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Pantami Puts FG’s Income from Spectrum Sales, ICT Taxes @ N408.7Bn

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Isa Ali Pantami, minister of Communication and Digital Economy
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The federal government made N408.7 billion through the sale of spectrum and taxes in the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) sector, according to data released yesterday by the Minister of Communications and the Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 2022 Digital Nigeria Day, Pantami noted that the ICT sector provided 3 unprecedented contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country in the last 3 years, namely 14.07% in Q1 2020, 17.92% in Q2 2021 and 18.44% in Q3 2022.

“Also, the ICT sector grew by 14.70% in Q4 2020, making it the fastest-growing sector of the Nigerian economy in the last quarter of 2020 and the only sector to have grown by double digits.

“Furthermore, the quarterly revenues also generated for the federal government rose from N51.3 billion to N408.7 billion, through spectrum sales and taxes from the sector,” he said.

This, according to him, played a critical role in enabling Nigeria to exit the recession, adding that the sector has been sustaining the nation’s economy more than even petroleum.

The minister further noted that ICT was pivotal in helping the nation emerge from the recession and has been responsible for sustaining the country’s economy.

He said over 863,372 citizens benefited from digital skills programmes and we have agreements with leading global companies like Microsoft and Huawei, to train millions of Nigerians.

“On assumption of office on the 21st of August 2019, the official broadband penetration figures stood at 33.72% and today it is 44.65%, representing close to 13 million new broadband users.

“Similarly, there were 13,823 4G base stations and we now have 36,751, representing a 165.86% increase. The percentage of 4G coverage across the country also increased from 23% to 77.52%.

“Additionally, the cost of data has crashed from N1,200 per GB to about N350, making it easier for Nigerians to connect to the Internet,” he added.

He added that the ministry had created an IT clearance portal to enhance interoperability, get rid of redundancy, and guarantee value for money while implementing ICT projects in the nation.

“The quarterly savings from the IT projects’ clearance process rose from N12.45 million to N10.57 billion,” he noted

Pantami stated that the government aims to create a pool of Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Through our efforts, 355,610 direct and indirect jobs were created. Privacy concerns are also being addressed through the newly established Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).

“The drafting of the data protection bill has reached an advanced stage. The Digital Identity enrolments have also been very successful, with issued National Identification Numbers (NINs) rising from less than 40 million to over 90 million,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Kashifu Inuwa, the director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said, the day was designated in 2020 as Digital Nigeria to promote the digital economy in the country.

Inuwa said it would be a week-long event to celebrate what the various agencies under the ministry have been doing to drive Nigeria to a digital economy.


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Girls Slug it Out for N5m Prize in Glo Innov8 STEM Finale

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The race is down to three as the Glo Innov8 National STEM Competition for Girls approaches its grand finale. The competition, organized by the Glo Foundation, Globacom’s corporate social responsibility arm, will take place at the Mike Adenuga Centre (Alliance Française), Ikoyi, Lagos.

From over 200 schools that entered nationwide, 20 were initially shortlisted, and 10 went on to compete for a place in the finals. The three schools that made it to the last stage are Ephraim High School, Isolo Campus, Lagos; Regina Pacis International School, Onitsha, Anambra State; and Peakfield Academy, Jos, Plateau State.

Hundreds of students across several states, including Plateau, Kano, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Borno, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Oyo, Anambra, FCT, Delta, Kaduna, and Adamawa submitted entries after the Glo Foundation’s nationwide call for participation.

The initiative, designed as a STEM-driven challenge, was launched to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child — celebrating creativity, innovation, and inclusion among young women in science and technology.

According to the Glo Foundation, “The competition is aimed at inspiring young girls to Compete, Innovate, and Win — while strengthening their confidence and expanding their knowledge in STEM subjects.”

The winning school will take home ₦2,000,000 cash prize, with each of its two student representatives receiving a brand-new laptop and the Teacher/Mentor/STEM Coordinator earning ₦200,000. Runners-up will also receive valuable consolation prizes.

The three judges of the virtual stage expressed delight at the quality of presentations from the top 20 schools. Tosin Olabode praised the participants’ creativity, saying, “I was particularly impressed by the prototype presentations — some schools clearly did their homework.”

