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NCC supports Meta’s undersea cable initiative

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Lagos, Dec. 4, 2023: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Sunday says it would show support to law-abiding investors like Meta on its ongoing efforts to land 2Africa Cable in Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by Mr Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, the  Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida said this when he received a delegation from Meta in Abuja.

The statement said the delegation was led by Meta’s Vice President for Africa, the Middle-East and Turkey, Kojo Boakye.

Maida said that Meta had responded positively to Nigeria’s desire for investments, hence promoting the agenda of government to achieve a robust digital economy.

He said NCC’s regulatory support to all investors, including operators in Nigeria, would be predicated on playing by the rules and regulations guiding the sector.

Maida explained that the  commission placed a lot of premium on compliance to industry laws and regulations, as such would engender a level-playing field for all licensees and stakeholders in the industry for sustaining a healthy competition.

Also, Meta’s Vice President for Africa, the Middle-East and Turkey, Kojo Boakye who’s purpose for the visit was to congratulate Maida on his appointment, said Meta would like to intimate him regarding the ongoing efforts to land 2Africa Cable in Nigeria.

At 45,000 kilometres long, Boakye said the 2Africa submarine cable would be one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects and will interconnect Europe (eastward via Egypt), Asia (via Saudi Arabia), and Africa.

He noted that the system would go live in 2023, delivering more than the total combined capacity of all subsea cables currently serving Africa, with a design capacity of up to 180 terabytes per second (Tbps).

Boakye stated that 2Africa would deliver the much-needed Internet capacity and reliability across large parts of Africa.

He said it would also supplement the fast-growing capacity demand in the Middle East and underpin further growth of 4G, 5G and fixed broadband access for billions of people, especially in Nigeria.

He urged NCC to support in sailing through all necessary legal and regulatory hurdles in landing the submarine cable to complement existing backbone infrastructure in Nigeria.

Boakye also said Meta, through a consortium, plans to land 2Africa cable simultaneously in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom States in order to ensure that those not yet connected were connected.

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Lack of patronage causes failure to meet revenue target by NCC

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Abuja, Nov.15, 2023: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has blamed its inability to meet 2023 revenue target on lack of patronage for its auctioned frequencies.

The NCC Director of Financial Services, Mr Yakubu Gontor said this on Tuesday, when he appeared before Senate joint committee interactive session with revenue generating activities on 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

Gontor said as at September, the commission had generated N199.8 billion out of the N387.4 billion revenue projection for 2023.

He said that two frequencies, 600 Mega Hertz (MHz) and 35 Mega Hertz (MHz), were made available for auctioning but there was no patronage for none of them.

This,he said significantly affected the revenue generation of the commission in 2023.

“Our revenue projection from spectrum fee was N387.4 billion,but we ended up earning N199.8 billion as at September 2023, which is a significant difference from the projected revenue.

“We hope to earn more between now and December, but we may not be able to meet budgetary projection.

“This is because frequencies are usually sold through auctions and they are some frequencies that were earmarked for auction during the year.

“However, the auction did not attract the expected patronage. Those frequencies had been reserved for subsequent auctions.”

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NCC seeks partnership to broaden broadband penetration

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Lagos,  Sept. 8, 2023: Telecommunications  stakeholders on Thursday  emphasised that collaboration limits the barriers to national boadband  penetration and promoted digital  economy.

The telecommunication stakeholders said at the Telecoms Executives  and Regulators Forum 2023  (TERF) organised  by Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria  (ATCON) in Lagos.

The theme of the forum is ‘’ Success  Factors  and Barriers  to National  Broadband  and Digital  Economy  Aspiration ‘’

The Executive  Vice Chairman   Nigeria  Communications  Commission  (NCC) Prof Umar Danbatta  in his keynote presentation while   highlighting  the successes of the  commission said nobody should be excluded digitally due  to barrier.

Danbatta said that inclusiveness  should be  taken into consideration when it comes to provision  of ICT services.

He said that it is therefore important that ICT should  be made available to people no matter the circumstances ,  the barrier should be removed and the ICT service provided.

According to him, the commission is promoting the Telecom industry through the expansion of broadband infrastructure.

‘’Broadband infrastructure has helped in digital readiness, development, accessibilities in education, medical services, transportation system, finance, commerce and  maintenance of the SDG goals.

‘’The broadband penetration from the year 2020 to be 30 per cent, 50 per cent in 2023 and it was projected to be 70 per cent in 2025 .

‘’The Telecom sector has contributed 16 per cent to the  national Gross Domestic  Products now second after agriculture’’, he said.

The EVC emphasised  that the challenges  in deployment of broadband infrastructure  particularly in remote, rugged and swampy terrains is a major obstacle.

