Telecom
Removing Obstacles to Growth in Telecom
The liberalization of telecommunications industry in the country has no doubt brought about unimaginable growth in the country’s economy. Aside huge foreign direct investment the country has received through activities in the sector, the sector is today fueling growth in various other sectors, such as banking, where working hours are no longer impediment to an account holder having access to his or her bank account, provided the account holder has Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. These ATMs located at bank premises and other strategic locations are powered through a communications link provided by telecommunications operators. More so, the industry has enhanced efficiency in transportation, manufacturing, education as well as health with words such as telemedicine.
Today, telecommunication sector is the most vibrant of all other sectors in the economy, the sector outside providing the much needed communications services has assisted in the upspring of other service delivery which has created employment opportunities for Nigerian. For instance, the telecommunications masts we see around are made up of different components such as steel structure, microwave equipment among others. The steel structure are not imported, they are constructed and erected by Nigerians. More so, we often times see on our television screen adverts that require people either to subscriber to value added services or vote as well as participate in a quiz by sending short message service to short code such as 37894, 56789 among others. These services are not mostly provided by telecommunications operators, but by independent content providers who earn their living through such service.
There are many other ancillary services being provided to telecom operators that assist them in providing service by Nigerian companies. We are not talking about several thousands of Nigerians who are earning their livelihood through the sale of telecom consumables such as recharge cards, Sim and mobile phone accessories.
Last year Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, puts foreign direct investment in the telecom sector at $12 billion. This is outside investment made by Nigerians in the sector. Investment in telecommunications in not a one-off thing, as technology changes which makes some equipment obsolete so will the operator continue to upgrade which is also part of investment. Presently, not every nooks and cranes of the country have been covered with telecommunications services which means that more investment is required to provide coverage to these areas. Just recently, Zain group said it plans an investment of $12 billion on network expansion in its African operation of which Nigeria is part of it. Glo 1 undersea cable landed last year, MainOne is expected to land this year as well as West African Cable System another submarine project being pioneered by a consortium led by MTN is also bid to land in the country. These and many more are ongoing investment in the country that should be allowed to deliver its benefits to Nigerians.
If all the expansion projects being embarked upon by telecom operators are prevented through unfriendly government policies the resultant effect will be that most communities will be cut off in the coverage of telecom services that will retard growth and development in the sector which is known today as the fastest in Africa.
Obstacle to Growth
Telecommunications operators over the past five years have been battling with enormous challenges in their effort to provide quality of service to their subscribers, such challenges include theft of generators as well as other equipment installed at base stations. The problem of theft of diesel and generators have continued unabated that operators are losing an average of three generators everyday, this prompted operators into considering options such as managed services where management of base stations are outsourced to other companies.
Other challenges are activities of miscreants who make stupendous financial demand on operators for citing base station in their area and when refueling their diesel tanks. The problem of multiple taxation by different government agencies have continued, operators are subjected into payment of unapproved taxes by both state and local governments who believed that telecommunications business is a goldmine from where they can beef up their internally generated revenue.
In all of these, the most worrisome is the latest ultimatum given to operators by National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.
The agency gave operators in the country up to May 24 this year to submit comprehensive audit reports of their masts and base stations located in all corners of the country.
Dr Ngeri Benebo, director-general of Nesrea, said that because of the proliferation and indiscriminate installation of masts and base stations, compiling inventory and audit reports of mobile phone operators in the country has become very necessary in order for her Agency to be able to keep track of development in the telecom industry and ensure strict adherence to the laws guiding masts and base stations installation.
Dr. Benebo gave the ultimatum during a consultative meeting with the telecommunication operators.
"In this country, telecommunication operators have not deemed it necessary to adhere strictly to relevant laws and regulations guiding the operation of the telecommunication industries. Regrettably, more than five months after the first meeting with telecom operators in the country during which the honourable minister of environment enjoined key stakeholders in the industry to apply precautionary principles in their operations our headquarters and zonal offices have continued to be besieged with public complaints regarding the proliferation and indiscriminate citing of masts and base stations with their attendant environmental safety and health implications on the general public", she said.
