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Visafone Unveils New Product

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Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator, Visafone has unveiled a new and innovative product that extends its value added services to its subscribers. The product, RC Data Pay, allows data users (internet subscribers) on the Visafone network to recharge or pay for internet subscriptions through their handsets, using recharge cards. The service can be used from any Visafone phone handset on any tariff plan, and the data subscription is automatically updated within seconds at the dial of a short code if the subscriber has sufficient balance.

Toni Kan Onwordi, head, corporate communications, Visafone, said that RC Data pay is first in the industry which according to him is one more proof of Visafone’s commitment to excellent quality of service and fulfillment of its brand promise of spreading the joy of communication.

Visafone’s three-pronged business model which is predicated on superior quality of service, wide coverage and excellent voice clarity has endeared it to the masses of Nigeria who the company promised to provide a passport to reach the world.

The company’s promise to enable Nigerians experience the joy of communication has been exemplified in its introduction to the market of some of the classiest, most stylish and lowest priced phones in the history of the telecommunications in the country.

More so, Visafone, has been voted ‘The Best Telecom Brand in Nigeria’ at the 2008 edition of the Nigeria Telecom Awards. The company emerged triumphant out of a crowded field of older telecom companies in a poll conducted by the respected Phillips Consulting.

Mr. Toni Kan Onwordi, expressed delight at the emergence of Visafone as the Best Telecom Brand of the year 2008 less than six months into the launch of the brand. "This award is recognition and validation as well as a call to better service delivery. The success we have achieved is a collective one and we want to thank the Nigerian people, the press and all the stakeholders who have ensured a smooth launch and growth of the Visafone brand," he said.

Visafone, which unveiled its brand and services less than six months ago on February 22, 2008 has in its short span of operations notched up a number of industry firsts right from commencement when it made history as the first telecoms company in Nigeria to roll out commercial operations in 12 states and over 40 cities from day one. It has since spread its coverage areas to 17 states and over 150 cities and is set to garner an unprecedented 1 million subscribers in less than 6 months of operations.


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Aliyu Aboki Appointed to Global Submarine Cable Resilience Advisory Body

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West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) has announced that Mr. Aliyu Aboki, its executive secretary, has been appointed as a member of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience.

This body, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), aims to bolster the resilience of submarine telecommunication cables that form the backbone of global digital connectivity.

Submarine cables, which carry the majority of the world’s Internet traffic, enable essential global services, including commerce, financial transactions, government operations, digital health, and education. Enhancing their resilience is critical for ensuring continuity in a digitally connected world.

Mr. Aliyu Aboki’s inclusion in the high-level International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience comes at a critical time when disruptions to digital connectivity in West Africa have highlighted the urgent need to safeguard vital telecommunications infrastructure.

As the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Mr. Aboki brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive regional perspective to the Advisory Body’s mission.

His appointment provides an opportunity for the region to contribute meaningfully to shaping global best practices for the deployment, maintenance, and protection of submarine cables, ensuring a stable and resilient digital ecosystem for millions across the continent.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Aboki stated: “The recent disruptions to telecommunications services across West Africa, caused by damage to vital submarine cables, underscore the fragility of our digital infrastructure.

“These incidents, which affected countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, resulted in significant connectivity issues and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced resilience in our submarine cable systems.

As Executive Secretary of WATRA, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role that secure and reliable digital connectivity plays in driving economic development, supporting government operations, and enabling access to essential services across the region.

This appointment to the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience presents an opportunity to strengthen global collaboration and bring the perspectives of West Africa to the forefront of discussions on protecting these crucial infrastructures.

It is vital that we work together with other experts and stakeholders to develop strategies that ensure submarine cables are more resilient to disruptions, safeguarding the continuity of services that are fundamental to the global digital economy.”

The Advisory Body brings together 40 global leaders, including Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, industry executives, and experts.

Co-chaired by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Communications Authority of Portugal (ANACOM), the group will work to develop strategies that enhance the security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructure worldwide.

WATRA’s participation in this global effort reaffirms its leadership role in driving policies that prioritize digital connectivity, economic growth, and sustainable development.

By representing the region’s interests, Mr. Aboki will ensure that West Africa continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of telecommunications.


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Netflix Exits Nigerian Movie Market After Eight Years

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Netflix, the international movie streaming giant, has reportedly exited the Nigerian movie market after eight years of operation.

The development was disclosed by renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan during his speech at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival.

Although Netflix has yet to release an official statement, Afolayan, who has collaborated with the platform on several projects, confirmed the withdrawal, emphasizing that it was intentionally kept away from the public.

Netflix, which launched in Nigeria in 2016, has been a significant player in the local film industry, providing financial support for producing Nigerian content. However, according to Nollywood Wire, the platform officially exited the market in November 2024.

The report states that Netflix informed its frequent collaborators about its decision to scale back on acquiring Nigerian content. The reason for this withdrawal remains unclear, as Netflix has not provided any explanation or statement regarding the move.

The platform’s departure marks a significant shift in the Nigerian film industry, which has relied heavily on streaming services like Netflix for global visibility and funding.


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Telecoms Subscribers to Petition National Assembly Over Controversial 5% Tax

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The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has announced plans to petition the National Assembly over the Federal Government’s renewed push to impose a 5% excise duty on telecommunications services.

The association, representing millions of telecom users in Nigeria, is set to meet on Wednesday to finalize its petition, urging lawmakers to halt any legislative approval of the proposed tax while a court case challenging its implementation is ongoing.

The case, currently before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court, has been adjourned to March 13, 2025. NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, told The newsmen on Monday that the petition is necessary to prevent the National Assembly from unknowingly passing the tax into law.

“We are meeting this Wednesday to finalize the arrangement to write the National Assembly. If we don’t inform them that there is a pending court case, the Assembly might unknowingly pass the bill into law. That would be disastrous for subscribers and the industry,” Ogunbanjo said.

NATCOMS has consistently criticized the proposed excise duty as excessive and detrimental to telecom users. Ogunbanjo noted that telecom services are already subject to over 40 different taxes, and adding another levy would significantly increase the financial burden on subscribers. The association’s National Secretary and Legal Adviser, Bayo Omotubora, described the tax as double taxation and unconstitutional.

“The case is before the Lagos High Court and has been adjourned to March 13, 2025. Until a decision is made, implementing this tax would be illegal and unconstitutional. The Federal Government must respect the judicial process,” Omotubora said.

The 5% excise duty is part of a broader tax reform initiative outlined in the proposed “Nigeria Tax Act.” The bill seeks to consolidate tax laws and impose taxes on various transactions, including telecom services regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Introduced in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the tax faced public backlash, leading to its suspension in July 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. However, the government has recently revived the plan to boost revenue amidst economic challenges.

NATCOMS emphasized that the government must wait for the court’s decision before proceeding with the tax. “We are not just fighting for the legality of this tax but also to protect millions of Nigerians who rely on affordable telecom services,” Omotubora added.

The association’s petition to the National Assembly will highlight the ongoing legal battle and the economic implications of the proposed tax. “The Federal Government must respect the judicial process and suspend any action on this tax until the matter is resolved in court,” Ogunbanjo said.

NATCOMS has called on stakeholders to join its fight against the tax, describing it as an unnecessary burden on telecoms subscribers and the industry.


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