General News
Policy Implementation Hinders Broadband Revolution – Adebayo
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and managing director of Communications Network Support Services Limited (CNSSL) a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), operator in the telecommunications sector is a thoroughbred telecom engineer.
His career started from Siemens Germany where he spent 19 years before relocating to the country to assume the post of General Manager of VGC Communications.
When the Company was bought by MTN Nigeria, he founded CNSSL to support services to telecommunications operators which also included Call Centre management.
Adebayo spoke to chike onwuegbuchi on issues around quality of service and BPO operation in the country.
Quality of Service, Regulations and Protection of Telecom Infrastructure
The industry has done well. In particular, when we look at the service provision and the value the industry has brought to the ecosystem, it has done fairly-well.
Looking at job creation and employment opportunities, supports to small and medium enterprises and to other sectors of the economy, contribution to the GDP and FDI, the telecom sector is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria.
The telecom is in the forefront of taking Nigeria to the group of industrialized nations as we work towards vision 20:2020. In summary, the industry will continue to do well in-spite of the local challenges.
The industry is one of the few in the country that have brought value to the socio-economic development.
States Hostile to Providers in Terms of Regulations
There are few States that are in exception of being hostile to telecom operators. Majority of them, from the South to East, West and North; it is basically the same thing. Few are in exception, for example Lagos.
The Governor has shown some good examples that others should emulate. It is not just by reducing the charges on Right of Way (RoW) approval.
In the area of providing the enabling environment that operators require to deploy critical infrastructure, the State leads.
Also, there are efforts by the State Government to protect telecom infrastructure which is well commended. So, with the exception of Lagos, Edo and Kwara, others have not joined the trend of telecom revolution.
I put it that way, because once you allow telecom to blossom you have activated that economy. Meanwhile, it behooves on us, the operators to win the interests of those States that are hostile, but they have to show the desire.
They need to see the future socio-economic benefits of telecom more than the immediate internally generated revenue in telecom provisions. Therefore, there should be continuous engagement.
I am glad the Minister of Communications Technology has ignited the drive towards declaring telecom infrastructure as critical public assets; her efforts at the Federal Executive Council that led to the constituting of the National Broadband Council which comprises of all State Commissioners related to ICT, and so many other initiatives is commendable.
I am hoping that we will start reaping from the efforts that were made in 2013 and years ago. Lagos is a very good testimony and I am hoping we will have more of such within the first and second quarter of 2014.
Sanctions to Soften Hostile States
I think sanctions do not often help. We are engaging stakeholders at all levels. We have held meetings with different States to discuss some issues they raise concerning our members. But when all efforts made through dialogue are rebuffed, we will have no choice than to consider other alternatives.
And such alternative will be to accept whatever it is that will protect investments in this sector. Against that, we will clave our regulator to approve for us discriminative tariff in such that in States where there are higher costs of business we will have no choice than transfer the huge costs to the consumer.
It may lead to regime that when you make a call from State “A” tariff will stand at X and when it is from another location it switches to Y. Nevertheless, I am hoping that we will not get to that level. I have confidence in the commitments of various stakeholders to address the situation; and together we can move the industry forward.
It will push the economy higher as well, because we are not yet there. Next revolution is broadband, which is an enabler of trade more than the voice services.
If we are to achieve the level of broadband provision to move our economy forward, then, we must remove all the barriers to network operations and maintenance.
Fast-tracking Broadband Revolution
One thing I have discovered is that we are good at identifying issues relating to broadband. But we are not good at proffering solutions to problems associated with the processes. It is not just in telecoms that this kind of attitude is obvious in our economy.
We know what the problems are, but instead of taking responsibility and dealing with the issues, remove the barriers and move; we tend to prefer to apportion blames.
Therefore, in the next dispensation and for us to be where we ought to be and have a driver for broadband, we need to take individual and collective responsibilities.
The era of apportioning blames should be over. In fact, NCC coming to blame operators and other regulators and counter blames from different quarters must stop. Every stakeholder must take responsibility.
It is an industry battle whereby we need collaborate to make the impact; both at the regulators level, communications, planning and approval, each one must take responsibility. The era of penalties and threats should be over.
Without that, I am afraid, it will be very difficult to achieve. I have been privileged to be a member of one of the broadband policy implementation councils and have seen the excellent work done by the Committee. But the implementation will pose its own challenges, unless we come together.
