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What Stakeholders Expect as Telecom policy is Under Review

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For any transformation or development to take place in any sector of an economy be it in developed or developing countries such as Nigeria, a legal framework is required to guide such transformation. It is the legal framework if adhered to that will provide the direction such transformation or reform should go.
It also provide fundamental guideline on the activities of players in the industry, such as what operators as the case may be are expected to do in their operational activities as well as government intervention that will provide level playing ground to ensure that operators are given equal opportunity to compete.
This was the case in the country’s telecommunications sector in 2000 when the federal government under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo decided to liberalize the telecommunications sector. Government then put together a legal framework, the National Telecommunications Policy, which was designed to herald the expected liberalization of the sector. It is also the policy that guides Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in its regulatory framework as well as gave opportunity for inflow of both foreign and local investment in the sector.
The September 2000 National Telecommunications Policy assisted in moving the country from 400,000 active telephone lines in 2001 to the present 75 million lines among other achievements.
It is against this backdrop and the need to foster development in the sector as well as address other challenges in the sector, that the federal government through Alhaji Ikra Biblis, Minister of State for Information and Communications, few weeks ago inaugurated a 25-man committee in Abuja to undertake the task of reviewing the current National Telecommunications Policy. He said the policy was being reviewed due to new trends in the industry, which have made the current document outdated.
He said the review is crucial to government’s efforts at developing the telecommunications sector to meet short, medium and long-term goals, initiative measurement of national growth indicators. The committee, chaired by Mr. Isaiah Mohammed, the former executive director, Nigerian Telecommunications (Nitel), has three months to submit its recommendations.
The minister said the previous document had helped Nigeria to surpass the ITU’ teledensity figure of one line to 100 people in three years.
Biblis said: “In less than 10 years, we have more than 75 million active lines in the various networks, and the teledensity figures have gone beyond 50 per cent mark as against the 10 per cent envisaged by the policy in 2000”.
The minister said the review of the blueprint should have been done at least once before now because of the rapid growth in the sector. “Some of the areas the document focused on in September 2000 may have been eroded with time” he said.
The committee comprising experts in the industry, government officials and journalists was asked to examine issues arising from the rapid global telecommunications growth, the evolution of new media and the challenge of information security for the new policy regime.
Mohammed expressed the readiness of members of the committee to meet the expectations of the government.
“In the light of development of the sector and to stay ahead of international recommendations, the committee will ensure that telecommunications is delivered to every part of Nigeria. We have to deliver and we shall deliver,” he sad.

