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NCC Puts Losses to Call Masking, SIM Boxing @ $3Bn

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that the sector loses about $3billion in revenue occasioned by call masking/refiling and SIM boxing.

 

Prof. Garba Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Commission, said that “SIM boxing or Interconnect By-pass Fraud (IBF) is one of the most prevalent frauds in the telecom industry today and it is estimated to be costing the industry $3 billion in lost revenue,” Danbatta disclosed.

 

Themed “Overcoming the Challenges of Call Masking/Refiling: Task Ahead for the Telecoms Industry”, Danbatta stated that the topic of the meeting was carefully chosen to brainstorm on the menace of call masking/refining and SIM boxing, their dangers to the industry and how the menace can be curbed.

 

Danbatta who was represented by represented by Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, director, consumer affairs at t the 85th Edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) in Lagos, said that call masking is a worrisome development that constitutes serious challenges not only to the telecoms industry, but also poses serious security threats to the entire country.

 

The EVC went further to explain that “Call masking/refiling basically happens when an international call is terminated in Nigeria as a local number and the perpetrators have ulterior motive of profiting from price differentials between international and local calls.”

 

Further Danbatta said “As a commission, we have discovered that call masking is being perpetrated with small movable devices called SIM boxes, which are electronic boxes loaded with SIM numbers.

 

“A SIM box has capacity to receive and transmit calls undetected.

 

“However, the challenge is that these SIM boxes are never type-approved by the commission, a clear indication that they are being used illegally in the country.”

 

Speaking on the origin of Call Masking Danbatta said “Our findings have shown that masking of calls with another number, especially international calls, start trending since September 2016 when NCC reviewed and implemented the termination rate for international inbound traffic from N3.90/min to N24.40/min.

 

“So what is happening is a clear indication that some unscrupulous elements want to continue to fraudulently profit from the earlier lopsidedness in the International Termination Rate (ITR) which we had before the 2016 review.”

 

Danbatta said  that as part of zero tolerance for ‘communications fraud’ in the market and the determination of the commission to stamp out the practice in the industry, the NCC in collaboration with different stakeholders and security agencies, held series of meetings which led to the suspension of six indicted interconnect exchange licensees in February, 2018.

 

“Not only did the commission suspend the indicted licensees, the regulator also barred about 750,000 numbers assigned to 13 operators from the national network.

 

“These numbers were suspected of being used for masking and NCC took a hard uncompromising stance to withdraw their use,” Danbatta stated.

 

Although he said despite these regulatory actions, masking of calls has persisted as telecoms consumers continue to express outrage over call masking much as security agencies constantly put pressures on the Commission to find lasting solutions to the menace.

 

Danbatta said, specifically, concerns have been expressed on several occasions by the office of the National Security Adviser, the National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services (DSS) as well as Committees of the House of Representatives.

 

He said based on the attendant security and economic implications as well as anti-competition dimension of call masking in the telecoms industry, “We advise consumers to be patriotic enough to report call masking case to the NCC.

 

“Such feedback will go a long way in assisting the commission to investigate the call masking cases reported, identify the perpetrators and subsequently take appropriate regulatory measures towards curbing the call masking menace.

 

“As a responsible tell communications regulatory agency, I am happy to inform you that the NCC is actively taking concrete steps towards addressing the issue of call masking, call refilling and SIM boxing.

 

“In the meantime, some of the measures being taken by the commission include, working on issuance of Direction to MNOs to explore every technical means not to allow their networks to be used for call masking and SMS boxing activities.

 

“Creating awareness on call masking through different social platforms and via our various outreach programmes to educate consumers and encourage them to report cases experienced call masking to the commission for investigation and necessary enforcement actions, among other measures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Legend Internet Debuts Nigeria’s First Fibre-to-the-room Service

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Legend Internet Plc has launched FTTR by Legend — Nigeria’s first Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) service, redefining the standard for broadband connectivity across homes and businesses.

“Being listed on NGX is just the beginning, With FTTR by Legend, we are building the infrastructure of the future, today — not just to improve connectivity, but to transform how people live, work, and create”, said Aisha Abdulaziz, CEO of Legend Internet Plc.

This groundbreaking innovation was deployed by Legend, with strategic technology support from global telecommunications leader- Huawei. The result is a seamless digital experience that meets the demands of modern living.

The launch of FTTR follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Legend Internet and Huawei Technologies.

“Our collaboration with Huawei reflects our commitment to global standards and local innovation. Unlike traditional broadband that stops at the router, FTTR by Legend brings pure fibre into every room, offering zero lag, full-house coverage, and the performance needed for smart homes, remote work, creators, and tech-forward enterprises.

