milestone within the company’s comprehensive four-phase recovery roadmap—Stabilisation, Modernisation, Transformation, and Growth—launched following the landmark 2023 acquisition of 9mobile by Lighthouse Telecoms, led by business leader and investor, Mr. Thomas Etuh.
Since the takeover, the company has made sweeping changes, including the constitution of a revitalized board, appointment of new executive leadership, and execution of a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement with MTN Nigeria. This agreement, the first of its kind at scale in the country, has already led to the company significantly expanding its network coverage, capacity, and resilience nationwide.
Now entering the “Transformation” phase, the brand is embracing a new name, T2, and a new ambition: to lead in innovation, customer experience, and digital lifestyle enablement. The T2 identity reflects a forward-thinking, technology-driven, and customer-centric ethos designed to resonate with Nigeria’s increasingly digital and mobile-first population.
“This is not just a logo change, it’s a total evolution of who we are, why we exist, and how we deliver value,” said Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile. “T2 represents our next chapter. It is a symbol of our renewed commitment to innovation, resilience, and a deepened focus on customer experience. We are building a brand that is ready to thrive in the digital economy.”
Thomas Etuh, Chairman, Emerging Markets Telecommunications Ltd, echoed similar sentiments, describing the occasion as one that is significant in many respects for the 9mobile brand, as it represents the start of a new phase of life, a fresh start, rebirth, change or transformation, growth, reawakening, and a new order.
“Today marks a new beginning for the 9mobile business. The march has been tedious. The journey has been exhausting. It was faith and love for country that prompted my foray into the acquisition of the 9mobile business. I knew it was a tough call,” Etuh said, and thanked stakeholders like the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and 9mobile customers for standing by the brand through all its trials and challenges, including multiple litigations.
“To our amazing customers, please accept my profound gratitude for believing in us. I know our challenges have impacted you in one way or the other. But there is a resilient spirit we share with you. We are rising together again. Together, with you, we are reclaiming all lost grounds,” Etuh said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, commended T2 for its bold move and vision to invest in the Nigerian economy and counselled that the rebranding should go beyond a change of name.
“My message to T2 (formerly 9mobile) is simple – let this rebrand be more than a change of colours or new logo, but let it be a renewed commitment to innovation, to service excellence and to the millions of Nigerians whose lives and businesses depend on your network every single day. Our government will continue to work with ecosystem players like T2 who are bold enough to invest, agile enough to adapt and visionary enough to see that the future belongs to those who embrace change before it’s forced upon them,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, affirmed the alignment between T2’s mission and the state’s digital goals.
“T2 has come at the right time. Its focus on digital innovation aligns seamlessly with the Lagos State Government’s vision for a robust digital economy that empowers citizens, businesses, and communities. We welcome partners like T2 who are committed to driving inclusive and transformative growth in our state,” she said.
The transition will be rolled out in deliberate phases, ensuring continuity and seamless service for existing customers while gradually introducing the market to the T2 narrative. At its core, T2 will focus on four key pillars: Speed, Smart Living, Digital Lifestyle, and Trust.
With customer expectations evolving rapidly and technology redefining the rules of engagement, the T2 brand aims to serve as a bridge between connectivity and culture, telecommunications and lifestyle, infrastructure and impact.
As the Nigerian telecoms sector moves into a new decade of transformation, T2 is poised to not just participate, but to lead.
Telecom
I see Crisis, Resignations @ MTN, Airtel, Others – Primate Ayodele

Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has released fresh prophecies regarding Nigeria’s telecommunication companies, including MTN, Airtel, and the newly reformed T2, formerly known as 9mobile.

Primate Elijah Ayodele
In a statement signed by Osho Oluwatosin, media aide to Primate Ayodele made it known that MTN will have challenges and run into a shortage.
He stated that he sees resignations from top officials in the company while warning of a potential network crisis that will affect the company negatively.
“MTN: They will have challenges that will disorganize them and make them run into a shortage. They will want to carry out expansion, but some of their major cables will be damaged, and I see some of their officials resigning due to unexpected things that will be happening. MTN needs to be careful not to see situations of customers leaving the company. They will have serious network issues in September that people will be complaining about bitterly.”
For Airtel, Primate Ayodele warned the company to be careful of the board crisis, while revealing that they will face marketing issues at the grassroots level.
“Airtel: they must be careful so there won’t be any board crisis. They will want to step up in many ways, but there will be problems in the grassroots. The company’s marketing will have lots of issues in communicating to people at the grassroots level. Airtel will also have terrible network problems in November.”
For T2, Primate Ayodele stated that the company will start on a good ground, but they will not be able to achieve what was set out to be achieved.
He urged the company to look into some issues spiritually as he foresees a struggle to meet up with other telecommunication companies.
“T2: The company will start on a good footing, but there will be a lot of things they will want to do but will face problems. The crisis of the company isn’t yet over, it will be up and down, and the organization will struggle to surpass other telecommunication company. The new devices the company will introduce will still have problems, it’s an issue to be looked to spiritually. The company is ready to improve, but attaining improvement will create problems.”
Furthermore, the cleric stated that there will be more telecommunication companies in the country, stating that there will be a form of recapitalization and a new procedure that will disqualify some of the telcos.
“Generally, there will be more telecommunication companies that will come to challenge the existing ones. I am seeing the government introducing new codes and a form of recapitalization that will disqualify some companies. I am seeing a telecommunication procedure that will also disqualify some telcom companies.”
Telecom
MTN Nigeria’s Mega Billion Promo Turns Airtime into Fortune for Thousands Amid Economic Strain

MTN Nigeria is offering a refreshing dose of optimism through its Mega Billion Promo—a nationwide campaign designed to reward customer loyalty with real cash prizes.
Launched on June 23, the 90-day promo aims to create 195 millionaires and distribute over ₦1 billion in cash via MTN’s MoMo Payment Service Bank.
So far, more than 1,500 subscribers have won a combined ₦290 million, including three jackpot winners and 20 recipients of ₦5 million each.
“In the last couple of years, it’s been a very tough time for Nigerians,” said Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“This Mega Billion promo is one of the ways we’re showing appreciation and making life better for our customers.”
MTN subscribers aged 18 and above can participate by dialing *900#, using the MyMTN app, or texting ‘MEGA’ to 900.
Every ₦100 recharge earns one point toward daily and Saturday draws. Recharges can be made via bank apps, VTU, MoMo, or USSD channels.
Prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦5 million on weekdays, with a ₦10 million top prize available during Saturday’s Mega Draw.
Customers can win multiple times, and all winnings are paid directly into the winner’s MoMo wallet, which can be activated by dialing *671#.
Independent partners manage the promo to ensure transparency and fairness. Daily draws are broadcast live on MTN’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube pages, and winners are contacted directly via the MTN Call Center on 300.
MTN describes the initiative as part of its ongoing effort to appreciate customers and strengthen relationships.
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