General News
Local Operators Need Protection-Banjo
Engr. Bayo Banjo, managing director and chief executive officer of Disc Communications Limited is one of Nigeria’s pioneer cable and satellite television stations in Nigeria.
He is passionate about the communications industry which also helped nurture from the cradle. Banjo spoke to hilary okeke on a wide range of issues.
Regulatory Environment, QoS and Competition
We cannot deny that the quality of service in the country is very low. If what we are experiencing in Lagos is considered bad, I can assure you that what is experienced outside Lagos is worse. I do not think the NCC understands their role as regards corrections and Quality of Service. If the regulator imposes adequate sanctions on service providers, you will see; Quality of Service will improve. Which is the way out? I think number portability is it. The kind of penalties attached to ensure that this is enforced must be draconian. The idea of number portability implies that one can move from one network to another with the same phone number. Most people do not like to change their phone numbers; they like people to know them with a particular number. Now, not only will that make the GSM companies gear up, it will also open the door for what we call localized GSM companies. For instance, if I felt Sokoto state was not covered properly, I can apply for license to do GSM operations there alone and provide excellent service to such a degree that people coming into the state can switch over to my network without changing their numbers. That is real competition. It means people can concentrate on a particular area and focus their efforts there. Why would it not work? It is because the big networks will sabotage other smaller ones. Quality of Service is bad, we all know that. I mean, we even have cases where operators tell you that they cannot give you details of your calls because you are a prepaid subscriber. Can you imagine that? Look at how criminal it is. You are taking my money and you cannot tell me how I spent it because I paid in advance? The person paying in advance should be the most valued customer because you are getting his money in advance. All these atrocities are going on and the regulators seem not to be doing anything. There are certain things you see wrong that should be addressed without anybody complaining. The profits that some of these cellular companies declare are so large that they can remedy all these issues. The only issues that are at par with quality of Service issue are probably sabotage and theft and those are reaching epidemic proportions. A lot of wire companies are closing down because of this menace; they cannot stem the tides of cable vandalism. And most of the time, this crime is perpetrated by this poor people who steal this copper cables and sell as scrap. The cities have better security records than the rural areas and to get better security, one needs to install his equipment within someone else’s premises.
Dominance of Satellite TV
It is not healthy in the sense that with such an organization that is actually controlled by another country and of course, they have the support that the local companies here do not have because in that country, the government recognizes the importance of the media; they recognize that the media can be used to topple government, control the views and feelings of the public. The local operators need more protection. The NBC has tried in this regards, I think they also need help at the legislative level. Let us look at the supposedly freest country in the world in terms of business, which is America. You cannot be in broadcasting business if you are not an American citizen. During the indigenization exercise way back in the 70s, people would establish a company in their houseboy’s name without his knowledge and still run the company as it is. If a foreigner wants to cause damage, he can do that and go back to his own country but if a Nigerian causes damage, he stays here, his family is here. Even the land that claims it is the land of the free has limits to that freedom. On the other hand, Multichoice has shown professionalism; you can see how they operate and many have even tried to copy their model, some with great success. The only thing I have an issue with, luckily Multichoice is trying to correct that, is the focus on foreign materials. As we can see, that company has made great strides to enhance its local content. From what I understand, even though they are our competitor, they are now engaging in covering our local league. I think they were airing the Glo league and they have brought equipment to cover more leagues. To me, it is a very good development.
Merger of NCC and NBC
I am confused at the concept of that merger, particularly in an African country where control of the media and broadcast is more important; it is second only to defense. The most important thing in most countries is defense; I mean, if you do not have defense, your country is nowhere. The next weapon in any country is the media, broadcast, I have always argued. The Soviet Union was toppled using the media propaganda. It was toppled without firing a shot. Now here, you want them to merge based on the fact that both platforms would be able to carry telecommunications and broadcasting? I think you must separate the people who monitor content because the focus of the NCC is on the money that they make; the 2.5% charges, etc. But in broadcasting, you have to focus on the content of programmes, how does it influence our youth. When you look at the council that set up the concept of the merger, I think the NBC had only one or two representatives. We got those priorities wrong. It is like somebody telling you that how you bring up a child is not important and you are busy chasing money up and down. So, that is one thing I do expect from Government, to realize that the NBC is in fact, a very important organization; far more important than the NCC in function and duty – you cannot even compare their functions; they do not even come close. The one is dealing with our sociology, our livelihood our culture and the other is just dealing with collecting money. I am confused with the merger – are we trying to copy some other countries? The only countries that merge the two are cultureless countries. Countries that are growing in leaps and bounds, such as China and the U.A.E are very careful about what they introduce into their societies. Even the average U.S citizen – is he aware of what is going on? Luckily, we Nigerians are used to looking at things our own way and it is difficult to fool us. Broadcasting is all about propaganda, it affects the mind, the way you think, your attitude; it should not be taken lightly. The most powerful Union in the world was toppled using the media. Communication does not come anywhere near broadcasting. I hope there will be a good response to the merger. If it is about the issue of frequency, we have a frequency management board, which is independent of both bodies. Why do you need to merge them? I would have thought that in a third world country, you should be able to monitor your broadcast with better sense of purpose. That should be the focus. But in a merger, people will move to where there is money, the telecoms.
