Telecom
WCRD 2022: NCC Assures of Robust Digital Infrastructure for Improved Financial Services
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate deployment of robust broadband infrastructure accessible to all Nigerians. This is to enhance their access to the required resources to carry out seamless digital financial services, irrespective of their locations and circumstances.
The Commission gave the assurance at a programme organised to commemorate Year 2022 World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD).
At the programme which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, and implemented in the context of the global theme: ‘Fair Digital Finance’, the Management of NCC announced the establishment of a dedicate desk, tagged: “TELCARE” to be operated across the country to enhance telecoms consumer protection.
Attendance and participation at the event, operated in-person and virtually, was overwhelming. Board members, senior management and staff of the Commission, collaborating agencies and other critical industry stakeholders were among the participants.
The event also ran concurrently with a roadshow carried out in Abuja and other NCC zonal offices in different parts of the country, to enlighten telecom consumers on the significance of the WCRD and to engage them on the NCC’s unwavering commitment to consumer protection.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Adeolu Akande, chairman, Board of Commissioners of NCC, said in line with NCC’s mandates, the Board and Management have been upbeat in implementing regulatory initiatives aimed at building a robust digital ecosystem to drive the frontier of digital economy with positive impacts on all other sectors in the nation’s economy.
Alluding to the theme of the WCRD 2022, Akande said considering the increasing number of telecom consumers who are also users of digital finance services, the Commission is working assiduously to ensure that all consumers, including the most vulnerable, are provided with access to manage their finances, and protected from scams, fraud, and phishing to safeguard their data.
Earlier in his keynote address, Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, said the theme of this year’s WCRD aligns with the emerging realities of the regulatory goals of the Commission.
He informed the audience that the Commission is aware of the dynamic changes in the telecom industry, even as the Commission consolidated the growth in the telecommunication sector since the sector’s liberalisation in 2001.
Danbatta stated that the growth in the telecom industry has led to convergence in different sectors, especially between telecoms and financial service sector.
According to him, there is no greater demonstration of this than the fact that financial transactions that were once conducted in-person at banking halls are now undertaken on consumers’ mobile devices.
“Financial and commercial activities have been digitised, and the most common of this is the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), which has brought ease to financial transactions,” he said.
Danbatta declared that NCC embarked on various initiatives including the licensing of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), effective utilization of spectrum, industry collaboration to address operators’ challenges, increased collaborations with relevant government agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria. A central objective of these initiatives is to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability of ubiquitous broadband services to drive growth in all sectors, including financial services sector.
The EVC explained further that the Commission has been working hard to ensure that broadband penetration gets to every part of the country.
He asserted that the number of active mobile subscriptions reached 195.4 million while Internet subscription has exceeded 141 million, because there has been increasing broadband penetration which stood at 40.88 per cent as at December 2021.
“Despite some of the challenges confronting the sector, telecommunications remained an enablers of growth in the Nigerian economy, in the year 2021.
“The Information and Communications sector contributed over N17 trillion to the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics,” Danbatta said to put the contribution of telecom and ICT in context that the audience could relate with.
Also, consistent with NCC’s focus to ensure that consumers get satisfaction, Danbatta disclosed that the Commission had finalised arrangements to establish the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk.
The Desk, he said, will be strategically located in different parts of the county to serve as an additional platform to receive and facilitate the resolution of consumer complaints.
According to him, the Desk will also provide a means through which consumers and citizens can make inquiries on consumer issues; provide a platform for advocacy on any topical consumer issues and concerns, and further enhance awareness of the Commission’s activities.
He said the Desk will complement other existing initiatives of the Commission aimed at protecting the interest, privileges and rights of the consumers.
The EVC’s submissions were underscored by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu, who declared that the theme of the WCRD is a reminder that “we all have the responsibility to protect the consumer from market abuses, exploitation, and injustices that erode the consumer’s rights, especially with respect to using digital financial services.”
Representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), CBN, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators (ALTON), the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF), National Disability Empowerment Forum (NDEF), telecom operators, among other stakeholders, commended the Commission for all its consumer-centric initiatives and assured of their continuing collaboration towards creating a safer cyber space for digital service users in Nigeria.
Earlier, as part of the activities slated for this year’s commemoration of the WCRD, the NCC had, on Monday, March 14, 2022, organised a debate for secondary school students in Abuja.
The debate focused on how the students use mobile devices to enhance their academic performances. The Commission seized the opportunity of the debate to enlighten the students on their rights and privileges, and to discuss other activities of the Commission.
Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has commenced the process of divesting its interest in NTEL/NATCOM, saying the telecommunications company has undergone a major transformation that positions it as one of its most promising asset recovery success stories.
NatCom Development and Investment Limited, trading as ntel, is a Nigerian telecommunications company that acquired the core legacy assets of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile arm (MTel) in 2015.
Mr. Gbenga Alade, managing director and chief executive officer, AMCON, disclosed this during an interactive session with senior media executives in Lagos at the weekend, where he also revealed that the Corporation recovered about N165 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 64 per cent increase over the N107 billion recovered during the corresponding period of 2025.
Alade said the planned sale of NTEL follows the successful divestment of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and forms part of AMCON’s strategy to unlock value from distressed assets while attracting credible investors into key sectors of the economy.
According to him, the divestment programme is being conducted through a transparent and structured process designed to attract strategic investors capable of repositioning the telecoms company for sustainable growth.
He explained that NTEL, the successor to the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), has embarked on a comprehensive three-pronged transformation strategy aimed at restoring its competitiveness and enhancing its investment appeal.
“The repositioning effort is designed to maximise value, strengthen operational competitiveness and prepare the business for long-term sustainability under new investment,” Alade said.
He described the transformation of NTEL as a significant milestone in the revitalisation of Nigeria’s legacy telecommunications assets, noting that the company remains an important part of the country’s telecom infrastructure and history.
Alade expressed confidence in the Board and Management of NTEL/NATCOM, saying their leadership has laid a solid foundation for the company’s next phase of growth.
“The remarkable transformation of NTEL is poised to become one of AMCON’s most notable success stories in the telecommunications sector. We have full confidence in the Board and Management of NTEL/NATCOM as they continue to demonstrate experience, innovation, diligence and commitment towards positioning this Nigerian-owned company to compete favourably with its peers both locally and internationally,” he stated.
He assured stakeholders that further updates on the divestment exercise would be communicated as major milestones are achieved, stressing AMCON’s commitment to transparency throughout the process.
Alade said the telecommunications divestment aligns with AMCON’s statutory mandate of maximising value from distressed assets, supporting economic growth and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
Beyond the planned sale of NTEL, the AMCON boss highlighted the Corporation’s improved operational performance, revealing that recoveries rose sharply in the first six months of the year.
According to him, the Corporation recovered approximately N165 billion between January and June 2026, compared to N107 billion recorded in the same period last year, while maintaining a cost-to-recovery ratio of just 2.3 per cent, reflecting greater operational efficiency.
Alade also announced what he described as a landmark Supreme Court judgment that strengthens AMCON’s debt recovery powers and clarifies key provisions of its enabling law.
He said the apex court affirmed that the AMCON Act constitutes a special legal regime that must be interpreted purposively because the Corporation was established to address the financial crisis triggered by the systemic banking challenges of 2008.
According to him, the Supreme Court further ruled that AMCON is exempt from paying stamp duties and confirmed that regardless of the size of an obligor’s indebtedness, the Corporation has the statutory authority to dispose of collateral assets in enforcing its rights and recovering outstanding debts.
“While we celebrate this landmark judgment and several other legal successes, we are not resting on our oars. We remain mindful of the various tactics employed by recalcitrant obligors to frustrate the Corporation’s operations,” Alade stated.
