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Telecom sector contributes 16% to Nigeria’s GDP, says MTN

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Abuja, Nov. 15, 2023: The Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, says the telecom sector now contributes over 16 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Ndukwe said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a two-day Premier Capital Markets Day Event organised by MTN.

According to him,  in pursuant to MTN’s vision 2025 strategy, the company had evolved from telecom to technology business, adding that it assured on building connectivity business while expanding its focus on platform businesses.

He said  that as the digital ecosystem continued to grow,  MTN’s impact on the nation’s economy would continue to increase.

“MTN remains the largest network operator in Nigeria, and we recognise the enormous responsibility bestowed on us to continue to deliver world class ICT services to the people that patronise our services.

“We also seize strong opportunities or growth in both our voice and data businesses as we work to increase our market permutations on geographical coverage.

“Our customers and their desires are the heart everything we do and plan for the future of the business.

“We are proud to say that the MTN ecosystem has directly or indirectly created employment for more that two million people, while supporting the livelihood of people across the country.

“We are fully committed to working with our partners and the Nigerian government to ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy has its full potential on customers and stakeholders,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, expressed  optimism that  the economic challenges of the country were gradually coming to an end.

Toriola called on the stakeholders to enjoy the experience of the programme.

Mr Timi Popoola, CEO of Nigeria Exchange Limited, said the event would make both local and foreign investors stay close to the country, adding that it deepened interactions with MTN.

Popoola said that a sort code of *5474# was launched by MTN  in order to get a bouquet of options, which include: opening and closing prices of any security listed on the exchange.

“We hope that this is the first step of using a tool like this to invest in a capital market,” he said.

digital

NIGCOMSAT critical to Nigeria’s digitalisation – MD

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Gombe, Nov. 8, 2023: The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, has said that the agency played a pivotal role in the digitalisation and improving Nigeria’s revenue profile.

Everton-Idehen stated this on Tuesday during a facility tour of the NIGCOMSAT Regional Office, Gombe.

She said the visit was part of efforts to create awareness on its activities, adding that satellite operators attract foreign direct investments in the country.

According to her, the communication sector contributes about 19 per cent of the country’s revenue.

The managing director said that NIGCOMSAT aimed at promoting growth of the broadcasting industry to generate maximum revenue and provide Nigerians access to digital communications inline with its mandate.

“Technology is the engine of every economy, and NIGCOMSAT is now well equipped to provide the nation with quality internet services that will encourage innovation and other advancements in the technology industry.

“We are counting on the media, industry players and schools to explore partnership opportunities with NIGCOMSAT as it is crucial for facilitating technological access and fostering sustainable economic growth at all levels in the country,” she said.

Nigerian-Communications-Commission-NCC-696x445

Globacom clears debt, gets NCC’s services restored

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Lagos, Oct. 13, 2023: The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) on Thursday says it has restored regulatory services to one of its licensees, Globacom Ltd., a telecommunications company after it successfully cleared its outstanding debt.

This was made known in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka.

It said that the Telco had obligations to the Commission for unpaid Spectrum Fees, Numbering Fees and Annual Operating Levy (AOL).

According to the statement, the Commission has also stepped down planned enforcement action against Globacom over its breach of extant regulations by failing to pay its debts in spite of several demand notices.

The Commission had temporarily withdrawn the suspension of regulatory services to Globacom in a letter dated May 22, 2023, titled “Re: Continuous Breach of Commission’s Laws and Regulations”.

It said the suspension of regulatory services to Globacom was automatically reinstated after it failed to meet the conditions for the earlier withdrawal.

toyota-recalls-3-4-million-vehicles-worldwide-says-air-bags-may-not-deploy

Subsidise conversion of vehicle to CNG,  expert urges FG

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Lagos, Oct. 9, 2023: Dr Ayodele Oni, an oil and gas expert, in Lagos on Sunday advised the Federal Government to subsidise the cost of converting vehicles from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to encourage Nigerians to adopt the alternative fuel source.

President Bola Tinubu on Oct. 1 said that the federal government would make provision for 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick-start an auto gas conversion programme.

Oni, also a Partner at Bloomfield Law Practice, said that the average cost of converting vehicles from fuel to CNG was about N325,000, adding that it might be too high for many transporters to afford.

To address this issue, Oni suggested that the government needed to collaborate with private companies to establish a financial structure where those interested in conversion would contribute towards the cost.

According to him, some Nigerians have proposed that the government should make the conversion free for interested individuals.

“But, l am of the opinion that instead of making the conversion free, government can subsidise the cost.

