Telecom
Ensuring Effective Service Delivery with NP
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made several efforts in addressing quality of service and anti competitive behavour in the country’s telecommunications space without the desired result. The commission had sanctioned operators, issued guideline on benchmark of expected level of service quality thereafter publish operators performance in this regard all these seem not to address the problem of poor quality of service.
However, operators have blamed the situation harsh operating environment where instead relying on public power supply have had to install generating sets in all their base stations, and are facing challenges of theft of these generators, vandalization and frivolous demands from host communities. These NCC partly acknowledged but are insisting that congestion on the networks form greater percentage of causes of poor quality of service to this end has indicated its intension to introduce Number portability in the telecommunications sector as a move to check problem as well as ensure economic growth through telecommunications service delivery.
Number portability is a circuit-switch telecommunications network feature that enables end users to retain their telephone numbers when changing service providers, service types, and or locations. Wireless number portability (WNP) when fully implemented nationwide by providers, will remove one of the most significant deterrents to changing service, provide unprecedented convenience for consumers and encourage unrestrained competition in the telecommunications industry. Observers believe that, this is the best method to increase the efficiency of the service provider by increasing the competition, thereby ensuring better services in all respect.
From the subscribers’ perspective, this is a simple and very welcome change, because they can change mobile service providers without worrying about notifying friends, family and business contacts that their wireless number is changing. In addition, being able to ‘port’ a number from one provider to another eliminates the hassle and expenses of changing business cards, stationery, invoices and other materials for business.
From the wireless carrier’s perspective, the change is anything, but simple. Virtually all of wireless carriers’ systems are affected. Especially any system that relies on mobile identity numbers (MINs) or mobile directory numbers (MDNs); will be affected such as: billing, customer service, order activation, call delivery, roamer registration and support, short messages service center, directory assistance, caller ID, calling name presentation, switches maintenance and CSC systems, home location register (HRLs), and visiting location registers (VLRs).
Number Portability types includes, location portability which is the ability for end users to retain the same geographic telephone number as they move from one permanent physical location to another, while service portability refers to the ability for end users to retain the same geographic or non-geographic telephone number as they change from one type of service to another.
Key driver for number portability are deregulation and introduction of competition globally, enhanced competition among operators, introduction of new bundles of services as well as creation of downward pressure on prices.
The system makes it easier for newer entrants to gain market share and also enhance the concept of personal mobility like personal terminal.
Dr. Bashir Gwandu, acting executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) said that number portability will empower subscribers to manage their “personal brand” with freedom to change operators, enables fair competition amongst operators and allow innovation to flourish with greater return on investment.
“It will reward creative marketing, service features, prices models, and high quality with growth in subscriber numbers, revenue, and ARPU,” he added.
Overview
Though it was introduced as a tool to promote competition in the heavily monopolized wireline telecommunications industry, number portability became popular with the event of mobile telephones, since in most countries different mobile operators are provided with different area codes and, without portability, changing one’s operator would require changing one’s number. Some operators, especially incumbent operators with large existing subscriber base, have argued against portability on the grounds that providing this service incurs considerable overhead, while others argue that it prevents vendor lock-in and allows them to compete fairly on price and services. Due to this conflict of interest, number portability is usually mandated for all operators by telecommunications regulatory authorities. In the US, LNP was mandated by the FCC in 1996. The mandate required all carried in the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to be “LNP-capable” and port numbers to any carrier sending a bonafide request (BFR). The ability to keep a number while switching providers is thought to be attractive to consumers. It was also a major point made by competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) preventing customers from leaving incumbent line exchange carriers (ILECs), thus hindering competition. In the U.S., the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) mandated this in order to increase competition among providers. As of late November 2003, LNP was required for all landline and wireless common carriers, so long as the number is being ported to the same geographical area or telephone exchange. This latest mandate included carriers outside the top 100 MSAs that therefore enjoyed a rural carrier exemption.
In the United States and Canada, mobile number portability is referred to simple as WNP or WLNP (Wireless LNP). In Japan and Pakistan it is referred to as mobile number portability, (MNP). Wireless number portability is available in some parts of Africa, such as Kenya and South Africa which is the fourth-fastest growing mobile communications market in the world. The country’s three cellular network operators – Vodacom, MTN and Cell C provide telephony to over 39 million subscribers or nearly 80% of the population. The introduction of number portability as well as the arrival in 2006 of Virgin Mobile, a virtual network service provider that operates in partnership with Cell C, has helped enhance competition. South African mobile companies are making inroads into Africa and the Middle East, with MTN leading with over 20 operations in these emerging markets. Egypt commenced the implementation of number portability on April 7, 2008.
