Telecom
eBusiness Life Takes A Deeper Look At the 5G Technology and What it Holds for Nigeria At 5G/GSM @20 Forum
As Nigeria is celebrating 20 years of deployment of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and the Federal Government has set in motion the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) technology, significant changes will introduced to existing standards, leading to the emergence of a new generation of mobile network (G).
Vice President at DigiVation Network, Mr. Hilary Damissah, and panelists made up of the Publisher, eWorldNews, Mr. Aaron Ukodie; Editor, ICT Desk at ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Emma Okonji; Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Ajibola Olude; and Chief Project Manager, Digital Encode Limited, Simileoluwa Oyediji, who represented the Founder/COO , Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Obadara Peter Adewale.
e-Business Life Communication Limited recently held its 5G/GSM@20 forum at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos Nigeria on Friday, November 5, 2021.
Speaking on the theme of the forum, “Setting the Stage for 5G Journey – Requirements, Deployment and Challenges”, the Keynote Speaker, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, spoke of the successes recorded in the 20 years of GSM evolution, and enumerated the need for 5G technology in the country.
The EVC, represented by the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity (DTSNI) at NCC, Engineer Wakil Bako, said that before the 5G wheel is set in motion, certain milestones are expected in place and like other countries, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is setting the stage for 5G roll-out in Nigeria.
From telegraphic submarine cable connecting Lagos to London in 1886 till date, Nigeria has experienced various telecommunication technologies and telecoms industry has become a formidable arm of the economy, so strong to boost the GDP and bring the country out of recession.
Tracing the evolution of generation of mobile network from 0G to 4G and now 5G, the EVC defined 5G as new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks and was designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together.
Danbatta, said that the new technology is meant to deliver higher multi-GDPs peak data speed at ultra-low latency; more reliable and massive network capability.
He said that consumers should expect higher performance and improved efficiency in user experience and connection to new industries.
He however, listed 5G requirements from the administrative angle to include; availability of adequate spectrum, regulatory policy, stakeholders awareness programme, conducive atmosphere for investments and reasonable regulatory charges.
Expatiating further on the need for 5G, the EVC said it will lead to huge boom in mobile usage, stressing that the huge growth of wireless network equipment and machines with communication-enabled capabilities attest to this fact.
“Already, over 22 billion IoT devices already connected as at 2018 and expected to reach 100 billion connections by 2030. Technology is no longer rated by speed but by latency (instant response) and 5G was designed for massive intelligent connectivity of things. 3G and 4G networks cannot meet these demands. So, 5G is to meet the demands that 4G, 3G and 2G cannot provide, particularly in areas of latency and massive connections”.
He also disabused the minds of telecom consumers who thought 2G, 3G and 4G must give way for 5G; adding that 5G will co-exist with its predecessor generation of wireless networks. “In most parts of the world, successor generation of mobile networks does not supplant, until when it becomes very necessary to decommission the oldest generation network”.
With specific focus on challenges to 5G deployment he said that in other to fiberize the towers/base stations, the issue of Right-of-Way (RoW) must be well addressed; also inflation and increasing exchange rates should be addressed; and subjecting the barrage of IoT devices to Type Approval process within limited timeframe should be considered.
“The current tower capacity of 1 Gbps (for 2G to 4G services) does not match the 20 Gbps peak speed required for 5G. This calls for the urgent need to increase fiberization of network, and the reliable energy supply to power the base stations.”
Despite the challenges, Prof. Danbatta said that 5G was designed to meet the very large growth in data and connectivity needs of today’s society, the IoT with billions of connected devices, and future innovations.
With regards to the proof of concept post-trial of 5G in Nigeria, he said that relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MoC&DE), security agencies, operators, equipment vendors and others have been engaging on the modalities for 5G deployment in the country.
“Auction committee for 5G is also developing deployment plan. Federal Executive Council approved 5G network deployment policy for Nigeria at its recent meeting; 500MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band identified for 5G NSA; 5 Slots of 100MHz planned (3.4GHz – 3.9GHz); 2 Slots already earmarked for auction with reserved price of $197.4m per slot and Auction planned for December 13, 2021”.
Concluding his keynote speech, the EVC said that every new technology comes with improvement with far better capabilities and efficiencies over the previous version adding that 5G comes with better capacities and efficiencies over the previous generations.