We should continue to remind ourselves that against wide held opinion, telecom is beyond the quality of service (QoS). Today, the industry is being assessed only from the trend of QoS. We are beginning to forget, and very quickly too, other benefits accruable in telecom operations which job creation, telecom as the driver of other industries, etc.
The banking sector in Nigeria, today, is reported to be one of the best in Africa. This success is traceable to the support and services provided by the telecom industry.
In summation, the benefits accruable in the industry are far beyond the issues we are focusing on presently.
As players, we will continue to improve on technology, although environmental factors are more of the challenges that we face.
Regulations and policies need to take cognizance of the challenges. And if the regulators will not take responsibility, go to town to feel the pulse of the industry they regulate, then we are in for a battle.
Extending BPO Call Centers to Other Sectors
We need to begin to see the benefits. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) saves companies costs and turns them to be more efficient. It helps in reducing overhead costs for companies; they can give a portion of that aspect of their business to the third party.
And I think we have to start developing the confidence in that regards, which is about adopting the trend.
Such business was mainly carried out by the Indians, China and rest of them, but our people have started developing in such business area.
And Nigeria is seen as the next destination for the infrastructure, due to our level of education, population and most importantly, the benefits that telecoms have afford to businesses in BPO to thrive.
Without that the companies wouldn’t come in. in fact, you wouldn’t see their representatives or connect to them in far- away Europe and other parts of the world.
As players in that areas, we need to create awareness, while encouraging other sectors like banking and finance, aviation to embrace it.
And even the government is in need of contact; government can’t be the ‘be-all’ and ‘do-all’.
If they can provide an enabling environment, restoring confidence to what we do, it can make us (the industry) attractive. There are companies willing and across the world, they will come in.
Poor Welfare Package for Staff Among Some BPO Operators
In that regards, we need to encourage indigenous companies. I am glad that you have mentioned that the dominate players which are not local companies are the ones found wanting.
The indigenous companies are doing better and we will continue to do better hence we understand Nigeria’s socio-cultural environment.
We also understand the economic implications. Again, one factor that users will consider is the governance structure.
It’s not enough to identify these bad practices, but there should be need to fix the challenges confronting employees. However, among those socio-economic issues, there are things we can look at as the industry grows.
Telecom Services in the North-East
We are thankful to the government for the maintained efforts to curtail the insurgencies in the North-East.
Permit me to re-state our call for first line declaration for the protection of the telecom infrastructure after the incidents we had in the past years. It is an ongoing things; we are working with all stakeholders to ensure there is no part of the country that is not connected or remains out of service.
We are hoping that as the general situation improves in those areas, so also will telecom services will improve.
What is important is that we are working with the stakeholders. The speed of work will be determined by and considered by the various stakeholders.
We are cooperating with everyone. As an industry, we would like to have every part of the country connected or covered.
It is not in our interest that those things have happened; we wish that such experience does not repeat in our country.
We assure the public that we are doing the needful by working with the government and other Agencies to achieve the best for the whole country.
Federal government said it is committed to the implementation of stricter, more organized drone regulations to balance innovation with national security.
This came as stakeholders at the 6th Dronetecx Conference and Exhibition in Lagos called for stronger regulation and a comprehensive national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) launched a Drone Portal.
Speaking at the conference, representatives of Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and NCAA, said Nigeria is intensifying efforts to balance innovation with national security as drone operations continue to expand across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, oil and gas, logistics, construction and security.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, represented by Commodore Oscar Mbanu, deputy director, Defence Affairs, said the federal government had adopted a strict but innovation-friendly regulatory framework requiring security clearance, end-user certification and operational approval before drones can be deployed.
He disclosed that a multi-agency drone task force involving the NCAA, security agencies and other relevant bodies had been established to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and accountability, while the End-User Certificate system would help track imported drones and prevent misuse.
Also speaking, Mahmud Kambari, permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, represented by Mrs Rubiyatu Aliu, director of Air Safety and Administration in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the launch of a new digital drone registration portal and Flyer ID scheme introduced by the NCAA in partnership with Dronetecx to improve oversight and proper registration of operators.
She urged drone operators to comply with regulatory requirements, warning that innovation must operate within the law.
Captain Chris Najomo, director general of NCAA, said the Federal Government was moving from policy discussions to implementation with plans to establish a comprehensive national drone policy and roadmap approved by Mr Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He noted that the framework would complement existing aviation regulations and provide clearer direction for investors and operators in the rapidly growing industry.
