Telecom
How FG, States & Local Councils Turn Telcos to ‘Cash Cows’

Declining income from the Federation Account due to the fall in oil prices; federal structure and the Constitution authorisation of certain items to be legislated across the three tiers of government, are among the causative factors why the telecoms in the country is over-regulated and multi-taxed.
This formed part of key message by Airtel Nigeria at the recent third quarterly seminar organised by IT reporters in Lagos, Shola Adeyemi, director, Legal & Regulatory Affairs/ Company Secretary, of the Company, noted that “drive to increase internally generated revenue particularly at the State and Local Government levels; and the notion that telecoms is a “cash cow” and should be the main target in raising revenue for state”, should be discouraged.
Adeyemi identified that mis-appreciation of the role of infrastructure in overall socio-economic development by taxation of infrastructure will constrain infrastructure deployment, whereas subsidizing deployment of same will facilitate broader tax revenues from the ensuing value chain of economic activity.
Although, the industry accounted for N640bn in license and spectrum fees & N220bn annually in taxes and regulatory fees; attracted significant Foreign Direct Investment; created over 3m jobs and contributed about N1.58trillion, accounting for 9.8% in GDP growth in second quarter 2016, based on National Bureau of Statistics report, the telecoms sector is heavily taxed.
How States Usurp Telcos On Right of Way
In the presentation, Airtel decried how Kogi, Kano, Delta, Rivers Abia, Oyo, amongst others charged huge fees on right of way, especially on Federal roads that pass through their States.
Although he didn’t state the year or period the fees were charged, but Adeyemi cited examples: “Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue demanded the total sum of N2, 295, 000, 000 as ground rent fees for fibre optic cables laid on Federal roads inspite of the fact that Airtel obtained Right of Way permit from the Federal Ministry of Works; Kano State Urban Planning & Development Authority (KNUPDA) demanded the sum of N196,250,000 as Right of Way fees for fibre optic cables laid along federal Highway. KNUPDA also demanded for the sum of N324, 250,000 as annual planning permit renewal fees inspite of the fact that planning permit is a one-off fee”.
“Delta State Ministry of Environment demanded for the sum of N733,000,000 as Ecology fees for the period 2007 -2015; Rivers State Internal Revenue Services demanded for the sum of N1,600,000 as Premises fitness fees;
“Abia State Ministry of Industry, Science & Technology demanded for the sum of N96,000, 000 as Business Premises permit. Base Stations are classified as Business Premises;
“(Oyo) State Board of Internal Revenue demanded for the sum of N3,000,000 as Business Premises fees.
“National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) demanded for a total sum of N1,056,435,750.00 as right of way fees for fibre optic cables laid within the Federal Government’s Right of Way in Northern States inspite of the fact that similar fees had already been paid to Federal Ministry of Works.
Meanwhile, in May 2015, the office of Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala, the erstwhile minister of Finance amended the Taxes and Levies (approved list for collection) Act Cap.T2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (the Act).
By the foregoing, taxes for the Federal, State and Local Governments increased from 8 to 9, 11 to 25 and 20 to 21 items respectively; leading to new taxes such as Land use charge, Entertainment Tax, Environment (Ecology) fee, Infrastructure Maintenance Charge, Fire Service Charge, Property tax, Economic Development levy, Social Service Control levy. Caps placed on taxes such as business premises permit (N10,000) removed.
“The Amendment Order 2015,”Adeyemi said in his presentation, “legitimized multiple taxes & levies bedeviling telecoms industry and gave States unfettered powers to charge arbitrary fees”.
He also lamented that multiple taxation adversely impacts network costs, investment planning and business plan credibility; “Increased OPEX and lost revenue costs around N9bn each year depending on location and length of the shutdown. Adversely impacts other critical sectors (such as health, security, banking services, etc.) with attendant inevitable effect on the economy and affects emergency response and other related services which rely on communications services”.
Effects of Multiple Taxation
“Possible diversion of Foreign Direct Investments to other jurisdictions considered more investor-friendly; industry may not be able to adequately support Law Enforcement Agencies to investigate crimes at affected locations; probable barrier to broadband roll out with attendant adverse impact on internet penetration and services; unconventional tactics employed by the MDAs for the collection of the levies result in damage and injury to operators’ staff and property; and affects accurate business planning and forecasting which is critical for corporate growth”.
Adeyemi further called for political will, persuasive campaigns, cross‐sector and cross‐ministry coordination and executive power to implement and enforce the end of the multiple taxation regime.
“Airtel also aligns with industry stakeholders in canvassing for an implementation of a national strategy that will increase awareness of these issues and educate all about the impact of such acts, including the legal consequences; undertake critical review of current Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection); and expedited development and approval of a legal instrument to accord telecommunications networks the status and legal protection of Critical National Infrastructure”.
He said, “At 150m subscriber threshold and 107% penetration (June 16), telecoms plays a key role as an economic enabler and social overhead capital (SOC) with a 7% contribution to GDP.
“Stronger collaboration of relevant stakeholders required to address incidence of multiple taxation in order to ensure that the Quality of Service is improved upon for the ultimate benefit of the country”.
Telecom
How Recycled SIM Card Linked to N50m Kidnapping Nearly Landed me in Jail – Businesswoman

Titilayo Ibrahim, Nigerian businesswoman, has shared a harrowing experience of how she narrowly escaped imprisonment after a SIM card she purchased was linked to a N50 million kidnapping and murder case.