“This is because the cost of conversion is very high. If the government bears the cost, it may have a negative effect on the economy that the government is trying to stabilise.

“Also, the removal of custom duties and VAT on the importation of conversion kits is a way of government subsidising the cost of conversion and it is a welcome idea,” he added.

Oni said that the N100 billion proposed by government for conversion kits can be likened to a means of subsidising the cost of conversion.

Oni further recommended that the government could also engage private investors to establish conversion centers across Nigeria, ensuring that the average person had access to the necessary conversion kits.

The expert added that the National Orientation Agency, in collaboration with state’s government and local governments, should enlighten the people on the importance of CNG vehicles.

To increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of CNG vehicles, he suggested that the National Orientation Agency, in partnership with state and local governments, should educate the public on the advantages of CNG vehicles.

He said this would help individuals understand the government’s efforts in subsidising the conversion costs and other financial benefits offered.

Oni said the government reintroduced fuel subsidy due to the instability of the foreign currency, especially the dollar to Naira exchange rate.

“It is not news that we import petrol and which it has been affected by the fall of Naira against dollar, and the surge of price of crude oil in the international markets.

“The forex crisis and the recent increase in crude oil have made it impossible for petrol to be sold at the current price. However, government is reluctant to increase the price of petrol.

“The possible measures that can be taken is that our refineries should be operational because this will reduce the amount of petrol being imported.

“Further to this, government should promote the use of gas against petrol which we have in abundance.

“Third, immediate palliatives should be available such as government owned means of transportation,” he advised.

On removal of VAT on diesel, Oni said that government’s attempt to remove VAT on diesel for a period of six months is a welcome step toward reducing the effect of subsidy removal.

He said that this would reduce the price of diesel and increase the purchasing power of consumers as well.

“It is important to note that VAT, or value-added tax, is a consumption tax imposed on goods and services purchased by consumers.

“It is typically added to the purchase price and paid by the consumer alongside the cost of the goods or services.

“Although the nominal tax burden is passed downstream due to the price mechanism, it is ultimately borne by consumers.

“The reduction or removal of VAT rate reduces the consumption tax on the goods, thus reducing the cost of goods and will ultimately increase the purchasing power of consumers ,” he added.

Light bulb and pile of coins with copy space

Nigeria’s space industry valued at $1bn- Shaba

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Abuja, Oct. 2, 2023: Dr Halilu Shaba, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), on Sunday said that Nigeria’s space industry could be valued at $1 billon.

Shaba explained that the agency  had developed the critical mass required for the sector to thrive.

Another factor he explained that determined the value of the sector, he said, was the position of Nigeria  at the equator which gave it an advantage over some other countries.

“The value of Nigeria space industry should be worth one billion dollars because we have developed the critical mass, we already have a design of what our next satellite will look like, but we need funds.

“Again, because we are sitting at the equator, all our communications satellites used to have very wide coverage, they are more than any other country.

“Angola launched but the footage is not all over Africa but our satellites will always have footage all over Africa, not only for West Africa and that gives us the market.

“We value ourselves as the only operators at the equator and because of that we imagine our reach, that alone gives us a unique position,’’ Shaba said.

The director general further said that the agency was putting measures in place to liberalise space technology and engage more Nigerians to be more aware to ensure transparency in its service delivery.

Shaba said: “A lot of people use this technology without knowing, they use Global Positioning System (GPS), hand-held phones and they don’t even know that these are space technology.

“In everything we do these days, technology is being used but the common man is not even aware that this same technology is brought to fur.

“We are talking to the people who will break it down to the citizens through the relevant institutions.”

He added that the agency had overtime strengthened partnerships with universities to transform the culture of research.

He explained that the issue of security had been a setback to achieving  a 24-hour research culture.

“We are working to change the culture of research because you must have security.

“Comparing with some other countries that are into space science technology, you see that they have about a 24-hour research culture but in the case of Nigeria, we just have about eight hours and yet we are competing.

“We have been consistently trying to see how our centres and campuses located sometimes in the outskirts of town can improve on research by having 24 hours,’’ the director general said.

Shaba said the agency had also been encouraging its researchers to further their studies by undertaking Masters and Doctorate Degree programmes for more in-depth knowledge, hence the critical mass.

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Nigeria can make $20m from launch of one satellite – NASRDA

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Abuja, Oct. 2, 2023: The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said Nigeria could generate 20 million Dollars from the launch of one satellite if it develops its Assembly, Integration and Testing Lab (AITL).

Dr Halilu Shaba, Director-General of NASRDA, in Abuja, said they were confident that the 25-year Space Policy Roadmap could be achieved.

