Telecom
Telecom Operators as Socially Responsible Organizations
The impact of telecommunications operators’ business in the country goes beyond service delivery and expansion of telecommunications facilities to giving back to their immediate communities where they are operating. Also referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR), telecommunications operators have over the past eight years of liberalization of the sector contributed in no small measure in uplifting individuals, communities as well as supporting some government initiatives aside their core business of providing services to Nigerians.
There have been increased demands from employees, customers and government bodies for businesses to be more open about their activities and that they reach and maintain acceptable standards in their business practice. For employers, CSR is now seen as an important way to increase competitive advantage, protect and raise brand awareness and build trust with customers and employees.
It is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. Ideally, CSR policy would function as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby business would monitor and ensure its adherence to law, ethical standards, and international norms. Business would embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. Furthermore, business would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality. Essentially, CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making, and the honoring of a triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Profit.
The practice of CSR is subject to much debate and criticism. Proponents argue that there is a strong business case for CSR, in that corporations benefit in multiple ways by operating with a perspective broader and longer than their own immediate, short-term profits. Critics argue that CSR distracts from the fundamental economic role of businesses; others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window-dressing; others argue that it is an attempt to pre-empt the role of government as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations.
In this regard virtually all telecommunications operators be they Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators have executed or are executing one CSR initiative or the other depending on their ability to do so.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations have revealed that MTN Nigeria has a broad approach in its corporate social responsibility initiative, expanding over different sphere of human endeavour.
The telecommunications giant having realized the importance of supporting groups and individuals making its business grow in the country established a foundation in 2004 four years after it launched service to focus corporate social responsibility initiative geared towards reducing poverty and foster sustainable development in Nigeria.
The focus of the foundation is to give back to society and impact the quality of lives in the communities where they operate in a meaningful and sustainable fashion.
For MTN, corporate social responsibility is about making a practical, positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. It affords the company the opportunity of understanding clearly the issues that concern the society and to intervene in the most critical areas.
In less than four years, MTNF has launched over 100 projects which are executed in collaboration with 26 partners in 107 sites across 28 of the 36 states in Nigeria. The projects are delivering tangible value to a growing number of beneficiaries where the company operates. At the last count, MTNF’s projects were estimated to have touched and helped uplift the lives of over 1,000,000 people.
The SchoolsConnect project is implemented in collaboration with SchoolNet, a local NGO focused on ICT in education. This award-winning project has delivered digital laboratories that serve over 85,000 students and 3,800 teachers in more than 49 secondary schools in poor inner-city and rural communities across Nigeria.
Working with NetLibrary Nigeria, another NGO, MTNF has linked two top Nigerian universities – with one more on the way – to the world’s largest collection of digital resources from over 5,500 libraries and 300 publishers. A typical online research library is equipped with 125 networked computers, servers, printers, photocopiers, alternative power supply, internet connectivity and a two-year subscription to electronic resources through NetLibrary’s network. Based on the experience of the local environment and the need for sustainability, detailed written rules are pre-agreed and enforced with the institutions regarding the maintenance of the equipment and upkeep of the library premises.
MTNF is also partnering with UNICEF Child Friendly School Initiative (CSFI) to improve the quality of basic education. In the first phase, the project has rehabilitated three schools in three states (Bauchi, Lagos and Delta) – providing water and sanitation, as well as text-books and writing and teaching materials to ensure a decent and conducive learning environment for young primary school children.
The MTNF- Partnership Against Aids in the Community (PAAC) is a private sector led initiative which adopts a multi-faceted approach in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The project aims to raise awareness and educate approximately 30 million people through mass media and individual contact. It also aims to provide counseling and testing to over 6,000 people, provide mother-to-child prevention to 600 women and provide capacity building for health care providers. In addition, two out of a projected six Voluntary Counseling Centres have been commissioned and 12 HIV/AIDS self-instruction screens have been installed in strategic locations across the country. The self-instruction screens provide information in English and major Nigerian languages. We believe that they are the first of their kind in Africa.
Through these and other projects, MTNF has acted as a catalyst for change in Nigeria’s evolving social and economic development landscape. Elements of the MTNF model are now being studied and replicated by a growing number of corporate organizations in and outside the country.
Another telecommunications company Zain Nigeria, recently commissioned several projects worth $1,000,000.00 (one million USD) in University of Ibadan as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and its brand philosophy of empowering Nigerians to enjoy a wonderful world.
The commissioned projects including a Solar Energy Centre, renovation of Mellanby Hall and construction of a Basketball Court in the Hall, and construction of Car Parks, convenience and offices on Oduduwa Road, are designed to help improve the lives and health of the University community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gamaliel Onosode, chairman of Zain Nigeria, said the projects was intended for improvement of infrastructure in the nation’s oldest University as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
The solar energy centre or Solar Module hub houses a series of photovoltaic panels which are capable of transforming solar radiation directly into electricity. The centre is capable of generating about 4.8 kilowatt-hour of electricity which will supply power the lighting system in a section of the campus including the University gate and Oduduwa Road.
