Telecom
NCC Says Unfriendly Taxes Inhibitive to Broadband Growth

With unalloyed interest in deepening broadband growth in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sought governments and their agencies understandings on the need to discontinue unfriendly tax system.
Mr. Tony Ojobo, director, Public Affairs (NCC), made the appeal at the recently-concluded International Telecoms Union (ITU) Telecom World conference held in Budapest, Hungary.
“Unfriendly tax system actually usually a disincentive to investment and so , if you have a friendly tax regime especially for investment, there will be actually no anxiety for investors and it will go a long way in creating jobs and also growing businesses,” Ojobo said.
Ojobo, who explained that the Commission has been working assiduously with various stakeholders in the country to make them understand the negative implications on Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs) into the nation’s telecoms sector said “this is the direction we want the country to toe going forward.”
He said to encourage telecoms investors to come to Nigeria to invest in our broadband sector, there is a need for various stakeholders in the country to join the NCC’s efforts in creating a much friendlier and more conducive environment for telecoms business.
He also said by encouraging more investment into the country, Nigeria stands the chance of getting improved quality of services on their mobile networks and from licensed Internet service providers (ISPs).
Meanwhile, Tony, who noted that challenges confronting telecoms sector in most developing countries are peculiar, said emerging challenges are power, vandalism and multiple taxation, among others.
“Some governments at some level are looking at telecoms as ‘cash-cow’ that they need to milk as much as possible. You find out that in developed countries, it is not so because telecoms is now an enabler, which continues to impact existing sectors and creating new ones such as e-commerce in the economy. So, I think there is need for a bit of understanding and government also needs to know it,” he said.
Ojobo explained that, already, the NCC had started engaging the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to ensure that all existing bottlenecks to broadband infrastructure deployment are removed to encourage investment inflow.
“Our Executive Vice Chairman made a presentation at the NGF recently, especially around the need for state governments to remove the bottlenecks hampering the deployment ICT infrastructure in the states with a view to getting them to understand that, being an enabler, it will be more beneficial to have this infrastructure on ground that would help in generating revenue and creating jobs and also growing the middle-class in those states than having to tax operators heavily before investment.”
Meanwhile, Ojobo has explained that the NCC had quality engagement with international communities and global investors at the ITU conference this year, saying, the event provided NCC the opportunity to share best international practices with other regulators and equipment manufacturers on how to move the nation’s telecoms sector forward.
He said: “The quality of engagement and discussions with investors has been very impressive, especially after the Nigerian Night, which held on the second day of the conference, precisely on October 12.
“At the Nigerian Night, we showcased the giant strides that we have taken in the area of ICT as well as the potential, looking at our population and what has happened in the area of entertainment, education, agriculture and e-commerce among others.
“Indeed, investors have been coming to ask us questions to really know how they can go about bringing investment in those areas. Huawei invited us to make a presentation, looking at the technology of the future, especially in the area of broadband and we believe that this has been engaging.
“Some investors from Hungary have also come to ask questions and they have been given the kind of information that they require and I think that will go along in helping them to take decision. By and large, I think it has been a worthwhile outing for us. It is just for us to leverage on the experience and then move on.”
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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