Telecom
Nigeria Must Deploy 5G Technology to Compete Globally – Ndukwe

Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Chairman of MTN Nigeria, has warned that if Nigeria must stay competitive in the global economy, she must leverage on the opportunities provided by 5G technology and deploy it as soon as possible.
Ndukwe spoke on Tuesday at a Fireside Chat titled “5G and its contentions: What is the way Forward?” at the ongoing first Virtual Conference of the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition with the theme Africa’s Post-Pandemic High Tech World.
Recall that on the heels of the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, a flurry of conspiracy theories emerged linking the pandemic with the roll out of 5G technology in some parts of the world.
Ndukwe, speaking as a guest at the virtual event said that every technology development has always been entangled with issues of health concerns yet, such technology development has never been stopped by such concerns.
“With every technology development, there is always this fear about health issue and that has not stopped the deployment of these techs. To the best of my knowledge, no telecom operator in the world today can power any network without being certain about its safety.
“As chairman of MTN Nigeria, I cannot be in support of the deployment of any network that will be harmful to people’s health,” Ndukwe said.
The former NCC helmsman disclosed that Nigeria was yet to roll out 5G technology even though a trial has been carried out in some cities in the country, adding that Nigeria is not yet fully planted on 4G network across the country.
“We must adopt 5G if we want to compete at the global level and not play from the back. And this adoption has to be led by the regulatory authorities and the government providing the enabling environment for the technology to thrive.
“I know that 5G is something that will happen in Nigeria no matter the delay in deployment. The conspiracy theories are no doubt worrisome, and that I believe, is one of the reasons there seems to be a delay in roll out across some regions of the world,” he stated.
Ndukwe, popularly known within the ICT circle as Mr Telecoms said that the cost of spectrum will go a long way in determining how soon 5G technology will be deployed in Nigeria and indeed the African Continent, recalling that 3G technology came around about two years late because of cost of spectrum.
According to him, “For networks to be deployed there must be the availability of spectrum. No country in Africa has actually rolled out 5G because cost is expensive. It will take another year or two before Nigeria can roll out.
“Countries that are eager to move forward see 5G as the forward movement. If it’s not safe, nobody will deploy it. For me, late deployment is not as a result of health concerns. Regulators like ITU are working to ensure that what will be deployed is safe because it’s a technology that is going to improve every aspect of our life. I am aware that if Nigeria is not sure of the safety of 5G, she will not deploy it.”
Ndukwe who said Nigeria has to be ready for 5G first before she begins to talk about cost of deployment, tasked the Federal Government to show more concern about the volume of revenue 5G will bring to the economy.
“We have to be careful about how far we go about talking about not deploying 5G. If we don’t deploy, we miss out from the $3.5 Trillion market and 22 million jobs expected to be generated by 5G in 2035. It will cause us capital flight if we don’t deploy it therefore, we must join the global race with the rest of the World,” he further said.
The MTN Nigeria Chairman noted that without fibre optic deployment, Nigeria can’t enjoy 5G as it would be enjoyed in other countries, adding that fibre optic deployment is critical to yje success of 5G technology network in the country.
He said that the report about waving and slashing of Right of Way (RoW) charges in some states of the country is a welcome development but added that there was need for the government to take the lead in the crashing of the cost of broadband.
“I see South Africa, Nigeria or Ghana to be the first to roll out 5G in Africa; however, it depends on the regulatory environment plan for it. If we don’t do the fibre optic and provide the infrastructure for 5G, we can’t make any headway. The NCC should begin to think about the spectrum to use for 5G so that operators can begin now to work around that,” Ndukwe concluded.
Telecom
How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
Telecom
Driving Digital Inclusion: Anambra’s Mobile Tech Hub Brings Free WiFi to the People

The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.
Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, flagged off the Mobile Tech Hub at a brief ceremony held on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the Tower of Light, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Awka.
He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to the Governor, Chief Chinedu Nwoye; other senior government officials; the media; and the GEFAS community.
Dr. Ibezim, visibly excited as he inspected the hub’s features, described it as an initiative perfectly aligned with what the Governor is doing in the state.
“We don’t expect anything less from Agbata, who is a guru in this field: exactly why the Governor puts square pegs in square holes,” he said, pointing to the sophistication of the project and the Governor’s deliberate choices.
“I hear wherever this vehicle parks, people can connect freely, in line with our mantra of making Anambra a place to live, invest, work, relax, and enjoy
“I thank Agbata for this great feat and assure our government’s support to make Anambra the smart mega city we all desire
He further emphasized that this will not be a one-off.
“Mr. Governor is also working to make this permanent. We are not just going to leave you with one vehicle. So I encourage everyone: wherever you see this bus parked, connect to the free WiFi and get your job done.” he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, GEFAS Convener and MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said:
“We are here to celebrate innovation made possible by Mr. Governor’s forward-thinking policies, like waiving Right of Way (RoW) charges, which opened up fibre optic expansion and connectivity across Anambra.
“Today, various public places, student lodges, and even four higher institutions in the state already enjoy free WiFi, just as Governor Soludo promised in his People’s Manifesto.
“Now, with this Mobile Tech Hub, wherever the Governor goes during the campaign period, people can enjoy free connectivity and high-speed internet.
“All over the world, we know that when broadband expands, the economy grows.
He added, “Data is expensive these days, so this bus will bring relief to Ndi Anambra.
“Wherever you see it passing through your neighborhood, you can hop online for free- maybe download a movie, a song, or do whatever you like.
It’s a practical solution that the Solution Government is delivering. So, vote Governor Soludo, and let the Solution continue” Agbata concluded.
The bus is set to hit the road in the coming days, following Governor Soludo to campaign grounds and reaching far more neighborhoods in earnest.
With this milestone, GEFAS reaffirms its commitment to helping Anambra become the smart, connected, and prosperous state that every citizen can proudly call home.
Telecom
MTN Media Innovation Programme Fellows Gain Insight into Nigeria’s Connectivity Backbone

Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) embarked on an intensive industry tour recently, gaining firsthand experience of MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure and learning how technology is shaping the future of connectivity and storytelling.

L-R: Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria; Rebecca Edun, Social Director, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, recently.
The day began with a visit to the MTN Cable Landing Station, where the Fellows explored the facility that serves as a gateway for international data traffic. The tour provided insights into the network that powers Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
At the MTN Switch in Aromire, the group observed key operations ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. They were guided through the processes that keep millions of Nigerians connected daily.
Later at MTN’s Head Office in Falomo, the Fellows engaged in two sessions with the company’s executives.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the role of 5G and IoT in driving innovation and storytelling in the media. “5G is not just about speed; it’s an enabler of experiences,” she said. “With ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity, we can deliver high-definition content production, virtual reality experiences and cloud-native workflows that redefine how journalists create and audiences consume media.”
The CMO also noted that MTN’s leadership in 5G since 2022 has opened doors for industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment to innovate.
In a session on network innovation and digital transformation, MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence for demand planning and network optimisation. “AI allows us to predict faults, automate maintenance and plan smarter for Nigeria’s unique needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the technical challenges of maintaining network stability. “From seamless handovers between base stations to combating fibre cuts and vandalism, we work around the clock because connectivity is critical to the economy and to people’s lives,” Ibrahim said.
The day provided Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of MTN’s infrastructure and the technologies shaping Nigeria’s digital future, reinforcing the programme’s goal of empowering media professionals to tell richer, more informed stories about the industry.
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