General News
Priority Communications Solves Fiber Cut Issues Via Air-Fiber-Samuel
Olumide Samuel, CEO, Priority Communications Limited is a data communications expert. He has been in the business of providing Data/ Telecommunications services to companies especially, banks for online data communications for branch offices and ATM machines using microwave/wireless and digital leased line (DSL) within Lagos and 25 other states of the federation, for close to two decades now.
In this interview with peter ugwu, he shares the Company’s giant strides towards achieving throughput connectivity for the clientele: challenges and opportunities.
Priority Communications: In the Beginning
We started about eight years ago. About four of us commenced the operations, however, today; we are growing to over two hundred staff and partners. Currently, we operate in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia.
In Nigeria, we have operations in 26 States, offering services to the IT, telecoms, conglomerates, manufacturing, financial sector; like banks & insurance, courier companies. Essentially, our services cut across a large group in different sectors of the economy.
Company’s Experiences on Data Services since Inception
We have seen the need for telecom and data services has been on the rise over the years. Of course, it is a known fact that players in the financial sector cannot do without IT; for some of them, IT forms the core of their operations.
The concept is imperative in the era of heavy dependence on ATM machines, easy transfers; they are purely IT based. Other sectors are also catching-on, as people are beginning to realize that it is more efficient or cost-effective to adopt IT.
Even the government is now talking about e-payment: e-collection, e-taxation, among others. IT has become business enabler and the growth has been phenomenal.
For instance, a lot of courier companies are now coming out to integrate IT into their operations. We in Priority Communications are out to support them, so that they can provide optimal services to their clientele.
We are also moving to other sectors; currently, we are talking to people in the maritime, oils and gas sector; we are working with construction companies too.
Corporate Organizations Preference to Foreign Companies’ Services
You are right about that and this is a challenge to a lot of local organizations. What has helped us in Priority Communications is that we run a very structured environment.
The truth is: local companies should learn to play up to a certain international standard.
For us in Priority Communications, we do not play with ‘structures’. We put our things in proper perspectives.
Some indigenous companies have not learnt the language of corporate business; and they even lose resources along the line. For instance, when we are handling a project, we will not leave our projects in the hands of a neophyte; someone with ‘flight risks’, if I may use that phrase.
Also, the quality of our work speaks volumes for us; we always pride ourselves on that. We are delighted to have very premium customers too like the big banks in Nigeria- Zenith Bank, GTBank, Access Bank, Skye Bank, Diamond Bank, Keystone Bank, Wema Bank, Niger Insurance, Sterling Bank, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Mopol, UAC among others. We service the like of UAC, DHL and so many others; these are big players in the industries they represent. Local companies must learn to take execute contracts with utmost seriousness, because it tells about your capabilities and this has kept Priority Communications going for the past eight years.
Issues on Skills for Maximum Impact
Sincerely, it has been a challenge getting the right kind of team that shares your operational philosophy. Over the years, personnel skills development programmes take a chunk of our budget.
A lot of training and skills development institutes in Nigeria know Priority Communications very well; it is as though we run a retainer ship programme with some of them.
When you train your staff, they can help you tidy up the rough edges. For 2015, we are already coming out with our budget for trainings for all our staff. Our policy is that, on average, a staff will attend minimum of two training every year, depending on the skill requisition.
Since we started that, the qualities of our jobs are getting better; training builds confidence in the staff. Especially in data communications, we don’t joke with trainings.
Innovations in M2M, Air-Fiber, Consultancy Service, Etc
M2M Connectivity: Primarily, machine-to-machine technology helps users to have direct access to their equipment, machines or facilities, irrespective of the location.
Essentially, what we intend to offer our clients in the M2M option of connectivity is to enable them have very fast, robust and reliable access to their facilities and equipment.
This kind of measure buoys up the operations of large conglomerates, even small businesses benefit as well. We are talking about banks with many branches, down to individuals that would want to monitor what goes on in their homes, office, warehouse, etc.
It is a very reliable, consistent and cost saving measure that I encourage companies to buy into. We can almost guarantee 100% connectivity on that spectrum because we have built a lot of redundancies in terms of technology, power back-ups.
Other beauty of it is the zero-deployment time, because when you can use it instantaneously, and we can meet your locations connectivity needs, your productivity continues to grow. We also have the Air-Fiber Technology: we are trying to solve a problem that is notable in the industry.
Some of our clients actually wanted hitch-free bandwidth; therefore, the issue of fiber-cut must be taken care of. We know that almost everywhere in Nigeria a construction goes on at regular interval. So, we needed facilities that will not be subject to cuts.