Another judge, Amina Gabriel, highlighted the diversity of ideas, noting, “The schools presented innovative solutions addressing issues in agriculture, security, waste management, and firefighting. The prototypes ranged from apps to robots, making the competition truly engaging. I’m grateful to Glo Foundation for giving me the chance to support young girls in STEM.”

On her part, Sharon Ibejih added that “this competition has showcased a highly competitive next generation of women leaders in STEM. It’s a brilliant platform to nurture problem-solving and innovative thinking among students.”

As the final stage approaches, anticipation is high for what promises to be a memorable showcase of brilliant young Nigerian girls and a testament to Globacom’s commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.

 


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Tecom, Huawei to Champion Smart Connectivity and Digital Innovation in Abuja

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Tecom Concept Limited, Nigeria’s trusted technology partner and official Huawei Enterprise Solutions distributor, is set to host a groundbreaking event titled “Empowering Smart Connectivity & Innovation” in Abuja.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre, Plot 496, Ahmadu Bello Way, Gwarinpa Expressway, Kado, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m is an high-profile engagement which seeks to showcase how innovative digital infrastructure and intelligent connectivity can transform business operations and enhance productivity in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

The event will bring together ICT professionals, enterprise leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss how smart, scalable, and sustainable technology can drive Nigeria’s digital growth agenda.

At the heart of this initiative is Tecom’s partnership with Huawei, one of the world’s leading providers of ICT solutions. Together, both companies aim to empower Nigerian organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to modernize their operations and compete more effectively in a connected world. Participants will experience firsthand how Huawei’s enterprise solutions—ranging from next-generation network infrastructure and storage systems to intelligent collaboration technologies—are redefining the future of business connectivity and innovation.

According to Happiness Obioha, Managing Director of Tecom Concept Limited, this collaboration demonstrates Tecom’s commitment to bridging the technology gap and helping organizations harness the power of digital transformation. “Our goal is to create a platform where businesses and IT professionals can explore innovative technologies that make communication smarter, operations more efficient, and growth more sustainable,” she stated.

The event will feature expert-led sessions, product showcases, and interactive discussions designed to provide practical insights into how Huawei’s solutions can transform business environments. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Huawei specialists, gain valuable knowledge, and explore tailored solutions for their unique organizational needs.

Tecom encourages all technology professionals, business leaders, and public sector representatives to participate in this transformative event and be part of the conversation shaping the future of smart connectivity and digital innovation in Nigeria.


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NCC Cracks Down on Pre-Registered SIM Cards, Tightens Telecom Regulations

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a renewed effort to end the sale and use of pre-registered SIM cards and strengthen telecom regulations across Nigeria.

NCC Cracks Down on Pre-Registered SIM Cards, Tightens Telecom Regulations

 

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a public inquiry on three subsidiary legislations — the Licensing Regulations 2019, Enforcement Process Regulations 2019, and Internet Code of Practice 2019 — held at the NCC headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, represented by  Rimini Makama, executive commissioner, Stakeholder Management, said the reforms are critical to addressing emerging challenges in the fast-evolving communications landscape.

“The updated Enforcement Process Regulations will provide a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation, and sanctions,” he said, describing pre-registered SIM cards and call masking as threats to national security and operator revenue.

Dr. Maida also highlighted reforms in the Licensing Regulations aimed at accommodating technological advancements, streamlining business processes, and promoting innovation.

“The revisions introduce provisions on general authorisations, license renewals, corporate restructuring, and sanctions to encourage innovation and improve ease of doing business,” he said.

Regarding the Internet Code of Practice, Dr. Maida said the updated guideline seeks to safeguard user rights, promote open internet access, and ensure service providers uphold ethical and technical standards. The revisions cover cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, child online safety, and anti-spam measures.

Mrs. Chizua Whyte, head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, represented by Lawrence Abang, head of Dispute and Litigation, noted that the review followed a six-month consultation process.

She said the amendments reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to inclusive and transparent regulation, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and enhance investor confidence.

“The communications industry is undergoing significant transformation in this digital era,” Whyte said, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks to evolve alongside technology.


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