Telecom
Time for Nigeria’s MNOs to Empower Mobile Digital Ecosystem with their Subscriber Data

By Martin Effiong, Senior Operator Partnerships Lead at Infobip
We are at a point where Nigeria’s financial inclusion drive is at its highest, digital commerce is growing in leaps and bounds and the mobile money financial model is recording resounding successes in the region.

Martin Effiong, Senior Operator Partnerships Lead at Infobip
Furthermore, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have never been better positioned to further empower the mobile digital ecosystem and spur more economic growth, and impact more lives than now.
To make these contributions, as well as benefit significantly from it, MNOs need to provide access to subscriber identity and usage data that they possess.
The resulting positive impact, directly or indirectly, on the entire ecosystem and of course MNO revenues, would be almost instantaneous, yet with little or no CAPEX obligations from the MNOs.
The heavy reliance on mobile technology as an economic driver on the African continent naturally make MNOs one of the key facilitators of the digital economy in the African continent.
The utilisation of subscriber data within a regulated framework like that of the mobile identity processes would boost economic activity from direct investments, innovation and job creation, in turn leading to higher rates of financial inclusion, e-commerce-driven prosperity and catalyse digital transformation.
Mobile identity refers to the development of online authentication and digital signatures, where a mobile user’s SIM and other mobile network attributes can be utilised as an identity tool. Mobile identity can be used for legally binding digital authentication and transaction signing for banking, payments, corporate and e-commerce services.
Claw back revenue
Leveraging mobile identity services could allow MNOs to generate a new stream of revenue from the Over-The-Top (OTT) service providers, who until now, had been making huge incursions into MNOs’ voice, SMS and data revenue streams.
However, now MNOs can be better regarded as the power house source for mobile digital authentication attributes and serve the OTTs as well, even at a premium.
This is in contrast to what prevails now where OTTs are collating and storing this data for their exclusive and commercial use, with little or no revenues going to the operators.
While OTTs’ traditional revenue streams include services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and social media messaging, MNOs have the opportunity to monetise the “raw materials” utilised by OTTs to generate income, which previously was not the case.
To put these opportunities into perspective when considering mobile financial services or e-commerce and mobile identity, Juniper Research forecasts that digital wallet users will exceed 4.4 billion globally in 2025, from 2.6 billion in 2020.
Additionally, Juniper estimated that there was a $27 billion ecommerce transaction fraud loss in 2020 and that this will reach over $52 billion in 2025, as the ecommerce ecosystem expands.
With such statistics, there is an obvious need to protect the digital ecosystem, doable at virtually no cost in comparison to the huge losses being incurred.
Protecting the data
While relishing the potential impact that MNO data can have on the ecosystem, MNOs must still ensure data protection compliance by protecting the privacy rights of their subscribers within the mobile identity framework.
Key to this is the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or locally, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), as well as other local interpretations of the data protection law to the fullest extent to protect subscribers.
MNOs must closely monitor industry participants to ensure that best, fair and transparent practices are adopted and used at every opportunity in the service value chain. In addition, MNOs must mandate verifiable consent management by service providers and data processors.
Operators also have a key role to play in enhancing mobile security and the user experience for the country’s growing subscriber base.
As the traditional owners and custodians of mobile data, MNOs must ensure that the core ingredient of the mobile identity value chain – subscriber data – is accurate, updated, relevant and uncompromised.
If the base data on which the mobile identity value chain is built is inaccurate, confidence in the solution is eroded and the whole industry will suffer.
Consumable formats
Furthermore, MNOs should make this data accessible to the industry in consumable formats that can be built upon or utilised by technology companies and service providers. MNOs must also ensure the data is secured to prevent breaches and leaks that may cause damage to data subjects and industry.
MNOs should be at the forefront of attaining and enforcing compliance standards which in turn will trickle down to the ecosystem as a whole.
They need to work with regulators to create and maintain governance policies to catalyse the industry as well as protect the data subjects.
Ideally, operators should partner with reputable industry experts to leverage their global experience while working and excelling in various global mobile identity markets (each with their own unique requirements), to create a business model that abides by global best practice in the industry.
Such industry experts would place a premium on its brand reputation and equity enough to avoid any compliance lapses, sharp practices, or unethical actions.
In addition, these industry experts must have a proven successful track record in data monetisation, innovation in service delivery, and significant compatibility with the telco service provider business models.
Telecom
Glo Boosts Network Capacity for Enhanced Customer Experience

Globacom is rolling out extensive network improvements to deliver a significantly better experience for its customers. These proactive measures are designed to ensure subscribers continue to get excellent value, particularly following recent tariff adjustments.
The ongoing upgrade involves a widespread deployment of new base stations, expanding coverage to previously underserved areas, and strengthening existing coverage in growing population centres. This strategic densification will guarantee superior network quality for both voice and data services across the entire country.
In a significant investment, Globacom is also re-routing its fibre infrastructure in several locations where road construction has compromised the fibre, including vital routes like Auchi-Okene and Benin-Ekpoma, Lafia-Akwanga, Minna-Abuja, and Funtua-Gusau.
“We decided, at a huge cost, to relocate the fibres, many of which had been vandalized in several places by uncoordinated road construction activities, in order to bring best-in-class services to customers”, the company disclosed.
Customers can look forward to brighter days ahead as Glo completes the deployment of hundreds of new sites nationwide. This year alone, thousands of 4G LTE sites have been activated in key cities, with additional hundreds of new sites are currently being deployed to further boost connectivity. These efforts are supported by massive upgrades of backhaul capacity (microwave and fibre) and a seamless improvement in the core network.
Globacom assured its subscribers that these ongoing initiatives will translate to enhanced service delivery, expanded coverage, faster data speeds, and overall improved network performance. The company plans to add over a thousand new sites in the next year, prioritizing LTE expansion to deepen its reliable data reach and extending fibre to more hub sites for greater service robustness.
Furthermore, Glo is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint by expanding hybrid power solutions and relying more on battery power across its sites, representing another substantial investment.
Despite these positive developments, Globacom continues to highlight the challenge of deliberate sabotage of network equipment, even with its designation as critical national infrastructure, emphasizing the need for stronger protective measures.
Telecom
MTN’s Uto Ukpanah Becomes 30th ICSAN President, Reinforcing Female Leadership in Governance