Fringe Players in the Converging Arena
In broadcasting, yes they stand a chance. You see, the NBC as it is presently constituted, has always encouraged small operators. Two groups can merge, if the composition at the top and the ideology given to them is right, then you would have a good organization. Wherever you find government bodies, they are usually separated so that they can pressurize and focus on what they are set up to do. The tendency that the merged bodies would be able monitor and give the relevance and importance that is deserving of broadcasting is very low. That is the way I look at it because it is natural to focus on the one that brings in more money. Secondly, in broadcasting, there is the responsibility to do screening; you are applying philosophy, sociology and whatever to what is there; in communications, you just have your rules and regulations; you just follow them strictly, as much as you can. For example, you may have a 24-hour Christian programme broadcast in Imo state. There might be no objection, but that same programme broadcasting in Zamfara state would be seen as an attempt to undermine the people there. However, the telecoms are above board, it does not involve these feelings; it has to do with a specific service. It has nothing to do with the sentiments and beliefs of the people. In the South, you can make jokes but in the North, it may not be possible. So, what kinds of people make these judgments? It is really professionals who have been in that field, properly trained broadcast professionals. In telecoms, any good engineer who has managerial skills can take over the reins. But in broadcasting, you need to have flair or feel for it.
Local Content, Educative and Entertaining
Well as for entertaining, that has to do with your revenue. You have to do a programme that is entertaining or else nobody will buy your product. In the case of local content, the government has done very well. In the past 50 years, the NBC has increased its local content requirements and you can see the results immediately. In the telecoms, the Nitel monopoly was broken. In the past, we use to have about 400, 000 lines in the whole country but today, it is well over 30 million. In broadcasting, everybody was doing foreign programmes and they insisted on local content, look at what is happening with our Nollywood – there is an explosion now, broadcasters are now bringing out Nollywood channels. Government is meant to act like a father and not leave people to their own devices; they should realize what they are there to do and enhance it.
Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has confirmed two cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox- an infectious viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus.
KNCDC however said that both patients affected have fully recovered and discharged from medical facility.
Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, director general of KNCDC, disclosed this during a media parley on Monday, revealing that the cases were recorded in Kano Municipal local government area and Ungogo local government areas, respectively.
“We have handled both cases successfully. The patients have been treated and discharged home,” Prof. Abbas stated, adding that all traced contacts, however, tested negative for the disease.
He explained that the confirmation comes following an advisory from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), urging heightened vigilance against potential disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola, Lassa fever, Marburg, and Mpox.
Prof. Abbas emphasised Kano’s vulnerability as Nigeria’s commercial hub, noting the constant influx and outflow of people. “Even though we don’t have international borders, we border states that do have international boundaries with neighbouring countries, making vigilance highly necessary,” he explained.
“The KNCDC conducted comprehensive contact tracing for the Ungogo case, testing samples from the patient’s community and two hospitals he visited.
“All contacts were monitored for the maximum allowable follow-up period and remained negative,” he stated.
The Director General stressed the critical role of public enlightenment in preventing infectious disease spread, calling on media organisations to amplify health communication efforts across communities.
“The media has been our friend even before the establishment of this center. With the signing of the bill creating the Kano State Center for Disease Control, we believe our first major engagement should be with media members,” Prof. Abass said.
He urged residents to remain alert while assuring that the state’s disease surveillance and response systems were fully operational and at alert to handle any potential outbreaks or emerging threats in the State.
General News
LBS Described Digital Transformation in Banking, Others as Fueling Nigeria’s Economic Evolution
The Lagos Business School (LBS) has described digital transformation in banking, finance, and taxation as “an interconnected force” fuelling Nigeria’s economic evolution. The Dean, Lagos Business School, Professor Olayinka David-West, stated this at the 35th annual conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) held over the weekend in Lagos under the theme, “Bracing for the Digital Economy in Nigeria: Taxation, Banking and Finance.”
The conference saw industry stakeholders, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and leading banks converging to share insights and shape the country’s digital economy roadmap.
David-West, who was represented by Prof. Akintola Owolabi, Department of Cost and Management Accounting at LBS, emphasised the need for Nigeria to embark on a transformative digital journey that can redefine its economy and significantly improve the quality of life for its citizens.
She said: “Seamless digital payment systems underpin efficient tax collection; widening financial inclusion expands the taxable base; and transaction data powers evidence-based policy and enforcement.”
David-West also noted that the country’s e-commerce market is expected to exceed $16 billion by 2030, supported by pioneering platforms like Jumia and Konga.
She affirmed that the strategic vision at LBS aligns closely with advancing digital transformation and promoting financial inclusion, aiming to develop the leaders needed to navigate and drive this emerging landscape.