Therefore, air-fiber is the combination of wireless and fiber technologies. In other words, it is wireless based, but it gives you all the benefits inherent in fiber networks, based on the bandwidth and throughput. So, when we offer you a link on the air-fiber, we are talking of gigabyte range of capacity, which is highly demanded by organizations that rely on connectivity to achieve their targets. Cost-wise, it is not that high compared to the profit accruable to the subscribers.
Consultancy Services: we have been approached by a number of our clients, especially those who want us to develop their IT architecture.
There are companies in distress on how to handle issues such as network design, network expansion plans, among others. It means that anybody can walk into Priority Communications and get his choice designs, even when they are mid-platform range…
…How About SMES?
Actually, every category is covered. Just like every nation that wants to increase its economic developmental changes must not toy with the SMEs, companies like ours take SMEs very seriously.
So, we visit the client’s base, take audit of its operations and requirements and get to design or advice on how they can improve.
Challenges of Nurturing Businesses in Nigeria
Power is a major constraint. It is not just about us, rather a national call. The cost of providing alternate power supply has continued to rise. However, as a business person you just have to move on, because there are always ways to go around the challenges.
For us, it is something we strive to overcome, if not, we wouldn’t be in operation till today; though I must frankly say that the impacts on our margins are there too. Another challenge is the insecurity in the North. The other notable challenge is funding.
Nevertheless, we have been favoured; as a structured organization, banks can afford to trust us with some (loan) facilities on regular basis. Maybe apathy against local businesses by some organizations, however, we at Priority Communications have never seen it as a case.
We have tried to live above that level, meeting international standards with our service supports. Early last year, we went about upgrading our technologies, because of our passion to remain relevant with trends in the today’s business, which a lot of Nigerian companies would shy away from. At least, it is not at any additional cost to the clients; rather, it is for your optimal performance. A business ought to be at its best to retain the clients’ confidence.
Government-Businesses Relationship
It’s tough letting some people understand that this business does not grow over-night. Anything that is tied to the government, as a business person, would always have certain limits.
However, for us at Priority Communications, everything that is a challenge is an opportunity to innovate. I think that whenever we see challenges, the next thing should be: “what is the way out of?”
It is true that double taxation is there, but when you look at it, you just have to do business. People use to say, “if you can do business and succeed in Nigeria, there is no place you cannot succeed”.
These are the peculiarities of our environments and to a large extent, people are getting their jobs down. At a time, people said, because of the crisis in the Niger-Delta businesses will shut down indefinitely, but some people found a way around it; petroleum keeps coming from there.
If we talk about ‘area-boys’ (touts), is the government really interested in solving the problem? They only need to engage them in the system. After sometime, it will phase out.
Today, the telecoms Company have embraced co-hosting, minimizing costs and reducing risks. The challenges out there, no doubt jerk up the costs of rendering services.
That is why people are clamouring for interventions. As providers, maybe we are not doing enough businesses to accommodate those costs. So, the business models and processes should generate more money for a company to withstand the shocks that follow the costs.
For instance, if I have 200 customers in Oshodi axis and somebody says I should pay N500, 000 to allow me to work in Oshodi, I need to pay based on the expected to returns, but when just two customers are located there, it will be difficult to extend my network to that place.
Inherently, it will affect the government, because even the State Governments carry out tax audit and they leave your office disappointed, because they see that the operators are not making money as they perceived.
Expansion Plans
First, this year we plan to build a very large data centre in the Lekki axis. By end of first quarter we will have more details on that. It is coming based on the requests by our clients who want facility that is off-site.
We are also planning to expand our operations to other African countries and continents. Apart from consolidating on the places we are present, we want to move to areas where our clients are located.
Even in Nigeria, we have seen we have not gone close to what our capacities can afford. So, we hope to open more offices in some States. If I tell you that Priority Communications is working massively in Sokoto, it might not be easy to believe, but we serve almost 50% of banks in the State.
Even in Kano, Maiduguri; in fact, we hope to grow in those areas. It is our prayer that the security situations in those areas be solved. We have about five offices in Lagos and hope to increase it to 10 before the year runs out.
That will enable us provide more value added services to our clients. We have also started the process to engage additional 60 engineers before the middle of the year.
General News
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women
Leveraging digital infrastructure is key to accelerating financial inclusion, especially through a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, fintechs, telecoms, regulators and even the customers.
According to the World Bank report, a significant portion of the global adult population remains unbanked.
Specifically, 27% of adults globally are considered unbanked, and an additional 50% are underbanked, defined as lacking a credit card, , according to Lucidity Insights.
