Telecom
ICT Experts Harp On The Critical State Of Infrastructure Needs In Nigeria
Panelists at the just concluded NITRA ICT Growth Conference 2.0, have emphasized the need for an urgent review of Nigeria’s state of infrastructure so as to position the country to massively reap the benefits of a digital economy as obtained in some developed nations of the world.
Themed ‘Creating a Digital Ecosystem in Nigeria: The Hurdles, The Gains,’ the panelists drawn from both the public and private sector establishments, were of the consensus that infrastructure provisioning remained Nigeria’s surest pathway to building a robust digital economy.
At a second panel session during proceedings at the NITRA flagship technology conference held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Lagos, and moderated by Mr. Peter Oluka, Editor of TechEconomy.ng, the panelists agreed that efforts at building Nigeria’s digital economy cannot yield the much-desired fruit unless there is sustained commitment on the part of the government to prioritise the provision of infrastructure.
Seyi Olarenwaju, CFO of Medallion Data Centre said infrastructure is going to play a vital role in enhancing digital systems in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, noting that “if there is no infrastructure in place, there is nothing.”
He stated that since governance has now been replaced by electioneering campaigns in preparation for the 2023 general election, the incoming administration should be focused, identify a particular infrastructure, and fix it, and expressed the hope that if in this regard, power is given priority attention, a lot of things will follow suit.
Kelechukwu Nsofor of Rack Centre, a carrier-neutral Tier III data centre who spoke from a data centre provider’s perspective, said power is the key infrastructure that drives a data centre business, describing it as basically the livewire of any data centre.
According to Nsofor, “The key infrastructure that we rely on is power. Power is basically the livewire of any data centre. Unfortunately, if you go back to 1999 since we started the current democratic dispensation in the country, what has been the installed capacity in terms of power? 20 years down the line, where are we today in terms of power?
“At a point, we were generating 1600MW, today, it’s still hovering around 3000MW. Where does that leave us as an economy of over 200 million people? So, if you look at the population growth rate and try to compare it with what we are growing in terms of power, you see that there’s a total disconnect.”
He said that Nigeria is blessed with a rich reservoir of policies and knowledge expertise but expressed worries that this has not been translated to results in the country’s power industry.
“Now, tying that to Rack Centre and indeed the data centre space, we have been generating our own power in the last nine years that we have been operating. And we’ve been fully in control of generating that power now. As we look to expand, we are also looking at ways where we can continue to generate power or do it more cost-effectively.
“We would like a situation where the government will actually stop the lip service that goes into infrastructure like power and actually start showing serious commitment by playing a major role in the provisioning of power infrastructure,” he said.
Noting that the digital economy is all about using the internet basically to push economic activities, Nsofor stated that what is critical even with the efforts at bringing in foreign direct investment, all the marine cables sitting on the coast of Lagos, is how to work with the private sector and knowledge experts basically on how to get things like multiple taxations and right of way out of the road.
“Operators can now push that capacity where it is actually needed. This will help us increase internet penetration, increase the digital economy growth, and push the economy forward,” he concluded.
In his contribution to the discourse, Babalola Olalekan of Phase 3 Telecoms admitted that the government was doing enough to provide infrastructure but stated that there was a need for stronger synergy between the government and service providers.
“There was a document released last year called Strategic Roadmap/Action Plan: A four-year plan 2021-2024. The key performance indices released in that document classified infrastructure in such categories as soft, service and hardware.
“When you look at the hardware infrastructure, we talk about how far we’ve gone in hardware infrastructure deployments like fibre cables. We talk of active devices and so on and so forth. But there’s something the government has put in place especially at the federal level by cutting down right-of-way charges all over the federation.
“Another area we have taken advantage of is the concession plan we call public-private partnership (PPP), where I expect the operators and players to key into and take advantage of our existing infrastructure, and opportunities.
“Another thing I will encourage we should be doing is a collaboration among players. All of us can only fight about a particular position or location. We can join hands on how to collaborate, leverage each other, and supply as a single network.
“So, I think the government is doing enough with policies. The onus is on us to tap into it, put more pressure on the government and be more up and doing in our collaborative efforts and take advantage of what is available to us through the government,” Olalekan said.
He said that going into the 2023 election, the most important thing to be focused on is security, stating that operators have many works to do out there in the field yet, they find it difficult to restore the network in the shortest possible time. “So, whatever government can do to make sure that our roads, our villages, our towns are secured, we will surely have a good general election.”
Chidi Okpala of Galaxy Backbone, in his intervention, acknowledged the fact that government understands the importance of infrastructure in growing the country’s digital economy, noting that one of the things the current administration holds dear to its heart, is infrastructure.
“Have they done all the things expected of them as government? Maybe not. But have they made some efforts in bridging the infrastructure gap? The answer is yes. But there is a whole lot of learning, a whole lot of training in trying to create that awareness, into fully understanding how this impacts the day-to-day living of everyone.
“As an organisation, what we are trying to do is to bridge that gap of understanding especially, people in leadership level in government; to let them understand this is what this infrastructure stands for, this is what it is all about. It is not just for sending emails but how it affects your life, your family, and the work that you do.
“We have done quite a lot together with some of the other organisations within the information technology space in the public sector. We are still doing a lot to raise that awareness of what this infrastructure means so that people can understand more and collaborate more.
“Collaboration is the key, talking about the benefits and not dwelling more on talking about the problems because sometimes when we do that, we cloud ourselves of the opportunities around us,” he said.
Okpala expressed the need for policymakers to be much more intentional about what the country is doing, how it the affects everyone, and how the efforts at building the country’s digital economy can be sustained.