In an interview with BBC Yoruba shared on Facebook, Ibrahim narrated how a routine business transaction quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.
According to her, the nightmare began on October 16, 2025, when a purported customer contacted her business line to purchase nightwear.
The caller, a woman, claimed her own phone was faulty and that she was using her husband’s device.
After selecting two pieces, the woman asked for directions for pickup. Ibrahim shared the location of her estate junction, but upon arrival, she was met by two men who identified themselves as police officers and immediately arrested her.
The officers accused Ibrahim of being connected to a major kidnapping operation.
They alleged that the phone number she was using had been involved in a January 2024 incident where a N50 million ransom was collected before the victim was brutally murdered.
Ibrahim desperately tried to explain that the number was innocent, stating that she had only purchased the SIM card in April 2025—months after the crime took place—and used it strictly for her MiFi device.
The officers, reportedly led by Inspector Dauda Adamu of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, claimed that one of the phone numbers linked to her National Identification Number (NIN) was tied to the crime.
They took her to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, and she faced intense harassment and the threat of being detained in Akure and transferred to Abuja.
In a bid to clear her name, Ibrahim and the officers visited an Airtel office.
On October 17, 2025, the telecommunications company officially confirmed from their records that the disputed SIM was indeed purchased and activated in April 2025.
“Even after confirming it at the network office, they still didn’t believe me. They harassed me and almost sent me to prison for what I know nothing about,” Ibrahim recounted.
Despite the undeniable evidence from the network provider clearing her of any involvement, the police still confiscated her phones, took them to Abuja, and instructed her to report there.
Her revelation has sparked widespread outrage and concern online.
Many Nigerians expressed shock at the incident, pointing out the growing dangers and security risks associated with telecommunication companies recycling inactive phone numbers or the hazards of inadvertently purchasing pre-registered SIM cards.
The incident highlights the terrifying reality of how easily innocent citizens can become entangled in complex criminal investigations.
Telecom
Ouranos Technologies Strengthens Board with Key Leadership Appointments

Ouranos Technologies Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 1 January 2026.