Implementation Issues
Huge cost is one of the most common barriers in MNP implementation, within any country. Service providers have been constantly bargaining for time, based on the cost factor, from their respective governments. Referring to the example of the US, where each of the large carriers would need to spend $5.1 million to institute the service and an equivalent sum to maintain it. The FCC on this plea gave wireless carriers in the US a year to resolve implementation issues. The cost estimate for the implementation of WNP in developed nations like the US can be very helpful for the other countries, who wish to think on the lines of number portability.
Infrastructure upgrade: to support MNP, a company has to upgrade both its hardware and software capabilities, which will amount to some cost. Software need to be upgraded to provide proper routing of calls. The carriers need to upgrade their networks to handle portability requests. The provider, which has its portability compatible would be expected to attract maximum customers and will emerge the winner.
Cost recovery, bill reconciliation and query processing: when a customer plans to shift the old service provider (OPS) has to perform a query to identify if there are any billing amounts pending, which they need to recover before the subscriber moves to the new service provider (NSP).
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) said that number portability is a common practice all over the world; it is a feature that can be supported by networks. But he said that the regulatory authority has not done enough in its approach to introducing number portability as it has not carried operators along.
This, some industry watchers attributed to refusal by operators to be part of a forum organized by NCC to educate operators on implementation of number portability held 2007.
Although some sections of stakeholders have attributed the uninteresting attitude of operators especially Global System for mobile communications (GSM), to fear of losing subscribers in view of poor quality of service by such operators.
They argued that most Nigerian subscribers don’t want to change their mobile phone which their friends and business associates have known them with, which is responsible for them not willing to move o other service providers even when their network operator’s service delivery is poor.
Adebayo urged for stakeholders’ involvement to determine the commercial, engineering and administrative implication of number portability implementation.
As mobile subscribers in the country are anxiously waiting for the commencement of the implementation of number portability which will ensure an improve quality of service, observers caution that operators be carried along to ensure it smooth implementation so as to achieve the desire result like in other countries.
Against these backdrops that NCC constituted a committee on the implementation of the policy which has since concluded its assignment and is most likely to introduce it this year having concluded the necessary steps in this regard.
Moreover, Manoj Kohli, chief executive officer, Bharti Airtel, which recently bought over Zain Africa, expressed the company’s support for the implementation of number portability in Nigeria as one way of redefining service delivery.
Elsewhere, the European Court of Justice last week has ruled that telecoms regulators can set the maximum retail price for porting mobile numbers between networks at a rate that is below that which it costs the mobile networks.
The decision stemmed from a fine imposed by the Polish telecoms regulator in 2006 against Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa (PTC) for imposing a PLN122 charge for porting numbers – which the regulator felt was sufficiently high as to dissuade customers from using the service.
Taking the view that the amount of the one-off fee relating to porting a number – the facility that permits a telephone subscriber to retain the same number when changing operator could not be calculated without taking account of the costs incurred by the operator in providing that facility, PTC brought an appeal against that decision.
The Court drew the conclusion that the costs for interconnection incurred by an operator and the amount of the direct charge to the subscriber are in principle connected. That connection makes it possible to reach a compromise between the interests of subscribers and those of the operators. The Court emphasises that the method chosen by the regulator to assess whether the direct charge has a dissuasive effect must be consistent with the principles governing the pricing for interconnection and thus serve to ensure the objectivity, full effectiveness and transparency of that pricing.
Therefore, the regulator has the task, using an objective and reliable method, of determining both the costs incurred by operators in providing the number portability service and the level of the direct charge beyond which subscribers are liable not to use that service.
Nigerians lost about N12.5 billion to telecom-related financial crimes from 2019 to January 2023, underscoring the scale and persistence of this threat to the telecommunications industry, PwC Nigeria has said, citing data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
PwC, in its latest report, ‘AI’s Dual Role in Telecom Fraud: Why Artificial Intelligence is Both a Threat and a Shield for Telcos’, said the growing adoption of AI by fraudsters is amplifying the frequency and impact of fraud.
The report said fraud has long been a persistent challenge in the telecoms landscape, leading to substantial financial losses for customers and reputational damages for telecommunication companies (telcos).
PwC’s latest report, ‘AI’s dual role in telecom fraud’, highlights global trends in how AI is reshaping both the threats and defences in telecommunications.