Stakeholders’ expectations
Ernest Ndukwe, executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, said that he expects the committee to produce an update policy that would transform the industry.
He said: “Telecommunication is a highly fast-changing industry and therefore, we need to keep pace with global trend. The review is a good initiative that will give investors a roadmap for investment in the future.”
Ndukwe listed areas the committee should address as Internet and need to look at a case where the entire country is covered by transmission infrastructure and its broadband infrastructure is expanded”.
Lanre Ajayi, chairman, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), said that the current policy lead emphasizes on telephone which it has been achieved going by the growth in teledensity. He said what the country need now is broadband infrastructure, stating that the new policy should reflect that, which will therefore bring issues such as online applications, cyber security and evidence act. “How we intend to go about these should be addressed by the new policy,” he said.
He added that the implementation of the existing policy was successful in that the telephone penetration target it set out to achieve was surpassed. He expressed optimism that the new policy expected to address other areas of telecommunications as well as lay foundation for development in the sector will be met when it is final reviewed and release for implementation.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton) said the current National Telecommunications policy had a five year action plan and have met and surpassed the expectations of government and stakeholders in the industry. He noted that as at 2000 when the policy was promulgated it was not envisage that the industry will record 75 million active subscriber lines which is an indication of tremendous growth in the sector.
Adebayo who is also member of the review committee added that a review is necessary as technology is dynamic as well as challenges of the industry which is a product of growth in the sector.
He said that there is need to fashion the policy in order to address those industry challenges. According to him, due to rapid changes in technology, there is need for the policy to preempt technology and accommodate foreseen as well as unforeseen developments. It should also protect infrastructure and service providers, as well as address the issue of convergence where technology has brought broadcasting and communications together.
He added that the new National Telecommunications Policy must be prepared to accommodate such convergence. He however pledge the committee readiness to carry out the task of bringing out a draft that will address issues in the industry required for development of the sector and the country in general.
Achievements of the current policy
Nigeria is one of the biggest and fastest growing telecom markets in Africa, attracting huge amounts of foreign investment, and is yet standing at relatively low levels of market penetration. Far reaching liberalisation has led to hundreds of companies providing virtually all kinds of telecom and value-added services in an independently regulated market. The mobile sector, which has seen triple digit growth rates five years in a row since competition was introduced, has been joined by a number of additional players under a new unified licensing regime which is expected to also boost the country’s underdeveloped Internet and broadband sector. Third generation mobile and WiMAX wireless broadband services are being rolled out at a rapid pace.
Nigeria has overtaken South Africa to become the continent’s largest mobile market with now over 74 million subscribers, and yet market penetration stands at less than 50% in early 2010. The network operators are investing billions of US$ to expand their networks and improve the quality of service in order to avoid sanctions by the industry regulator, NCC. 3G services have been launched, and increased competition comes from an array of additional players who have entered the lucrative mobile market. Declining ARPU levels are forcing the operators to introduce new services and transform themselves into converged broadband service providers.
Nigeria, today records a strong standing in the world information society due to the quantum growth telecom has ushered in the last decade.
In the past eight years of telecommunications sector liberalisation, NCC sources say subscriptions to telephone services have risen to the current level of over 74 Million active connected lines. This growth and advancement in telecommunications within the last decade has improved the nation’s ICT ranking in the world and has positively impacted all sectors of the nation’s economy. Nigeria has also become Africa’s largest telecom market.
The achievements in the industry so far can be attributed largely to the foresight by government in implementing a successful sector reform and providing the enabling and conducive environment with respect to policies and regulatory regime. The federal government has proven its commitment to promoting a regulatory environment that is independent, fair, transparent and predictable".
Before the licensing of the Digital Mobile Operators in 2001, private investment in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria stood at about $US50 million. Between 2001 and now, the sector has attracted about $US18 billion in direct local and foreign investment. These high investment levels have been attained because Nigeria has become one of the most desired investment destinations for ICT in Africa not just due to the potential of the market but also due to the stable policy and regulatory regime.
The role of the policy maker must of necessity be separate from that of the regulator. The situation where the policy maker tries regulating the industry when there is a regulatory body in place would run contrary to International best practice, and creates regulatory uncertainty which investors do not like.
Maintaining a stable and predictable operating environment is essential for attracting investment and avoiding actions that can constitute a disincentive for investment or challenge the sustainability of returns on investment capital. The telecoms sector is very capital intensive and therefore, to continue network expansion, improve quality of service and increase coverage in Nigeria, emphasis must be on ensuring an attractive operating environment.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the committee with their practical experience in the industry will produce an ensuring National Telecommunications Policy that will usher in the next frontier in the growth and development of the sector.

 

 

 


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Airtel Africa Grew Customer Base to 169m as Q1 Revenue Hits $1.4 Billion

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Airtel Africa has grown its customer base by 9.0% to 169.4 million, with data customers increasing 17.4% to 75.6 million with focus on bridging the digital divide across her markets continues. According to the telecommunications operator’s financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, which demonstrated strong growth across key metrics and a continued focus on expanding its services across its 14 African markets.

The operator reported a significant increase in revenue, reaching $1,415 million. This represents a 24.9% growth in constant currency and a 22.4% increase in reported currency, indicating a more stable macroeconomic environment in its operating regions and effective tariff adjustments, particularly in Nigeria.

The growth was broadly driven, with mobile services revenue increasing by 23.8% in constant currency. Data revenue showed exceptional performance, surging by 38.1%, while voice revenue grew by 13.9%. Mobile money services continued their strong upward trajectory, recording a 30.3% growth in constant currency. This was supported by accelerated growth in Francophone Africa (16.4% in constant currency) and continued strong performance in East Africa (20.3% in constant currency).

Airtel Africa’s profitability also saw a substantial uplift. EBITDA grew by 29.8% in reported currency to $679 million, with EBITDA margins expanding to 48.0% from 45.3% in the prior period. This margin expansion is attributed to sustained operating momentum, more stable fuel prices, and the ongoing benefits from cost efficiency programs.

Profit after tax saw a remarkable improvement, rising to $156 million compared to $31 million in the prior period. Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) stood at 3.4 cents, a significant increase from 0.2 cents in the previous year, primarily reflecting higher operating profit in the current period and the absence of large derivative and foreign exchange losses that impacted the prior period.

Operational highlights further underscored the company’s growth. Airtel Africa’s total customer base expanded by 9.0% to 169.4 million. Data customers increased by 17.4% to 75.6 million, as the company intensified its efforts to bridge the digital divide. Mobile money customer base also grew by 16.1% to 45.8 million, with transaction value increasing by 28.7% in constant currency.

The company’s strategic focus on enhancing customer experience is supported by ongoing network investments. Over 2,300 new sites were rolled out, bringing the total to 37,579 sites, and the fiber network was expanded by 2,700 km, now exceeding 79,600 km. This investment has boosted data capacity across the region, with 4G population coverage reaching 74.7%, an increase of 3.4% year-on-year.