The Gymnasium which is located at the University’s Sports centre is equipped with a vast array of modern exercise and fitness equipment including treadmill, free weight, trampohness, weight benches, walker, and electronic exercise bikes amongst other equipment. Also, the fitness facility house evaluation room where exercise pre-test such as resting and exercise ECG are conducted on those who intend to use the centre, particularly, the elderly, to determine their fitness level/ state of health and the type of exercise their body and heart condition can cope with before they are allowed to use the equipment.
University of Ibadan also emerged overall winner of this year’s edition of the Zain Africa Challenge.
For Globacom, affinity with the society is second nature. It has chosen sport as major focus of its corporate social responsibility initiative as the company wholesomely sponsors the Nigerian league, Super four league and Confederation of African Football Awards.
More so, Globacom partners with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards the eradication of poverty in the region. The programme, named Self Employment Business Support provides employment opportunities for youths in the region. The initiative is to empower Nigerians and help them become self reliant.
Visafone on its part is not left out as it flagged off its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative early this year with the presentation of some helmets and reflected jackets to some Okada riders. Visafone presented over 200 protective helmets and reflective jackets to Okada riders drawn from Victoria Island – Law school and Eko Hotel Roundabout units.
Working in conjunction with Arrive Alive, an NGO committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and road users across Nigeria, the Visafone official said it launched the initiative as a means of contributing to the safety of road users as well as cushioning the traumatic head injuries suffered by okada drivers who usually drive without helmets while also providing reflective jackets for night time operations.
Speaking at the event, Chike Nwaka, Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone II Head Quarters of the FRSC who was represented by Assistant Corps Commander, M. L Abdullahi commended Visafone for the initiative which he called a “timely and worthwhile venture that will reduce fatalities on our roads and protect the lives of both okada riders and their passengers.”
According to the company, the Bar Beach event is a pilot scheme and will be replicated across the state and country in due course.
Other telecommunications operators such as Etisalat, Zoom Mobile, Starcomms and Multi-Links Telkom have executed some corporate social responsibility projects aside products designed to give telecommunications access to less privilege people in the society. All these have positioned telecommunications operators among organizations that are helping in changing life of Nigerians through corporate social responsibility initiative.
Telecom
Court to Decides on 9Mobile Ownership Tussle September 24

Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 24 to rule on several applications in the case of Abubakar Ismaila Isa, a businessman, who claims that his 43 million shares were allegedly transferred to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited, operating under the trade name 9mobile, without his consent.
The matter before Justice Mohammed Umar on Wednesday, was filed by Isa’s legal team led by Femi Atteh, SAN, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024.
The plaintiff seeks an order declaring him the “beneficial owner of the 43,000,000 (forty-three million) ordinary shares held in trust for him by the 1st Defendant (Seltrix Limited) in the capital of the 3rd Defendant (Teleology Nigeria Limited).”
He accused Seltrix Limited of purportedly transferring the said shares to 9mobile without his consent, resulting in the alleged illegal change of control of 9mobile to LH Telecommunication Limited by the Corporate Affairs Commission and Nigerian Communications Commission.
Joined as defendants in the suit are Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadeija, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, Emerging Markets Telecommunications Limited, CAC, NCC, LH Telecommunication Limited and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd) (first to ninth defendants).
A counter-affidavit sworn to and filed on behalf of Seltrix Limited, Hadejia had described the plaintiff’s application as a reckless abuse of the court process.
He urged the court to dismiss the application and award substantial costs against the plaintiff.
He also demanded concrete evidence of any trusteeship arrangement involving him or Seltrix Limited concerning the alleged N43 million ordinary shares in the capital of the third defendant, Teleology Nigeria Limited, or any matter related to the suit.
Hadejia stated that the plaintiff’s motion, dated 27 January but filed on 28 January, was a fabrication designed to mislead the court.
At the resumed hearing, Michael Aôndoakaa, SAN, counsel for Teleology, 9mobile, and others, drew the court’s attention to his preliminary objections, asking the court to strike out the case for “being statute-barred” as it was filed out of the stipulated time required.
Telecom
MTN, 9mobile Commence Ground-breaking National Infrastructure Partnership

In a landmark move set to redefine Nigeria’s telecom landscape, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9mobile) have officially announced the rollout of their national roaming agreement, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The three-year agreement enables 9mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s expansive network, significantly extending 9mobile’s coverage and improving service quality for its customers. The partnership signals a shift toward greater industry collaboration, aligning with the NCC’s vision for a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem.