The publication examined what these shifts mean for operators in the local market and how they can stay ahead by adopting proactive, AI driven fraud management strategies.
It offered insights into how AI is enabling more sophisticated fraud schemes, from deepfake social engineering to automated attacks; the emerging role of AI powered detection and monitoring tools in strengthening fraud prevention frameworks.
The report also gave practical steps for telecom operators to balance innovation, resilience, and customer trust in an AI driven fraud ecosystem.
PwC noted that the impact of fraud on telecommunications companies is far-reaching, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and compliance issues.
The report said for instance, that in 2023, global telecom fraud was estimated at $38.95 billion.
It, however, stated that in Nigeria, where telecom acts as a key gateway to financial services through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and some are moving into fintech, these evolving risks place added pressure on operators.
The report stated that while operators have developed systems and controls to manage these risks, the sector’s expansion into adjacent domains (such as mobile money and payment service banking) is blurring the traditional boundaries of telecom fraud.
“The result is a more complex and interconnected risk environment, where both the frequency and impact of fraud are escalating. Adding to this complexity is the rapid pace of technological advancement.
For instance, Russian cybersecurity firm F6 reported a rise in SIM swapping incidents, particularly related to the shift to eSIM technology. These fraudsters are hijacking phone numbers and bypassing security measures to access bank accounts,” the report said.
The report, authored by Udochi Muogilim, Partner and Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leader, PwC Nigeria, and Adeola Adekunle, associate director, Forensic Services, however, said as AI continues to mature, it is reshaping the fraud landscape—introducing heightened threats and powerful new tools.
“On one hand, AI can be exploited to scale and automate fraud schemes with unprecedented sophistication. On the other, it equips telcos with advanced capabilities for fraud detection, prevention, and response.
“This dual role—AI as both a tool and a target—underscores the urgent need for Nigerian telecom players to adopt AI thoughtfully and strategically.
“Navigating this evolving landscape requires more than just investment in technology; it demands a deep understanding of what’s happening today in the world of technological disruption, and what’s to come,” the experts stated.
The report reiterated that telecom fraud affects a wide range of stakeholders, from individual consumers facing unauthorised charges to large corporations suffering reputation damage.
“The combination of AI and various fraud types significantly increases the success rate of these schemes.
“Furthermore, the global nature of telecommunications networks allows fraud to swiftly cross borders, complicating efforts to investigate and prosecute offenders, thus presenting a pressing concern for telecom companies and their regulators,” PwC said.
The firm, however, emphasised that AI has the potential to revolutionise how telecom companies and regulators combat fraud while enhancing the quality of service, ultimately fostering greater trust among consumers.
To fully harness this potential, PwC said it is crucial for industry players to stay informed about evolving technology trends and anticipate future challenges.
This awareness, it added, will empower them to leverage AI’s capabilities for more effective fraud prevention and the proactive management of emerging fraud types, all while adhering to responsible AI principles.
“A well-coordinated combination of the right resources and strategic alliances will enable the industry to make a significant impact in the fight against telecom fraud and build a safer, more efficient telecommunications ecosystem,” PwC affirmed.
The firm even went a notch higher by offering to help industry players and stakeholders turn fraud-related friction into forward movement, powered by the right technology.
“We bring trust and transparency to the heart of your decision-making, helping you use AI, data and tech to reduce the risk of fraud, respond swiftly to breaches, and emerge stronger—so you can prepare your business for what’s next,” PwC offered.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a coordinated and inclusive digital ecosystem in Nigeria, further strengthening its role as an ecosystem orchestrator.
NITDA
This was disclosed during a working visit centred on Nigeria’s startup ecosystem framework, where the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, was represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo.
Speaking during the visit, the DG said NITDA was established to drive coordinated and sustainable information technology development in Nigeria, leveraging both its regulatory and developmental mandates, serving as an ecosystem orchestrator that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth across the digital economy.
He stated that these reforms are aligned with the Federal Government’s Eight-Point Agenda and reflected in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is built around eight strategic pillars designed to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to him, a key objective of the roadmap is to position Nigeria as a technologically driven nation that promotes inclusive economic development through innovation. He highlighted digital literacy as a major priority, with NITDA targeting 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 under the National Digital Literacy Framework, with a long-term goal of achieving 95 percent by 2030.
Other priority areas, he said, include ecosystem development, IT talent advancement, expansion of digital infrastructure, policy implementation, and research-driven innovation.
