Telecom
Lagos Pockets Some N4.6Bn from Telcos in 2019

A research conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has shown that Lagos State earned a total of N4.6 billion from different kinds of charges from telecoms operators in 2019.

The study examined the quantum of taxes, levies, and fees collected by state governments and their impact on the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.
The report stated that the Lagos State Government collected the highest amount of taxes, fees, and levies from telecoms operators in Nigeria.
The telecoms companies that submitted the amount paid as taxes, levies, permits, and fees to Lagos State Government included Airtel, MTN, 9mobile, IHS Nigeria, VDT Communications Limited, and ATC Nigeria.
Analyses of the report showed that MTN paid N4.52bn to the state government; Airtel paid N75.72m; and 9mobile paid N11.6m.
Also, IHS Nigeria, a telecom infrastructure service provider company, paid N66.12m to the Lagos State Government in 2019.
VDT, an Internet service provider, paid N2.84m while ATC Nigeria, a telecoms infrastructure company, paid N2.08m.
Findings showed that Lagos State accounted for 32.36 per cent of the total taxes, levies, and fees collected by all states in the country.
Next to Lagos State, the study revealed that Gombe State collected 10.29 per cent of the total taxes, levies, and fees of all the states, followed by Delta State with 8.91 per cent.
The study found that taxes charged by state governments on telecommunications operators in Nigeria have a negative impact on their expansion and coverage of unserved areas.
It said, “This was shown in the positive relation that existed between state-level taxes and high unserved areas within the state.
“Nevertheless, other bills and charges such as fees, permits, and others have a positive impact and result in lower unserved areas within the state. Levies as studied do not have a statistically significant impact on unserved areas.”
Analysts at the NCC recommended a review of the government policy on taxation in order for the country to fully reap the socio-economic benefits of the telecommunications sector.
The report said, “Government clearly has a right to impose taxes on businesses that operate and benefit from the public amenities, infrastructure and social services it provides. The expectation however is that a balance can be struck between the legitimate expectations of government and the certainty and fairness businesses expect for them to pursue and achieve their business objectives.
“Uncertainties over taxes and levies affect investment decisions and the anticipated taxes and levies are expectedly built into the cost of services and products and ultimately passed on to subscribers. There is, therefore, a need for urgent action on multiple taxation of the telecoms industry.”
The commission said due to the critical nature or services provided by the telecoms sector to the Nigerian economy, there was a need for urgent action to address the taxation challenges in order to avoid a slump in the sector and Nigeria in general.
The regulatory body advises the government to pursue the implementation of the National Tax Policy and the establishment of a Telecom Finance Corporation to provide additional investment for the industry.
It called on the Nigeria Governors Forum to ensure the implementation of the resolution of the National Executive Council on multiple taxation and regulation.
Telecom
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
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