Telecom
Pomp, Fervour as NCC Marks TCP @ 10
Encomiums poured ceaselessly last Friday at the event to mark the 10th anniversary of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as excited stakeholders toasted to the success and longevity of the platform designed by the Commission to bring stakeholders in the telecommunications industry together with the aim of resolving consumer complaints, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.
The event which was held in Lagos attracted the crème of the telecommunications industry; all which spared glowing commendations for the NCC for setting the TCP that also informs and educates stakeholders on topical issues that affect the industry.
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology, commended the NCC for the establishment and management of the TCP, adding that more could be achieve through consumers’ continued suggestions.
Johnson, said that the establishment of TCP by the nation’s telecom regulatory body 10 years ago was first of its kind in the history of telecommunication.
This, she added, had earned the Commission great commendation from the International Telecommunication Union and respect in the eyes of other nations’ regulatory bodies.
Johnson who was represented at TCP’s 10th Anniversary in Lagos by Engineer Festus Daudu, director, Spectrum Management in the Ministry, charged telecom consumers on useful suggestions capable of assisting government and the Commission in policy direction and regulatory framework.
“The Parliament since inception has made great impact and contributed to the development of telecommunication in the country. It has also assisted the Commission in its regulatory processes to ensure that both the service providers and the consumers all benefit from each other,” the Minister said.
On his part, Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive chairman and chief executive officer of NCC, said that the TCP’s edition was special due to the commemoration of the 10th anniversary on one hand and the celebration of the consumer as a king, on the other hand.
“Taking you through memory lane, Nigeria has witnessed a voice telephone revolution in the last 12 years when the total connected lines was mere 400,000 in 2001. Today, the total active lines in the country have reached a phenomenal 117 million as at the end of January 2014. The next revolution is out regulatory agenda is ‘Broadband Revolution’”. He added
Acknowledging the role of Broadband to national development, Juwah said, the Federal Government has taken several steps including the articulation of a national broadband plan as well as continually taking steps at providing an enabling environment for the development of infrastructure that will support the growth and access to broadband services at affordable cost to consumers.
The framework to support the broadband infrastructure has been fully articulated and is being implemented by the Commission as reflected in the Open Access model adopted for the country.
Earlier in a welcome address, Maryam Bayi, director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, said the NCC receives complaints daily from its automated call centres from aggrieved subscribers over poor quality of service, drop calls and unsolicited text messages sent by operators.
By implication, many Nigerians are following the trends in the industry to register their grievances.
Bayi said at various occasions, operators had been invited for a meeting with the commission where they had received instructions to desist from dispatching unsolicited SMS, warning that operators would be sanctioned for failure to comply with the directive.
As part of pragmatic steps taken by the commission to ensure improved quality of service, the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau said NCC has set up Quality of Service Unit in the commission to receive consumers’ complaints and protect their interests.
Bayo said that in the last 10 years, NCC has been addressing critical issues like quality of service, regulations for consumers, mobile number portability (MNP), among others.
She pointed out that NCC, specifically, initiated MNP for subscribers in order to promote competition among service operators as well as address the issue of poor quality of service in Nigeria.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can also report that the event attracted industry wide approval and commendations from operators and consumer s.
Wale Goodluck, corporate services executive at MTN Nigeria, said that TCP has become an invaluable platform to ascertain consumers’ needs and complaints, adding that the MTN as a network holds consumer satisfaction high.
He commended NCC’s vision in setting up the Parliament, which according to him has lived up to its expectations in the last 10 years.
Goodluck maintained that MTN through its various programmes has affected the lives of consumers positively, especially through the MTN Foundation programmes.
Nodding in agreement, Osondu Nwokoro, director of Regulatory Affairs, Airtel Nigeria, said the operator has not relented in heeding to consumers’ requests emanating from TCP sessions.
He added that Airtel is building a network the consumers shall remain proud of, hence TCP sessions provided them with knowledge on the directions, aspirations and demands of the consumers.
Also, Olajide Aremu, head of Network Operating Centre (NOC), Glo, said the network has always identified with the consumers, especially the students.
He said due to the opportunities provided by NCC through TCP, Glo has carved a niche for itself in the hearts of educational institutions hence it has connected several educational institutions with more on the line.
Hajia Hauwa Barkindo, a consumer who made it all the way from Kano state advised telecommunications subscribers to avail themselves of the TCP in resolving issues affecting them.
“I think the NCC has provided the best platform for consumer education and tackling the issues in the industry, it is left for us (consumers to use this platform” Barkindo, added.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to some telecom companies for their resolving issues affecting consumers with Etisalat bagging the best network award at the anniversary.
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Vivo, Chinese smartphone maker has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Credit Direct, Nigerian consumer finance company to launch a device financing programme in the country.
L-R: Toni Liu, CEO, vivo Nigeria, and Chukwuma Nwanze, MD/CEO, Credit Direct, at the MoU signing in Lagos
This initiative aims to remove barriers to smartphone ownership while supporting Vivo’s expansion strategy in Nigeria.
Under the terms of the agreement, customers can purchase a Vivo smartphone by paying 20% upfront and spreading the remaining balance over six months.
Credit Direct will provide the financing.
Both companies target sales of more than 200,000 devices in the first year.