He also highlighted  Cybersecurity  concerns  as digital adoption increases so does the risk of cyber attack and data breaches.

‘’Strengthening our cyber security measures will protect our citizens data, booster consumer trust, and secure digital infrastructure.’’

He also highlighted multiple taxation as a challenge that should be looked into especially  in the area of excise duty which  is placed on luxury  goods of which telcos infrastructure  should be treated as essential.

Danbatta said that frequent  power outage and unreliable power infrastructure could distrupt digital services.

He however  said that addressing this challenge would be key to maintaining uninterrupted connectivity”.

The  National  commissioner, Nigeria  Data Protection  Commision (NDPC)  Dr. Vincent Olatunji  also, speaking  at the Forum  on ‘Landscape of Nigeria’s Digital Economy, highlighted trends and growth  of internet  penetrations

Olatunji  said that the trends and growth has brought about  Mobile Technology dominance, revolution in digital payment, ecommerce surge, start-up ecosystem  among other.

He said the challenges were funding, Digital literacy, Cyber security threats and attitudinal change and infrastructural gap.

According to him, the impact of Data protection on digital economy has improved data security, global recognition, data localization and innovation in tech start-ups

The president, ATCON, Mr Tony Emoekpere in his welcome address said that if issue’s discussed at the Forum should be addressed  the contribution  of the telcom sector would improve.

Emoekpere said that this Forum would also help address the salient challenges  facing the industry.

The president  said that the Association is essentially  committed to promoting  ICT growth and telecoms in Nigeria.

He, however, appreciated the regulators and all the organisations that supported and contributed to the success of the even

Also speaking, President, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria  (ALTON) Mr Gbenga Adebayo emphasised the need for the independence  of the industry.

Adebayo said that ALTON as an Advocacy group as talked about issues as it affects  the industry  but nothing  seems to be changing.

He said the industry  stakeholders should look at what should  be addressed  own the problem  and solve it themselves.

The ALTON  president also said that the issue  of the national tariff should be reconsidered and also repatriation  of our young brains

The MD, Informations Connectivity Solutions Ltd, Mr Yemi Oshodi, speaking on Challenges to Universal Broadband and Digital Services in Nigeria, said that the issue of cost, and need to create more infrastructures to initiate connectivity to rural areas  should be considered

Head, Enterprise Sales, Fibre One Broadband Limited, suggested that special and deliberate commitment to indigenous content, freedoms from multiple taxation and protecting the infrastructure helps in reducing the challenges.

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NCC seeks elimination of multiple telecoms taxation

Ibadan, Sept. 7, 2023: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for a continuous telecoms stakeholders engagement to eliminate the effects of multiple taxation on economic development.

NCC Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Mr Adeleke Adewolu, made the call during NCC South West Regional Telecoms Stakeholders’ Workshop on Multiple Taxations and Regulations held in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Adewolu said that multiple taxation in the telecoms industry had continued to be the bane of economic development in the country.

According to him, taxation by design remains an instrument for economic development.

He added that the initiative of all tiers of government in using taxation as an instrument for socio-economic development needed to be supported.

He, however, noted that supporting the tax initiatives by the various tiers of government includes indicating where a category of taxes had become cancerous to economic development.

“These types of taxes typically manifest themselves in the form of multiple taxation and by design, they reverse growth, stifle innovation and discourage investment.

“The 2017 Tax Policy specifically states that taxes similar to those being collected by a level of government should not be introduced by the same or another level of government.

“President Bola Tinubu, in his commitment to address the vexed issue of multiple taxation, recently signed a number of Executive Orders to curb arbitrary taxes in the country.

“This I believe will facilitate a conducive environment for local and foreign investment into the country, ” Adewolu said.

Also the Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, NCC, Mr Efosa Idehen, said that the workshop theme “Navigating the Landscape of Multiple Taxation and Regulations: Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Collaboration”, was apt.

According to him, the theme was chosen to reflect the NCCs core value of strategic partnership and the dire need for concerted effort to allow the telecoms sector breathe to its full potential.

“This campaign is not against the fair and legitimate tax heads of respective government agencies as prescribed by law but a solemn call for the review and implementation of a workable structure that ensures only legitimate payment, “he said.

In his contribution, the Executive Secretary, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Gbolahan Awonuga, said that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) now paid up to 49 different taxes to governments and their agencies in Nigeria.

He noted that multiple taxation and other challenges such as power, vandalism, host communities problems, amongst others, remained major impediments to infrastructure and network penetration in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop featured contributions from heads of government agencies, MNOs, subscribers and

other critical stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.