Responding to calls for the winding down of AMCON, the Managing Director alleged that many of those advocating the Corporation’s closure are debtors seeking to frustrate its recovery efforts.
He stressed that any decision on AMCON’s sunset remains the exclusive responsibility of its Board and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), adding that the Corporation remains focused on recovering debts owed on behalf of the Nigerian people.
Alade also said AMCON has intensified collaboration with debt recovery partners, solicitors and receiver managers to improve the effectiveness of its recovery strategies.
“We regularly engage and sensitise our debt recovery partners, solicitors and receiver managers on the unique provisions of the AMCON Act. This ensures that when they appear in court on matters concerning the Corporation, they are fully conversant with both the facts and the applicable legal framework.
“In recognition of their commitment, and in response to prevailing economic realities, the Corporation has reviewed the commission structure for debt recovery agents and partners across the board. Together, we remain confident that we will continue to achieve significant success in our recovery efforts,” he said.
Africa risks falling behind in the global artificial intelligence (AI) economy, unless governments and the private sector rapidly increase investment in digital infrastructure, data capabilities and home-grown innovation.
This is according to a research report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), titled: “Advancing Africa’s AI and digital economy”.
It focuses on how Africa can accelerate investment in digital infrastructure, AI capabilities and regional collaboration, to build a competitive AI-driven economy and avoid falling behind in the global AI race.
The report argues that while AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, Africa is capturing only a fraction of the opportunity because it lacks the infrastructure, skills and investment needed to compete in the emerging AI economy.
Although the continent has one of the world’s youngest populations and rapidly growing digital adoption, BCG warns that Africa remains primarily a consumer of digital technologies, rather than a producer of the infrastructure, platforms and intellectual property that will underpin future economic growth.
“Africa stands at a defining moment in the global AI revolution,” says Hamid Maher, MD and senior partner at BCG and one of the report’s authors.
“The continent has significant structural advantages, including a young population, growing digital adoption and the opportunity to build without legacy constraints.
“However, unless Africa invests in owning its digital infrastructure, data and AI capabilities, it risks becoming a consumer rather than a creator of the technologies that will shape future economic growth.
“The decisions taken today will determine whether Africa captures value from AI or simply imports it.”
Structural weaknesses
The report highlights the widening gap between Africa and the rest of the world. While digital activities account for about 15% of global GDP, Africa’s digital economy contributes only 5% of the continent’s GDP. At its current pace, this figure is projected to reach only 8.5% by 2050, it notes.
BCG says this slow progress comes despite encouraging developments, including Africa’s position as the world’s fastest-growing cloud market and strong adoption of mobile technology.
However, the continent accounts for 18% of the world’s population but less than 1% of global data centre capacity. At the same time, fewer than 2% of Africa’s approximately 2 000 languages are supported by large language models, limiting the relevance and accessibility of AI technologies for millions of people.
The report warns that these shortcomings are becoming increasingly significant as AI reshapes global industries. Traditional growth sectors − such as business process outsourcing, call centres and labour-intensive manufacturing − are likely to become increasingly automated, reducing opportunities that previously helped emerging economies industrialize.
“Without stronger participation in AI production, Africa risks exporting its data, while importing expensive AI services developed elsewhere, repeating historical patterns in which the continent supplied raw materials but captured little value from downstream industries,” it warns.
Three key barriers
BCG identifies the top challenges that continue to constrain Africa’s AI ambitions.
The first is economic fragmentation. “Africa’s 54 economies are individually too small to justify many of the large-scale investments required for AI infrastructure, while organisations within countries often lack sufficient capital to build digital platforms independently, “it says.
The second challenge is a shortage of AI talent. According to the report, Africa has about 62 000 AI specialists, representing only around 5% of the global AI workforce. Many of these professionals work remotely for overseas employers, limiting the development of domestic AI ecosystems.
“Africa has the ambition and, crucially, the talent it needs. With focus, coordination and political will, the continent can transition from disadvantaged digital consumer to empowered digital value creator and can secure its economic future.”
