Telecom
NCS to Celebrate 40th Anniversary at NITMA 2018

The Nigeria Computer Society has set machineries in motion to mark its 40th year anniversary that will hold during the 2018 National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) in Lagos.
The Body was formed in 1978 based on the vision and aspirations of the initial members and was initially called Computer Association of Nigeria (CAN). The name was soon changed to COAN.
It was later changed to Nigeria Computer Society with the ammonisation of 2005 involving ISPON, COAN, ITAN and ISPAN.
Prof Adesola Aderounmu, President, Nigeria Computer Society during a press conference to announce the celebration said that the society has been growing and waxing stronger day by day and year by year with a lot of landmark and memorable achievements.
“Since it was launched in 1978, NCS has laid a very solid foundation for the country to have the level of ICT awareness, use, applications and achievements we are witnessing today in all sectors of Nigerian economy and society.
He said that several policies and laws (ACTs) provided by the Federal Government for the development and growth of ICT in Nigeria were made possible by the undaunted advocacy effort of Nigeria Computer Society.
“These include: Computer Professional Registration Council (CPN) Act 49 of 1993; the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) is the apex regulatory body for IT practice in Nigeria.
“It was established by Act 49 of 1993, promulgated on June 10 and gazetted on August 9, of that year to regulate, supervise and control the practice of the profession. This is a landmark achievement of founders of Nigeria Computer Society and the National Information Technology Policy 2002.
“Others are Tele-Communications Act2003; National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007; Nigeria Computer Society played a crucial role in the formation of NITDU (National IT Development Unit), the fore-runner of NITDA and National Software Policy 2011”.

Nigeria Computer Society: Executive Secretary, Iyiola Ayoola; member of NEC, Dr. Bukola Onasoga; Chairman, Events, Trades and Publicity, Femi Williams; President, Professor Adesola Aderounmu; Chairman, Conferences Committee, Jide Awe and Vice Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Kunle Oladipupo, during a press conference to announce activities for NCS@40 and NITMA 2018 held at NCS secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja on Friday.
Prof. Aderounmu also mentioned the National Information and Communications Policy 2012 (Harmonized); the Ministry of Communication Technology Ministry created by the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2011 as part of gains NCS advocacies.
“NIRA. NCS’s proposal that a neutral private sector-led organization be set up to take control of the administration of .ng was adopted.
“The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) with Board of Trustees as well as Executive members elected from different stakeholder organisations was then established to administer .ng to the satisfaction of all interested parties”.
He said that over the past 40 years, NCS has been the primary agent behind the amazing and rapid increase in IT deployment in Nigeria.
“With regard to achieving sustainable development through IT, NCS has been the advocacy champion behind local content development, Cashless and Fintech, IT in Government, IT for National Security, use of IT for productivity in all spheres of life, IT Education and so many other critical that are changing Nigerian society dramatically.
He further announced that as part of activities to celebration the 40th anniversary special recognition awards will be accorded to Past Presidents of NCS and CPN, Past Provosts of NCS, Past Registrar and Executive Secretary of CPN and NCS.
The first registered member (MRN 00001) and the fortieth registered member (MRN 00040) and Corporate organizations for their various roles in upholding the flag of NCS at various times during the 40th years journey
According to him,“In line with the advocacy efforts of NCS to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria through Information Technology, NCS promotes excellence and significant impact. I urge you to join NCS to celebrate the champions who are using technology to change society for good”, he said.
Annually the Nigeria Computer Society recognizes, celebrates and rewards outstanding excellence and exceptional contributions in the Information Technology field through the unique national platform NITMA provides.
“Our focus as a society is progress for the sector in particular and for the nation as a whole. As the acknowledged professional authority facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous and knowledge-based Nigeria, NCS is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding hard work and excellence in accelerating IT development.
“In choosing the awards, the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed. For all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices”.
He revealed that Honorary Fellowship will be conferred on the Vice Pressident of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede for their dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.
“The IT Personality Year Award also known as the NCS President’s award will acknowledge and celebrate individuals that have excelled in our tech sector during the year.
“In 2018, nominees for this most prestigious award are: Mr. Adebayo Atekoja – MD/CEO Power soft Integrated Solutions Limited, Adedoyin Odunfa – MD/CEO Digital Jewels Limited,Mr. Charles Emembolu – CEO Crestsage Limited, Mr. Peter Arogundade – Managing Director Sidmach Technologies and Mr. Tunde Badejo – MD/CEO Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, he added.
Telecom
Court Affirms FCCPC’s Authority in Regulating Telecoms Sector

Federal High Court in Lagos has declared that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has secured a landmark legal victory after the Federal High Court in Lagos reaffirmed its authority to regulate competition and consumer protection across all sectors, including telecommunications.
This was disclosed in a press release by Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s director of Corporate Affairs on Sunday.
Ijagwu, said Justice F.N. Ogazi gave the verdict in a case that was filed by Emeka Nnubia, a shareholder of MTN Nigeria and a legal practitioner.
In the suit, Nnubia wanted the court to stop the FCCPC from investigating MTN Nigeria on the ground that Nigerian Communications Commission was the sole regulator of the telecom sector.
But the judge maintained that the law gives the FCCPC the power to regulate on competition and consumer protection across all sectors, including telecommunications.
The court said that the NCC does not have exclusive control over competition regulation in telecoms. H said both the FCCPC and the NCC are both regulators.
The court said, “FCCPC acted within its statutory powers in issuing a Summons to MTN Nigeria as part of its ongoing inquiry,” emphasising that the commission’s “Summons and Request to Produce was found to be lawful and within the scope of FCCPC’s investigative powers.”
The court also held, “FCCPC’s request for information from MTN did not violate any data protection laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the NCA 2003.”
It said, “No personal data was requested, and MTN’s obligation to disclose information in the public interest is a legitimate basis for compliance with FCCPC’s inquiry.”
Telecom
DBI, US-Based Partner SBTS to Create 50,000 Jobs

Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has partnered with US-based SBTS Group to create 50,000 immediate job opportunities and upskill over five million Nigerian youths by 2030.

Mr. Daser David, president and CEO of DBI
A statement by Mr. Akin Ogunlade, head of Public Affairs at DBI, confirmed that both organisations will officially launch the strategic partnership in Abuja this February.
The initiative is designed to equip Nigerian youths with essential digital skills, enabling them to compete in the global job market.
Mr. Daser David, president and CEO of DBI, described the collaboration as a direct effort to bridge the gap in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy by providing advanced training in digital literacy, coding, and other high-demand skills in the labour and employment market.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy rapidly expands, industries such as financial services, healthcare, entertainment, transportation, and ICT are witnessing unprecedented job creation
“However, a significant skills gap remains, with millions of digital and ICT-related jobs going unfilled due to a shortage of qualified professionals.
“This collaboration is, therefore, a direct effort to bridge this gap by providing advanced training in digital literacy, coding, and other high-demand skills in the labour and employment market.
“The effort aligns with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy under Minister Dr Bosun Tijani,” Mr David said.
Emphasising the transformative impact of the initiative, Mr. David highlighted that Nigerian youths are the catalyst for transforming the nation’s economic future.
“To pivot from an agriculture-dependent economy to a thriving digital landscape, they require targeted IT upskilling.
“This initiative bridges opportunity gaps by providing after-school programmes in digital literacy and vocational training for underserved youths, empowering them to compete in a tech-driven job market and fuelling inclusive economic growth.”
He added that the collaboration would contribute to the government’s broader mission of fostering decent, productive, and freely chosen employment opportunities for young people while supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national development agenda.
“The partnership between DBI and SBTS is a direct response to Nigeria’s digital skills deficit, focusing on job creation and economic empowerment.
“Each DBI campus will host a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre, designed to create thousands of job opportunities for young Nigerians, enabling them to secure both local and remote employment in the global digital economy,” he said.
He further noted that the training would integrate digital skills into vocational education, establish comprehensive on-the-job training systems, and engage public and private sector employers in digital job creation.
The president added that the initiative has already commenced with facility upgrades and training programmes at DBI’s campuses in Enugu (South-East) and Kano (North-West), with other locations scheduled for subsequent rollouts.
Similarly, Evelyn Lewis, CEO of SBTS Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths.
“Despite the negativity and sense of hopelessness often portrayed, there are abundant opportunities for youths in Nigeria.
“We are excited to collaborate with DBI in advancing the Federal Government’s agenda to train and equip unemployed youths with digital skills and comprehensive ICT knowledge, empowering them for a brighter future.”
Under the agreement, the SBTS Group will provide technical and financial support to ensure that young Nigerians receive industry-relevant training that meets global standards.
The initiative also emphasises youth-led digital entrepreneurship, equipping participants with the tools to launch and scale their businesses in the digital space.
By integrating over 400 new digital courses into the training curricula and promoting hands-on learning, the DBI-SBTS partnership is set to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification through ICT. The initiative’s strong focus on digital entrepreneurship will further accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a tech-driven economy, ensuring sustainable job creation and long-term growth.
With facility upgrades, BPO centre rollouts, and nationwide training programmes underway, this collaboration represents a landmark effort in positioning Nigeria’s youths for success in the global digital economy.
DBI is a training institute under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), established by the Federal Government in 2004 for ICT and digital training.
Telecom
ATICEN Commends NLC for Suspending Strike over Telecoms Tariff Hike

Comrade Adede John Williams, president of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers’of Nigeria (ATICEN), has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for suspending the planned strike over tariff hike by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Nigeria telecommunications operators.

Joe Ajaero, president, NLC,
He called on members and the general assembly of the Nigeria Labour Congress, telecoms subscribers, stakeholders, and all interested parties to see the need to accept the reality of things as they unfold.
He emphasised that rising inflation, energy costs, operational costs, and currency devaluation challenges faced in the country were the key reasons for the recent tariff hike, adding that the costs of importing telecommunications equipment, the maintenance support system, and unreliable electricity supply had affected the profits supposedly accrued to telecoms operators.
He, therefore, urged the telecommunications subscribers and Nigerians to always have the interests of the services of telecommunications operators at heart for the industry’s sustainability, as the industry regulator is always championing the consumer’s protection rights.
“So, it is important to know that the recent increase in telecoms tariff was approved according to its regulatory power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges for telecommunications operators operating in Nigeria,” he said.
Williams equally acknowledged Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maina, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for taking a proactive step in managing the NLC’s planned strike.
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