“Electromagnetic radiation emission rom 5G networks are far safer than preceding generations of mobile network. 5G networks will provide enormous economic benefits to the citizens by providing more jobs opportunities, creative and innovations.
“We recognize the need for sensitization of the public before deployment of 5G in the country. The support of the NASS is highly desirable and critical”.
The EVC said that despite the challenges, 5G is going to be awesome.
Goodwill Message:
In his goodwill message, Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani, President of ATCON, congratulated the firm for organizing the event.
Nnamani who spoke through Ajibola Olude, Executive Secretary of ATCON said that discussions around 5G deployment should not neglect the need for telcos to migrate to IPv6 as most of their current equipment are on IPv4.
In his words, “We are happy to identify with the organisers of this event and the CEO, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro in particular.
“For us at ATCON, 5G should be discussed in readiness of telcos to migrate to IPv6. Presently, most of our networks are on IPv4. The networks have to be compliant to the global trends.
“There is also need to ensure the security of the networks as 5G is discussed with Spectrum management. There is also need to note that we will need more base stations; and what different States charge is quite exorbitant. For instance, in Lagos, our members are writing us to complain about the charges.
“IoT should be considered where almost everything will be connected. And issues around privacy must not be neglected.
“In terms of GSM @20, the revenue generation to the country is quite commendable. The job creation through GSM must be commended as many youths are gainfully engaged due to the impact of GSM.
He pledged ATCON’s continued support to work with industry stakeholders for the growth of the industry.
GSM@20: A new horizon beckons for telecoms Industry – Emuophedaro
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, the Publisher, e-Business Life Communication Limited, traced the journey of 20 years since the first call on the GSM network in Nigeria was made.
She said that the journey which led to the historic GSM ‘call’ on August 8, 2021, began when Digital Mobile Licenses (DMLs) were issued by the Nigerian government, through the NCC in January 2001. “I dare to say it has been 20 years of transformation with a lot to be proud of, and so much more to look forward to in Nigeria’s telecommunications story.
“Before the GSM rollout in 2001, Nigeria had a combined subscription of about 400,000 lines, which were built on the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) network and few other existing Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, from the time of independence in 1960 to 2001. As at November 2020, active telephony subscribers stood at 208 million with teledensity standing at 108.92% while active internet subscriptions were 154.9 million and a broadband penetration of 45.07% , among others.
Mrs. Emuophedaro said it was no longer news that the telecoms sector in 20 years, have significantly transformed the government, businesses and individuals with great impact on every area of life.
“Chief among these contributions includes increased contribution to GDP, addition of nearly $80 billion in foreign and local direct investments; and the ability of Nigerians to communicate through the mobile phone and the opportunity to carry out several transactions/activities on the mobile phone, while on the move”.
She added that as the country is celebrating 20 years of GSM revolution a new horizon beckons for the telecom regulator as countries around the world move to digitize their economies and leverage the power and infrastructure of the telecommunications industry.
“Twenty years after GSM, a second generation mobile technology, Nigeria has stepped up to 3G, 4G and is moving on to 5G technology”.
She aligned with the NCC on the expectations that the deployment of 5G technology will spur services that will stimulate growth in different sectors of the Nigeria’s economy, including the health, education, financial and commerce sectors.
Chief Project Manager, Digital Encode Limited, Simileoluwa Oyediji, spoke on the need for the government to find ways of reducing cost, especially knowing that operators will spend so much more in deploying 5G across the country.
He further harped on the need for security, stating that aside the security features embedded in the 5G technology, further care should be taken as cybercriminals are not resting, but devising ways of breaking through the security features. He advised all stakeholders to use multi-layer security architecture, and users to maintain security consciousness, while the government and operators must engage in constant enlightenment campaign to inform and educate the masses.
Panel session:
The Panel Session has its discussion topic as “5G: Adoption, Infrastructure, Service as critical Elements for Competitive Digitized Economy
During a panel session on 5G: Adoption, Infrastructure, Service as critical Elements for Competitive Digitized Economy, moderated by the Vice President at DigiVation Network, Mr. Hilary Damissah, and panelists made up of the Publisher, eWorldNews, Mr. Aaron Ukodie; Editor, ICT Desk at ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Emma Okonji; Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Ajibola Olude; and Chief Project Manager, Digital Encode Limited, Simileoluwa Oyediji, who represented the Founder/COO , Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Obadara Peter Adewale.
