Telecom
NCC Highlights Role of ICT in Fighting Financial Crimes
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said effective application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is critical in combating financial crimes by enabling real-time surveillance, regulatory compliance, and secure data processing, just as it sought a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaborations to address issue of illicit financial flows in the country.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, who was a speaker at the 11th Anniversary Lecture Series of RealNews Magazine in Lagos on Tuesday, where he was also inducted into the RealNews Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution as Guest of Honour at the event, said robust ICT systems are critical for preventing and investigating financial crimes or mitigating the risks associated with virtual assets in the financial markets.
Maida, who was represented at the forum by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, described financial crimes as “criminal activities that involve transactions, abuse, misuse, deception, or manipulation of financial systems for personal gain.” He said the crimes also include a wide range of offenses such as Insider abuse, money laundering, terrorism financing, embezzlement and all kinds of fraud.
He said while financial crimes do not only have a huge economic and social impact but can also be linked to violent crimes that lead to loss of lives, they also threaten the integrity, trustworthiness, stability, security, safety, and future of an entity such as a country, enterprise or an individual.
Maida told the audience comprising representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), among other stakeholders, that the scope of financial crimes has broadened and created further concerns as a result of increasing adoption of digital technologies, the emergence of new technologies, and the often-transnational nature of the crimes.
The Nigeria’s chief telecom regulator said though, as ICT systems get more complex, so do cybercriminal activities, just as criminal actors take advantage of the inherent and emerging flaws identified in the ICT systems exploiting these flaws and causing harm, the same technology has to be positioned to track movement of illicit movement of funds in and out of the country.
“Nigeria’s telecoms sector has grown significantly, resulting in massive amounts of data being generated on a daily basis, the advent of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) provides a gateway to identify suspicious digital patterns indicative of crime.
“Through partnerships with financial institutions data can be filtered to identify these suspicious patterns and nip them in the bud. These technologies provide real-time transaction monitoring, allowing for a proactive approach to crime prevention” Maida said.
Maida further stated that to combat financial crimes, innovative solutions such as blockchain, instant payments, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, regulatory technology solutions, and automated procedures are being deployed, adding that the use of technological tools has made it significantly easier to deal with financial crime while building a long term strategy for combating it.
Meanwhile, Maida stated that, aside ensuring increased access to telecommunications services, the Commission has established the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), a group of experts in the Commission to handles security incidents that can affect the operations of organisations and individuals; incorporated biometric authentication in the use of telecom services and financial transactions on telecom carriers with strict enforcement of compliance by the licensees; as well as enabling digital forensics, among others.
In addition to the need for public education and understanding of internet safety, which are important in limiting the risks linked with the spread of criminality via technology, Maida emphasized the need for increased collaboration and international cooperation to effectively tackle financial crime.
“Also, continued investment in ICT solutions, as well as a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder strategy, combining technology specialists, legal professionals, and legislators, as a critical approach in keeping up with emerging criminal methods,” he said.
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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