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Protecting Telecom Infrastructure for Quality of Service

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Foluso Phillips, Executive Chairman, Phillips Consulting Group
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The importance of telecommunications in the national life of the country cannot be over-emphasized.

There is virtually no aspect of the ever changing economic landscape of the new digital world that telecommunications is not playing active role to enhance its service delivery, be it financial, education, agriculture, and health among others.

For telecommunications services to be delivered require building of infrastructure upon which voice, data and video services are delivered to subscribers.

In most countries, transmission infrastructure for telecommunications services such as fibre cable links and power supply are built and provided by the government, but in Nigeria case, operators are building the required infrastructure for effective service delivery.

 It is indubitable fact that public power supply is almost none existence that forced operators to use generating sets to power their base stations.

 Regrettably, this infrastructure has consistently become target of vandals, thieves and road construction efforts without recourse to its effect on quality of service delivery.

Against this backdrop, stakeholders in the industry are seeking for a legislation to make telecom infrastructure critical national infrastructure for it to be protected by law.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that the industry suffers with any minor errors (technical faults, accidents, vandalisation, data recording errors, etc.) that can alter, disrupt or block the system processes unintentionally.

These disruptions not only disconnect subscribers, but could cause embarrassment to businesses and national security.

Emeka Oparah, vice president, corporate communications/corporate social responsibility at Airtel Nigeria said vandalisation of the telecom service equipment are regular occurrences. He cited the example of base station in Abia state where Airtel Nigeria lost four generators to the vandals.

The state has over the years gained notoriety for unfriendliness to the telecommunications infrastructure.

It took a more dangerous dimension in 2010 when six hapless telecommunications maintenance workers were killed in Aba, the commercial hub of the State.

The workers, members of the MTN workgroup which included two policemen were said to have gone to carry out maintenance operation at a base transmission station in Aba.
There are other challenges in the telecom sector that are inimical to investment which need to be addressed if the country will attract the desired massive investment that is coming into the ICT sector of the country’s economy.

Some of these challenges according to Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton), could hinder the sustenance of the growth, if they are not nipped in the bud.

He listed some of the challenges as multiple regulation, government interference in telecom matters, multiple taxations, insufficient broadband rollout in the industry, security of infrastructure, and quality of service, inadequate power supply, and state of access roads, among others.

Adebayo called for the scrapping of all forms of levies and fees charges by various agencies of government on ‘right of way’ approvals, insisting that they are all inimical to a true regulatory framework in any society.

He also explained that capacity building is critical for the sustenance of telecom development and that more effort is needed from government to ensure that the technical manpower requirements for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry were met.

This, he said, was traceable to challenge in the socio-economic environment and the guaranteed minimum quality of lives and that the industry was loosing a number of highly trained personnel to other countries with less potential, but with better social security and standard of living and economic values, better healthcare, better education guarantees for their children, better security of lives and property as well as quality of living.

He reiterated the fact that telecommunications in Nigeria remained the most functional and reliable public social infrastructure, while calling on stakeholders to continue to do the needful to sustain the growth and stability of the telecom sector of the economy through the provision of enabling environment for investors both local and foreign.

The sector today requires massive inflow of private investment for infrastructure upgrade and expansion.

 He stressed the need for government to provide the right environment that will attract serious investors which include protecting telecom infrastructure.

A study published by Technology Strategies International in partnership with BroadGroup TMT Ventures says that one of the things fuelling the growth in the Nigerian ICT sector is the imminent illumination of two undersea cables, which will increase international bandwidth dramatically.

“The improvement in international connectivity will have a major impact on business in Nigeria,” Christie Christelis, President of Technology Strategies International said.
At the other end of the spectrum, there is still huge latent demand for mobile phone services, added Christelis.

“Operators in Nigeria are experiencing similar challenges to operators in other emerging economies, with declining ARPUs as the subscriber base broadens to include poorer segments. But companies such as MTN have demonstrated that even at ARPU levels of $12 – and declining – astute operators are able to make above superior margins,” he said.

Christelis noted that there is huge momentum behind the growth, and even through the global financial crisis investors have managed to source funds for good investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Key opportunity areas identified in the report include expanding the reach of the undersea cables, building out mobile infrastructure, turning investments into fixed wireless infrastructure into sustainable businesses, expanding the retail network for mobile, fixed wireless and internet services, and in electronics manufacturing.

Christelis said that the Nigerian Government is particularly keen to promote an indigenous electronics manufacturing and is doing much to attract investor interest.
Christelis warns, however, that the Nigerian ICT sector is complex and investors must give due consideration to the characteristics of the Nigerian market when evaluating business plans.