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NCC moves to introduce modern energy sourcing

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Kano Aug.17, 2023: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is mulling over the idea of introducing a framework to encourage ethical energy sourcing in the telecommunications sector.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed this in a speech at a roundtable with the academia, industry chiefs and other stakeholders in Kano on Wednesday.

The theme of the event is “Refocusing academic research toward Alternative Clean Energy: Panacea to paucity of energy in the telecommunications industry”.

Danbatta said that the framework would serve as a guide for telecom service providers to adopt clean and sustainable energy sources, reducing their carbon footprints and contributing to greener future.

He expressed the belief that the policy would not only benefit the environment but drive innovation and create new business opportunities in the industry.

He, however, said that to achieve the objective would require collaboration with the academia and other stakeholder, who are encouraged to contribute through research findings.

Danbatta said that the commission needed the expertise, knowledge and insight of the academia and other stakeholders to guide it in developing feasible alternative sources of clean energy that the industry can leverage for a sustainable energy supply.

“We aim to refocus future academic research towards feasible alternative sources of clean energy that can be harnessed by the telecom industry.

“It is essential to identify and explore new technologies, such as solar, wind and biomass that can power our communications infrastructure efficiently and sustainably.

“We need your research to help us understand the potentials of these alternative energy sources, address their challenges and develop strategies for their implementation in the telecom sector,” Danbatta said.

He further said that the sector was at the forefront of digital transformation and that the potentials to enhance the livelihood of the citizens must be harnessed by promoting research in the academia.

He expressed the confidence that the discussions and ideas shared at the meeting would serve as a catalyst for transformative research and innovation in the sector.

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No N17bn deficit in NCC’s 2021 budget

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied incurring a deficit of N17 billion by allegedly spending N35.2 billion on personnel costs and consultancy fees in 2021.

NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Muoka said that the commission was concerned with the inability of an online publication to accurately interpret the contents of its 2021 Annual Reports which had been made public.

He said, as a result, the publication gave a wrong impression that the commission incurred a N17 billion deficit, saying: ”This is far from the truth.

“Though the statement of the financial performance of the commission for the period ended December 2021, clearly indicates that the sum of N17.3 billion was a surplus/deficit retained for the period).

“This does not imply that the commission incurred a cash deficit as the expenditures in its financials were both in cash and accruals applicable to the year.

“If the publication had inquired of the constituents of our expenditures, it would have learnt that the expenditures for the year 2021 included accruals for items undergoing procurement at the end of the year.

“Like the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative, (SABI), being implemented by the commission which was standing in the sum of about N24 billion in the financial report,” he said.

Mouka said that the commission also remitted an Operating Surplus/Spectrum Fees of estimated N197.7 billion to the Federal Government under the same Financial Performance Reporting period.

He said the commission had a bank balance of about N46.97 billion, erasing any doubt that there was any deficit spending.

Mouka added: “The commission, therefore, disclaims the wrong impression created by the online publication and subsequent misinterpretation of our financial report in the publication may have had in the minds of the public and stakeholders.

“The commission reiterates its commitment to the effective and transparent processes in all its regulatory, management and financial activities.”

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NCC to build emergency communication centres in 36 states

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The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) is to build emergency communication centres in 36 states of federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The aim is to bridge the gap between distressed and emergency response agencies in the country.

Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this in Enugu on Saturday during their special day at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka, said that all telecom operators were mandated to route emergency calls through the dedicated three digit toll free number 112, from each state to the emergency centres within the state.

Danbatta explained that the operators who should be residents in states where the communication centres are installed would process the distress calls and contact the response agency at the NCC headquarters whose duty it is to handle the cases.

On its challenges, Danbatta described cybercrime and e-fraud as another issue confronting the industry.

He, however, advised all consumers not to open emails that are not familiar to them, adding that people should not post personal identification information online.

Muoka said that the commission had created a toll free number 622, as a second level complaint which allows consumers to escalate unresolved issues by their service providers to the commission for effective resolution.

The Chairman described unsolicited text messages as a major issue affecting telecom consumers, adding that the commission, in order to protect subscribers from the unwholesome practice, evolved a solution called

“Do not disturb”.

“Globally, telecom service are critical to the overall socio-economic well-being of any nation as it provides a technological foundation for societal communication which plays a central role in the fundamental operations of the society.

“NCC as a regulator is mindful that telecom is an enabler and catalyst for economic advancement of the country and has consistently made available, affordable and accessible telecom service to eliminate certain telecom barriers,” he said.

In a welcome address, the president, Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Jasper Nduagwuike, said that the NCC is committed to provide better service delivery by telecommunication operators in the country.

