General News
Reducing Capex and Opex through Infrastructure Sharing
A recent report by Frost & Sullivan finds that mobile network backhaul infrastructure plays a key role in the delivery of services to end users and is likely to be an important spending area for network upgrades during the medium and long terms. “Operators will be upgrading backhaul to match the capacity of core and access networks that have been receiving constant attention. Infrastructure sharing will increasingly be used by operators to reduce capital expenditure (Capex) and operating expenditure (Opex) on backhauls. These trends will create growth opportunities in the Sub-Saharan African mobile network backhaul infrastructure market”. It added that the backhaul infrastructure markets in Angola, Gabon, Ghana and Kenya spent $355 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $1.45 billion in 2015. “Escalating demand for data services is driving the need for upgrading mobile network backhaul infrastructure. Operators need to share costs and invest in network technologies that support transmission of large quantities of data such as optical fibre,” notes Frost & Sullivan ICT Senior Research Analyst Vitalis G. Ozianyi. Landing of undersea cables on various African countries’ coasts and deployment of enhanced 3G (3G+) and 4G technologies will amplify the increasing demand for data services. Microwave-based backhaul is likely to remain dominant for rural coverage; however, operators are likely to adopt resource sharing to provide higher-capacity backhaul for areas with sustainable high demand. A key challenge will be the high Capex required for new technologies. “The high Capex and Opex associated with deploying and maintaining backhaul infrastructure will influence investment into higher capacity technologies. Furthermore, the inadequacy of other supporting infrastructure, like reliable power supply, will slow the deployment of new technologies,” remarks Ozianyi. Sharing infrastructure will enable operators to cost effectively deploy backhaul networks that meet the increasing demand for data services. Outsourcing of backhaul services can also be used to reduce OPEX in areas with limited demand. Mobile operators need to ensure that their backhaul networks are upgraded to avoid creating a bottleneck between access and core portions. Backhaul networks should be upgraded in response to increasing network traffic. “Since upgrades can be expensive, operators need to segment their markets,” advises Ozianyi. “They can deploy high capacity fibre technologies in high demand areas while wireless backhaul technologies can still be used in low demand rural areas.” In general, co-location is moving or placing things together, and is used to mean the provision of space for a customer’s telecommunications equipment on the service provider’s premises. In the internet world for example, a Web site or an ISP could place its network routers on the premises of the company offering switching services with other ISPs while in the GSM/Telephony world, Operator could decide to share facilities/sites for cost savings reasons. Co-location is sometimes provided by third party company that specializes in collocations. Why share infrastructure Operators can derive savings on Capex and Opex required for site infrastructure build allowing for more efficient utilization of Capex to expand for coverage and capacity. Scarce capital and management attention can be diverted to key value-creating activities such as customer acquisition, service quality, operational and strategic excellence. Infrastructure sharing provides solutions to problems on capital-constrained, high interest rate, high growth environments. By adopting sharing, there is no need for operators to maintain in-house expertise to build, operate and service site infrastructure. There is reduced cost to operators under Towers/Equipment lease, on built in Capex costs and Opex costs resulting in increased operating margins. Addresses regulatory pressure to co-locate and admin costs to operators of managing the co-location process and activity, increased entry speed for new companies. It reduces environmental hazard caused by having so many sites. There are two options available to operators for co-location: Operator to operator agreement where an operator will offer one or more operators a space in his location to share some infrastructure. Third party service provider can provide a site and facilities, for example a Tower for one or more operators to mount their equipments like radios and antennas. What can be shared through co-location? Shelter Space, Tower or Mast Structures Cable Ducts, Earthing Protection System, Lighting Protection System, Rack Space, Fence-wall or palisade fencing, Equipment Shelter Plinth, Transmission Link, AC power (public & private source), among others. Steps required towards co-location According to Gbenga Adebayo, chief executive officer, Communications Network Support Services (CNSS), these steps are identification of the technical requirements of co-location with a view to strategizing on meeting the requirements, development criteria for achieving a fair, effective and balanced site co-location evaluation and implementation arrangement with other operators. Others include development of operator’s policy for co-location and provision of framework for accommodating statutory guidelines within the operator’s policy document, and provision of basic information to Operator’s management to enhance management decision making on proposed infrastructure sharing with a view to harnessing economic advantages derivable from the project. Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, immediate past executive vice chairman, NCC, said that co-location is the next stage of telecommunications revolution in the country, which informed the commission decision under his leadership to license some companies to provide co-location infrastructure. He said that, if operators share infrastructure there will be great reduction in cost, proliferation of mast that distorts beauty of the environment among others. He noted that the commission partnered with Lagos State government to destroy all the mast erected by cyber cafés and others that are no longer in use.
Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has dissociated itself from BNBEX’s activities and warned Nigerians against using the online trading platform.
BNBEX, a global cryptocurrency trading, with headquarters in Miami, Florida, USA, had claimed that the NFIU is conducting a compliance review of all transactions related to Nigerian users on her platform pursuant to Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation.
However, in a swift reaction, Sani Tukur, head, strategic communications department, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, said such circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives.
According to him, ” the NFIU wishes to inform all financial system stakeholders and the general public that it did not authorise nor author the document recently posted by BNBEX on its website, which falsely claims that the NFIU is conducting a compliance review of all transactions related to Nigerian users on her platform pursuant to Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation.
“The NFIU categorically states the circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the Unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives.
“Secondly, the Unit wishes to state that ‘Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation’ referenced in the circular is non-existent and has no basis in Nigerian law or regulatory frameworks.