While appreciating the immense contributions of the telecommunication industry to the growth of the nation’s economy, Benebo said that such contributions should not be allowed to impinge on the social and environmental wellbeing of the citizens, adding that her Agency must, at all time balance economic, social and environmental considerations in the quest for mobile telephony development.
"We are now set to play to the game by the rule. We owe Nigerians the duty to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment. However, we owe the telecommunication operators coommittment and support to ensure a friendly and cordial regulations that govern operations".
The Nesrea boss said that the 3-month period was irreversible; adding that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would spell doom for any telecommunication operator.
It would be recalled that Dr. Benebo had last year expressed reservation over what she called indiscriminate erection of telecommunications mast in various communities in the country during a visit to Ernest Ndukwe, EVC in Abuja. She said operators should conduct Environmental Impact Assessment before installing their masts. According to her, EIA was necessary to ensure that the environment and human beings were not adversely affected by such installations.
She added that the agency had received complaint from some members of the public that such masts were within residential areas and urged the affected companies to take adequate measures to mitigate any negative impact.
The agency, she said will hold dialogue with stakeholders to educate them on the need to comply with the EIA requirement and that it will collaborate with NCC to address some of the environmental issues arising from the location of masts in residential areas. “The issue of location of masts has become a top priority for Nesrea because of the public outcry; we in the agency have decided that it should be a top issue to be discussed,” she said. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government she noted to ensure that the environment is conducive for human habitation.
In response, Ndukwe dismissed speculations that emission radiation from base stations was injurious to the health of people living around them.
He added that it could not be to the best interest of the commission to allow industry operators endanger the lives of the Nigerian people in the process of carrying out their telecom business, noting that after all it is those people that will patronize the operators.
Ndukwe emphasized that for mobile technology to function effectively, operators must have base stations around the country, adding that what the commission has done was to set guidelines that must guide the erection of such towers and masts in order to create standard.
He pointed out that without base stations, there is no communications. Besides, some studies have shown that mainland Britian alone, has over 40,000 towers while Nigeria currently has about 20,000 base stations.
Ndukwe noted that, in the past, there had been all kinds of health concerns expressed about base stations especially those located in residential areas, and that those fears are baseless and all speculations. He explained that steel structure of a mast may look imposing and that it is only the small antenna at the top that has connection with radiation and that the output is very negligible compared to that of electric cable and television antenna.
In spite of these explanations one wonders what the agency is trying to achieve with the latest threat after the industry regulator has explained issues surrounding fears being expressed by people who are not well informed about the issue.
Industry watchers who spoke to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek are suspicious that the agency may be nursing the intention to collect tax from operators but could not come out as such demand is not backed by legislation, but turn around to use health implications as a threat requiring operators to seek impact assessment for all their projects.
They said seeking impact assessment of project that is already known the world over as not having any known health implications and with international standard as well as in line with NCC guideline is worrisome.
Government need to call its agencies to order when they are implementing policies that are detrimental to the growth and development of the economy, as the one Nesrea is about to implement which is capable of deterring operators in their current effort to expand their network coverage.
Telecom
GSMA Industry Services Unveils Circularity Services to Help Operators Reduce E-Waste and Unlock Value
GSMA Industry Services have announced the launch of its new Circularity Services offering, designed to help mobile operators and ecosystem partners extend the life of devices, reduce e-waste, and unlock greater value from existing assets.
The offering launches with two commercial partners: Closing the Loop, whose ‘One for One’ service links one new mobile device sold by an operator to the collection and responsible recycling of one end-of-life device, and RGX, a neutral, online marketplace for enterprise asset disposition.
As the mobile industry continues to grow, operators are increasingly looking for practical ways to both meet sustainability commitments and enhance commercial performance.
GSMA Circularity Services has been developed to address these challenges by providing access to trusted partners and proven solutions that support the recovery, reuse, refurbishment and responsible recycling of ICT assets – helping organisations deliver on customer needs, reduce costs and generate value from equipment that might otherwise sit idle.
The ‘One for One’ service provides a practical and measurable way for organisations to incorporate circularity into their device propositions. Vodafone, Samsung and T-Mobile have successfully used the customer-centric program for devices sold in Europe, while Google is a global user.
One for One leads to electronic waste reduction around the world and has created positive impact in countries where formal waste collection and recycling infrastructure is often limited. Closing the Loop is an award-winning social enterprise, supported by UNIDO, UNEP and GIZ.
