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Nigeria Risks Internet Shutdown over IPv4

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Unless urgent infrastructural and devices upgrades are carried out soonest, the country’s internet space may be shut down denying Nigerians access to the information superhighway because her Internet protocol (IP) is legacy.

In simple words, the internet protocol 4 (IPv4) on which most connectivity in Nigeria are channeled through is on the verge of extinction.

The Internet Protocol (IP), according to experts, is the principal communications modus operandi in the Internet protocol suite for relaying datagram across network circuits. Its routing function enables internetworking, and essentially establishes the Internet.

IP, as the primary protocol, Wikipedia writes, in the Internet layer of the Internet protocol suite, has the task of delivering packets from the source host to the destination host solely based on the IP addresses.

Engineer Otunte Otueneh, chapter officer, Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek during that the IPv4 is almost finished, warning that, “by the time the IPv4 finishes most PC cannot be connected to the internet”.

Otueneh, who spoke at the sidelines of the IPV6 roundtable organised by DigitalSENSE Africa Media said that “we need to create awareness to tell Nigerians especially that version 4 is almost finished and we need to move on to the new version”

The exhaustion of the IPv4 pool and the inevitable transition to IPv6 has been the talk of many national and international meetings, particularly during a Sociétés de l’Information dedicated to the AfNOG, AfriNIC and INET meetings held in Abuja at the beginning of May 2007. 

With IPv4 exhaustion looming and IPv6 taking a slow start, debate heated up at the conference.

According to Alain Patrick Aina, special project manager for AfriNIC, the company in-charge of internet protocol in Africa, stresses the total expiration could be extremely rapid, depending on the rates of consumption.

In Abuja, Bill Woodcock, Board member of ARIN, the North American Regional Internet Registry (RIR), warned that RIRs should get rid of old ways of thinking and start planning their next step.
AfriNic managing the end of IPv4eith less than 1% of the distributed IPv4 address space, AfriNIC is by far the smallest RIR. However, it has anticipated the end of IPv4 at an early stage.

It is foreseen that its current IP address space will run out in no distant time. Two last requests for further allocations to IANA, the global pool’s steward, should allow delaying IPv4’s regional exhaustion until April 2014.

Nevertheless, if IPv4 consumption rate accelerates critically before AfriNIC is able to justify its last request, there could be a major concern to ensure a smooth transition before IPV6 is fully implemented.

Otueneh continued, “It is unimaginable when the version 6 will finish. Now, we need to create awareness to tell Nigerians especially that version 4 is almost finished and we need to move on to the new version. Communication providers and end users have to be aware of this, if not they risk losing connectivity because the version they are using is on brick of extinction.

“Original Equipment manufacturers while manufacturing their equipment or devices they have to make sure that the technologies are IPv6 enabled. And the end user has to be wise enough that while you are going to shop you should request for IPv6 enables device. The problem will start when someone with internet protocol version 4 approaches an internet service provider that runs on IPv6, there will not be compatibility; at the end the user will lack connection to the internet”. He added

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek search further revealed that IPv6 and IPv4 are two completely separate protocols and IPv6 is not backwards compatible with IPv4.

IPv4 hosts and routers will not be able to deal directly with IPv6 traffic and vice versa, unfortunately,  there will be extreme difficulties with address allocation and routing if the Internet is to continue be run indefinitely using IPv4 and it is impossible to switch the entire Internet over to IPv6 overnight.

Asked when IPv4 will be exhausted, Otueneh said that developed countries have started implementing IPv6, “but we are yet to do that in Nigeria. Meanwhile, we have a very minimal time. Very soon, AfriNIC may stop allocating version 4, because they told us that it is almost out. So, if there are a lot of demands for IP addresses today, it can get exhausted today”.

In his contribution, Benedict Othello, head, Information Systems, Phase 3 Telecoms, said that, “it is like being warned there is going to be flood, the question is: how do I get prepared so not to be affected or survive it”.

On the implication on mobile phone market in the country, he said, “before the danger loaming takes place, we are creating awareness. It is a two way thing. The service provider will be on version 6, the smartphones should be version 6 enabled. When that happens, they will flow seamlessly.

 “Now, those on IPv4 platform cannot be accommodated by the service providers at a point. For instance if telecom operators in Nigeria roll out Sim cards and fail to expand their modules for more subscribers it will affect their businesses.  It is all about upgrading to that new version to accommodate more customers”. 