“It further states that the logo and insignia used in the circular does not belong to NFIU and is fake. Additionally, the Unit presently has no office situated at Central Business District, Abuja or any other location outside it’s head office at No. 1 Monrovia Street, Wuse II, Abuja.
“NFIU therefore, strongly dissociates itself from the claims made in the circular and urges members of the public to rely only on official NFIU channels for accurate and legitimate information. Finally, the Unit has no affiliation to the entity known as BNBEX nor validated any of its operations.
“For purposes of clarification or to report suspicious information purporting to be from the NFIU, please contact the Strategic Communications Department at info@nfiu.gov.ng.”
Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized the critical need for robust collaboration among academia, industry, and government.
This call was made during a working visit by a delegation from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, led by Professor Kirk Semple, Director of International Research, to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The visit centred on exploring avenues for strategic collaboration under the Research and Innovation Partnership for Entrepreneurship (RIPE) programme, an initiative aimed at leveraging academic research and innovation to spur entrepreneurial development and economic transformation.
Addressing the delegation, Inuwa noted that Nigeria and Africa broadly face a significant research investment gap that continues to hinder the continent’s progress toward building knowledge-based economies. “For us to build a robust and sustainable economy, we need to invest in research. That is where we have a huge gap in Nigeria and Africa at large, we don’t invest in research,” he said.
Using agriculture as a case in point, Inuwa observed that many Nigerian farmers lack access to critical data and digital tools that could revolutionise productivity and resource efficiency. He stressed that research and development (R&D) are foundational to solving such sector-specific challenges and to informing policies and regulations that can accelerate digital transformation.
Inuwa further outlined NITDA’s focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blockchain, robotics, and additive manufacturing, noting that these technologies hold vast potential for solving local problems and creating new economic opportunities.
“The goal is to create a vibrant technology-research ecosystem that unites academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, and risk capital,” he stated.
He further emphasised the need to align university curricula with real world industry demands, encouraging institutions to develop talent capable of addressing practical challenges through innovation. Inuwa also called for better coordination among stakeholders, warning against the inefficiencies of duplicative efforts.
Inuwa also referenced the eight strategic pillars identified by the Federal Government as drivers of national development. These include Reforming the economy for inclusive and sustainable growth, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, boosting agriculture to achieve food security, unlocking energy and natural resources, enhancing infrastructure and transportation, focusing on education, health, and social investment, accelerating diversification through industrialisation and innovation, Improving governance and service delivery.
To support these priorities, Inuwa further highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027), which is structured around eight complementary pillars. These include Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal Framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration, and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.
“We place a strong emphasis on research because without it, you can not develop effective policies or regulations that drive real change in the ecosystem,” Inuwa added.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in NITDA’s commitment to international collaboration, aligning with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and positioning Nigeria to take a leadership role in the global digital economy through research-led innovation, DG stated.
In his earlier remarks, Professor Kirk Semple highlighted Lancaster University’s global research reputation and its commitment to strategic collaborations that deliver societal value. He described the (RIPE) programme as a vehicle for knowledge mobilisation moving beyond academic theory to practical application.
“Universities today are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond knowledge creation. Strategic partnerships like this with NITDA helps ensure research informed policy, supports innovation, and drives meaningful change in communities,” Semple said.
He also underscored the role of innovation in bridging the gap between academia and society, noting that universities serve as critical hubs for organisations especially those lacking R&D capabilities to access expertise and resources necessary for solving global issues like climate change, public health, and technological inequality.
Professor Semple concluded by affirming the importance of creating diverse, long-term networks that foster cooperation across sectors, emphasizing that the true measure of success lies in sustained impact rather than accolades.
The median edition of Lagos Slush’D 2025, an innovation-driven, founder-focused startup conference begins today. The two-day event holding at The Podium, Lekki, Lagos, is part of the global Slush’D movement under the world-renowned Slush Helsinki brand.
Lagos Slush’D 2025 will showcase Nigeria’s fast-growing start-up ecosystem and spotlight the creativity, resilience, and ambition of Nigerian founders.
Mr. Kolawole Okuboyejo, Director, Lagos Slush’D, said the event will also connect local startups with global innovation networks, particularly the Nordics (Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland), known for world-leading innovation, sustainability, and impact entrepreneurship.
“It will facilitate meaningful partnerships between start-ups, investors, corporates, accelerators, and policymakers to drive funding, market access, and knowledge exchange.
“Promote inclusive and scalable innovation that tackles Africa’s biggest challenges — from food security and digital inclusion to climate adaptation and affordable healthcare. Strengthen the Nigeria-Nordics connection, building long-term bridges between ecosystems that believe in entrepreneurship as a driver of societal and economic progress.
“Lagos Slush’D is where ambition meets opportunity — a space for start-ups to pitch bold ideas, meet future partners, and accelerate their journey from local to global impact,” he said.
He noted that Lagos Slush’D place a special emphasis on the Nigeria-Nordics connection, drawing from the Nordics’ strengths in clean technologies, impact investing, sustainability, and start-up innovation, while tapping into Nigeria’s fast-growing, opportunity-rich market.
“Nigeria boasts a young, tech-savvy, urban population, a growing middle class, and rapidly expanding mobile and internet connectivity — all fueling digital innovation.
“Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest economy and most vibrant start-up scene. Over 600 active tech hubs across Africa. African start-ups raised over $5 billion in funding in 2023, with projections for a fivefold increase by 2030.
Africa’s combined GDP is projected to reach $3.2 trillion by 2030. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will become the world’s largest free trade zone, unlocking massive cross-border opportunities.
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