The fact that the market is liberalized, and hence very competitive in certain segments, provides some safeguards to investors.

In fact, the ten year of telecom sector reform has brought about substantial private sector investment, increase in the number of market players, unprecedented growth in the network, expanded geographic coverage, empowerment of citizenry, employment creation and economic stimulus which should not be allowed to erode as a result of activities of unscrupulous Nigerians whose stock in trade is theft and vandalisation of telecom infrastructure.


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Guinness Nigeria Sustains Growth Momentum in Q4 Amid Market Headwinds

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Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced its unaudited financial results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2025, reporting a remarkable turnaround in performance despite a persistently challenging economic environment and an intensely competitive landscape.

The announcement comes in a landmark year for the company, as Guinness Nigeria celebrates 75 years of operations in Nigeria—a testament to the enduring strength of its brands, its people, and its commitment to brewing excellence.

In the period under review, the company delivered strong topline growth, with revenue rising by 65.8% to ₦496.6 billion, up from ₦299.5 billion in the previous year. Gross profit grew by 62.2% to ₦148.3 billion, while operating profit rose by 86.6% to ₦47.4 billion. Most notably, the company returned to profitability with a net profit after tax of ₦16.2 billion, compared to a ₦54.7 billion loss recorded in FY24.

These results reflect Guinness Nigeria’s focused execution of its strategic priorities, disciplined cost management, and the resilience of its people and portfolio.

Commenting on the performance, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Chairman of the Board, said: “This strong turnaround speaks to the quality of leadership, clarity of vision, and strength of governance at Guinness Nigeria.

“As we mark 75 years of doing business in Nigeria, this performance underscores our long-standing resilience and commitment to value creation. The Board remains confident in the company’s long-term strategy and is committed to sustaining this momentum for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

Girish Sharma, Managing Director/CEO, added: “These results reflect our team’s focus, agility, and deep connection with our consumers. We have set a clear ambition—to be one of the best performing, most trusted, and most respected consumer products companies in Nigeria.

“That ambition is driving us to build a high-performance organisation with an entrepreneurial spirit. While the external environment remains dynamic, we are building on this momentum with confidence and purpose.”

Guinness Nigeria remains committed to delivering long-term, sustainable growth while continuing its legacy of enriching lives and communities across the country.

 


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FintechNGR Rejigs Nigeria Fintech Week with Multi-location Model

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L-r: Mrs. Isioma Udeozo, CEO, Opolo Global Innovations / FAL Partner; Dr. Stanley Jacob, President, FintechNGR; Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, vice president, FintechNGR and Chair, NFW Committee; Uche Uzoebo, CEO, SANEF; Seun Folorunso, Director, Advocacy & Programs, FintechNGR at the media interaction to herald 2025 Nigeria Fintech Week held in Lagos on Wednesday.
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With the fast-evolving financial technology ecosystem, FintechNGR plans to restructure the model of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) coming up between October 7–9, 2025, with a next-level, bold experience and movement uniting over 20,000 multi-industry stakeholders across Africa’s digital landscape.

As part of the restructured model, the event will take place as a multi-location experience, bringing activities to Abuja, Delta, and Enugu, while the main event unfolds at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. This inclusive structure allows for broader access and reflects the national impact of fintech across all geopolitical zones.

Dr. Stanley Jacob, President, Fintech Association of Nigeria, disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, where the Association officially unveiled the direction for the 8th edition of Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW25), themed “The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future.” This edition will spotlight how harmonised efforts across government, startups, corporates, and investors can accelerate financial innovation and inclusion across the continent.

According to him, “We’re no longer just an association; we are a movement. NFW25 is where partnerships will be born, sectors will be reimagined, and Nigeria’s digital economy will be orchestrated like a grand symphony.”

Since its inception in 2017, Nigeria Fintech Week has emerged as the continent’s foremost fintech convening – a catalyst for market-shaping conversations, regulatory advancements, and investment deals.

Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President and Chair of the Organising Committee, noted that this year’s expansion across multiple cities was designed to enhance accessibility, financial inclusion, and grassroots innovation. “Fintech is no longer for a select few. From the aviation sector to agriculture, from secondary school students to startup founders, this year, everyone has a seat at the table.”

Whether you’re a startup, policymaker, enterprise, student, creative or influencer, developer, or fintech enthusiast, your voice matters in this symphony. As Ms. Uche Uzoebo of SANE puts it, “Even food companies, schools, and churches are now digitizing. NFW25 is where they find solutions and partnerships.”