Mr. Aaron Ukodie commended the NCC for taking the bold steps to adopt GSM as “today we are reaping the benefits. The same thing will apply to 4G era when the question was on roll-out and achieving national coverage; pricing and RoI and the price for the license. Today, the era is phasing out because telcos and other ISPs did roll out. Nigeria cannot play the laggards’ role in 5G as nations are deploying 5G and taking the benefits. NCC has taken the right decision to deploy 5G.”
Infrastructure-wise, Ukodie said that InfraCos are expected to be the legs through which 5G can be deployed across the country. “For instance, we expect them to take fibre to our homes, public spaces or metropolitan networks for more seamless signals. But the inability of the InfraCos to rollout services should be looked into”.
On the price of Spectrum for 5G deployment, he argued that the Nigerian market is hungry for data hence the regulator and the operators should reach an agreement on the bidding price benchmark. He recalled that similarly scenario played out in 2001 when the GSM license and spectrum were auctioned, there was outcry against the $100 million price cap, however, those that eventually purchased the license have not regretted it.
Mr. Emma Okonji agrees that infrastructure is key. He said that from the telcos’ point of view, they declared readiness to deploy equipment for 5G.
“However, the issue is whether other stakeholders like the States are ready too, because without infrastructure, it will be difficult to achieve 5G deployment. We want to give them the benefit of the fact, because honestly we need to get the internet services to the hinter lands.
“From the regulatory point of view, NCC also has been doing its beat. We should recall that in 2019 they conducted the trial in three cities – Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar and the results show 5G will work effectively in Nigeria.
“We also need to consider the readiness of different State governments like the time GSM was introduced as they are critical stakeholders with regards Right of Way and other issues”.
Okonji, however, called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the price for 3.5GHz Spectrum downward to encourage telcos to bid for it.
According to him, the current price tag of N75 billion will likely discourage the telcos’ from participating in the bidding process.
Speaking on readiness of telecom operators to invest in 5G equipment, Mr. Ajibola Olude said that the present economic climate situation of Nigeria discourage investments in the telecoms sector, especially with regards to the exchange rates fluctuations.
He also lamented the position of most State Governments which are yet to adhere to the N145 price cap per linear meter on Right-of –Way.
In his words, “Lagos State charges over N1000 per linear meter for fibre deployment. There is even charge disparity between mainland and Island (higher rates). So the Federal Government should engage more with the States to understand why the N145 cap should be maintained.
Sourcing of dollar to buy equipment is too cumbersome and not encouraging”, Olude said.
From security perspective, Simileoluwa Oyediji said it cannot be overemphasised how 5G will enable encryption and other privacy issues.
He however, said that infrastructure remains critical. “Government needs to step in and normalize things. For instance, how many people can afford 5G smartphones. We need them to connect and make good uses of 5G.
“Innovation also comes with its own disruptions; therefore, service providers need to develop their own skills. We shouldn’t rely solely on international vendors for deployment. We need to groom local talents because 5G will drive IoT, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, etc.
“Also, we need to look at the power issue because the mini-cells distributed close to the consumers will require such capacity to achieve the end-goal. It boils down to government’s ability to support the telcos and other service providers to ensure consumers can afford the rates.
“For security, we have to continue to improve as the innovations are launched”, he concluded.
Award
e-Business Life Communications Limited also presented ‘Technology Transformer Award’ to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), “for creating an environment for ICT growth and engendering economic development through policies, education and regulatory excellence,” among other resounding achievements.
Digital Encode Limited also bagged ‘Cybersecurity Mastery Award’, “for its passion in fortifying industry and non-industry players against cyber-threats and creating a safe environment for ICT growth.”
In attendance were media personnel from different media houses; the Chairman of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi; the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and other stakeholders.
Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are waxing worriedly over the increasing activities of vandals and thieves who are cutting fiber optic cable, stealing generators and batteries.
According to the operators, the activities of the vandals and thieves have led to degrading quality of service (QoS)- prolonged network downtimes, high rates of dropped calls, and slow internet speeds.
It also directly lead to poor voice quality, interrupted data services, and failures in critical, time-sensitive applications like banking.
According to figures by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the losses run into billions of naira as more than 650 power-related assets were stolen in 2025.
These include; stolen generators, batteries, and other power equipment essential to the operation of base stations across the country, where unreliable electricity supply makes off-grid power systems central to network stability.
