Telecom
The Risks of Compliance Amidst Citizen Agitation: The MTN Nigeria Example
By Dr. Ajibola Obafemi
Compliance is often touted as a virtue in business and governance, implying a willingness to adhere to rules and regulations. However, in times of citizen agitation and social unrest, compliance can become a double-edged sword. On one hand, it demonstrates a commitment to upholding the law and respecting authority.
Dr. Ajibola Obafemi
On the other hand, it can be perceived as complicity with a government that citizens are agitating against, hence the compliant company is perceived as an enemy of the people. The recent experience of MTN Nigeria, which suffered social media and physical attacks merely for complying with the regulator’s directive, serves as a stark illustration of this dilemma.
Citizen agitation in Nigeria has been simmering for years, with growing discontent over the government’s handling of various issues, including economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption. The latest expression of this frustration is the planned August 1 protest, which has been gaining momentum on social media. The basis of the proposed protest is a demand for better governance, which includes bringing down the cost of living with inflation at 34.2%, ending corruption, hunger and highhandedness of the security agencies.
One challenge of the government regarding the call for protest is that it does not know whom the organisers are. Perhaps, this is a good strategy for the organisers, as the government cannot be trusted to not arrest them. The government’s response to the protesters has been characteristically un-empathetic, with officials dismissing their concerns and warning against any form of unrest. This approach has only served to fuel the anger and frustration of the protesters, who feel that their voices are not being heard.
Social media has played a significant role in driving the conversation around the planned protest, with various hashtags trending on Twitter and other platforms. The online campaign has helped to galvanize support for the protest, with many Nigerians expressing their discontent with the government’s handling of various issues. The government has not stayed silent, as its spokespersons and advocates have also been speaking on social media, but they do not seem to be connecting with the agitators online as their approach is largely to use fear-mongering, threats and misinformation. For example, a top functionary of the Tinubu government, Bayo Onanuga, accused Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, of spearheading the protest in expression of anger over losing the 2023 election. Such blatant attempts to mislead the public have only fueled the protest.
Suffice it to say that the recent wave of protests across Africa, including the violent clashes in Kenya and other parts of the continent, has emboldened Nigerians to demand change through similar means. The successes and challenges faced by these movements have served as a catalyst, inspiring Nigerians to take to the streets and demand better governance. However, this trend has sent jitters down the spines of Nigerian authorities, who fear a repeat of the violence that followed the EndSARS protests in 2020.
Businesses in Nigeria are caught in the web of the civil agitation in the country. According to the World Bank, “In times of social unrest, businesses are often caught in the crossfire, facing risks to their operations, employees, and assets.” MTN witnessed this but in a different form. While Nigerians agitated for good governance, the telcos, including MTN Nigeria, were bothered about a deadline from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to disconnect all SIMs not linked to NIN by the 31st of July. On July 27 to July 28, the company disconnected millions of unlinked lines, in compliance with the regulator’s directive. This action nearly devastated the company, triggering a swarm of unimaginable issues.
The backlash was swift and brutal. Protesters took to Twitter to express their outrage, with some suggesting that MTN had collaborated with the government to disrupt the protest. Omoyele Sowore, a former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and lifelong activist, even suggested that the protest would commence at MTN offices, implying that the company was complicit in the government’s plans to sabotage the planned protest. The next day, MTN offices were besieged by angry protesters, with the Festac office being destroyed and looted.
While it seemed like it might have been cataclysmic for the company, the Association of Licenced Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) came to the rescue, clarifying that MTN was only complying with an industry-wide directive and that the action of the company had nothing to do with the planned protest. To ease off the tension, the NCC mandated telcos to unblock lines that were blocked during the period, allowing for a de-escalation of the tension.
Critical questions come to mind on what MTN could have done differently in the circumstance. Could it have decided not to comply with the regulator’s directive? Perhaps. But this would only strain the relationship with the regulator, with the risk of a fine. It should be added that the company was once fined $5.2 billion for failing to disconnect millions of unregistered lines in the past. In light of this, can anyone blame the company for striving to be compliant, as it has been in recent years, winning the award for Most Compliant Listed company in Nigeria year after year?