Beyond infrastructure sharing, the agreement drives greater operational efficiency, stronger connectivity, and an enhanced user experience. It also paves the way for deeper collaboration between the two telcos, most notably a proposed spectrum leasing deal, in which 9mobile will lease its 900MHz (5MHz) and 1800MHz (15MHz) bands to MTN for three years, further strengthening MTN’s network capacity and service quality.
“This partnership marks a bold resurgence for 9mobile,” said Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of 9Mobile. “It empowers us to meet the needs of our customers, especially youthful and enterprise users, by delivering consistent, high-quality service as we roll out city by city in the weeks ahead.”
Banigbe acknowledged the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and the leadership of the NCC, for enabling such progressive industry collaboration, and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, for his advocacy of a resource-efficient, consumer-first telecom ecosystem.
“In today’s telecom environment, access is more strategic than ownership,” Banigbe added.
“Access to infrastructure is now more important than ownership,” Banigbe added. “Rather than duplicating networks, we’re investing in access that is commercially viable and sustainable. Network infrastructure typically accounts for 70–75% of an operator’s costs, savings here mean we can reinvest in innovation and customer experience. At 9mobile, our mantra is simple: build infrastructure where necessary, share it where possible,” he concluded”
Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, described the agreement as a milestone for the sector, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to industry innovation, customer-centricity, and support for the NCC’s goal of a fully connected Nigeria,” said Toriola. “It reflects our shared value philosophy, prioritizing partnerships that benefit the entire ecosystem.”
Toriola also praised Dr. Tijani’s efforts in promoting meaningful collaboration as a key driver of digital access, service quality, and nationwide inclusion.
This pioneering agreement sets a new benchmark for infrastructure sharing in Nigeria. It exemplifies how competitors can collaborate to address systemic challenges, reduce redundancies, and collectively transform the industry—ultimately delivering broader coverage, better service, and faster access to emerging technologies for Nigerian consumers.
Telecom
Karl Toriola Champions Digital Education for Employability @Sigma Club Lecture

MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr Karl Toriola delivered a strong call for digital skills adoption and curriculum reform at the 11th Public Lecture of the Sigma Club, University of Ibadan, on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Speaking on the theme, Leveraging Technology & Digital Education for Mass Employment, Wealth Creation and Poverty Alleviation, Toriola said technology and education can drive large-scale transformation by unlocking access to both global and local job markets. He explained that digital tools enable entrepreneurship, remote work, and access to essential services, especially in underserved areas.
He pointed out several barriers: the infrastructure deficit caused by high deployment costs, poor electricity, and insecurity in rural areas; digital literacy and education gaps; gender and regional disparities; outdated or inconsistent government policies and weak public-private coordination.
Referencing a story about a high-achieving Nigerian doctor, he said, “I saw an article a few days ago about a Nigerian medical student or doctor that qualified simultaneously in [different] specializations of medicine. It’s incredible what some of our people are doing. Our youths are ready. Our systems must be ready too.”
Among his recommendations, Toriola called for expanded digital infrastructure, changes to school curricula, stronger public-private partnerships, and programs designed with gender and cultural awareness in mind. “We must make education employable,” he said. “We have to create the opportunities for students to practice what they are learning with institutions, private-sector institutions that are using those skills of the future.”
Toriola also emphasized that while automation and robotics dominate conversations about the digital economy, there is still significant opportunity in content creation, manufacturing, and agriculture. “Huge opportunities exist in Nigeria. We need to provide the environment for the Nigerian youth to thrive by driving connectivity, changing the curricula to allow our students to acquire the skills that are required in the job market of today.”
He closed with a message of encouragement, saying, “It does not matter however you start. Where you get to at the end of the day is a product of how dedicated, focused and hardworking you are. Never give up. Nigerians have an immeasurable capacity to deliver if given the right opportunities.”
Earlier, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, delivered the welcome address on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde. He noted that the lecture’s theme was timely and aligned with the administration’s focus on innovation and inclusive development. Citing initiatives such as the Waste to Wealth program, which created 12,000 direct jobs, and the recruitment of 21,000 teachers, he highlighted efforts to improve employment outcomes in the state. He also mentioned that the state’s internally generated revenue had risen to 8.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a pre-2019 average of 1.6 billion.
“The government so far has worked in line with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for job creation, which gives our graduates the opportunity to be employed in government work. As a government, we continue to support and encourage wealth in the state and also to support programs like this, which in one way or the other, gives back to their school,” he said.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Dr. Gani Adeniran, retired lecturer from the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, who served as Father of the Day; and Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan.
Initiatives like MTN’s recently launched Digital Skills Academy reiterate the company’s commitment to expanding digital access and opportunity. The platform includes a career guidance tool to help users identify and pursue paths aligned with their strengths and market demand. It forms part of the MTN Foundation’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs programme, which supports the National Digital Economy Policy and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
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