Telecom

NCC is a Flagship Public Institution Impacting Lives Positively – Alake of Egbaland

Published

4 years ago

May 7, 2022

L - R Mr. Clem Omife, Deputy Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Mr. Efosa Idehen, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC ; Hajiya Mistura Aruna, Assistant Director, NCC; HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the egba; Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management NCC; Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Zonal Controller, Lagos During the Courtesy visit to the Palace and Village Square Dialogue recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, has applauded the regulatory strides of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in ensuring accelerated growth of telecommunications sector, thus making the sector a flagship enabler of Nigeria’s prosperity.

L – R Mr. Clem Omife, Deputy Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Mr. Efosa Idehen, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC ; Hajiya Mistura Aruna, Assistant Director, NCC; HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the egba; Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management NCC; Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Zonal Controller, Lagos During the Courtesy visit to the Palace and Village Square Dialogue recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Paramount Ruler gave the commendation when the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM) of NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, led a delegation of NCC staff to the state where the maiden edition of the Village Square Dialogue (VSD) was organised by NCC in Abeokuta.

The VSD, a version of the Telecom Consumer Conversation (a strategic, multistakeholder consumer outreach programme of NCC), took place at the 92-year-old Centenary Hall, adjacent the Alake’s Palace.

The VSD is specially conceived by the NCC to interact with telecom consumers at the grassroots for the purpose of sensitising telecom consumers through information sharing, education and advocacy on telecommunications-related issues. Importantly, the forum provides opportunity for telecom consumers in the rural areas to make contributions to the governance process of the telecom ecosystem, and to equally engage their service providers to resolve complaints.

Oba Gbadebo, who was the Royal Father of the Day at the event, and was represented by Oluwo of Ake, Egbaland, Chief Samuel Tanimowo, said “One of the public institutions, whose activities are felt by the generality of Nigerians in many positive ways is NCC and the leadership of the Commission must be commended for its doggedness in ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the benefits of digital revolutions.”

The monarch, who was unequivocal in describing NCC as a flagship public institution positively impacting lives of all Nigerians, also particularly commended Adewolu, an indigene of the state, for his positive representation of the people of Owu Kingdom, Ogun State, where he hails from.

“We also thank you and your entire Board and Management for bringing the first edition of the Village Square Dialogue to us in Ogun State. This is a testament to how important you take our state, which has contributed tremendously to the socio-economic and political history of Nigeria,” the first-class monarch said.

The leading monarch’s assertion was underscored by the Iyaloja of Egbaland, Chief Oluwakemi Oloyede, who thanked the NCC for the sensitization programme, which she said, had benefited not only the market women and men who attended the event but also the entire telecom consumers present, who cut across social strata.

“We have listened to all you have told us as telecom consumers, we would always recall the information when you have left us and we would also ensure that we take all measures possible to join hands in protecting telecom facilities in our vicinities for improved quality of service delivery. From all indications, doing this is for our own benefits as consumers,” Iyaloja Oloyede stated with conviction of a good listener and leader.

Earlier in his welcome address, Adewolu, who once served as a Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs in the State, called on the community leaders and people of Ogun State to take ownership of telecommunications infrastructure in their localities and protect them from vandalism or theft.

The ECSM said Ogun State is central to telecoms growth in Nigeria in that it hosts one of the largest concentration of users of telecoms services in Nigeria, with an active subscriber base of over eight million users as at the Fourth Quarter of 2021, according to the data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“This huge subscriber base is supported by a dynamic ecosystem of service providers, dealers, marketers and innovators. We are, therefore, here to host the maiden edition of the NCC-instituted Village Square Dialogue and to salute the legendary entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Ogun State.

“On behalf of the Commission, I also thank you for the warm reception accorded us and the warmth traditionally accorded telecom service providers to bolster infrastructure development”, Adewolu said.

Addressing the audience further, Adewolu said telecoms services have long been recognised as the easiest and cheapest means of meeting critical socio-economic needs such as education, financial inclusion, economic empowerment and deepening social interactions.

Accordingly, Adewolu said the infrastructure through which these services are provided are called the “infrastructure of infrastructures” because they enable the digitization and seamless connectivity of all other socio-economic sectors.

“Without telecoms infrastructure, we cannot communicate with friends and family over long distances at the touch of a button, and we cannot conduct banking, insurance, governmental services, education, entertainment and many other activities with ease without telecommunications.

“This means that telecoms infrastructure are critical to modern existence, and we must all do what we can to ensure that we tackle anything that affects their seamless operation”, Adewolu emphasised.

“Issues like hostile communities, the theft of diesel, batteries and power-generating sets, digging up fiber lines, sealing/locking-up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites and such other illegal activities must be tackled decisively by all of us. I therefore urge you all to please see telecoms infrastructure as your own, and to protect them as communal property.

“Anybody that tampers with telecoms infrastructure is tampering with your future and the future of your children – they should be resisted and reported,” the ECSM stated.

Also at the event, NCC’s Director of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Efosa Idehen, made a presentation elucidating on how NCC protects the interests, rights and privileges of telecom consumers. The DCA emphasized consumer obligations, especially in the area of telecoms infrastructure protection in order to ensure improved quality of service (QoS) and better quality of experience (QoE).

