Telecom
ntel CEO Outlines Roadmap for Nigeria’s Telecoms Resurgence

Mr. Soji Maurice-Diya, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (ntel), has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at reviving Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, with plans for a market comeback in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking during the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series in Lagos, Maurice-Diya emphasized ntel’s vision to reposition the once-dormant national carrier through innovation, youth inclusion, and strategic collaboration within the telecoms ecosystem.
Maurice-Diya, who took office earlier this year, reflected on Nigeria’s 25-year telecoms evolution, describing the sector as a resilient pillar of the economy that has evolved from a volatile market into a more stable, predictable ecosystem contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.
He credited major operators such as MTN, Airtel, and Glo for their sustained commitment, which has led to market stability and growth.
However, he urged the industry to leverage ongoing regulatory reforms introduced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, aimed at improving investment conditions and enhancing capacity.
Highlighting the need for cross-sector collaboration, Maurice-Diya stressed that synergy between telecoms and the financial sector is essential for future growth, positioning telcos as digital platforms capable of unlocking fintech, health-tech, and ed-tech opportunities.
Addressing longstanding connectivity challenges, the CEO highlighted the importance of the Critical National Infrastructure Act, which protects telecom assets from vandalism, alongside government investments in 7,000 new rural telecom towers and a 90,000-kilometer national fibre-optic project aimed at bridging Nigeria’s connectivity divide.
Maurice-Diya called on regulators to strike a balance between oversight and innovation, cautioning against over-regulation that could stifle growth and urging responsive, rather than restrictive, regulatory frameworks especially in emerging technologies like blockchain and fintech.
On global trends such as spectrum liberalization and infrastructure sharing, he noted Nigeria’s strategic advantage due to its population size, which is among the world’s largest.
He advocated infrastructure sharing to lower costs and reinvest savings into technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Further, Maurice-Diya stressed the significance of local content and indigenous capacity, noting that the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom industry depends on the localization of technology, infrastructure, and technical expertise.
He praised initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, aimed at developing a skilled digital workforce.
Turning to ntel’s own revival, Maurice-Diya explained that ntel, which evolved from the legacy carrier NITEL, plans a “light digital play” focusing on creating niche products tailored to Nigeria’s youthful population rather than competing for mass market share.
He forecasted that the company will leverage legacy infrastructure and partner with industry players to share network capacity, thereby offering innovative, targeted services.
He highlighted Nigeria’s demographic opportunity, noting that between three and four million young Nigerians reach adulthood annually, a market segment ntel aims to capture through youth-focused digital services that promote inclusion and loyalty.
Maurice-Diya called for a level playing field in Nigeria’s telecom market, advocating for no preferential treatment among operators to foster fair competition, which he believes will catalyze innovation and consumer choice.
Concluding, the ntel CEO expressed optimism about the industry’s future role in driving Nigeria’s economic diversification and digital inclusion goals.
He said ntel is committed to making a meaningful impact not only on subscribers but also on the broader ecosystem by delivering overlooked yet essential telecom solutions.
“We owe it to ourselves to give it another shot,” Maurice-Diya said, underlining his confidence in ntel’s potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s digital economy.
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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