Otueneh said that some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are already taking cover for the rainy days.

“Some of the laptops in circulation are already running on version 6. One can use the networking interface card to check the version of a particular device. OEMs have stated manufacturing internet protocol version 6 enabled equipments,” he observed.

He urged the government, especially the telecom regulators to compel service providers to brazen up for IPv6 migration.

“We need to proactive by training our technical personnel so that when the time comes, we will not lack qualified or competent people to handle that; if not we are creating room for expatriates to flood the IT environment which is indirectly creating channels for capital flight. But if we are ready now, at a time we shall be exporting the technical personnel, because it will take people by surprise,” he added.


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Flutterwave Announces Massive Staff Shake-Up, Promotes Over 100 Employees

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Flutterwave has announced a company-wide employee support package that includes promotions for about 25 per cent of its global workforce, a one-off economic relief payment and enhanced support measures for employees in Nigeria.

Flutterwave Announces Massive Staff Shake-Up, Promotes Over 100 Employees

The fintech company said more than 100 employees across its global operations had been promoted as part of efforts to reward performance and strengthen employee welfare.

In addition, all staff worldwide will receive a one-time economic relief payment, while employees in Nigeria will benefit from additional tax support and cost-of-living adjustments following recent regulatory changes affecting take-home pay.

The company said the initiative was introduced in response to rising living costs across key markets, particularly in Nigeria, where inflation and increased transportation expenses have placed pressure on household incomes.

Speaking on the development, Olugbenga Agboola, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, described employees as the driving force behind the company’s growth and innovation.

“I often say our people are our secret sauce. They are the ultimate engine behind everything we build, giving us the capacity to create solutions that power businesses, unlock opportunities and move money seamlessly across Africa and beyond,” he said.

According to the company, the support measures form part of its broader strategy to improve staff welfare, retain talent and create an environment where employees can focus on their work without undue financial pressure.

Also speaking, Annette Akpolo said the initiative reflects a balance between rewarding individual performance and addressing the collective needs of employees.

“Our goal has always been to build an environment where our people can focus on doing their best work, rather than being weighed down by economic anxiety.

“Pairing merit-based individual growth with supporting the collective needs of the whole team are both essential parts of how we build a company culture where people genuinely want to stay and grow over the long term,” she said.

Founded in 2016, Flutterwave is marking its 10th anniversary in 2026.

The company disclosed that it has processed more than one billion transactions and facilitated over 40 billion dollars in total payment value globally since inception.

Flutterwave also reported strong growth across its payment channels, including a 289 per cent increase in wallet-based collections by transaction volume and a 184 per cent rise in bank transfer value over the past year.

The company attributed the growth to increasing adoption of local payment methods across its operating markets.

Industry observers note that the latest employee support package comes amid increasing competition for skilled talent in Nigeria’s fintech sector, where firms are adjusting compensation and benefits to retain workers in the face of rising living costs.

Agboola said future growth opportunities within the company would continue to be based on performance, leadership and meaningful contributions to its mission.

“At Flutterwave, growth is earned through meaningful contributions to the business and to the mission we are building together.

“As we continue to grow, the people who will shape our future are those who consistently step up, solve hard problems, support others and move the company forward,” he said.


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AI and IoT Hold the Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future – NCC

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as critical technologies for improving business efficiency, accelerating innovation and supporting Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy.

AI and IoT Hold the Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future - NCC

Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, made this known at the 17th edition of Nigeria Communications Week and Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Award held in Lagos.

Represented by Toluwalase Modele Rufai, Acting Controller of the NCC Lagos Office, Maida said AI and IoT had evolved from emerging technologies into powerful tools driving productivity, reducing operational costs and creating competitive advantages across multiple sectors.

Speaking on the theme, “Impact of AI and IoT on Business Operational Efficiency,” he described the technologies as indispensable to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.

“This year’s theme is not only timely but profoundly important. As Nigeria accelerates its journey toward a $1 trillion digital economy, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things have moved from futuristic concepts to present-day drivers of productivity, cost optimisation and competitive advantage across every sector,” he said.

According to him, AI-powered predictive analytics is helping manufacturers anticipate equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs, while IoT-enabled sensors are improving agricultural productivity through real-time monitoring of soil conditions.