Similarly, a Principal Manager in the Technical Standards and Network Integrity (TSNI) Department of NCC, Kunle Olorundare, spoke on contributions of telecoms to the economy, mobile network development, the benefits of telecoms, network outages and their causes, and he enjoined consumers to protect telecoms infrastructure.

“By protecting the infrastructure, you are protecting every service offered on the network. You are protecting your money (Mobile Banking), your Jobs (Recharge Card and Phone business), your children’s future (Learning on the internet) and even your community (Social communication),” Olorundare said to restate the centrality of telecommunications to individuals and businesses.

The event was oversubscribed as the venue was filled to the brim with traditional rulers and other community leaders, market women and men, other telecom consumers from all walks of life, and representatives of telecoms consumers and service providers.

Also, more than 90 per cent of the forum’s communication was conducted in Yoruba language which is spoken and understood by majority of the people in the environment, and also in Pidgin English. This choice of languages used at the forum enhanced comprehension and participation at event, and also bolstered the appreciation of the important role NCC plays in promoting the consolidation of the growth of the telecom industry.

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Ugo Onwuaso

Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Telecom

NCC Reports over 5,000 Fibre Cuts in 6 Months

Published

15 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that more than 5,000 fibre-optic cable cuts linked to road construction, excavation and related civil works were recorded in the first six months of 2026.

NCC Reports over 5,000 Fibre Cuts in 6 Months

The commission said that the damage is disrupting telecommunications services, increasing operators’ costs and exposing businesses and essential public services to avoidable interruptions.

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, disclosed the figure at a stakeholders’ workshop on the protection of fibre-optic infrastructure during road construction and rehabilitation.

He said the scale of the incidents showed the need to prevent damage rather than wait to repair networks after they had been cut

Maida said fibre networks support banking, healthcare, education, government services, commerce, security and emergency communications.

He recalled the widespread telecommunications disruption in February 2024, when fibre cuts affected millions of Nigerians and caused congestion on alternative networks as subscribers switched providers.

He said a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables had been established by the Federal Ministries of Works and Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to improve coordination before, during and after road construction.

The committee was later expanded to include the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps because of the critical nature of telecommunications infrastructure.

Raphael Adelador, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, said road construction and telecommunications infrastructure often occupy the same physical space, making coordination essential.

Adelador called for better mapping of fibre routes and improved information sharing so contractors and consultants know where telecommunications infrastructure is located before excavation begins.

He said damage to fibre networks could lead to service disruptions, lost productivity, financial losses and inconvenience to citizens.

Representing Nadungu Gagare, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Stanley Musa, director of Telecoms and Postal Services, said the protection of telecommunications infrastructure was a shared national responsibility.

The Permanent Secretary said that the government was working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen compliance with technical standards and right-of-way requirements, improve information sharing and develop clearer procedures for infrastructure protection.

Air Vice Marshal Effiom Ewa, director of Critical National Standards and Infrastructure Protection at the Office of the National Security Adviser, said fibre-optic infrastructure had been designated as critical national information infrastructure and warned that damage caused by negligence, interference or actions that expose the infrastructure to damage could attract legal consequences.

Air Vice Marshal Ewa called for strict compliance with established procedures during construction and maintenance activities.

The two-day workshop brought together representatives of government ministries and agencies, security organisations, telecommunications operators, contractors and other stakeholders to develop practical measures for reducing fibre damage during construction projects.

The stakeholders are expected to strengthen coordination, information sharing and accountability so that road development does not undermine the digital infrastructure supporting Nigeria’s economy.

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Telecom

ipNX Joins Calls for Innovation-Friendly Ecosystem and Stronger Local Opportunities at Regenesys AI Summit

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15 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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ipNX Nigeria has joined stakeholders at the Regenesys AI Summit to call for innovation-friendly regulations and stronger local opportunities. Chief Technology Architect, ipNX Nigeria, Oluwaseun Oluboyo, made the call for a collaborative approach to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria, and emphasized the need to foster innovation while developing enabling frameworks that support responsible adoption and sustainable growth.

Speaking during a panel session at the summit themed “The Future of Nigeria in the Age of AI,” Oluboyo encouraged business leaders, policymakers and technology stakeholders to create an environment where innovation can flourish through experimentation, collaboration and continuous learning.

“If you don’t try new things, if you only stick to what is familiar, we are not going to go progress as a society or an ecosystem,” he said. “Innovation requires the confidence to explore new ideas, while ensuring that customers remain protected.”

Reflecting on the rapid evolution of AI technologies, Oluboyo noted that governance frameworks should remain adaptable to accommodate emerging innovations and evolving industry needs.

“As technology continues to evolve, it is important that we focus on the outcomes we want to achieve while creating room for innovation. Organisations naturally build on what works, but continuous improvement is essential to unlocking new possibilities.”

He observed that creating a supportive innovation ecosystem will enable organisations to deploy AI responsibly while accelerating digital transformation across industries.