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Unmasking Nigeria’s Food Safety Crisis: A Dual Pathway to Public Health and Global Competitiveness

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By Diana Tenebe, COO, Foodstuff Store

Nigeria, often heralded as Africa’s economic powerhouse and most populous nation, is grappling with a silent epidemic that exacts a devastating toll on its citizens and stifles its economic potential: a pervasive food safety crisis. This isn’t merely a matter of occasional discomfort; it’s a grim reality where over 200,000 Nigerians perish annually from foodborne illnesses, inflicting an estimated economic burden of US$3.6 billion each year. The current state of food safety is not just a public health nightmare; it’s a significant impediment to the nation’s economic growth and global trade aspirations, demanding immediate, comprehensive attention.

The challenges plaguing Nigeria’s food supply chain, from farm to fork, are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. Across the vast landscape, inadequate practices, weak enforcement mechanisms, and a widespread lack of awareness among both consumers and food handlers contribute to this grave situation. Unhygienic food handling, poor storage conditions, and the pervasive use of contaminated raw materials are disturbingly common, particularly within the vast informal food sector. This sector, a lifeline for many Nigerians, often operates without the most basic amenities, such as running water, adequate refrigeration, or proper waste disposal. The problem is further compounded by insidious issues like food fraud, deliberate adulteration of products, and the indiscriminate misuse of agrichemicals, leading to numerous documented cases of mass poisonings and tragic deaths across the country. A critical and alarming finding is the glaring absence of an organized system for monitoring food safety issues. This systemic failure means that incidents are often misclassified, under-investigated, and consequently, the true scope of the problem remains obscured.

Beyond the immediate public health ramifications, the ramifications of Nigeria’s weak phytosanitary policies and inadequate regulatory oversight ripple into the international arena, costing the nation millions in lost export revenue. The repeated rejection of Nigerian agricultural products by discerning international markets, including the EU, US, and various Asian countries, due to contamination from pesticides, aflatoxins, and pest infestations, severely limits market access and fundamentally undermines the nation’s agricultural competitiveness. The seven-year EU ban on Nigerian bean exports, initiated in 2015 and costing the country millions, stands as a stark and painful reminder of these systemic failures. It underscores the urgent need for a robust and internationally recognized food safety framework if Nigeria is to truly unlock its agricultural potential on the global stage.

Crucial regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), along with policies such as the National Policy on Food Safety (NPFS), are in place to ensure food safety in Nigeria. However, their full effectiveness faces ongoing challenges in implementation and enforcement.

These challenges often stem from overlapping responsibilities, insufficient funding, and a need for greater collaboration among the various agencies. Additionally, current legislation lacks comprehensive traceability requirements, which can make it difficult to identify the origin of contamination and assign accountability. Furthermore, certain traditional cultural practices sometimes present a barrier to the widespread adoption of modern, hygienic food handling standards.

Overcoming these formidable hurdles requires a concerted, multi-pronged strategy. For customers, fostering a culture of food safety is imperative. A pivotal step in addressing this crisis lies in empowering consumers through comprehensive public awareness campaigns and readily accessible food safety education. These initiatives must be presented in simple, digestible formats, perhaps through a “food safety culture toolkit” that demystifies complex information. Education should emphasize the critical importance of personal hygiene, safe food handling, proper storage, and effective preparation practices, all aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) internationally recognized “Five Keys to Safer Food.” Also, promoting the widespread adoption of robust risk assessment and management tools, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, is vital for food businesses of all sizes. This proactive approach can significantly mitigate risks throughout the food production process.

For market competitiveness, elevating standards and enforcement should be the goal. To enhance Nigeria’s global market competitiveness, a strategic focus on strengthening regulatory oversight is paramount. This includes substantial investment in modern testing and quarantine infrastructure, which is essential for meeting stringent international standards. Furthermore, establishing a more coordinated and effective phytosanitary enforcement authority will streamline processes and ensure compliance. By improving these standards, Nigeria can drastically reduce export rejections, enhance its credibility in global trade, and unlock immense opportunities presented by schemes like the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty-free access to over 3,000 Nigerian products. Crucially, enacting the comprehensive National Food Safety and Quality Bill is a vital legislative step, along with ensuring greater involvement and capacity building for state and local authorities in food safety enforcement.

By prioritizing food safety, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where it can not only safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens but also significantly boost its agricultural exports, attract much-needed foreign investment, create sustainable jobs, and ensure overall economic prosperity. This is not merely a regulatory issue; it is a fundamental pillar of national development.


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