Part of the content of the roadmap which included launching satellites into the orbit from Nigerian soil, Shaba said was crucial to the development of Space Science and Technology.

Shaba that achieving such facility was a humongous project that required huge resources which their annual budgetary allocation could barely handle.

He explained that they were engaging in advocacies to investors, other countries to see how partnerships could float the project because the government might not have the sole capacity.

“We are thinking out of the box because it can bring money and we are letting people know that this can bring money.

“The government can partner with the public on that because for you to launch any satellite, the initial deposit you give for the launch of the satellite minus the kilometres you cover is 20 million Dollars to launch one satellite.

“We are also at the equator and getting windows for launch are higher and then the distance to the orbit is shorter.

“ If we can be a launching destination, it means that if we are launching 20 satellites from Nigeria every year, that gives you about 400 million Dollars,’’ he said.

According to him, let’s start and then identify the other issues, and Nigeria will be launching destination for other African countries and the world.

The NASRDA boss further said they were talking to other countries due to their interest.

He added that they were making offer to some other countries that would want Nigeria to develop the AITL and grant them access over a period.

He said “they can come, we develop this together, we share the profit, they can launch and as well have a launch pad.

“Whatever option we are looking at, it has to be to the benefit of Nigeria.’’

Shaba disclosed that the agency was developing on its Rocketry and Propulsion experience, although its profits were coming in trickles.

He said that the agency was exploring to engage every platform to educate Nigerians about Space Science and Technology.

Avenues they were exploring he mentioned included expanding the scope of their social media engagements targeted at the youths and the banks for development of visibility tools.

“We are also looking at expanding broadband reach to rural areas which we got the approval from the Federal Executive Council in November 2022.

“We are already ahead with that, some of the equipment are here already and we are testing the broadband to see its speed,’’ Shaba said.

According to him, when you talk of digital economy, you cannot remove satellite and we want our youths to identify with all these areas because we are open to anyone.

Wind mills and solar panels alternative energy production.

Companies inaugurate 100MW solar panel assembly factory in Lagos

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Lagos, Sept. 29, 2023: All On, a Shell-funded impact investment company, and Auxano Solar Nigeria Ltd., have inaugurated a fully automated 100MW solar photovoltaic module assembly factory in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, to boost local content.

Mrs Caroline Eboumbou, Chief Executive Officer, All On, said in a goodwill remark at the inauguration of the facility on Friday in Lagos, said that the facility represents a significant milestone in the growth and development of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Eboumbou said that the factory targeted at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar panels, thereby driving down forex costs and creating economies of scale in the use of climate-smart alternative energy sources.

She said that the facility, financed by All On as part of its two million dollars investment in Auxano Solar in 2021, was to lower renewable energy transition costs, guarantee quality facility and potentially reduce the cost of solar energy for consumers.

“All On has been there with Auxano from the early days; from a 50,000 dollars investment in 2018 to a much larger 1.5 million dollars investment in 2020 at the height of the COVID disruption to an additional 500,000 dollars in 2022.

She noted that All On and Auxano had navigated supply chain crunches, forex challenges, business development issues, and the ups and downs of being a manufacturer in a tough environment.

Eboumbou, however, expressed confidence in the sustainability of the company’s growth.

The CEO noted that the project marked a transition from Auxano Solar’s previous 10MW semi-automated solar panel production plant to a cutting-edge, fully automated 100MW assembly and production factory.

She said, “The success of Auxano as the first privately-owned solar assembly factory is a triumph for the promotion of local manufacturing within the Nigerian renewable energy sector.

“Our investment in this factory aligns with All On’s commitment to inspire other stakeholders, investors, and government to localise the solar supply chain.

“Ultimately, this will drive affordability and accessibility of solar products, especially in light of the growing interest in solar energy solutions among Nigerians,” Eboumbou said.

According to her, the company’s growth as the first private assembler of solar panels is a success story that ought to inspire other players in the renewable energy sector.

She emphasised that in the initial stages, the company hired students from a local technical school who were trained by foreign experts, and as the first of its kind, the Auxano plant is expected to produce 150 panels daily, 3,000 panels monthly, and about 72,000 panels yearly.

Osagie Okubor, Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, who was represented by Mr Hans Nijkamp, Shell All on Board member, said that the Auxano project is a visual representation of what Shell hoped to achieve when All On was established in 2017.

He said, “With the singular goal of helping energy-poor communities in Nigeria gain access to energy by unlocking potential off-grid clean energy solutions.

“All On has made strategic investments to achieve this and we are proud that our support for All On has culminated in the commissioning we are witnessing today.”

