General News
IHS Nigeria Commits to National Security @ the Unveiling of the NCTC Strategic Plan
IHS Nigeria, the country’s leading communications infrastructure provider and a subsidiary of the IHS Towers Group, joined senior government officials, security leaders, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, and senior private-sector stakeholders at the official unveiling of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
The event which held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, marked an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s national security coordination and response architecture.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer (CCSO) for IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla, who represented the company, reaffirmed the company’s continued commitment to partnering with the NCTC to advance Nigeria’s security priorities through secured and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.
“Our towers, fibre networks, and other connectivity infrastructure are more than physical assets, they are digital lifelines that connect and propel the economy. They are also critical for national security,” he said, while emphasizing the company’s long-standing partnership with national security institutions.
“With the number of towers and other infrastructure we own and operate across the country, we consider ourselves strategic partners to the Government for the enhancement of national security. We congratulate the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NCTC, and all partners on the successful launch of the Strategic Plan. IHS Nigeria remains committed to providing the infrastructure and collaboration required to safeguard Nigeria’s future.” He added.
Also in attendance was Mr. Ayotade Oyinlola, Group Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of IHS Towers, whose presence underscored the company’s strong commitment to national development and public–private partnership.
The event commenced with remarks by Major General A.G. Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, who spoke on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. He highlighted the evolving nature of terrorism in Nigeria and stressed the need for a coordinated, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-centered approach.
He described the Strategic Plan being launched as a renewed national commitment to prevention, countering violent extremism, and strengthening Nigeria’s regional leadership in counterterrorism.
Additional goodwill messages came from representatives of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and the African Union Commission, who joined other partners in commending the Federal Government and the NCTC for providing a clear and coordinated framework to strengthen counterterrorism efforts across the country. They emphasized that collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained investment remain critical to securing long-term national stability and resilience.
The Strategic Plan was reviewed by Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, who outlined the document’s core priorities. He emphasized that the plan provides a measurable, results-driven roadmap that strengthens intelligence capabilities, enhances interagency coordination, integrates technology-enabled solutions, and promotes community-based and non-kinetic strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism. He noted that the plan also aims to strengthen Nigeria’s regional leadership role and position the NCTC as a centre of excellence.
The President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, in his keynote address described the document as a clear, pragmatic, and forward-looking national commitment to safeguarding communities and strengthening institutional resilience.
He noted that the unveiling marks a renewed collective resolve to advance national security, emphasizing that its successful implementation will require shared responsibility across government, the private sector, and local communities.
Following the unveiling, dignitaries and partners made financial commitments to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Commodore Ahmad Madawaki.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has explained why kidnappers and terrorists are not always traceable despite the country’s expanding digital identity infrastructure.
NIMC explanation pointed to a simple but significant gap in the system.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the agency said that: “A lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted, which means how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
Coker-Odusote spoke during an appearance on Channels Television, where she was asked to explain why criminals remain difficult to trace despite the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage policy.
She said criminals frequently frustrate investigations by using mobile phones belonging to their victims, instead of their own registered lines.
“We already know the NIN is the foundational identity for the security architecture, but a lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted. Which means, how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
She also suggested that some criminal elements involved in kidnapping operations may not even be captured in Nigeria’s identity database.
“There is a theory that it may be possible that these kidnappers are not Nigerians and are brought into the country 48 or 72 hours before a kidnapping takes place specifically for that purpose. I’m not insinuating anything, but if that were the case, they naturally would not be captured in our database,” she added.
The comments have revived questions about whether expectations placed on the NIN-SIM linkage have exceeded what the system was designed to deliver.
The NIN-SIM linkage exercise was introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with NIMC to strengthen identity management, eliminate anonymous SIM ownership and support national security.
Over the years, the exercise resulted in millions of subscribers linking their SIM cards with their National Identification Numbers, while telecom operators also deactivated millions of lines that failed to comply with regulatory directives.