By investing in awareness, robust digital ID systems, interoperable payment rails, and inclusive policy frameworks, stakeholders can expand access to financial services, particularly in underserved regions, and reduce the global unbanked population significantly.
Stakeholders who gathered at the Regtech Conference 2025 discussed these strategies and more, especially facilitating cross-border payments and investment opportunities across Africa.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Uche Uzoebo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited.
The panel discussion themed, “From Borders to Bridges: Leveraging Digital Infrastructure to Drive Financial Inclusion through a Multi-Stakeholder Approach”, brought together diverse voices across banking, fintech, policy, and government to explore how digital infrastructure can be annexed to drive financial inclusion.
Uzoebo highlighted how women often face unique challenges in accessing financial services coupled with limited digital literacy and cultural barriers.
She engaged the panelists to discuss targeted interventions aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in the financial sector and effective financial education programs that empower individuals to utilize digital financial services.
Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group, highlighted how her organization had established a women-focused initiative to provide support to businesses targeted at women and those with women as part of the leadership by providing them with access to finance and non-financial support.
Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited, stressed the need to inculcate financial literacy into the education curriculum to ensure everyone is exposed to the knowledge of financial literacy from a young age.
The panelists include Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, Chief Partnership & Ecosystems Officer, Wema Bank; Gerald Munyaradzi Nyakwawa, Head of Digital Channels, MoneyMart Finance (Private) Limited, Zimbabwe; Dr. Henry Clarke Kisembo, Group Global Lead and Executive Chairman, Development Associates Link International (DALI); Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group; Jean Jacques Kajuga, Chief Operations Officer, RSwitch Rwanda; and Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited.
The panelists emphasized collaboration, leading by example, speed and legislative alignment, a unified infrastructure payment system, and collaboration between national and regional switchers to allow a low-cost cross-border payment as key to ensuring financial inclusion.
Meanwhile, her organization, Shared Agency Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF), was honored with the title of 2025 Financial Literacy Champion at the RegTech Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights SANEF’s steadfast commitment to promoting financial literacy and enhancing financial inclusion across Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, the expansion of agent networks nationwide, and impactful educational programs, SANEF continues to equip millions with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.
General News
Hydrogen, Lagos State Touch Thousands of Business Owners with “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” Outreach
As part of its continued effort to support the growth and sustainability of Nigerian enterprises, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited joined forces with Ikeja Local Government Area and the Office of the Medical Officer of Health to deliver the impactful “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” outreach on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
The initiative successfully engaged a wide range of business owners through a combination of in-person participation and extensive digital awareness campaigns.
Participants benefited from a comprehensive range of free medical screenings, including blood pressure checks, ECGs, malaria and typhoid testing, urinalysis, packed cell volume (PCV), blood sugar monitoring, and more, highlighting the critical connection between good health and business longevity.
Kemi Okusanya, CEO of Hydrogen, commented on the initiative, affirming Hydrogen’s passion for the growth of businesses.
“At Hydrogen, we are deeply committed to the success of Nigerian businesses. As a payment solutions provider, we recognise that healthy entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient enterprises. This outreach exemplifies our belief in supporting entrepreneurs beyond just payments.”
Demonstrating this responsibility, Hydrogen donated Sphygmomanometers and Glucometers to indigent and high-risk attendees unable to afford this essential health monitoring devices, empowering them to manage their health beyond the outreach.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become increasingly important in driving sustainable development across various sectors.
By leveraging the unique strengths of both government institutions and private enterprises, PPPs enable more efficient delivery of services, innovation, and expanded reach. These collaborations foster shared responsibility and resource pooling, making it possible to tackle complex challenges that neither sector could effectively address alone.
Dr. Tawak O.F., Medical Officer of Health for Ikeja, spoke on this, saying, “This partnership with Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited exemplifies the power of effective public-private collaboration in reaching the heart of our business community.”
“Entrepreneurs often overlook their health while striving for success, but initiatives like this remind us all that good health is an essential part of wealth. We commend Hydrogen for their commitment to not just powering payments, but also powering healthier, more resilient businesses through impactful community engagement,” She added.
Mary, one of the beneficiaries and a merchant in ‘Computer Village’, expressed her gratitude, saying that, “Most of us don’t think about regular hospital checkups. Mainly, because the cost is too high and some things now are not covered by insurance. Today, Hydrogen and Lagos State have brought doctors for free to our doorstep, and we are very grateful.”
Hydrogen’s full team presence at the event reaffirmed the company’s dedication to forging genuine relationships and standing firmly with the business communities it serves.