Mr Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Nigeria, said that the attempt aimed at localising Renewable Energy (RE) equipment supply chains by developing local manufacturing capacity.

He explained that the development was one of the key strategies to ensuring the security of supply of RE equipment for project deployment.

Ahmad said that project would foster local economic growth and provide decent employment opportunities for Nigerians.

According to him, the launch of the  plant signifies the company’s steadfast focus on bringing such a landmark project to life, despite some contrary economic indicators.

“All On and other stakeholders deserved commendation for supporting the project directly with funding, technical assistance, licensing, and other relevant business facilitation services.

“These collaborations are very key and more of such are needed to address the twin problems energy poverty and the climate crises pose,” he noted.

Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, in his goodwill message delivered at the event, said that the assembly plant came when Nigeria is demonstrating serious commitment to the execution of the national energy transition plan.

The governor who was represented by Mr Anthonio Ayodele, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency ( LASEPA), commended, the two companies for the successful completion of the plant.

He said the decision to establish the plant in Lagos State was to  deepen  local technical knowledge and expertise in solar and renewable energy technology.

Sanwoolu, therefore, reemphasised the commitment of the government to transitioning towards ensuring universal access to clean, affordable and reliable energy, part of which is the state’s goal to deploy IGiggaWatts of solar PV solutions by 2030.

He said, “The commitment is evident in the various policies and strategies that we have put in place to create an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies.

“The establishment of this 100MW PV Manufacturing and Assembly Plant represents a significant milestone in our efforts to transform our energy landscape.

“It aligns with the central Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology (T.H.E.M.E.S) agenda of this administration,” the governor said.

Sanwoolu, therefore, emphasised that the electricity generated by the solar facility would not only be a source of clean and sustainable power, but would also have a profound impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Afam Ogbaru, Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Renewable Energy, Federal Constituency, Anambra State, in his remark, congratulated the Auxano Solar Nigeria Ltd, for the unveiling of the 100MW Solar PV Manufacturing and Assembly facility.

According to him, Nigeria suffers from inadequate energy supply, and it is, indeed, worrisome that even in the midst of this obvious energy crisis

“The situation is made even more dire, given the frequency of national electricity grid collapse – two or three times within the last three weeks – resulting in total blackout in business concerns and homes.

He said, “Hopes of an early resolution of the problem appears far-fetched, at least, not with the reality of decaying infrastructure and huge replacement costs starring us all in the face.

Ogbaru, therefore, invited the Auxano, other players and stakeholders to collaborate with his committee, to formulate policies and initiatives geared toward the acceleration of investment in renewable energy technologies.

Mr Chuks Umezulora, Co-founder and CEO of Auxano Solar Nigeria, in his remark, emphasised that commissioning  being the first and biggest in the country was a dream come true.

He said, “Nigeria may be behind on so many things necessary for development, but I am determined to be a part of the solution.

“This factory is my contribution to the growth of our economy, and I hope my story of grit and dedication inspired someone to try something even bigger. Go for it, because you can.

“Spanning across an impressive 5730 square meters of land, the newly commissioned 100MW premium PV module assembly factory integrates production, warehousing, and office spaces.

“Equipped with advanced Asian-certified production equipment, the facility is designed to manufacture high-quality PV modules known for their efficiency, durability, and adaptability to various weather conditions,” he said.

The CEO of Auxano, therefore, stated that the factory had employed a substantial local workforce to oversee its operations.

He noted that a significant portion of the factory’s power supply was generated by Auxano solar panels.

Mr Demola Onanuga, the Chairman of Auxano Solar, on his part, said that the formal take-off of the assembly plan would close the deficit in electricity accessibility in the country.

He stated that the 100MW module assembly factory would help to reduce the unit rate of solar power in Nigeria and make it affordable for households and businesses.

Onanuga, therefore, assured of Auxano’s readiness to meet the growing demand for solar panels in Nigeria, adding that the company was already in talks with partners to expand the factory capacity and establish more in different parts of the country.

Digital

Digital transformation in Africa tops AfDB, Google partnership

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Abuja, Sept. 22, 2023: African Development Bank (AfDB) and Google have formalised cooperation to advance digital transformation in Africa, according to a statement on AfDB’s website.

The bank said both parties signed a Letter of Intent during the Global Africa Business Initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

It stated that the agreement underscored shared commitment to harness emerging technologies, extend and improve infrastructure and refine talent and skills on the continent and to foster digital evolution.

