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.
Federal government has launched Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), a new consumer credit initiative, to provide affordable financing for locally assembled laptops and other digital devices.
L-R: Mr Uzoma Nwagba, managing director and chief executive officer, CREDICORP, and Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, at the launch
The initiative by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is aimed at equipping Nigerians with the tools needed to participate in the country’s growing digital economy.
During the launch, Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described access to credit as critical to improving productivity and driving economic growth.
Dr Tijani said no nation could achieve sustainable development without a strong credit system that enables individuals and businesses to access resources needed to become more productive.
He noted that in today’s digital age, technology has become indispensable for education, innovation and wealth creation.
The minister explained that many talented young Nigerians possess the skills required to succeed in the digital economy but remain constrained by their inability to own computers and other digital tools.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr Tijani recalled how his first laptop as a student in the university opened doors to international opportunities and eventually inspired him to establish one of Nigeria’s pioneering technology hubs.
He said the new programme would ensure that more young Nigerians are not denied similar opportunities because of financial barriers.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by expanding access to technology, boosting productivity and supporting local manufacturing.
Mr Uzoma Nwagba, managing director and chief executive officer, CREDICORP, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and digital transformation.
Mr Nwagba said that while improvements in internet connectivity and digital skills training have positioned Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, access to devices remains a major challenge preventing many young people from fully participating in the digital economy.
He explained that C.L.I.C.K.D. would bridge that gap by providing affordable consumer credit that enables beneficiaries to acquire laptops and other internet-enabled devices while they develop in-demand digital skills
Federal Government has announced the disbursement of about N333 billion to eight electricity generation companies (GenCos) as part of measures to resolve outstanding debts in the power sector.
The government also disclosed the issuance of a second bond valued at N729 billion to settle verified legacy obligations and improve liquidity within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The disclosures were made on Tuesday at an investors’ forum organised by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc in Abuja.
Government representatives said the latest bond issuance marked the completion of the initial phase of the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme, which was designed to address verified liabilities and attract private sector investment across the electricity value chain.
The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, said the implementation of the first series of the programme demonstrated the administration’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations and improving investor confidence.
Verheijen disclosed that the Federal Government in February 2026 allocated about N501 billion under the first tranche of the programme, comprising N300 billion in cash and N201 billion in non-cash bond instruments to offset verified debts owed to power producers.
She said N333 billion had so far been disbursed to eight participating GenCos operating 17 power plants.
According to her, the government also paid the first coupon of about N63.5 billion on the seven-year bond in full on July 14, 2026.
She explained that the payments had enabled generation companies to meet critical obligations to gas suppliers, lenders and operations and maintenance contractors, thereby improving their operational capacity.
“Markets do not reward promises; they reward performance. Capital follows credibility,” Verheijen said.
She added that the second bond series would further strengthen liquidity in the electricity market and create a more stable financial environment capable of attracting long-term private investment.
The Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme is part of broader Federal Government efforts to address challenges affecting electricity generation, distribution and investment in Nigeria’s power sector.
Federal government has launched a N482.4 million investment fund to support 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups.
The initiative under the federal government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme was implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI).
The initiative in a statement said applications have been opened for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that will select the 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones, for intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access to up to $350,000 in funding.
According to Ife Adebayo, national coordinator of the Programme, growth lab was designed to support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale following the implementation of Founders Lab.
“Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.
“The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem,” he said.
He added that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme (terms and conditions apply), and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.
“Eligible startups must be at the post-MVP stage, demonstrate evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilots, partnerships, waitlists or any other demand signals, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme,” he said.
The programme will run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.
The statement said applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026.
According to him, female founders are strongly encouraged to apply. Selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.
iDICE is a $618 million federal government initiative backed by international lenders to boost the technology and creative sectors.
It provides young entrepreneurs with business skills training, mentorship, and access to capital through funds and accelerator programs like the iDICE Startup Bridge.
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