General News
Tripoint Travels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025
In a vibrant celebration of national pride, global relevance, and entrepreneurial drive, Tripoint Travels, the official logistics partner of GEN Nigeria hosted an exclusive pre-congress brunch for Nigerian delegates attending the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025.
Held at Tripoint’s Lagos headquarters, the event brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, and government officials, including Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University; Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Nigeria (GEN Nigeria); Dr. Babangida Ruma from The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, CEO of the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited; Actor and influencer Mr. Umar Gombe; along with other distinguished guests and representatives from various government bodies, all in anticipation of their journey to Indianapolis, Indiana this June.
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), Organized annually by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the GEC brings together more than 5,000 participants from over 200 countries, including Entrepreneurs, Investors, Policymakers, Researchers, & Support organizations to build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Since its inception in 2009, the GEC has become a cornerstone of international collaboration and entrepreneurial innovation.
This year’s GEC, hosted in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), marks the Congress’ return to the United States after 16 years. Held in Indianapolis from June 2–5, 2025, the event aims to spotlight Indiana’s pro-growth business climate while strengthening global ties that promote sustainable economic development and innovation.
The brunch allowed the delegation to connect in an intimate and engaging setting, sharing expectations, ideas, and goals ahead of one of the most impactful convening in the global entrepreneurship calendar. Designed to build camaraderie, align visions, and foster a sense of shared identity, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration as Nigerian representatives prepare to take the global stage.
“The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is not just a conference, it’s a platform that is deliberate about global innovation meeting local action, said Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, Founder of Tripoint Travels. We wanted to set the tone for our delegates, to ensure that they feel connected to this year’s theme – The Bold Change the World, as well as foster the necessary collaborations to make that happen at the local and global stage.. As a company rooted in both logistics and empowerment, we are proud to play a role in making their journey seamless and meaningful.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), emphasized the significance of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) as both a meeting point and a growth platform, where Nigerian entrepreneurs engage with global ecosystems to connect, learn, and thrive. He noted that Nigeria’s presence at the GEC is not just symbolic but essential, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the global entrepreneurial landscape. Dr. Anifowose also commended Tripoint Travels for their pivotal role as a trusted partner in mobilizing Nigeria’s brightest talent and making the journey to GEC 2025 a reality.
GEN Nigeria has emerged as a critical force in supporting entrepreneurship at the grassroots and policy level, and with a Partner as Tripoint Travels, its expansive network and initiatives, continues to actively shape the country’s innovation landscape, championing inclusive growth, and equipping thousands of Entrepreneurs with the tools, exposure, and networks needed to succeed in both local and international markets.
With delegates selected for their contributions to Ecosystem building and Entrepreneurship, Nigeria’s representation at The GEC 2025 would reflect the country’s diversity, resilience, entrepreneurship spirit and creative potential. The presence of Founders and Innovators like Mr Rotimi Awofisibe – MD, VFD bank, one of the officially invited participants, is testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in the Global Entrepreneurship arena.
“We’re proud to be a longstanding partner of GEN Nigeria, supporting the Entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future. Attending the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is about learning, contributing, and returning with a renewed, broader vision. It’s through committed partnerships like ours that such visions become reality,” said Mrs. Muhammed.
More than just a travel management company, Tripoint Travels is a trusted enabler of dreams, mobility, and opportunity. As GEN Nigeria’s official travel partner for GEC 2025, Tripoint is overseeing every aspect of the delegation’s journey, from visa coordination and flight logistics to accommodation and ground transportation, ensuring a seamless and empowering experience.
Tripoint Travels also extends its commitment to ecosystem development through Tripoint Academy, its nonprofit arm that supports early-stage entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and access to local and global opportunities. Tripoint’s partnership with GEN Nigeria reflects its broader mission: to use travel as a tool for empowerment, education, and national development.
“Every single ticket we issue is a bridge, a bridge between where someone is now, and where they’re meant to be,” added Mrs. Muhammed. “We don’t just book travel. We open up the world for Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
The highlight of the Pre-Congress brunch was the piece of art done by all the delegates present at the event. The interactive art was introduced as an inclusive way to showcase the multiculturalism and pivotal position of the Nigerian business mind, and so the essence of the Nigerian delegation materialised through the painting. The art work will be exhibited and gifted at a special event during the Congress.
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women
Survey Reveals Marketing Leaders See Strong Potential in gTLDS Despite Knowledge Gap
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership
Hydrogen, Lagos State Touch Thousands of Business Owners with “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” Outreach
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