Mr Fortune Edu, conference organiser and founder of Dronetecx, said Nigeria must urgently position itself as a leading player in Africa’s emerging drone economy or risk losing opportunities to countries already advancing in the sector.
He explained that the proposed national framework would support innovation, research, advanced air mobility and job creation while preparing the country for future drone applications including cargo delivery and passenger transportation.
Stakeholders at the conference expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government agencies and industry operators would accelerate the safe growth of drone technology and support national development.
Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Industry, has described the media as Nigeria’s most important development partner, noting that effective communication remains critical to national growth and institutional impact.
Speaking during an interactive session with media partners in Lagos, Olusi said journalists play a central role in shaping development outcomes by amplifying progress, accountability, and national aspirations.
“The media is the biggest agent of development anywhere,” he said. “Communicating what needs to be done and what has been done is critical in the journey of any development institution.”
Olusi used the engagement to unveil major milestones in BOI’s ongoing transformation agenda, which he said is focused on strengthening support for Nigeria’s private sector and driving inclusive economic growth.
On the BOI he met when he was appointed, Olusi said: “I inherited a very strong institution. The Bank of Industry was already one of the leading development finance institutions in Africa, and certainly a respected institution in Nigeria. I usually describe it as inheriting a Rolls-Royce.” He noted that the current leadership is innovating and repositioning the Bank to become even more effective in delivering long-term financing and developmental impact for Nigeria’s private sector.
“I came with the mindset of a development economist who truly believes in impact-making,” he said.
Olusi revealed that BOI has established an Impact Fund financed through a percentage of the Bank’s annual profits to support strategic national investments.
According to him, the Fund invested $15 million in the New Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja and N25 billion in the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) to improve access to financing for MSMEs lacking collateral.
“The objective is to remove the long-standing barriers preventing small businesses from accessing finance,” he explained.
The BOI boss also announced plans to commence non-interest banking operations following final regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He said the initiative would provide inclusive financing options for Nigerians who prefer non-interest financial products.
In addition, Olusi disclosed that BOI has established more than 20 youth and skills hubs nationwide focused on ICT, agro-processing, fashion, printing, and entrepreneurship development.
“These hubs are designed to help young Nigerians learn, innovate, package products, and eventually establish sustainable businesses,” he stated.
Reaffirming BOI’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation, Olusi said the Bank remains focused on creating measurable impact across communities and sectors nationwide.
“The opportunities for making a difference in Nigeria are enormous across all sectors and spheres of life,” he added.
Google’s annual I/O developer conference is a hub for exciting product updates. This year, “The Android Show: I/O Edition” offered an early preview of Android’s future. Packed with groundbreaking news, these updates will transform our Android interactions. Android, the world’s most popular OS with over 3 billion active devices, continues to innovate, bringing practical benefits and new possibilities.
For people in Nigeria, these advancements promise easier, safer, and more personal digital lives driven by Gemini Intelligence. From handing off your to-do list to unbreakable theft protection, dive into how Android’s 12 latest offerings will empower users across the continent:
1. Hand Off Your To-Do List with Gemini App Automation
Google is introducing Task Automation, allowing Gemini to navigate multi-step tasks across your apps so you can focus on other things. Instead of manually switching between apps and copying data, you can simply point your camera at a travel brochure in a hotel lobby and say, “Find a tour like this on Expedia for a group of six.” You can also long-press your power button over a grocery list in your notes app and ask Gemini to build a shopping cart with all the items for delivery. Gemini handles the logistics in the background while keeping you in complete control.
Availability: Already in beta on S26 and P10 Pro devices, and launching on Galaxy Fold8 and Pixel 11 later this year.
2. Speak Naturally with “Rambler” (Powered by Gemini)
Google is announcing Rambler, a revolutionary voice typing feature in Gboard that captures your underlying intent rather than just transcribing your exact words. Because we don’t always speak the way we want to write, Rambler lets you talk naturally—including self-corrections, repeats, and filler words like “ums” and “ahs”—and turns those raw thoughts into a polished, concise message. It is built for a global community and can seamlessly switch between multiple languages, like blending English and Hindi, within a single sentence.
Availability: Rolling out first to Pixel devices starting in Q3 2026.
3. A Personal Browsing Assistant with Gemini in Chrome
Google is announcing a built-in personal browsing assistant for Chrome on Android, designed to help you research and understand web content without ever leaving the app. By tapping the Gemini icon on your toolbar, the assistant opens at the bottom of your display so you can ask specific questions about the webpage you are currently viewing. Whether you need a quick summary of a long article or a detailed explanation of a complex topic, this tool seamlessly enhances your mobile web experience.