According to AfDB President,  Akinwumi Adesina, the bank invested 1.9 billion dollars in projects over the past decade toward the development of broadband infrastructure, conducive policy and regulatory environment, digital skills and innovative technology start-ups.

He said “our journey from a two per cent telephony penetration in 1998 to today’s era of 4G, 5G and AI signifies immense progress.

“With 70 per cent of sub-Saharan Africans under 30 years, our focus is on catalysing businesses to create jobs and offer innovative solutions.”

According to the AfDB boss, Google has been a long-time partner in Africa’s economic growth and digital transformation.

He said that in 2005, Google invested in a major submarine telecommunications cable – the Seacom cable, “and since then, Google has been committed to digital transformation by supporting talent development, innovation, infrastructure and regulatory advancements across the continent.

“Working with AfDB, Google will offer technical assistance to bolster entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in digitising their businesses, secure finance, master digital marketing and advance private sector development.”

Dr James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology and Society, also said that with advanced technologies like AI, the most profound transformation was yet to come.

He said collaboration was essential for Africa to realise this opportunity, building for everyone and ensuring no-one is left behind.

“We are excited to collaborate with the African Development Bank to work toward this shared commitment,” Manyika said.

telecoms-master

Investment in telecoms grows – NCC

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Kano, Sept. 16, 2023: Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), says telecoms investment inflow grew from $38 billion to $77 billion by the second quarter of 2023.

Danbatta, who spoke in Kano on Saturday at a media parley, revealed that the sector had contributed 16 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the period under review.

He said that the statistics by the NCC was based on the computation by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He said: “From about eight per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when I came on board as the EVC of NCC, quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent.

“And this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.”

Danbatta, however, attributed the success to “thorough sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission”, adding that the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades.

“We have witnessed explosive growth, improved regulatory standard, digital innovation that have generated global recognition,” he said.

He said that telephone users in Nigeria had hit 218.9 million, internet subscribers 159.5 million, while broadband users in the country now are 88.7 million within the period under review.

Danbatta listed issue of Right of Way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other frustrations, constituting barriers to broadband deployment in the country.

The EVC, however, assured that the NCC would “navigate regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy to tackle the challenges”.

He said that the commission would establish an emergency communication centre in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Danbatta said establishing the centres was necessary, so as to bridge the gap between distressed and emergency response agencies in the country.

He explained that the commission had increased the amount of research grants being given to universities from N20 million to N30 million.

He said that three universities had benefitted from the new grant, so far.

“NCC as a regulator is mindful of the fact that telecom is an enabler and catalyst for economic advancement of the country.

“It has consistently made available, affordable and accessible telecoms service to check certain telecoms barriers,” he said.

Danbatta added that the task of the commission as a regulatory agency in the development of the telecommunications sector was to ensure best practices.

He said that this was in view of the fact that NCC was one of the sectors that had contributed to the enhanced growth of the Nigerian economy.

The vice-chairman pointed out that other major challenges confronting the commission included wilful destruction of its facilities and the number of taxes imposed on telecommunication companies.

“The challenges being faced by the commission include 41 categories of taxes imposed on telecommunications companies and wilful destruction of our facilities,” he said.

He said that the commission would continue to engage stakeholders in the media industry in order to keep members of the public abreast of its activities.

Airtel Africa attracts $200m pre-IPO investors

Airtel partners device manufacturers to drive 5G adoption

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Lagos, Sep. 7, 2023: Airtel Nigeria, on Wednesday in Lagos, said it had partnered with renowned device manufacturers to drive 5G adoption.

Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Femi Oshinlaja, said in a statement that the partnership was in line with the company’s commitment to enhance innovation, improve customer experience and transform various aspects of its customers’ daily activities.

Oshinlaja said the strategic partnership was not only to increase access to the latest technological advancements, but also to encourage consumers to take advantage of the vast potential of 5G connectivity.

“Our partnership with leading 5G device manufacturers like Samsung, Tecno, and Infinix is a testament to Airtel’s commitment to providing our customers with access to the latest technological advancements.

“We believe that through this partnership, consumers will not only gain awareness about the potential of 5G but also access devices that enable them to fully embrace the benefits of this transformative technology,” he said.

Oshinlaja said a notable highlight of the partnership was the exclusive data package provided for users of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

He said for just N2,000, customers could enjoy a generous 10GB of data, allowing them to explore the vast potential of 5G connectivity.

Oshinlaja added that Airtel’s partnership with smartphone manufacturers had also enabled the introduction of the lowest-priced 5G device in Nigeria such as the Samsung A14 5G, Infinix Hot 30 5G and Tecno Camon 201 among others.

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