Joost de Kluijver, Co-founder and CEO, Closing the Loop, said: “The GSMA is globally respected as a unifier of the mobile ecosystem, and we’re excited to work together to expand the value that our ‘One for One’ service can deliver across the industry.
“By linking one new device sold to the collection and responsible recycling of one end-of-life phone, we help operators take practical action on waste reduction while supporting their wider circularity ambitions.
“One for One is also a differentiator at the point of sale that adds clear, value for customers and the brand. Through this partnership, we look forward to helping more organisations use circular thinking to excite customers.”
Michael Jungwirth, Head of Sustainability, Vodafone Germany explains why One for One is important to them and the broader ecosystem: “E-waste is a global problem. That’s why our solutions must not end at national borders.
“With One for One, we take responsibility and set an example for the industry. Not just a sign of change, but a sign of action. We close the loop for our customers. For one new phone Vodafone brings into circulation, we retrieve an old one.”
Addressing another aspect of the circularity challenge, RGX provides a neutral, online marketplace for e-waste management and enterprise asset disposition that connects organisations with service providers through a single automated platform.
The service is designed to help businesses optimize returns from redundant devices and equipment through competitive bidding and effective resource management, while ensuring responsible disposal practices. Initially available in the United States, the offering is expected to expand internationally over time.
Sean Miles, Co-founder, RGX said: “Innovation is only as good as its ability to scale. Through our partnership with GSMA Industry Services, we have an opportunity to help a broader part of the mobile ecosystem put circularity into place.
“RGX helps organisations manage enterprise asset disposition and e-waste more efficiently through a trusted, transparent marketplace. By working together, we can help operators recover value from redundant equipment, support responsible recycling practices and help operators turn circularity ambitions into action.”
Roman Smith, Director, Global Environmental Sustainability, AT&T commented on their collaboration with RGX: “RGX has been a valued strategic collaborator as we’ve developed our retail e-waste initiative.
“Their platform and expertise have helped support practical circularity solutions, and we appreciate the work they’ve done with our teams to advance more sustainable device recovery and recycling opportunities”
Sianne Ryder, Chief Executive Officer, Events and Industry Services, GSMA, said: “The launch of Circularity Services, together with partners Closing the Loop and RGX, marks an important step in helping operators take practical action on circularity. By bringing together solutions that support both responsible recycling and asset recovery, we are making it easier for organisations to reduce waste while unlocking greater value from existing assets.
“Through these partnerships, operators can access proven services that help accelerate their circularity ambitions and respond to growing demand for more sustainable approaches to device lifecycle management. The opportunity is a win-win: circular approaches are both more sustainable and deliver meaningful operational and commercial benefits for the industry.”
MTN Nigeria has unveiled the Y’ello Street Museum beneath Falomo Bridge in Lagos, an immersive experience that chronicles 25 years of connectivity, culture, innovation and shared experiences, as the company marks its silver jubilee in Nigeria.
Designed as a walk-through journey across five generations of network technology, from 1G to 5G, the museum brings together technology, campaign artefacts, cultural memorabilia, iconic devices and personal stories that reflect how connectivity has transformed the way Nigerians communicate, work, create, learn and engage with the world.
Located beneath one of Lagos’ most recognisable landmarks, the museum transforms the urban space into a living archive of Nigeria’s digital evolution.
Visitors begin the experience in 2001, when MTN commenced operations with approximately 50,000 subscribers and devices such as the Nokia 3310, before progressing through successive eras of connectivity that have helped shape today’s digital economy.
Along the journey, visitors encounter moments that have resonated across generations of Nigerians, from popular entertainment platforms and cultural experiences to technological innovations that changed how people access information, consume content, discover talent, build businesses and stay connected.
The experience captures the evolution of mobile technology, digital services, music, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and everyday life over the past quarter century.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri, described the museum as a tribute to the millions of Nigerians who have shaped the company’s journey.
“When we look back at the last 25 years, we recognise that this story has been shaped by millions of Nigerians. Our customers, government, and regulatory stakeholders, partners, employees, communities, and many others have been part of the progress we celebrate today.