“People who need smartphones but cannot pay upfront can now do so through a payment plan that does not strain their monthly income. Our mission has always been to make financial solutions a universal opportunity, and this is exactly what this represents in practice. I am truly excited about what we can achieve together,” said Chukwuma Nwanze, chief executive officer of Credit Direct.
This initiative comes as smartphone financing programs gain momentum across Africa, where device affordability remains a key barrier to mobile internet adoption.
According to the GSMA, the median cost of an entry-level smartphone in Nigeria fell from $84 in 2018 to $18 in 2024, reducing its share of average monthly income to 26%.
However, currency depreciation and rising living costs have offset much of this progress.
For the poorest 40% of Nigerians, an entry-level smartphone still represents 56% of monthly income, while it accounts for 73% for the poorest 20%, highlighting persistent affordability constraints among vulnerable households.
Despite these challenges, smartphone ownership reached only 27% in Nigeria in 2024, according to the GSMA, leaving significant room for growth.
Data from StatCounter shows that Vivo held a 1.18% market share at the end of March 2026.
The company remains far behind market leader Tecno with 18.72%, followed by Infinix at 16.28%, Samsung at 15.4%, Apple at 14.15%, and Xiaomi at 8.17%.
Other players such as Oppo, Itel, and Huawei also operate in the market.
Nigeria’s foremost payments and financial inclusion dialogue platform, Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0), will hold this Friday, April 24, 2026, at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, bringing together regulators, fintech leaders, banks, policymakers, agent networks, cybersecurity experts, innovators, and ecosystem stakeholders to shape the future of digital payments in Nigeria.
Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0
With the theme: “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” PAFON 3.0 comes at a defining moment for the country’s digital economy as stakeholders seek practical pathways to close the inclusion gap, strengthen trust in payment systems, and accelerate access for underserved populations.
Why PAFON 3.0 is Different
“Unlike routine conferences, PAFON is a solutions-driven forum designed to bridge policy conversations with market realities.
“The event uniquely convenes fintech operators, agent banking networks, cooperatives, payment innovators, cybersecurity professionals, and thought leaders under one roof to tackle real challenges affecting Nigerians at the grassroots”, said Peter Oluka, co-convener of Payments Forum Nigeria.
“From digital trust and cybersecurity to agency banking, embedded finance, stablecoins, eNaira, SME growth, and healthcare financing, PAFON 3.0 is positioned as one of the most strategic gatherings in Nigeria’s payments ecosystem this year”, Oluka added.
High-Profile Keynote Speakers Confirmed
This year’s edition will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and industry leaders, including Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare, chief visionary officer, Digital Encode, and Dr. Jameelah Sherrief-Ayedu, vice president, FintechNGR & CEO, Credit Registry
Other confirmed speakers include, Dennis Ajalie, managing director, TeamApt Ltd.; Mr. Chika Nwosu, managing director, PalmPay Nigeria; Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF Limited): Special Guest of Honour; Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association of Nigeria (NITRA); Mojeed Abayomi Agboola, national president, Financial Inclusion Agents Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FIAMCS); Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman Lagos Chapter, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN); Sarafadeen Atanda Fasasi, and president, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN).
Fireside Chat on Africa’s Next Innovators
Another standout session will explore the future of digital currencies and regional interoperability: Stablecoins vs. eNaira: Orchestrating a Unified Digital Payment Rail for West Africa
This special fireside chat, hosted in collaboration with Lagos Blockchain Week, promises fresh perspectives on the next phase of Africa’s payment innovation journey.
Chuwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, Lead convener of LBW will host the session alongside Senator Ihenyen, Lead Partner of Infusion Lawyers and Founding Trustee of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Association (VASPA); Victoria Oluebube Igboanugo, marketing lead, Lagos Blockchain Week; Chidubem Emelumadu, ecosystem lead (Africa), Lisk, and Harrison Obiefule, Nigerian lead for Superteam.
More Activities Lined Up
Attendees will also experience product demo of Myitura Healthcare Financing Solution;
Townhall Meeting on The State of Agency Banking in Nigeria led by AMMBAN; Goodwill messages from leading institutions and industry associations, and strategic networking with decision-makers across banking, fintech, regulation, media, and innovation ecosystems
PAFON 3.0 is expected to attract C-suite executives, startup founders, regulators, investors, digital payment operators, development institutions, policymakers, and professionals seeking to understand where Nigeria’s payment future is heading.
Participation
Participation is free.
The application deadline for the fifth edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) has been extended to April 25, 2026, organisers have announced.
MTN Nigeria Media Innovation Programme
The extension offers additional time for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the fully funded programme aimed at advancing storytelling and media innovation.
The initiative is sponsored by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU).
Organisers said the 2026 cohort would admit 25 fellows, an increase from the previous 20, in line with MTN Nigeria’s 25th anniversary and its continued commitment to strengthening the country’s media ecosystem.
Launched in 2022, the six-month certificate programme provides participants with training in media innovation, leadership and digital transformation.
It features academic sessions at PAU, industry engagements and an international study visit, including sessions at the University of Johannesburg.
According to the organisers, the programme has produced a growing network of alumni contributing to Nigeria’s media landscape through leadership roles, new media ventures and impactful storytelling.
The programme is open to practitioners across print, broadcast, digital and social media, with applicants expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and professional development.
Interested applicants can submit their entries through the School of Media and Communication website.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, with successful applicants expected to commence the programme in May 2026.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the initiative is part of broader efforts to equip media professionals with the skills needed to adapt to the evolving digital economy.
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