While it is not abnormal to have businesses suffer attacks during civil unrest in Nigeria, as witnessed during the EndSars protest where many businesses were either vandalized or burnt, the subject of compliance amid civil agitation is a new perspective which has not received sufficient attention by scholars and commentators. This is a gap which needs to be filled in the field of regulatory compliance. The ball is now in the court of the scholars to interrogate the issues for corporates to take learnings. The business community has too much at stake for such a gap to exist.
The recent attack on MTN Nigeria, a company which is vital to Nigeria’s social, digital and economic life, shows that the Nigerian society needs a lot of conscientization of the people with regards to corporate issues. It appears that the Nigerian is angry against big businesses, hence they are quick to respond violently, unmindful of the overarching consequences even on themselves and their country. If MTN Nigeria were not a firmly rooted company in Nigeria, the social media attacks launched against the company could have crippled it. Nigeria needs more ‘MTNs,’ to raise its revenue generation, support the economy and ultimately improve the lives of the average Nigerian.
In the midst of civil unrest, regulatory compliance can be a delicate balancing act. To minimize risk, regulators and companies must prioritize clear communication and empathy. In the case of the SIM-NIN linking deadline, the regulator could have considered postponing the deadline to diffuse tension and avoid exacerbating the situation. This would have allowed MTN and other telcos to comply with the directive without inadvertently fueling the flames of protest. Additionally, the regulator could have proactively clarified the reasons behind the directive, addressing concerns and misconceptions before they escalated into widespread outrage.
As a market leader, MTN Nigeria is becoming synonymous with the sector, and hence suffers attacks when there are sectoral issues. These isolated attacks on the company work in favor of competing telcos, raising the question of whether there are forces fueling the attacks against the company. Whenever there is a general network downtime in the country, such as on the commencement day of the hunger protest, MTN is singled out for heavy backlash, even when other telcos experience similar issues. While the social media attacks on August 1st were not a case of compliance by the telcos, it is pertinent for the public to realise that the digital industry is bound to occasionally encounter network challenges, even as the government may even be complicit in sabotaging networks to suppress the public. The telecom operators, such as MTN, Glo, and Airtel, are always at these crossroads as critical and strategic entities in the fabric of the country.
In conclusion, the recent SIM-NIN linking debacle serves as a cautionary tale for regulators and companies operating in tumultuous environments. By prioritizing empathy, clear communication, and strategic timing, they can minimize risk and avoid becoming entangled in the web of civil unrest. As Nigeria navigates its current challenges, regulators and companies must learn from this experience, recognizing that compliance and sensitivity are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of responsible business practice.
Dr. Ajibola Obafemi is a Political Science Lecturer at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the Head Researcher at QL Intelligence.
The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.
The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
YouTube Nigeria on Wednesday released its official 2025 Top Lists, celebrating the nation’s leading music videos and creators, while also unveiling a new personalized feature called YouTube Recap.
YouTube
The lists highlight the explosive growth of Afrobeats, gospel, and Nollywood storytelling, underscoring Nigeria’s rising influence in global entertainment.
According to YouTube, the most-watched music video in Nigeria this year was No Turning Back II by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor, followed by Shallipopi’s Laho and Davido’s With You featuring Omah Lay. Other artists on the Top 10 include Olamide, Asake, Rema, Chella, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
On the creators’ side, Nollywood channels such as Omoni Oboli TV, Itelediconstudio, and Uchenna Mbunabo TV dominated the rankings, alongside comedy sensation Brain Jotter, who continues to attract millions of viewers with his skits.
Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the lists reflect Nigeria’s “undeniable creative energy” and the global resonance of its artists and storytellers.
“From chart-topping music to must-watch Nollywood dramas, we’re proud that YouTube is the place where this talent can shine,” Awofisayo said.
The newly launched YouTube Recap feature offers users a personalized year-end summary of their viewing habits. It includes highlights such as top-watched channels, favorite topics, and a “Personality Type” card that categorizes viewers into one of 14 personas. It also reveals whether users rank among the top 25 per cent of fans for their favorite creators.
YouTube said the recap is accessible via a banner on the homepage of the app.
The company noted that the initiative aims to give Nigerians a fun and shareable way to celebrate the videos that defined their year
Telecom
COUCH 2025 Grand Finale Highlights Student Breakthroughs, Secures Government Pledge for University Research Commercialization
Coderina Education and Technology Foundation, in partnership with the National Universities Commission (NUC), successfully hosted the Grand Finale of the Coderina University Challenge (COUCH) 2025 at the NUC Auditorium, Abuja.