He added that connected technologies are transforming logistics and supply chain management by improving visibility, reducing delays, lowering operational costs and enhancing customer satisfaction.

“Across banking, healthcare, smart cities, manufacturing and governance, these technologies are streamlining operations, automating routine tasks and unlocking data-driven decision-making that was unimaginable just a decade ago,” he said.

Maida, however, stressed that the successful deployment of AI and IoT depends largely on the availability of resilient and high-capacity telecommunications infrastructure.

“At the heart of every AI and IoT deployment lies one critical enabler: resilient, high-capacity connectivity. Without secure, scalable broadband networks, the full promise of real-time data exchange, seamless device interoperability and intelligent automation remains unfulfilled,” he said.

The NCC boss said the commission was reviewing the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020–2025 to improve efficiency and sustainability within the telecommunications sector.

He disclosed that the commission was also engaging state governments to reduce Right-of-Way charges and administrative bottlenecks in order to accelerate fibre-optic infrastructure deployment nationwide.

According to him, the NCC has made harmonised spectrum resources available to support mobile broadband, fixed wireless access and IoT services, while the 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap is expected to create additional opportunities for broadband expansion and emerging technologies.

“With broadband penetration exceeding 52 per cent and growing 4G and 5G adoption, these efforts enhance efficient spectrum management, drive innovation, provide regulatory certainty and position Nigeria in line with global best practices,” he said.

Maida also highlighted the commission’s recently introduced General Authorisation Framework, which provides a regulatory sandbox for innovators to test AI, IoT, blockchain and other emerging technologies in a controlled environment.

He noted that the NCC had strengthened cybersecurity and consumer protection through initiatives such as the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), adoption of a Zero-Trust cybersecurity framework and implementation of guidelines for secure AI and IoT deployment.

The NCC chief emphasised the need for collaboration among government agencies, regulators, operators, technology providers, academia and investors to address challenges such as inadequate power supply, skills shortages, data privacy concerns and consumer protection issues.

“The NCC remains fully committed to creating an enabling, predictable regulatory environment that attracts investment, spurs innovation and delivers inclusive growth,” he said.

Maida urged stakeholders to work collectively towards building a digitally empowered nation where AI and IoT technologies not only improve business efficiency but also transform lives, strengthen the economy and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital future.

The event brought together regulators, industry leaders, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, policy directions and technological innovations shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.


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Good News for DStv Users: Watch Over 160 Channels Without Paying Extra

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MultiChoice Nigeria has launched a month-long promotional campaign tagged “Open Time”, offering eligible DStv subscribers access to higher viewing packages at no additional cost.

Good News for DStv Users: Watch Over 160 Channels Without Paying Extra

The promotion, which runs from June 1 to June 30, 2026, is aimed at rewarding existing customers, reconnecting subscribers and attracting new users across Nigeria.

Under the initiative, active subscribers on selected lower-tier packages, including Compact and Compact+, will automatically be upgraded to higher viewing tiers, with some customers gaining temporary access to Premium content during the promotional period.

According to the company, eligible subscribers will not be required to register or manually activate the offer, as upgrades will be applied automatically once subscription payments are confirmed.

In a statement announcing the campaign, MultiChoice said the initiative was designed to provide customers with access to a wider range of entertainment content and enhance viewing experiences.

“The Open Time initiative is a simple way for our customers to enjoy more of the stories they love and discover new content across genres, as long as their accounts remain active during the period,” the company stated.

The DStv Premium package, which currently costs N44,500 per month, offers access to more than 160 channels, including sports, movies, documentaries, children’s programming, news and lifestyle content.

MultiChoice said the offer applies to subscribers who maintain active accounts throughout the campaign period.

The company added that the promotion forms part of efforts to enhance customer value by providing broader access to entertainment content, including drama, sports, action and children’s programmes.

To participate, subscribers are required to make payments through approved channels such as the official DStv website, the MyDStv mobile application, USSD banking platforms and authorised payment agents.

The company clarified that all promotional upgrades would automatically expire at the end of June, after which subscribers would revert to their original subscription packages.

Industry analysts say the campaign comes amid increasing competition within Nigeria’s pay television and streaming market, where service providers are introducing incentives and value-added offerings to attract and retain customers.

MultiChoice said the initiative reflects its commitment to delivering quality entertainment and ensuring subscribers enjoy greater value from their subscriptions.


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