The third barrier is reliance on imported technology. African organisations often face higher software licensing costs than their international counterparts, while remaining dependent on foreign technology vendors, restricting innovation and limiting local value creation, the report asserts.
Patrick Dupoux, MD and senior partner at BCG, said these structural constraints are not unique to Africa, but require coordinated action.
“The challenge is not simply about adopting more digital technologies,” he points out.
“It is about ensuring African institutions increasingly build, govern and own the infrastructure, data and innovation ecosystems that power AI. Countries that produce AI capabilities rather than merely consume them will capture far greater economic value and create more sustainable jobs for future generations.”
Building Africa’s AI future
Rather than focusing solely on technology adoption, the report argues that Africa must establish the foundations needed to create its own AI economy.
BCG recommends building digital public infrastructure through public-private partnerships, with digital identity systems, payment platforms and secure data exchange networks serving as core building blocks.
The report also stresses the importance of stronger data governance to ensure information can be securely shared, while remaining under African ownership and control.
Ali Ziat, MD and partner at BCG, said collaboration will be essential if Africa is to compete globally.
“No single country or organisation can build Africa’s digital future alone,” he said.
“Pooling investment, creating shared infrastructure and embracing open systems will make projects financially viable, while encouraging innovation across borders. Combined with strong governance and coordinated leadership, these actions can help Africa become a global AI value creator instead of remaining on the side-lines.”
Telecom
Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo Foundation, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Empower Trainers to Drive Youth Value Reorientation
Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo Foundation and the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) have successfully concluded a four-day regional seminar aimed at equipping trainers with the knowledge, values, and practical skills required to inspire positive behavioural change among young people across Southeast Nigeria.
The seminar, themed “Rebuilding Character, Strengthening Values, Empowering Minds, Enabling the Future,” was designed as a Train-the-Trainers initiative to prepare women, teachers, mothers, and community leaders as catalysts for moral reorientation and social transformation.
Participants were drawn from the five states of Southeast Nigeria including Edo and Delta states, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to fostering regional collaboration in addressing the moral and social challenges confronting today’s youth.
Declaring the seminar open, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze, stressed the urgent need for collective action to rebuild the moral fabric of society.
He noted that the growing decline in moral values and increasing social vices among young people require deliberate and sustained intervention from all stakeholders.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, “The responsibility of raising responsible and productive citizens rests with all of us. We must deliberately reorient our young people by teaching and nurturing them in line with our cherished cultural norms and values.
“Only then can we build a society founded on integrity, discipline, respect, and communal responsibility.”
The Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo Foundation, founded by Iyom Josephine Anenih, former Minister of Women Affairs, has remained committed to promoting the welfare, cultural values, and development of women and families across the Southeast.
Through initiatives such as this seminar, the Foundation continues to champion character development and community empowerment as vital pillars for national progress.
The seminar featured a robust lineup of practical sessions facilitated by leading experts, including Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel, Director of the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Roz Okagbue, and Grace Okezie, who are experts in education, leadership, communication, and human development.
Among the major topics are Training for Behavior Change, Etiquette and Emotional Intelligence Tools for Trainers, effective communication strategies, value-based leadership, mentoring techniques, and approaches to inspiring positive social attitudes among young people.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Dr. Grace Okudo, representing the Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo Foundation, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing concerns over declining moral standards and the increasing prevalence of social vices.
She emphasised that women, particularly mothers and teachers, remain the first and most influential mentors in every society and must therefore be equipped with contemporary skills for character formation and effective mentoring.
Also speaking, Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel, the programme co-organiser, expressed confidence that the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the four-day training would empower participants to return to their respective communities as certified trainers capable of influencing families, schools, faith-based organisations, and youth groups towards lasting behavioural transformation.
The seminar further reinforced the shared commitment of the Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo Foundation, the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, and Imo State University to promoting ethical leadership, preserving cultural values, strengthening communities, and raising a generation of responsible, value-driven young people equipped to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s future.
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