A cross section of attendees
The event gathered top government officials, university leaders, industry partners, and the ten finalist teams selected from over sixty-two initial entries nationwide.
This year’s challenge, themed “Circular Economy Through Technology” spotlighted the potential of Nigerian university students to develop scalable, tech-enabled solutions that address pressing national issues in sustainability, waste management, energy transition, and the circular economy.
The Grand Finale reaffirmed a consistent message shared across all keynote addresses: Nigeria must accelerate the movement of university research from shelves into practical innovation, commercialization, and industry adoption, a key driver of national development and economic growth.
In his opening address, Mr. Olufemi Niyi, chairman, Coderina Board of Directors, emphasized that university projects must not remain buried in archives.
He highlighted COUCH as a platform proving that research can become functional innovation.
Mr. Niyi called on donors, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to support COUCH as a sustainable national innovation pipeline and encouraged investors to channel resources into skills development and technology innovation among youth.
In his keynote address, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu, the minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, commended the COUCH programme for its role in moving research “from the shelves to the marketplace,” a key priority under the ministry’s national innovation agenda.
He noted that the initiative exemplifies the type of collaboration and commercialization pipeline needed to unlock Nigeria’s scientific and technological potential.
He highlighted several priority areas critical to advancing the country’s innovation landscape:
“Strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem through coordinated national frameworks and partnerships; expanding digital innovation pathways to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, and building a tech-driven economy that delivers measurable value and global competitiveness”.
The Minister added that “Creating new opportunities for youth innovators, ensuring they are empowered to participate in and drive the innovation economy, are part of the key focus areas of the Ministry
He also expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with COUCH, Coderina, and the NUC to incubate and scale these student-led innovations.
Mallam Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, the executive secretary of NUC acknowledged the twelve universities nominated for the pilot edition by the commission.
He urged the finalists to use their prize money to advance entrepreneurship and technical skill development, reinforcing the NUC’s commitment to fostering innovation-driven learning across tertiary institutions.
In a remarkable commitment, the Minister donated five million naira to ‘Waste2Light’ from FUT Minna and announced an intention to collaborate with all ten finalist universities to support commercialization.
Dr. Tope Kolade Fasua, special address to the President on Economic Affairs, stated that technology remains the largest driver of global economic growth, stressing that Nigeria’s economic transformation is intertwined with youth innovation.
He commended Coderina and advised for greater visibility and national media outreach; creation of an innovation “museum or archive” for brilliant ideas, and the establishment of centers where theories and research can be turned into products.
He concluded that the future of Nigeria’s economy lies in the hands of today’s young innovators.
Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, special guest at the programme and vice-chancellor, Nasarawa State University, delivering her address on “Sustainable National Transformation,” emphasized the need for stronger industry–university collaborations.
She also emphasized need for entrepreneurial university culture; digital literacy in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT; adoption of virtual learning and remote laboratories, and inclusive innovation for underserved communities.
She highlighted AI as a catalyst for reimagining teaching and learning, including teacher retraining and curriculum enhancement.
The competition had two categories of prizes recognizing both technical excellence and public engagement.
Winners of the first category, The Challenge, based on pitch and prototype presentation was Team IMSU – Imo State University , taking home the star prize of ₦5,000,000; 2nd Place winners: Team Neuronaut Nile University Prize, ₦2,500,000, and 3rd Place – Team Waste2light from the Federal University of Technology, Minna: ₦1,500,000.
The People’s Choice Awards winners, based on social media engagement and public voting, are Team ADSU Innovators – Adamawa State Uni.: ₦250,000; 2nd Place -Team Scraplink, Lagos State University: ₦150,000, and 3rd place – Team Circle from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, took home ₦100,000.
Giving COUCH overview, Ms. Christiana Anthony, the Project Lead, reaffirmed that COUCH is not merely a competition but a structured innovation development program.
She highlighted the strong collaboration between Coderina and the NUC, noting that the program has created a national pathway for students to design, build, test, and pitch solutions with real potential for commercialization.
The COUCH 2025 grand finale demonstrated Nigeria’s readiness to harness university-driven innovation as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
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