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said that the scale of theft has shifted the challenge from operational disruption to what it described as an existential threat to the sector.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, told Punch that operators are now responding largely in a defensive mode, combining physical security upgrades with technological monitoring and redesigning how sites are powered and secured.
“Operators are responding, but largely in a defensive mode,” he said.
“What you’re seeing now is a combination of increased physical security, technology deployment, and changes to how sites are designed and powered.”
Measures include increased deployment of site security guards, collaboration with local vigilante groups, reinforced base station enclosures, and wider use of remote monitoring systems that allow operators to detect tampering in real time.
Operators are also shifting away from easily removable components, such as standalone batteries, toward more integrated and hybrid power systems.
However, ATCON said even solar and hybrid infrastructure is now being targeted by thieves.
“We are spending more to protect infrastructure than we should, and that is not sustainable,” Emoekpere said.
The impact of the theft is already being felt across Nigeria’s telecom network, with operators reporting site shutdowns that translate directly into service deterioration.
“When you lose generators and batteries at that scale, what it means in practical terms is that sites go down,” Emoekpere said.
“And when sites go down, you immediately see increased call drops, poorer voice quality, and slower or completely unavailable data services.”
ATCON said subscribers are already bearing the brunt of the disruption, even if they are unaware of its underlying cause.
The association warned that the financial impact runs into billions of naira annually, with operators currently absorbing much of the cost.
However, it said the losses are increasingly feeding into broader industry economics.
“These losses run into billions of naira annually. While operators are absorbing a lot of it for now, it inevitably feeds into the overall cost structure of the industry,” Emoekpere said.
Amazon is in advanced negotiations for a blockbuster $9 billion acquisition deal of satellite communications firm Globalstar. The multi-billion-dollar strategic move is aimed at fast-tracking its low-Earth orbit ambitions and directly challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink dominance, especially in fast-growing African connectivity markets.
The talks, which remain fluid, are understood to be focused on structuring the deal around spectrum rights and Globalstar’s existing satellite infrastructure.
However, the Financial Times of India reports that a deal is imminent, although negotiations are “complex and not yet finalised.”
The one major sticking point is Apple’s 20% stake in Globalstar, which adds a layer of corporate tension to the deal.
If completed, the acquisition would significantly accelerate Amazon’s satellite internet rollout under its Project Kuiper, now branded Leo, initiative, which was formally expanded in Africa 11 months ago as part of its push to connect underserved regions with high-speed broadband.
Amazon has already begun launching Kuiper satellites, but with just over 180 in orbit, it remains far behind Starlink’s more than 7 000 operational satellites.
A Globalstar executive, speaking on background, said the company “does not comment on speculation,” while Amazon has also declined to confirm the talks.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, already has an expanding footprint across Africa, with services active in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, and parts of Southern Africa.
Its low-latency broadband has become critical for remote schools, mining operations, and rural fintech infrastructure.
But despite its rapid rollout, Starlink still faces regulatory delays and licensing hurdles in several African markets, giving rivals a window of opportunity to grab a chunk of the lucrative sector across the continent.
Amazon’s potential acquisition of Globalstar would immediately strengthen its African positioning.
Globalstar already holds spectrum authorisations and partnerships in markets such as South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Gabon, where it has focused on enterprise connectivity, conservation tracking, and industrial IoT solutions.
This existing footprint could give Amazon a regulatory shortcut into markets where Starlink has spent years negotiating approvals.
Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., has delivered on a commitment that demonstrates his fidelity to deepen financial literacy among women business owners in Nigeria.
Tosin Eniolorunda
In partnership with ALX, Eniolorunda hosted a four-hour virtual Entrepreneurship Masterclass bringing together 100 female business owners for a hands-on session designed to move them from petty trading to building valuable enterprises.
The masterclass was structured around three practical modules: The Model, The Money, and The Plan with each session facilitated by a subject matter expert and anchored in live, guided exercises rather than passive instruction.
Participants also completed a one-page Lean Canvas draft, worked through
Tosin Eniolorunda, ALX Host Entrepreneurship Masterclass for 100 Female Business Owners
Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., has reinforced his commitment to advancing financial literacy among women entrepreneurs in Nigeria through a strategic partnership with ALX.
The collaboration culminated in a four-hour virtual Entrepreneurship Masterclass that brought together 100 female business owners for an intensive, hands-on learning experience aimed at transitioning participants from small-scale trading to building sustainable, high-value enterprises.