The collaboration is aimed at accelerating broadband infrastructure development, enhancing local capacity, and positioning Nigeria as a digital leader in Africa. Huawei brings decades of R&D in fibre optic and smart home technology to support Legend in deploying this state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Coming on the heels of its recent listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited(NGX), Legend Internet PLC shows no signs of slowing down. The company is celebrating its public debut with a landmark product — one that delivers ultra-high-speed fibre into every room of a building, enabling uninterrupted, gigabit-speed internet at all times.

Legend Internet’s entry into fibre-to-the-room solutions is part of a broader ambition to close the digital divide in Nigeria. While FTTR by Legend is currently being offered exclusively to high-end residences, the company plans to scale and democratize access through complementary solutions over time. This aligns with Legend’s dual-market approach.

In broadband, Legend leverages fibre optics to deliver ultra-high-speed internet directly to consumers, with a focus on reliability, speed, and innovation. In fintech, the company is expanding last-mile payment infrastructure and delivering secure, scalable tools including wallets, merchant solutions, and digital financial platforms for everyday use.

Legend’s mission is clear: to power Nigeria’s digital future — through cutting-edge technology, bold thinking, and local-first execution.


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NASENI Commends President Tinubu’s Push for Local Industry Growth

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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.

NASENI

In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.

He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.

“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said.

“Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”

Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives.

He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products.

These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers.

“It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised.

“We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.

President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers.

“They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”


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MTN Commits $10Bn to Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

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MTN has said since 2001, it has committed over $10 billion into deepening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, enhancing widespread connectivity and financial inclusion.

MTN Commits $10Bn to Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure

Despite economic headwinds, the Group said it remained committed to Nigeria’s long-term potential and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision.

The telecom giant said as Africa stands at the point of a profound transformation, the imperative for greater intra-continental cooperation has never been clearer.

The path to shared prosperity depends not on the progress of individual nations but on the collective strength of our commitments.

Central to this vision is the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria, two of the continent’s largest economies, and the institutions that serve as bridges between them.

MTN Group said it hosted Minister Parks Tau (SA Minister of Trade Industry and Competition) and his delegation at its Johannesburg Headquarters.

“At a time when global uncertainties are reshaping trade and technology, Africa must respond not in isolation, but in solidarity. As MTN, we see it as our duty to serve as an economic diplomatic bridge between Nigeria and South Africa — driving growth, fostering inclusion, and unlocking opportunity for the Africa’s shared prosperity,” the carrier said.

“MTN’s journey exemplifies what is possible when two great nations collaborate. As Nigeria’s largest South African investor, MTN has long viewed its presence not simply as a commercial venture but as a platform for inclusive development. Since commencing operations in Nigeria in 2001, we have invested more than $10 billion in the country’s digital infrastructure.

“Today, MTN Nigeria serves over 80 million subscribers, employs thousands directly, and supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across its extended value chain.

“Yet, while the economic footprint is significant, our greatest source of pride lies in the social and developmental outcomes accompanying this investment, expanded access to connectivity, enhanced financial inclusion, and the empowerment of individuals and enterprises through digital technologies.

“Still, the operating environment remains complex. Macroeconomic challenges in Nigeria, including currency depreciation, inflation, and constraints in accessing foreign exchange, have placed pressure on business continuity and investor confidence. Despite these difficulties, MTN remains firmly committed to its business case and its long-term presence in Nigeria, underpinned by a belief in the country’s enduring potential and strategic importance to the continent,” it added in an e-note at the weekend.

However, it said for South Africa and Nigeria to truly unlock their bilateral potential, a number of long-standing issues require resolution. The upcoming South Africa–Nigeria Trade and Investment Summit, to be held in Abuja later this year, will present a unique opportunity to address these concerns. The Summit serves not merely as a diplomatic engagement, but as a catalyst for policy reform, reciprocal market access, and institutional dialogue. Importantly, it should reinforce the private sector’s role in shaping practical, actionable solutions that support cross-border trade and investment.

The AfCFTA offers a historic platform to actualise these ambitions. Yet its success will depend as much on infrastructure and digital connectivity as it will on tariff liberalisation or regulatory harmonisation.

“As a pan-African operator, MTN is investing heavily in the digital foundations of AfCFTA, facilitating seamless mobile communication, enabling digital payments, and building platforms for cross-border entrepreneurship.

“We also believe that integration must extend beyond economic frameworks to include cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement. One such initiative is our MTN Media Innovation Programme, which brings emerging Nigerian media professionals to South Africa for immersive learning. Through programmes like these, we aim to cultivate not only knowledge and skills, but also enduring bonds between our nations’ future leaders,” the telco explained.


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