“The Y’ello Street Museum is an opportunity to reflect on the moments, innovations and connections that have transformed lives, businesses and communities across the country, while appreciating everyone who has contributed to that shared history.”
Speaking about the experience, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, said the museum celebrates not only technological progress but also the memories and moments that connect people.
“Technology is most meaningful when viewed through its impact on people. The Y’ello Street Museum brings together memories, cultural moments and innovations that have shaped everyday life over the last 25 years.
“Many visitors will see their own stories reflected in this experience, from the devices they used and the entertainment they enjoyed to the connections that helped them learn, build businesses and create opportunities.
“Above all, it is a celebration of the customers and communities whose experiences have shaped this journey.”
The museum places MTN’s story within the broader context of Nigeria’s transformation over the last two and a half decades. As network technology evolved from voice services to high-speed connectivity, new opportunities emerged for communication, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, entertainment, education, and participation in the digital economy.
It also highlights the role connectivity has played in supporting Nigeria’s creative industries, enabling artists, performers, creators and businesses to reach wider audiences and participate in an increasingly connected world.
Through its blend of technology, culture and human-centred storytelling, the experience celebrates not only technological progress but also the ingenuity, resilience and aspirations of Nigerians.
Open to the public for seven days, the Y’ello Street Museum invites visitors to revisit the milestones, memories and moments that have defined a generation, while reflecting on the possibilities that the next chapter of connectivity and innovation can unlock.
Africa is facing a new wave of cybercrime driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), with 55 per cent of reported cybercrimes on the continent now reportedly AI-enabled, according to the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
INTERPOL, in its African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 released on Aug. 3, said cybercrime-related financial losses in Africa had more than doubled since 2024 to reach 484 million dollars.
The report also identified online scams as the most frequently reported form of cybercrime, with financial services, telecommunications and government institutions among the sectors most affected.
It further revealed that cybercriminals were increasingly using AI-generated synthetic identities, combining real personal information with fabricated elements to bypass biometric verification systems.
The findings have heightened calls for African governments and other stakeholders to develop homegrown, inclusive and rights-respecting approaches to AI governance and cybersecurity.
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a pan-African organisation focused on digital rights and inclusion, said the growing use of AI in cybercrime underscored the need for a deeper understanding of the technology and its implications.
The organisation made the position known in a primer titled, “What is the Whole Fuss About AI?”, which examines emerging challenges associated with AI regulation across Africa.
PIN identified surveillance without accountability, the use of internet shutdowns as a regulatory tool and the adoption of “copy-and-paste” laws that fail to reflect local realities as some of the major challenges confronting AI governance on the continent.
The organisation said African countries needed to move beyond simply restricting emerging technologies and instead develop regulatory frameworks that protect fundamental rights while enabling societies to benefit from innovation.
According to PIN, stakeholders should consider three critical questions when developing or deploying AI systems: how society benefits from the technology, how inclusive standards can be created, and what avenues for redress exist when something goes wrong.
The organisation also stressed the importance of inclusivity in the development of AI systems and standards.
“A standard written without women, rural communities, people with disabilities or African languages will fail them by design,” the report stated.
PIN noted that although AI strategies were multiplying across African countries, safeguards remained inadequate, raising concerns about whether existing frameworks were rights-respecting, homegrown and sufficiently open to public participation.
The organisation said the response to AI-enabled cybercrime should involve a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, law enforcement agencies, technology companies, financial institutions, civil society organisations, researchers and digital platform users.
It argued that meaningful solutions required the participation of the right stakeholders in developing practical measures capable of addressing the abuse of AI while ensuring that the technology was harnessed for public good.
The organisation further maintained that African governments should not approach AI solely from the perspective of risk or restriction, but should develop dynamic frameworks capable of responding to both the opportunities and threats presented by the technology.
The latest INTERPOL findings underscore the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the increasing scale of cyber threats across the continent.
With online scams, financial fraud and identity-related attacks becoming more sophisticated through AI, stakeholders are increasingly confronted with the need to strengthen cybersecurity systems while protecting citizens’ digital rights.
PIN said it remained committed to advancing digital rights and inclusion across Africa and supporting solutions capable of making the digital environment safer, more inclusive and resilient without compromising fundamental rights.
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