Oluboyo also highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s technology ecosystem by creating more opportunities for local talent to innovate, build and thrive within the country.

“We should continue creating the environment that makes Nigeria an attractive destination for innovation and enables our brightest talents to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

He noted that sustained investment in digital infrastructure, skills development and innovation ecosystems will be instrumental in positioning Nigeria to maximise the economic and societal benefits of Artificial Intelligence.

Held recently in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Regenesys AI Summit convened technology leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry experts to examine how Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping business models and redefining leadership priorities.

Other speakers on the panel were Ugo Umeseaka, COO, Redtech Limited; Oladele Adedoyin, Partnership Development Manager, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and Dr Oluwatomi Kogo, Managing Director, Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

The summit, themed “The Future of Nigeria in the Age of AI,” provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing and practical insights into the opportunities AI presents for economic growth, business innovation and national development.

As AI adoption continues to accelerate across Nigeria, conversations such as these remain essential in fostering collaboration among industry, academia and policymakers to ensure Artificial Intelligence is deployed responsibly, inclusively and for the benefit of society.

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Telecom

Google Selects Six Nigerian News Creators for Emerging Voices Growth Lab

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15 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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Google News Initiative (GNI) has selected six Nigerian independent news creators to participate in its Emerging News Voices Growth Lab for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Google Selects Six Nigerian News Creators for Emerging Voices Growth Lab

The selected Nigerian creators are Onlinebanker, Adetunji Films, More Branches TV, Wearegst, Iswellthecapitalist and The Republic.

They are part of a cohort of about 20 emerging news creators from across Sub-Saharan Africa participating in the multi-month virtual programme, which runs through September 2026.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of creator-led and digital-native newsrooms through practical training in artificial intelligence, video production, audience development, direct reader engagement and sustainable revenue strategies.

The GNI said the programme was developed in response to the changing way Nigerians, particularly younger audiences, discover and consume news through social-first channels and digital platforms.

According to the initiative, while creator-led journalism is expanding rapidly, many independent newsrooms operate with limited resources and do not have the same access to technology, training and revenue expertise available to established media organisations.

Participants in the Growth Lab will work with Google trainers and product experts across four key areas.

The first is AI in the newsroom, where participants will receive hands-on guidance on integrating tools such as Gemini, NotebookLM, Google Trends and SynthID into newsroom workflows for research, transcription, translation and verification.

The programme will also focus on video and audience growth, providing practical strategies for building YouTube channels and using both Shorts and long-form video to reach new audiences.

Another area is direct reader relationships, with participants expected to strengthen their open-web presence and newsletters in order to develop first-party audiences that newsrooms can directly engage.

The fourth area is sustainable revenue, with sessions covering monetisation strategies, product differentiation and audience growth models.

Marianne Erasmus, News Partnerships Lead, Middle East and Africa at Google, said independent news creators and digital-native newsrooms were increasingly shaping how Africans, particularly Nigerians, find and understand news.

“Independent news creators and digital-native newsrooms are shaping how Africans, and Nigerians in particular, find and understand the news,” Erasmus said.

She said the Growth Lab would equip emerging newsrooms with practical AI skills, video and audience strategies, direct relationships with readers and approaches to sustainable revenue.

Erasmus added that strengthening the capabilities and financial independence of emerging news voices would contribute to a more resilient, diverse and sustainable news ecosystem.

Wale Lawal, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Republic, said the programme was providing practical ways for the publication to combine audience insights, product thinking and responsible AI use.

“Google’s Emerging News Voices Growth Lab is giving us practical ways to combine audience insight, product thinking and the responsible use of AI as we build a more sustainable future for The Republic’s journalism,” Lawal said.

Similarly, Nasir Achile Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of MoreBranches, said the programme had provided practical resources, new tools and opportunities to connect with experts and fellow journalists.

Ahmed said the initiative had also provided information that validated some of the newsroom’s previous observations while equipping its team with knowledge on how to use new tools effectively.

He said the engagement with experts and fellow journalists had created a supportive environment for strengthening storytelling.

The Growth Lab emerged from the Global News Gap Project, a continent-wide mapping initiative conducted with Project Oasis and Code for Africa to identify independent African news creators and areas where emerging newsrooms require additional support.

The programme is part of Google’s broader support for the Nigerian media industry.

Since 2018, Google has supported newsroom transformation projects through the Google News Initiative and provided publishers with opportunities to strengthen their advertising revenue capabilities through the Ad Manager Academy.

Google said that since 2024, it had trained more than 1,500 Nigerian journalists and editors in areas including online safety, advanced Search, digital verification and audience analytics.

It also supports media skills development through its collaboration with the MTN Media Innovation Programme, where fellows receive practical training on AI as a productivity partner and newsroom technologies, including News Consumer Insights and Gemini.

The latest initiative reflects the growing importance of digital-native journalism as news consumption continues to shift towards social media, video platforms and other online channels.

Through the Growth Lab, GNI is seeking to help emerging news creators build stronger digital operations, expand their audiences and develop sustainable business models while responsibly adopting emerging technologies.

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