The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has attributed temporary disruption affecting SIM-related services across all mobile networks in Nigeria to a recent directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), mandating our Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) members to transit to a new identity verification platform.

In a statement signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, explained that the migration process, which directly impacts real-time identity verification required for SIM registration, SIM replacement, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and other related services, has introduced unforeseen technical challenges that are currently affecting service availability nationwide.

“While the new platform is intended to enhance the integrity and efficiency of identity management in Nigeria, unfortunately, the transition has temporarily impacted the ability of MNOs to deliver seamless SIM-related services.

“During this period, MNOs will not be able to support, SIM Swap, SIM replacement, activation of new subscribers and other SIM-related services,” the statement noted.

ALTON however, assured that its member companies remain fully committed to regulatory compliance and are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other relevant authorities to resolve the integration issues as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause to millions of subscribers who depend on these services for communication, business, and daily activities. We sincerely apologize for the disruption and kindly advise subscribers to postpone visits to service centers for SIM related transactions until further notice.

“We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves and remains committed to ensuring the delivery of secure, reliable, and high-quality telecommunications services to all Nigerians,” ALTON stated.

Konga, Nigeria’s trailblazing composite e-commerce giant, is marking a remarkable 13-year journey of innovation, impact, and transformation in digital commerce with an explosive month-long celebration — the Konga 13th Anniversary Sale.

From July 1st to 31st, 2025, shoppers across Nigeria can unlock unbeatable deals. The 13th Konga Anniversary Sale is themed Yafun Yafun Deals and it has lined up a celebration packed with unbeatable deals and exciting offers, such as massive discounts of up to 50%, thrilling flash sales, free delivery on select items, and exclusive bundle offers across all categories — in what promises to be the biggest shopping event of the summer.

Konga embarked on a mission to revolutionize retail in Nigeria when it was launched as a simple online platform in 2012. Following acquisition by the Zinox Group, what began as a bold digital venture has undergone a remarkable transformation and quickly grew into a household name.

Launched in 2012 as a pioneering online marketplace, Konga has evolved, post its strategic acquisition by the Zinox Group, into a powerful digital ecosystem, reshaping how Nigerians shop, pay, travel, access healthcare, and experience media. Today, Konga proudly operates eight fast-growing verticals: Konga Online, KongaPay, Konga Health, Konga Travel and Tours, Konga Corporate, Konga Logistics, Konga Retail, and Konga Communications (Konga TV and FM).

Through years of relentless innovation, Konga has not only driven Nigeria’s digital economy forward but has also empowered thousands of businesses, bridged access gaps, created employment, and fostered financial inclusion across the nation.

Commenting on this significant anniversary, Nnamdi Ekeh, Group CEO, Konga, expressed profound appreciation. “Thirteen years ago, Konga set out to transform Nigeria’s commerce landscape. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made – not just in e-commerce, but in fostering digital inclusion and supporting countless businesses.

“This Anniversary Sale is our way of saying a massive thank you to our customers, partners, and everyone who has journeyed with us. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering unmatched value as we look forward to even greater achievements in the years to come,” he added.

Also commenting on the anniversary, Dave Omeregie, Chief Operating Officer, Konga, added, “Our journey has been one of relentless innovation, operational excellence, and an unshakable commitment to customer satisfaction. As we celebrate 13 years, we are doubling down on our mission to lead Africa’s digital commerce frontier.

“From last-mile delivery to secure payments, healthcare access, and smart retailing, Konga has built a unique infrastructure that is enabling real change. This anniversary is not just about the past — it’s a statement of intent for the future.”

This year’s Yafun Yafun Deals is more than a promotional event — it’s a tribute to the millions of Nigerians who have made Konga their go-to platform for convenience, quality, and trust. From premium electronics to everyday essentials, the 13th Anniversary Sale delivers unbeatable value and excitement to homes and businesses alike.

The Konga 2025 Anniversary Sale is more than just a promotional event; it’s a celebration of Nigeria’s digital evolution and Konga’s enduring commitment to its people. Shoppers can participate in the Konga 13th Anniversary Sale by visiting Konga (https://www.konga.com) or downloading the Konga App. Nigerians are invited to join the festivities and take advantage of the extraordinary deals available throughout July.

As part of activities commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the MTN Foundation, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted a national conference in Abuja under the banner of its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).

The event, which took place on Thursday, 26th June 2025, at State House, Abuja, brought together stakeholders across government, civil society, the diplomatic corps, and the private sector to spotlight Nigeria’s fight against substance abuse.

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, represented by The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated, “World Drug Day isa wake-up call. It urges us to take urgent, evidence-based action to confront illicit drug use and trafficking—crises that continue to destroy lives, shatter families, and undermine the very fabric of our communities.” He concluded by saying, “This is not just the responsibility of the government, it is a shared human duty—to ensure that the road to recovery is accessible for all.”

Representing Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, Non-Executive Director, MTN Foundation, also added, “This is all our fight, and we need to play a part in sensitising communities and developing new policies to counter this scourge.

“At our Foundation, we’re facilitating discussions at stakeholder conferences likethis, educating communities in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and hosting a quiz competition to increase awareness among 86,400students and 1,440 teachers from 144 public secondary schools in 12 States.

“This of course, is in addition to the advocacy walks in tertiary institutions across Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and Lagos States, and our partnership with the NDLEA on their 24/7 toll-free psycho-social support helpline for affected youth.”

Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of NDLEA, highlighted the role of the NDLEA and welcomed the continued support of partners like the MTN Foundation and the UNODC. “To battle the scourge of drugs, which has been linked to terrorism and banditry, prevention remains the most proactive approach in the fight against drug intakeand traffic in our communities.

“The importance of prevention is the fight against illicit drugs. We have seen the case of people using drugs rise globally. The World Drug report of 2024 states that drug use globally has increased significantly to 209 million people, a 20% rise over the last decade.

“The costly practices of drugs in terms of death and toll on individuals are high. We learnt from the World Drug Report of 2022 that drug use abuse killed almost half a million people in 2019. This should sound an alarm bell that something must be done,” he stated.

Other highlights from the event included a youth-led drama performance by the University of Abuja Theatre Group, a documentary screening on the effects of drug abuse, and a prize presentation to the winners of the inter-secondary school essay competition. The programme also featured remarks from a young person with lived experience, Saadatu Usman Mohammed, and a guest lecture delivered by Dr. Abubakar Salami.

Since its launch in2019, ASAP has worked to combat substance abuse through sustained behavioural change campaigns, advocacy, and educational outreach targeted at young Nigerians. The 2025 conference reaffirmed the foundation’s role as a committed partner in supporting national efforts to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse across the country.