Nigeria’s corporate landscape is witnessing a significant transformation, with women increasingly occupying leadership positions and reshaping the narrative at the highest levels. A striking example of this shift unfolded recently as Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, Company Secretary of MTN Nigeria, was inaugurated as the 30th President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

L-R: Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria; Uto Ukpanah, President, ICSAN and Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria, and Aniekan Ukpanah, Managing Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie at the Investiture Ceremony of Uto Ukpanah as ICSAN 30th President, held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 23, 2o25.
Historically, ICSAN was led exclusively by men for nearly 57 years. However, the trend began to change in 2023 when Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo broke barriers as the Institute’s first female president. In 2025, her successor and former vice president, Mrs. Ukpanah, has now become only the second woman to assume the presidency, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s governance sector.
This development aligns with the broader momentum for women’s leadership across Nigeria’s business ecosystem. MTN Nigeria stands out as a champion of gender diversity. The company’s 2024 Annual Report reveals that women now constitute 41.4% of the workforce, a marked increase by 3% compared to 2023.
Among executive management, women hold 34.7% of positions, while female board representation stands at 21.4%. MTN’s deliberate drive, bolstered by initiatives such as the Women in Tech programme and the Y’ello Mums Internship, is fostering a pipeline of female talent across all tiers.
Female leaders at MTN are shaping strategy and impact on multiple fronts: Dr. Mosun Olusoga chairs the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya serves as the Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Dr. Omobola Johnson contributes as a Non-Executive Director of the Board of Directors; and a host of others including Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Esther Akinnukawe, Ugonwa Nwoye, among others, lead critical business functions.
MTN’s policy of inclusion is reflected not just in numbers, but in recent recognitions. In 2024, Odunayo Sanya was named CSI Personality of the Year at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards, and Josephine Sarouk, Managing Director of Bayobab Nigeria (subsidiary of MTN), received the Woman in Telecoms Award in London.
Mrs. Ukpanah herself was honoured as the first-ever African recipient of the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year Award by the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), a testament to her pioneering leadership.
Ukpanah’s investiture as ICSAN President was held on July 23, 2025, in Lagos, attracting an array of dignitaries, government officials, and business leaders. Chaired by Prof. Hakeem Belo-Osagie, with a keynote delivered by Dr. Omobola Johnson, the event saw the full support of MTN Nigeria’s top brass, including CEO Karl Toriola and Board Chairman Dr. Ernest Ndukwe. In his goodwill message, Dr. Ndukwe remarked:
“This honour is a fitting recognition for Uto’s distinguished career, unwavering professionalism, and deep commitment to the principles of good governance. Uto has consistently exemplified the values that I believe ICSAN upholds, and we are confident that her leadership will further strengthen the Institute’s aspirations towards promoting excellence in governance.
“At MTN Nigeria, we are proud of her achievements and reaffirm our full support as she embarks on this important assignment. We look forward to the positive impact her tenure will bring to ICSAN.”
Also, her husband, Aniekan Ukpanah, Senior Partner at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, described her as “a passionate steward, rooted in family, bound by purpose, and committed to legacy.” Outgoing ICSAN President Mrs. Ekundayo added that Ukpanah is “astute, visionary, and principled.”
Mrs. Ukpanah’s ascendancy to ICSAN’s top office, and MTN’s visible support, do more than celebrate personal or organisational victories; they signal a new era, one in which women are not just present, but are key architects of governance and future prosperity for Nigeria.
Telecom
NIMC Warns Nigerians Against Selling NIN Data Amid Rising Identity Fraud

National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians over the illegal sale of personal data, including the National Identification Number (NIN), amid reports of a growing underground market targeting unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commission expressed deep concern following revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that young Nigerians are offering between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to individuals in exchange for their NIN and other sensitive details. These details are then allegedly resold to certain fintech platforms for as much as ₦5,000.
“This is not just a case of minor fraud, it’s a threat to national security and personal safety,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC. “When you hand over your data to unknown agents, you are essentially handing over control of your identity.”
The Commission reiterated that it will not be held liable for any misuse of personal data shared voluntarily by individuals or through third parties for financial gain or inducement.
NIMC further cautioned service providers to ensure that every NIN presented for services is properly verified using approved channels before access is granted.
To safeguard personal identity, Nigerians are encouraged to download the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store. The app enables users to manage, secure, and control access to their NIN data.
“The story of your identity should be written by you, not sold for a quick payout,” the Commission stated.
NAN reports that the NIMC’s advisory comes amid rising concerns over digital identity theft and the misuse of personal data in Nigeria’s expanding fintech ecosystem.
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