The masterclass was structured around three practical modules—The Model, The Money, and The Plan—each facilitated by subject matter experts and delivered through live, guided exercises rather than traditional lecture formats.
Participants developed a one-page Lean Canvas, worked through pricing and profit calculators to determine break-even points and profitability drivers, and concluded the session by drafting a 30-60-90 day execution roadmap with defined weekly actions and measurable KPIs.
At the end of the programme, each participant received a comprehensive resource pack to support continued application of the tools and frameworks introduced during the training.
A key module focused on building scalable business models, guiding participants through customer segmentation, problem identification, value proposition design, and distribution channels. Additional sessions addressed pricing strategies and financial fundamentals, equipping attendees with practical knowledge to better understand their finances and make informed growth decisions.
Iwalola Sobowale, Director of Customer Experience and Market Research at Moniepoint, led a dedicated product session, showcasing the company’s suite of business tools spanning payments, banking, and operations management. Particular emphasis was placed on Moniebook, designed to enable smarter and more efficient business operations.
The initiative aligns with Eniolorunda’s long-held view that financial inclusion must go beyond access to financial services. Speaking at the International Financial Inclusion Conference 2024 organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, he stressed that financial inclusion for women should not be treated as a mere buzzword or checklist, but must be grounded in data-driven economic participation.
Research continues to highlight that women-owned businesses often demonstrate stronger repayment behaviour and higher financial engagement when provided with appropriate tools, reinforcing the economic and social case for investing in female entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the initiative, Eniolorunda said: “We’re at a point where technology can significantly accelerate business growth, but access alone isn’t enough. What matters is giving entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence to use these tools effectively. This masterclass is about equipping women with insights they can apply immediately to grow their businesses.”
ALX, a pan-African technology and professional skills training platform, continues to play a key role in developing the next generation of African leaders through practical, industry-relevant programmes.
The initiative also supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality, particularly targets focused on enhancing women’s participation in economic life and expanding access to financial services and quality education.
It further builds on Eniolorunda’s broader interventions in the space, including programmes by the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation aimed at improving financial literacy among female STEM students at Obafemi Awolowo University—reflecting his belief that sustainable financial inclusion is anchored on strong financial literacy.
h a pricing and profit calculator to identify their break-even points and profitability levers, and closed the session by drafting a personal 30-60-90 day execution roadmap with weekly actions and measurable KPIs. Every participant left with a resource pack to continue applying the tools after the session.
One of the modules involved guiding participants through the fundamentals of building a scalable business model with a focus on customer definition, problem articulation, value proposition, and channels while others focused on pricing and financial fundamentals, equipping participants with the confidence to understand their numbers and make informed decisions about growth.
Iwalola Sobowale, Director of Customer Experience and Market Research at Moniepoint, addressed participants during a dedicated product session, walking them through how Moniepoint’s suite of tools which span payments, business banking, and operations management with a particular focus on Moniebook to support smarter, more efficient business growth.
This Masterclass reflects Eniolorunda’s long-standing position that the work of inclusion does not end at access. At the 2024 International Financial Inclusion Conference convened by the Central Bank of Nigeria, he argued that financial inclusion for women “must no longer be treated as a buzzword, charitable social activity or a checklist to be marked, averring that it must be rooted in economic and business activities that are well underlined by data.”
Research consistently shows that women-owned businesses demonstrate stronger repayment discipline and higher financial engagement when given access to the right tools, making investment in women entrepreneurs both a moral and economic imperative. “It is actually more profitable to serve women,” Eniolorunda has said.
Speaking on the imperative of the initiative, he noted: “We’re at a point where technology can significantly accelerate business growth, but access alone isn’t enough.
“What matters is giving entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence to use these tools effectively. This masterclass is about equipping women with insights they can apply immediately to grow their businesses.”
ALX, the project partner is a pan-African technology and professional skills training platform committed to developing the next generation of African leaders through world-class, practically grounded programmes.
The initiative sits within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality, specifically its targets around women’s full and effective participation in economic life and expanding access to financial services and quality education for women entrepreneurs.
It builds on Eniolorunda’s broader record in this space, including the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation’s financial literacy programme for female STEM students at Obafemi Awolowo University which has its root in his belief that “there can be no sustainable financial inclusion without financial literacy as its cornerstone.”
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