Airtel Africa continued its debt localization program, with almost 95% of its operating company debt (excluding lease liabilities) now in local currency, up from 86% a year ago, reducing foreign currency debt exposure. The company also confirmed it has returned $16.9 million to shareholders through its ongoing share buyback program as of June 30, 2025.

Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer, said: “We are very pleased with the strong growth in our operating and financial performance in the first quarter. The strength of this performance, and the scale of the growth we achieved, reflects the sustained demand for our services and the strength of our business model to meet these demands. Operationally, the acceleration in customer base growth to 9%, and 17.4% growth in our data customers to 75.6m reflects the strong on-ground execution with a relentless focus on digitisation and the simplification of the customer experience.”


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Khalil Halilu Honoured at UK Parliament for Championing African Innovation

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L-R: Founder, Startup Arewa, Mohammed Jega; Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Special Adviser to the EVC on Commercialization, Engr. Anas Balarabe during the presentation of the prestigious African Achievers Award to Halilu at the House of Lords, UK Parliament recently.
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Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman/ceo of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), was honoured with the prestigious African Achievers Award at the 15th edition of the ceremony held at the historic House of Lords, UK Parliament, on July 11, 2025.

L-R: Founder, Startup Arewa, Mohammed Jega; Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Special Adviser to the EVC on Commercialization, Engr. Anas Balarabe during the presentation of the prestigious African Achievers Award to Halilu at the House of Lords, UK Parliament recently.

The award, presented during an event that brought together royals, global leaders, policymakers, and innovators, recognized Mr. Halilu’s outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s technological infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industrial growth through his leadership at NASENI.

Hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and a respected member of the House of Lords, the ceremony was a powerful global showcase of African excellence and transformative leadership. Mr. Halilu joined a distinguished group of honourees including public officials, business executives, and philanthropists shaping the future of the continent.

In his remarks, Mr. Halilu emphasized Africa’s readiness to lead in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.

“It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future. At NASENI, we are bridging the gap between ambition and access, turning ideas into industries, empowering indigenous solutions, and driving forward Nigeria’s and Africa’s industrial transformation. Africa is not just rising, it is ready.”

Under his leadership, NASENI has been repositioned as Nigeria’s leading technology transfer agency, delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by enabling local production in critical sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, transportation, and digital infrastructure.

Through strategic partnerships and an Accelerated Technology Transfer & Adaptation Strategy, NASENI is turning Nigeria into a hub for sustainable innovation and industrial self-reliance. Mr. Halilu extended appreciation to the organizers and supporters of the Awards:

“I thank the African Achievers Awards team, Baroness Sandip Verma, and all those across the continent and diaspora who continue to champion African solutions. This recognition is a motivation to do more and a reminder that the future we seek is one we must build ourselves.”

Now in its 15th year, the African Achievers Awards has become one of the most respected platforms spotlighting African leadership and excellence globally. This year’s edition included powerful messages from dignitaries such as King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Queen Olori Atuwatse III, and Dr. Fatou Bensouda, reinforcing the urgency of building a united and future-facing African continent.

The award to Mr. Khalil Halilu reflects NASENI’s growing continental footprint and its mission to deliver homegrown technologies that respond to Africa’s real challenges, promote sustainable development, and accelerate industrialization across borders.


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NITRA-ALTON CNII & Sustainability Conference Rescheduled for August 7 in Lagos

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The 2025 edition of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) & Sustainability Conference has been rescheduled to hold on August 7, 2025, at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, following a shift from its earlier date of July 30.

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The adjustment was made to accommodate a nationwide telecom stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The CNII Conference, jointly organised by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), seeks to address the implementation and awareness gaps surrounding the CNII Order, signed into law by the Federal Government in August 2024.

The law designates telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, positioning it as a strategic asset vital to Nigeria’s economic and security framework. Industry groups including the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have thrown their weight behind the initiative.

Speaking on the new date, NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, emphasised that the Act, though laudable, requires industry-wide collaboration and clear implementation strategy for tangible impact.

“The mere proclamation of CNII as an Act does not guarantee infrastructure safety. Stakeholders must address operational and standardisation gaps to make the law work,” he said.

ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, also highlighted the need for regular maintenance and technology upgrades to curb vandalism and ensure infrastructure security.

Focus Areas of the Conference Include:

  • Implementation mechanisms for the CNII Act.
  • Stakeholders’ roles at federal, state, and industry levels.
  • Security enforcement and public education.
  • Infrastructure protection and sustainability.
  • Collaboration and compliance across telecom companies.

Expected attendees include the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, regulators, service providers, security agencies, and key players in public and private sectors.

The event is themed “Industry Sustainability And CNII Conference 2025 – Way Forward”, with panel discussions aimed at creating a unified approach to safeguarding Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure under the CNII provisions.


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