Availability: Rolling out to select Android 12+ devices with 4GB+ of RAM in the U.S. starting at the end of June.
4. Instant Image Customization with Nano Banana
Google is introducing Nano Banana, an innovative feature that lets you instantly create and customize images directly within your Chrome browser. For example, if you are studying for an online exam, you can simply ask your browsing assistant to turn a text-heavy page into an informative infographic. Similarly, if you are scrolling through apartment listings, you can ask the assistant to alter a photo of an empty room to include modern living room essentials, allowing you to instantly visualize ideas on the go.
Availability: Available in Chrome for Android starting next month.
5. Share with Anyone Using Quick Share & AirDrop
Google is announcing a massive expansion to Quick Share, making it compatible with AirDrop to solve the universal hassle of sharing files between different phone brands. If you are at a family gathering and want to share a video with friends using iOS, you can simply use Quick Share on your Android phone to generate a QR code. Scanning this code lets you instantly share high-quality media across devices via the cloud, breaking down the barriers between operating systems.
Availability: Expanding to more partners including Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and HONOR this year.
6. OSmosis: Wireless iOS-to-Android Transfer
Google is announcing OSmosis, a completely overhauled, wireless iOS-to-Android transfer process that makes switching phones easier than ever. You can now wirelessly migrate your passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, and even your precise homescreen layout directly from your iPhone to your new Android device without needing a cable.
Availability: Launching first on new Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices later this year.
7. Pro-Grade Creator Tools Natively on Instagram
Google is announcing an expanded partnership with Meta to bring pro-level camera and editing features natively to the Instagram app on Android flagships. Android creators can now enjoy Ultra HDR capture for lifelike, vibrant colors, along with built-in video stabilization to keep footage smooth while walking or dancing. The update also includes deep Night Sight integrations, ensuring you can capture the perfect shot even in the dimmest settings.
Availability: Rolling out to flagship devices throughout Q3 and Q4 2026.
8. Reclaim Your Time with “Pause Point”
Google is introducing Pause Point, a new digital wellbeing tool designed to help you stop mindless, autopilot scrolling. When you try to open an app you have identified as distracting, Pause Point gives you a mandatory 10-second breather to ask yourself, “Why am I here?” During this pause, you can do a quick breathing exercise or set a strict timer for your app usage. To ensure you stick to your goals, turning the feature off completely requires you to restart your phone.
Availability: Available in Q4 2026 across all countries and languages.
9. Unbreakable Biometric Theft Protection
Google is announcing a powerful new anti-theft measure that enhances the “Mark as lost” feature with biometric authentication. If your device is snatched, you can now lock it using your fingerprint or face in addition to the standard passcode. This provides an immediate, unbreakable layer of security, meaning that even if a thief spied on your PIN before stealing your phone, they will not be able to turn off device tracking or re-access your personal data.
Availability: Rolling out as a built-in feature on devices running Android 17.
10. Express Yourself with Noto 3D Emoji
Google is announcing Noto 3D, a massive update to the way we express ourselves with nearly 4,000 newly designed emoji. Moving away from flat 2D icons, these new 3D emoji bring a touch of physicality and weight to your digital conversations. Whether you are sending a wrapped burrito or a joyful smile, this visually vibrant collection bridges the digital divide, representing the difference between a message simply being received and a true presence felt.
Availability: Available across Google platforms, starting with Pixel phones later this year.
11. Fill Out Forms in a Single Tap with Gemini Personal Intelligence
Google is announcing an evolution to Autofill with Google, powered by Gemini’s Personal Intelligence. This new feature allows Android to automatically fill in complex forms across your apps and Chrome browser. By securely pulling relevant information from your connected apps or saved photos—such as passport details or frequent flyer numbers—your device saves you from the universal hassle of typing out tiny text on a mobile screen.
Availability: Rolling out in Q2 2026 for phones, and Q4 2026 for laptops and tablets.
12. Build Custom Widgets with Gemini Intelligence
Google is introducing Create My Widget, taking the first step in generative UI to give you more ways to make your device truly yours. You can now build entirely custom widgets just by describing what you want using natural language. For example, a meal prepper can ask for a widget that suggests high-protein recipes every week, or a cyclist can create a weather dashboard that surfaces exact wind speed and rain stats right on the home screen.
Availability: Launching in Q3 2026 for phones, watches, laptops, and tablets.
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