General News
Too Early to Draw Conclusions on Global Recession-Risticevic
Customers are at the heart of everything at Nokia Siemens Networks, one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies in the world. Nokia Siemens is a telecommunications solutions supplier which was created as the result of a merger (by means of a 50-50 joint venture) between Siemens AG’s COM division (minus its Enterprise business unit) and Nokia’s Network Business Group. Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services and with its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. Mladen Risticevic, Nigeria country director of the company has profound understanding of the country. Risticevic spoke to ken nwogbo on the company’s operation and other industry issues
Global Financial Crisis and Telecom Business in Nigeria
It is difficult to say but I assume it is going to affect several brands. Let us see how it is going to develop but for now, I cannot be absolutely sure because you first have to go back to the operator to see what they are planning as their Capex for the year, and that is how we would see the result on how that sector will go. I think it is too early to draw conclusions now.
On Nokia-Siemens Merger and Strength
The whole idea about the merger is to make the company stronger and become a major player in the telecom industry. From the communication and networking standpoint, the merger was done to turn out the best products to suit the market.
ith that, our aim is to cover the entire telecom sector, mobile and fixed networks. So, choosing the best products and positioning the company as a serious solution provider are reasons for the merger. You could imagine having 4000 employees, 3000 service specialists operating worldwide in 44 countries. Based on their local experiences, they have been able to know the customers’ problems and find solutions. That is what our company is now, and the way we are looking forward to the future.
Nokia-Siemens’s Broadband without Boundaries
Now we are talking about two different broadband possibilities. The one is on the fixed line and the other is on the mobile. As we know, fixed network is supposed to be used as ADSL connection so that everybody has high-speed Internet; and on the mobile side, we are bringing 3G into the country, introducing mobile TV on the technology and all other aspects. In both fields, we have the perfect solutions, and I would say we are ready to take the market.
How Networks Can Save Energy
If you can go to our sites and see our outdoor equipment, you will find that there is no need for air conditioners, large power generators, that is a perfect example of how our networks can save energy.
Edge over Competition
By choosing the perfect portfolio with a high quality technology, we have been able to carve a niche for ourselves in the industry, and we would continue to improve on what we have on ground as time goes on. Of course, same applies to service. Besides having high quality products, we have crowned them with world-class services to be able to manage networks. In that way, customers have been able to identify us as the best. We have turnkey solutions – it means that we establish and operate our clients’ network at the same time. This ranges from building the site to refilling the customer’s generators with diesel. We have been able to bring in high quality expertise – people who know the job, understand the local market, as well as understand customers’ problems. As long as our customers are satisfied, we are also satisfied.
Turnkey Solutions and Rural Telephony Projects in Nigeria
We have a concept which has been presented to some operators. This is called ‘Village Connection.’ It is a good idea to promote communication in the rural areas, and also enable people living there make a living from it. We are bringing those in the villages onboard our plans since jobs would be created in the process. This goes a long way in improving their lives – not just providing communication facilities but giving them job opportunities as well. That is the magic in it.
Direction this Year in Nigeria
We are trying to be the leader in the industry. Automatically, we are trying to get more customers, supply more operators with our solutions, expand and improve our operations in order to serve our customers better.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Every company operating in any country tends to study the local environment, get acquainted with the people and try to understand how they reason. In every aspect, you have to work closely with every community; otherwise you would be courting trouble. We are a company in this country and are known as Nokia-Siemens Nigeria Limited, so we belong here. We have hundreds of local employees and sub-contractors. If you are working on a project in Port-Harcourt for example, you have to use the sub-contractors within that vicinity. In that way, we have been helping the entire industry to grow, and also improve the standard of life of every Nigerian.
Proliferation of fibre optics and Nokia-Siemens Solution
Yes, but it is up to the operators to decide on what to do. I cannot interfere with anyone’s business or force somebody to adopt our solutions, whereas they might have other plans. Our solutions are phenomenal and speak for themselves. Again, it is also up to the regulator to put something on ground that everyone has to follow.
MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, has retained the distribution rights to 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels following the signing of a new multi-year, multi-territory agreement between CANAL+ Group and Warner Bros. Discovery, marking a significant expansion of their long-standing partnership.
MultiChoice
The new deal, which spans several regions across Africa and Europe, covers the distribution of HBO Max as well as the renewal of selected Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels. It represents a major milestone in the companies’ international collaboration and strengthens content offerings across MultiChoice Group territories.
MultiChoice disclosed that this agreement builds on earlier partnerships concluded in Europe. “It builds on the landmark agreements concluded in France in 2024,including the renewal of the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films just six months after their theatrical release in France and the integration of HBO Max within select CANAL+ group offers – as well as in Poland in 2025, with the renewal of the distribution agreement for 22 thematic channels (including TVN 24 and Eurosport) and 4 free-to-air channels (including TVN).”
Under the renewed arrangement, MultiChoice Group will continue to distribute 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels across its territories, with some channels offered on an exclusive basis. CNN International and Cartoon Network will remain exclusive to South Africa while being distributed non-exclusively in other markets. Cartoon Network Porto will be exclusive in Angola and Mozambique and non-exclusive elsewhere. Other channels such as Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Food Network, TNT Africa, Travel, ID and Cartoonito will be offered on a non-exclusive basis.
According to the partners, the deal reinforces CANAL+ Group’s channel portfolio on the continent. “This agreement enables CANAL+ Group to strengthen its entertainment, kids, news, and documentary channel offerings in African markets.”
The agreement is also expected to improve access for CANAL+ Group subscribers to Warner Bros. Discovery’s premium content through HBO Max and selected channels, including globally recognised series and films, further extending the studio’s international reach while consolidating MultiChoice’s content offering in key markets.
Nigeria Police Force has suspended nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy, hours before its scheduled rollout, in compliance with a Delta State High Court order.
Tinted glass permit
The policy, set for January 2, 2026, aimed to curb vehicle-related crimes but faced legal challenge from a private citizen against the Inspector-General of Police, the force, and Delta Police Commissioner.
An ex parte injunction issued in December 2025 restrained enforcement pending suit determination, prompting the hold announced by spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin on January 1.
Police entered appearance, filed preliminary objections, and sought injunction vacation; hearing adjourned to January 20, 2026.
The Nigerian Bar Association condemned initial police plans as “executive recklessness,” accusing disregard for rule of law, while police insisted no permanent bar existed on statutory duties.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated adherence to law while prioritising public safety via intelligence-led strategies during proceedings.
Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.
Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.
According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.
The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.
Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.
He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.
Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.
In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.
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