The visiting delegation from Angola’s National Institute of Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM), led by Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA) and Chief Executive Officer, Bráulio Augusto, commended Nigeria’s progress in implementing the Nigeria Startup Act and described the country as a valuable model for shaping Angola’s own startup legislation.
Augusto disclosed that Angola’s Startup Law has received initial parliamentary approval and is now entering the implementation stage. He expressed interest in understanding how Nigeria transitioned from legal adoption to practical execution, particularly in areas such as startup labelling, incentive management, ecosystem mapping, investor registration, and the operation of the Nigeria Startup Portal.
According to him, Angola is currently developing the Startup Angola Programme under its Digital Entrepreneurship Support Programme, aimed at building a structured and integrated startup ecosystem rather than isolated interventions.
The programme will focus on institutional strengthening, startup funding, support for business development service providers, expansion of innovation hubs, and partnerships with international accelerators.
He added that Nigeria’s experience is especially relevant as Angola seeks solutions to challenges including informality, limited access to finance, youth unemployment, digital inclusion gaps, and restricted market access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The INAPEM chief also requested further technical insights into Nigeria’s National Startup Council, its member selection process, and the governance structure of the Nigeria Startup Portal.
The visit highlights growing collaboration among African nations in digital policy development and further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a reference point in shaping startup ecosystem frameworks across the continent.
Kashifu Inuwa, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthen policy alignment across the sector.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, taking the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, on a tour of the newly commissioned Innovation Space during the Permanent Secretary’s working visit to the Agency’s corporate headquarters.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovationand Digital Economy, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, to NITDA headquarters, Inuwa described the engagement as a significant demonstration of the Ministry’s support and leadership, noting that sustained collaboration between both institutions is essential to delivering Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
The NITDA Director General recalled previous engagements with the Ministry, including a familiarisation visit during which the Agency shared its strategic roadmap and ongoing initiatives, noting that continuous dialogue has strengthened alignment between both institutions.
He highlighted key policy areas requiring continued collaboration, including the development of a national sovereign cloud infrastructure and a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework.
“We are awaiting the Ministry’s guidance on how to move forward, particularly on the national cloud and cybersecurity policies,” he said, while emphasising the importance of clear institutional boundaries and mutual respect in enhancing operational effectiveness and inter-agency cooperation.
Inuwa also revealed that NITDA has been at the forefront of implementing the Performance Management System (PMS), having introduced the framework internally several years before its adoption across the Federal Civil Service.
“We started PMS about four years ago. What we have now at the national level actually originated from our internal reforms,” he disclosed, adding that initiatives such as Project NEXT have strengthened accountability, role clarity, and measurable outcomes across the Agency.
“If you perform well, you are rewarded. If not, there are consequences. Even promotions are tied to performance,” he added.
The Director General further highlighted NITDA’s transformation from a traditional regulatory institution into a dynamic ecosystem enabler focused on innovation, inclusion, and national development.
“We are building a high-velocity organisation—one that is agile, inclusive, and driven by innovation,” he said, explaining that the Agency is embracing a more flexible and entrepreneurial culture that empowers staff to contribute ideas and drive institutional growth.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the FMCIDE, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with its agencies, describing partnership as fundamental to achieving sustainable progress in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“If there is no partnership, there is nothing that can be achieved. But with partnership and collaboration, a lot can be accomplished, and that is exactly what we are seeing now,” he stated.
Gagare explained that the visit forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with agencies under its supervision to strengthen policy coordination, assess progress, and address operational challenges requiring higher-level intervention.
He commended the management and staff of NITDA for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem, acknowledging the Agency’s contributions to digital literacy, innovation, cybersecurity awareness, and the creation of opportunities for startups and young innovators.
“NITDA has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the promotion of information technology development, digital literacy, innovation, and regulatory standards,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of policy coherence among institutions within the Ministry, noting that agency mandates are interconnected and must be implemented seamlessly.
“Your mandates are inputs into one another. That is why we need tight collaboration so implementation can go smoothly,” he said, while assuring NITDA of the Ministry’s continued guidance and institutional support.
He further highlighted ongoing Federal Civil Service reforms, particularly the adoption of the Performance Management System, which promotes accountability, clear target-setting, and measurable performance outcomes.
“When everything needed for performance is made available and targets are not met, consequence management follows. Where targets are exceeded, there is reward. This is how we drive performance in the service,” he noted.
The visit showcases the shared commitment of both FMCIDE and NITDA to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through stronger collaboration, innovation, and effective governance, with the strengthened partnership expected to play a critical role in delivering inclusive growth, improved service delivery, and sustainable national development.
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