Ouranos Technologies is an enterprise technology solutions integrator, managed services provider, and innovation lab in West Africa, specialising in IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation solutions for organisations across banking and financial services, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, and the public sector.
Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Mfon Okon, Managing Director of Ouranos Technologies Limited, also confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Omokunbi Adeoti and Mr. Olalekan Olabode as Non-Executive Directors, further strengthening the Board’s strategic oversight as the company continues its regional expansion and technology leadership.
These appointments mark a significant milestone in the governance evolution of Ouranos Technologies, as it deepens its focus on enterprise technology delivery, cybersecurity innovation, and strategic partnerships across Africa.
Strengthening Governance for the Next Phase of Growth
Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed brings over 25 years of leadership experience spanning consulting, banking, manufacturing, capital markets, and large-scale corporate strategy execution.
He holds a BSc. in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated as Best Student in both the Department and Faculty, and an MBA, with Distinction, from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Mr. Ahmed has held senior leadership roles across several prominent institutions including Arthur Andersen / KPMG, Zenith Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Variant Advisory Limited, and BUA Group, where he served as General Manager / Group Head, Business Development. During his tenure at BUA Group, he played a key role in the listing of BUA Foods Plc on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and in securing regulatory approvals for the Bundu Free Trade Zone in Port Harcourt.
He holds Fellowships of other reputable institutions, including National Institute of Credit Administration (FICA), Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (FERP), and Nigerian Leadership Initiative (FNLI); as well as memberships of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (M.CIoD), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (ACIB and HCIB), and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ACIS). He currently serves on the Board of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN).
Mr. Ahmed currently serves as Associate Director (Deal Origination) at Lead Capital Plc, where he continues to drive strategic business growth.
Experienced Leaders Join the Board
Joining the Board as Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Omokunbi Adeoti brings over 24 years of leadership experience in human capital strategy, governance, organisational transformation, and customer experience across Sub-Saharan Africa.
She currently serves as Chief People Experience Officer at Leadway Group, where she provides strategic oversight for human capital and customer experience across 11 business entities and over 4,000 employees (FTE & non-FTE) spanning insurance, pensions, health, hospitality, and asset management operations.
Mrs. Adeoti has led large-scale transformation initiatives including enterprise restructuring, HR digitisation, and group-wide customer experience optimisation, driving measurable improvements in organisational performance, employee productivity, and customer engagement.
She has also played a key role in mergers and integration programmes, as well as the deployment of enterprise HR systems, enabling operational efficiency and scalability across the Group.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (FCIPM), Mrs. Adeoti is a member of several global professional bodies, including the HR Forbes Council and the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN). She has received multiple recognitions for her leadership impact, including Peak Performing Woman of the Year (2023 and 2024).
Also joining the Board is Mr. Olalekan Olabode, a seasoned finance and operations executive with over 18 years of multinational experience in financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight across complex, capital-intensive industries.
Mr. Olabode is a distinguished Finance Executive with over 21 years of leadership at the intersection of maritime logistics, global supply chain, and corporate finance. He has held senior executive roles at prominent logistics operators where he built a reputation for turning financial complexity into strategic advantage.
He has a proven history of making high-stakes treasury decisions under pressure navigating foreign exchange volatility, managing interest rate exposure, and manoeuvring one of the most challenging currency environments in Africa.
His governance frameworks are not simply compliance exercises; they are systems architected for resilience, built on rigorous internal controls that protect value and enable bold decision-making.
What distinguishes Olalekan is his rare ability to align financial performance with long-term strategic intent translating numbers into narratives that drive boardroom conviction and organizational momentum.
He builds teams that outlast his tenure, embedding structures, accountability, and a culture of excellence that compounds over time. His investment in mentorship has produced measurable leadership depth across every organization he has led.
A Fellow of the ACCA (UK), Certified Supply Chain Professional, and Executive MBA candidate at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Olalekan brings both the technical mastery and the executive presence to lead at the highest levels.
Corporate Governance and Legal Advisory
Supporting the Board’s governance structure is Ms. Margaret Akpoyoware (ACIS), who serves as Company Secretary.
A seasoned legal practitioner with extensive experience in corporate advisory, commercial transactions, litigation, and regulatory compliance, she previously practised with Chief Rotimi Williams Chambers and Olajide Oyewole & Co. before founding Nero’s Practice, a multidisciplinary law firm providing legal advisory services to corporate and institutional clients.
Ouranos Technologies to Drive Africa’s Digital Transformation
“The appointment of Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed as Chairman, alongside the addition of accomplished professionals such as Mrs. Omokunbi Adeoti and Mr. Olalekan Olabode to our Board, represents an important step in strengthening the governance and strategic leadership of Ouranos Technologies,” Mr Okon, Managing Director of Ouranos Technologies Limited, added.
“As organisations across Africa accelerate their digital transformation journeys, strong governance, strategic insight, and operational discipline become even more critical.
“The depth of experience our new Board members bring will support Ouranos Technologies in delivering innovative, secure, and scalable technology solutions for our customers across the region,” Mr Okon said.
The strengthened Board reflects Ouranos Technologies’ commitment to strong corporate governance, innovation, and sustainable growth.
With operations spanning Nigeria and other West African markets, Ouranos Technologies operates as an enterprise technology solutions integrator, managed services provider, and innovation lab, delivering solutions across IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation for organisations across banking and financial services, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, and the public sector.
Telecom
Truecaller Hits 500m Users Milestone – Sets New Global Standard for Trusted Communication

Truecaller, the leading global platform for safe and trusted communication, today announced that it has surpassed 500 million users worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to build trust in communication.

Truecaller
The platform continues to see significant user growth, adding over 50 million users in 2025, and has surpassed 150 million users outside of India as demand for protection against spam, scam and unwanted communication continues to grow globally.
Truecaller also crossed 4 million paying subscribers globally earlier in the year, further strengthening one of its key revenue streams.
Crossing the 500 million mark underscores how trust has become one of the most essential layers in digital communication today.
“This is an important milestone for us, but it also says something bigger about the world we live in,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Truecaller.
“More and more people need help navigating spam, scams, and unwanted communication every day. Reaching 500 million users shows the scale of that need, and the trust people place in Truecaller to help make communication safer.
“Our commitment remains focused on continuously strengthening Truecaller with smarter technology and new capabilities that protect users before, during, and after every call or message.
“Ultimately, our aim is to build a safer, more trusted communication ecosystem for everyone. We now have our sights set on the next milestone: 1 Billion users.”
With half a billion people using the platform every month, Truecaller has evolved beyond just Caller ID. It has become an essential part of how communication works safely in the digital age; a daily-use trust layer that helps people verify identities, avoid fraud, and make informed decisions about who they interact with.
Today, Truecaller operates as a global digital utility platform, embedded into everyday communication habits for hundreds of millions of people. From identifying unknown callers to preventing fraud and enabling safer messaging, the platform has become a habitual, daily-use service that supports safer interactions across the phone ecosystem.
Despite serving more than half a billion users globally, the company remains relatively lean, with a team of approximately 470 employees building and operating the platform for users around the world.
The company will continue to report the average number of monthly and daily active users on a quarterly basis in connection with its interim financial reports
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