Telecom
Privacy Concerns Mount over Digital ID-SIM Link

Concerns over privacy and the handling of personal data is putting off Nigerians from registering in the biometric ID system and then linking that to their SIMs, reports the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters.
Nigerians have until October 31, 021 to link their biometric National Identity Numbers (NINs) to their mobile SIM cards and mobile phone details or face being disconnected.
There have already been multiple deadline extensions and as only around 60 million citizens and legal residents of a population of around 207 million have so far enrolled for the NIN.
On average, there are between three and four SIMs registered to each NIN.
The World Bank has funded Nigeria’s ID project to the tune of $433 million, yet Nigeria does not yet have data protection laws.
Laws were formulated – the NDPR – but never passed by the National Assembly and so are not enforceable.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation has spoken to rights activists and campaigners in Nigeria who say that they themselves will not link their phone numbers to their NINs. They are concerned that people in rural areas could miss the deadline.
Uche Chigbo, acting general manager of the NIMC spoke at even in Port Harcourt last month and countered that “a lot of people in rural areas are registering – more than people in the cities,” reports the Foundation.
Chigbo also said that the government is working on grassroots outreach with community and religious leaders and market associations to push out messaging on the scheme.
“NDPR does not have the power to check government agencies that are the greatest harvesters of data,” Khadijah El-Usman, a program officer with Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights group based in Lagos told Thomson Reuters.
People do not trust the government with their data, but those who do not link their ID numbers with their phones risk being cut off in less than three months.
December 2020 The government announced on December 15 the plan to link ID numbers with mobile phones.
The deadline was initially two weeks later, on 31 December, but soon extended to February 9, 2021. A ban is placed on registering any new SIM cards.
January 2021 Updates were made to the slips that the NIN is printed on when people enroll and an app released to make the phone link easier. (Very few eID cards have been issued. Registrants receive a paper slip and can activate a mobile app with the number.)
However, progress was already very slow. Media found that at a few weeks from the 9 February deadline, up to 95 percent of the 173 agents licensed – public and private – for the enrollment process had not begun any serious work and were still waiting for equipment.
February 2021 Civil rights group coalition Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), filed a suit requesting a federal High Court in Edo state capital, Benin, to declare the move as a breach of citizens’ right to privacy as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution.
The deadline was extended to April 6.
March 2021 Reports emerge of people being forced to pay bribes at registration centers when trying to enroll for a NIN as the SIM deadline neared.
A Nigerian court ordered a further extension beyond April 6.
April 2021 The government lifts the ban on the activation of new SIM cards as long as they are linked to a NIN.
May 2021 The Nigerian Communications Commission updates it identity policy to state that SIM card acquisition and activation should be done based on NIN verification using biometric methods such facial recognition and fingerprints which will be matched against data held by the NIMC.
It acknowledges how the whole process will increase the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) databases.
July 2021 Number of NIN registrations reaches almost 60 million, the boost being linked to the SIM requirements.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Rewards 1,500+ Winners with ₦290m in Mega Billion Promo

Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.

L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.
Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.
One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”
The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”
Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.
Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.
Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.
The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.
Telecom
MENXTT Tech NG Debuts USA-Spec Devices and Redefines IT Retail in Nigeria

MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.
The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.
According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.
Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.
He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.
With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.
The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.
Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.
Telecom
MTN, MTV Base Launch “Room of Safety” Series to Promote Online Child Safety

Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.
The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.
Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.
A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.
The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.
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