Earlier, the NCC maintained that the policy was aimed at improving the integrity of Nigeria’s SIM registration database, strengthening identity verification and supporting security agencies in criminal investigations.
The regulator also described the exercise as an important component of the country’s digital economy and national security framework.
Telecommunications operators have consistently maintained that while they play a critical role in implementing the NIN-SIM linkage policy, they are not responsible for tracking criminals.
Quest Merchant Bank recently hosted the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a high-performance workplace culture and advancing people-centric leadership practices.
The Study Mission serves as a collaborative learning platform that brings together Great Place to Work® Certified organizations to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen workplace cultures.
The event welcomed Human Resources leaders and representatives from FITC, Princeps Credit Systems, Tonic Technologies and Esentry Limited for an engaging and insightful session focused on building thriving workplace cultures, promoting continuous learning, and advancing employee-centric practices that drive organizational success.
Speaking at the event, Tolulope Dayo-Peters, Head of People Management, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in building sustainable workplace cultures.
“We are delighted to host the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission. At Quest Merchant Bank, we believe building a great workplace is an ongoing journey rooted in trust, purposeful leadership, and a genuine commitment to our people.
“We are pleased to share the practices that have shaped our culture and look forward to more opportunities to learn and collaborate with like-minded organizations.”
Also speaking at the event, Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director/CEO, Quest Merchant Bank Limited, highlighted the critical role workplace culture plays in driving long-term business success.
“We recognize that a strong workplace culture is fundamental to sustainable business success. Creating an environment where our people are empowered to grow, innovate, and perform at their best enables us to consistently deliver value to our clients and stakeholders. We are proud to support initiatives like the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission that encourage organizations to learn from one another and collectively raise the standard of workplace excellence in Nigeria.”
The Study Mission reinforced the importance of collaboration among organizations committed to creating exceptional employee experiences.
By providing a platform for open dialogue, peer learning, and the exchange of practical ideas, the initiative enabled participants to explore innovative approaches to employee engagement, organizational culture, leadership development, and talent management while strengthening a growing community of employers dedicated to workplace excellence.
Hosting the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission further strengthens Quest Merchant Bank’s position as a thought leader in workplace culture and talent management.
It also enhances the Bank’s employer brand and demonstrates its unwavering commitment to creating an environment where employees can grow, innovate, and achieve their full potential.
Quest Merchant Bank remains committed to championing initiatives that promote learning, innovation, and people-centric leadership. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, the Bank continues to contribute to the advancement of exceptional workplace cultures and the future of work across Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has warned of possible floods in parts of Adamawa, Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Borno states within the next seven days.
According to information posted on NIHSA X handle, the Agency announced medium flood advisory in force for the next 7 days across Adamawa, Bauchi, and 11 other States.
“Localised inundation is forecast along the main channel; named communities below sit on the projected footprint. Stations: Saminara on the Karam river, Waya Dam Site on the Waya river, Amber on the Amber river.
“Adamawa; Lemsa, Lamurde, Numan Exposure: 147 comm. 49 schis 40 hith 6 mkts17 relig. Bauchi-Bauchi, Ningi, Shira. Exposure: 4 comm. Kaduna; Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaura, Kauru, +6 more. Exposure: 1 comm.
“Borno-Gubio, Mobbar. Exposure: 680 comm. 8 schls 6 hith 5 mkts 21 relig. Edo-Akoko-Ed, EtsakoEa, EtsakoWe, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmw, OviaNort, OviaSo.. Exposure: 3 comm.
“Imo-Aboh-Mba, Oguta, Ohaji/Eg, Okigwe, Owerri North, Owerri West. Exposure: 3 comm. 7 more states affected and severity LGAs”.
NIHSA advised people in the affected areas to “do NOT cross flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water on foot or by vehicle.
“Clear drainage channels and river-mouth blockages; avoid building or living in the floodplain and move people, livestock and valuables from the floodplain to pre-identified higher ground,” NIHSA stated.
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