The LBS Dean said: “Nigeria’s digital economy is undergoing remarkable growth, energised by a young and dynamic population alongside rapid digital adoption. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s 2024 report, internet penetration has reached 43.5 per cent, with over 163 million Nigerians online as of March 2024.
The telecommunications sector contributes around 18 to 20 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, highlighting the vital role of information and communication technology (ICT) as a driving force in the economy.”
She pointed out that, “this digital revolution transcends statistics; it reshapes commerce, services, and livelihoods. Our burgeoning e-commerce market, projected to exceed $16 billion by 2030, is fuelled by trailblazing platforms like Jumia and Konga.
“Innovative logistics startups such as Kwik and GIGL illustrate how digital technologies spawn entirely new value chains, enhancing efficiencies and expanding economic opportunities. Such developments promise exponential employment gains, diversification away from oil dependence, and transformative service delivery across sectors.”
According to her, with Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem attracting over $2 billion in investments in 2024, thus sustaining its position as the continent’s financial technology powerhouse, the country’s financial sector “is both a driver and beneficiary of the digital revolution.”
David-West highlighted how digital payments and mobile money services can serve as a foundation for formalising vast informal sectors, enhancing tax compliance, and integrating businesses into formal financial systems.
She, however, said: “Several challenges remain that require immediate attention, including infrastructure deficits such as unreliable electricity and limited broadband access in rural areas, as well as a shortage of digital skills that restrict economic participation.
“It is essential for regulators to carefully navigate the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection amid rapid technological advancements.”
In his address, the chairman of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Mr. Chima Titus Nwokoji, said: “This year, our conference theme is both timely and urgent, focusing on the digital economy, taxation, banking, and finance. Globally, the digital economy has evolved from being merely a promising frontier to a critical backbone of modern growth.
“In Nigeria and across Africa, we find ourselves on the brink of a significant transformation driven by data, digital payments, artificial intelligence, and cross-border innovation.”
He noted that “Current statistics underscore our potential: the ICT sector contributed 18.3 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2025, and digital payment transactions exceeded N600 trillion in the first half of the same year, showcasing a 22 per cent year-on-year growth. Mobile money usage has surpassed 73 million, successfully reaching rural communities that were previously excluded.
“To further solidify these advancements, the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced the Payment System Vision 2020, a comprehensive blueprint for our digital future, incorporating AI, blockchain settlements, and cross-border payments enabled by the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
He pointed out that no robust digital economy can flourish without an equitable and effective tax Framework.”
Tecom, in partnership with Huawei, is set to host the Huawei–Tecom MiniFTTO Solutions Launch Event on Thursday September 25, 2025, at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Themed “Fiber for Every Business: Powering Connectivity into the Future”, the event which is free and open for registration via https://rb.gy/cjo48a will spotlight Huawei’s Mini Fiber To The Office (MiniFTTO) solution — an innovation designed to address the networking challenges of institutions and businesses of all sizes across Nigeria.
The Huawei MiniFTTO solution is built on F5G technologies and delivers high-performance all-optical networking tailored for diverse environments such as schools, universities, banks, hotels, government institutions, and private sector businesses. By extending fiber to every corner of an organization, MiniFTTO ensures superior user experience, simplified operations, easier maintenance, cost-effective deployment, and seamless management via mobile applications.
Speaking ahead of the event, Happiness Obioha, Managing Director of Tecom, highlighted the solution’s strategic importance for Nigeria’s digital economy: “MiniFTTO is a game-changer for Nigerian businesses and institutions. Many organizations face challenges with poor connectivity, high maintenance costs, and inefficient networks.
“With this solution, Huawei and Tecom are delivering enterprise-grade networking that is accessible, affordable, and easy to manage — enabling organizations to unlock productivity and long-term growth.”
As Huawei’s newly appointed Gold Distributor in Nigeria, Tecom will drive the adoption of MiniFTTO alongside Huawei’s broader eKit portfolio, which includes networking, collaboration, data storage, and cybersecurity products.
This partnership positions Tecom to deliver not only cutting-edge solutions like the Huawei OptiXstar series terminals (EG8145B7-50, V166a-20, C610, B866G-S2, C810E) but also the technical expertise and support required to ensure smooth implementation for Nigerian institutions and enterprises.
The launch event will bring together Internet Service Providers, telecommunications companies, enterprise resellers, corporates, banks, hotels, schools, universities, estate managers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to explore firsthand how Huawei’s MiniFTTO and eKit solutions can revolutionize operations.
Attendees will gain practical insights, engage with industry experts, and discover new pathways to digital transformation.
The Huawei–Tecom collaboration underscores a shared vision of bridging connectivity gaps across institutions and businesses, providing them with tools to scale, innovate, and thrive in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
For event registration, partnerships, and media inquiries, please contact:
sales@tecom.com.ng | +234 905800 4980 | https://rb.gy/cjo48a .
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