The session, which was anchored by the Editor of TechEconomy, Mr. Peter Oluka, was unanimous with its position that infrastructure is the bedrock of ICT development and global competitiveness in Nigeria.
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), umbrella organization for all telecommunications and ICT companies operating in Nigeria, has warned that telecom networks in the country are under threat from infrastructure attacks and vandalism.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, who stated this during an interview with Channels Television, has called for stronger protection of communication infrastructure nationwide.
He also urged Nigerians to treat telecom assets as critical to national development.
Emoekpere said operators in the telecommunications sector are not indifferent to the quality of service delivered to consumers, noting that industry stakeholders are already working closely with regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to tackle persistent challenges affecting network performance.
Emoekpere stressed that many of these challenges are beyond the direct control of operators and require stronger public cooperation in protecting telecom infrastructure.
He added that infrastructure destruction remains one of the biggest threats to service quality and network stability in Nigeria.
According to him, telecom assets should be regarded as essential national infrastructure that must be safeguarded by all citizens.
He said, “We’re here complaining about poor service, but when we see people vandalising infrastructure, we don’t complain; when we see people cutting cables, we don’t report.”
He further urged Nigerians to be more proactive in reporting acts of vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
Emoekpere warned that continued damage to telecom facilities will only worsen the quality of service experienced by consumers across the country.
He called for stronger awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of protecting communication infrastructure.
He also emphasized that improving service delivery requires shared responsibility between operators, regulators, and citizens.
He appealed for collective action to safeguard telecom infrastructure, noting that its protection is key to improving connectivity and driving national development
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new digital customer support channels, including WhatsApp and live chat services, to improve accessibility and service delivery for Nigerians and legal residents seeking assistance with National Identification Number (NIN) related issues.
NIMC
NIMC disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and customer service reforms.
According to the commission, the new support channels include a live chat feature on its official website and an official WhatsApp platform designed to provide faster and more convenient access to customer support services.
Members of the public can now access support through the Live Chat feature on the NIMC website via www.nimc.gov.ng and the official WhatsApp support line: +234 701 566 6971.
The commission said the initiative aligns with efforts to improve public sector efficiency and enhance access to government services through technology-driven solutions.
NIMC noted that the new platforms would enable users to receive prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction without necessarily visiting physical offices.
The commission said the move reflects its commitment to service innovation, citizen-centred engagement, and efficient identity management service delivery.
Under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC said it had continued implementing reforms and digital solutions aimed at expanding access, strengthening public trust, and improving service delivery.
The commission encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise the official platforms for verified information, assistance, and updates on NIN services and related identity management matters.
It also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and engage only through official communication channels to avoid fraud, scams, and misinformation.
The statement was signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC.
As families across the world celebrate Mother’s Day, QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, honours mothers as the everyday force behind healthier homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities. From managing households and supporting family wellbeing to balancing careers and personal responsibilities, mothers play a central role in sustaining daily life. Yet, amid these responsibilities, their own wellness is often overlooked.
In today’s fast-paced environment, the demands of modern living continue to take a toll on human energy and well-being. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate that 75% of Nigerian employees experience work-related stress, with 60% reporting persistent feelings of overwhelm.
These pressures are often compounded by economic realities that require many individuals to juggle multiple responsibilities or income streams. For women, particularly mothers, this burden is even greater. Beyond professional demands, they often take on the primary role of managing household well-being, childcare, and daily routines.
This continuous cycle of responsibility leaves little time for rest, recovery, or intentional self-care, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental strain.
At the same time, access to basic wellness essentials remains a challenge. According to data from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, 28% of Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, approximately 75% lack basic sanitation, two-thirds do not live in premises with a handwashing facility that includes soap and water, while 20% practice open defecation.
In many homes, ensuring safe water and overall family health largely falls to mothers, further reinforcing their central role in household well-being. This reality highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating mothers who consistently take on this responsibility, often placing the needs of their families above their own.
Commenting on the significance of the global observance, Ayokunmi Solesi, General Manager for QNET Nigeria, said, “Mothers are the backbone of many households. They give their time, energy, and care so consistently that their own well-being can sometimes take a back seat. Mother’s Day is an important reminder that supporting mothers’ health and wellness is not just a personal priority, but a family and societal one.”
He added that this perspective aligns with QNET’s 2026 global campaign, “Energised, Every Day,” which focuses on practical solutions that support everyday living. “When mothers are well-supported and energised, it positively impacts the entire household. Wellness should be part of daily life.”
As conversations around health continue to evolve, there is a growing shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based wellness – simple, consistent actions that support long-term vitality. This includes prioritising proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and balance as part of everyday routines, particularly for individuals managing demanding schedules.
Supporting this approach, QNET offers a range of products designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Its nutritional supplement, EDG3 Plus, provides essential nutrients that contribute to daily vitality and help individuals maintain energy levels throughout busy days.
Recognising the importance of safe hydration in overall health, the HomePure Nova helps improve the quality of drinking water at home, supporting healthier households and reducing exposure to common water impurities.
In many Nigerian homes, where women play a key role in managing family health, access to cleaner water remains an essential part of everyday wellbeing.
Complementing this is the Amezcua Bio Disc 3, part of QNET’s wellness range, designed to support overall wellbeing across different aspects of daily life. Its versatile use within the home – from supporting food preservation to enhancing water quality and contributing to a more balanced living environment – makes it a practical wellness companion for families, particularly mothers managing multiple household needs.
As Mother’s Day is observed this year, QNET encourages families and communities to not only celebrate mothers but also to actively support their wellbeing. By creating healthier homes and encouraging better daily habits, the company reinforces its belief that true wellness begins with everyday choices and with those who hold the family together.
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