Nduagwuike, who was represented by the first deputy chairman of ACCIMA, Mr Odega Jideonwu, said that he was sure that the Trade Fair platform is a good interface with Stakeholders in the telecom industry.

Nduagwuike pointed out that the role of the commission as a regulatory agency in the development of the telecommunication sector, is to ensure best practices, efficient and effective service delivery by operators in the sector.

He described NCC as one of the sectors that had contributed to the enhanced growth of Nigerian economy.

Nduagwuike said that a lot more needed to be done to fully tap the potentials in this sector and for customers of the various GSM network operators to fully maximize the inherent benefits of optimal service delivery by operators.

He explained that the commission needs to do more, especially in having the courage to regulate operators in the sector to do what is right and protect vulnerable customers in the country.

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NCC urges CSOs to safeguard telecoms infrastructure

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for the support of Civil Society Organisations to help safeguard telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

The Executive Vice-Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta said this during the 2023 Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit on Curbing the Destruction and Vandalisation of Telecom and other Critical National Infrastructure in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Danbatta, represented by Mr . Chukuma Nwaiwu, Head, Wireless Network, NCC, said the Commission receive reports of telecom infrastructure vandalism from the telecom companies.

He said these acts impact on the delivered quality of services and the availability of the digital platforms.

According to him, some of the impacts include ”Disruption of the network services and disconnection of digital platforms; congestion of alternative backup routes/networks. Interruption of social and economy activities and loss of revenue.

“Ripple effects on other networks and network elements. Delay in network recovery.”

On the upcoming general elections, Danbatta, said that technology would play a crucial and key role in delivering free and fair elections to Nigerians.

He said that NCC was collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election results were transmittecd electronically as required by law.

Danbatta said: “We all have a duty to protect the national telecom infrastructure as such to benefit from the dividends of democracy and good governance.

“The youth and CSOs as  critical stakeholders in the development process of any society have  dutest o educate the public of the importance of protecting telecom infrastructure located in their immediate vicinity.

“The NCC and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are collaborating to protect telecom infrastructure as a critical national asset and have signed an MoU n this regard.”

He called on Nigerians to join hands in protecting the national telecom infrastructure for the benefit of all.

The Deputy President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Musa Mohammed, said vandalising critically national infrastructure can only come from insensitivity, indiscipline and unpatriotic individuals.

Mohammed said these individuals do not see the good intentions of the government towards making necessary provisions for the country.

He urged CSOs to put all hands on the deck to work with security agencies to ensure that the vandals were reported and prosecuted accordingly.

“Wilful damage of roads, rail tracks and other critical infrastructure in our country is not only an act of wickedness, but an act of disregard for the country’s infrastructure.

“We must all rise to fight against vandalism of national infrastructure because the damaging effects does not only affect an individual but all of us,” he urged.

Earlier, the Director-General of National Council for Civil Society (NCCS) Mr Johnny Emmanuel, said the role of civil society in infrastructural development should not be undermined.

Emmanuel said that the NCCS intended to train over 20,000 youth in each state to become volunteers to  access and monitor the state of vandalism across the country by working with security agencies.

He urged the government, especially the national assembly to put it into law by enacting a bill of National Infrastructure Protection Trust Fund.

“As law abiding citizens, it is our responsibility to telecom, power and other critical infrastructure within our environment and take ownership of it.

“If you partner with the civil society, we will be able to create what we call civil society anti-vandal volunteers.

“We intend to train over 20,000 youth in each state to become volunteers,” Emmanuel said.

Copyright

Copyright Commission provides safety for creative works

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Dr John Asein, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and his team, have provided a safe environment for production of creative works and ensured protection of their copyrights.

Mr Kewul Suleh, the Secretary, Youths Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD), made this known while presenting the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize to Asien in Abuja on Friday.

Suleh said that Asien was honoured with the Pan African Icon of Public Service Renaissance by the organisation, following his positive contributions to publishing and protection of copyright, intellectual property development in the country.

The secretary, describing Asein as a public office holder with zero tolerance to corruption, nepotism or favouritism, said that his charity to the less privileged and the downtrodden in the society was commendable.

“Your exemplary lifestyle which promotes the African Moral values and is worthy of emulation by the youths.

“Your integrity and 100 per cent open door policy and high administrative prudence also informed the presentation of this honour,’’ he said.

According to him, the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for Integrity and Transparency is strictly reserved to recognise and appreciate great African leaders of courage and integrity.

“The leaders, who have distinguished themselves by contributing, in their various fields of endeavour toward the development of their various countries, which will cumulatively contribute to building a prosperous and independent Africa of our collective dreams.

“We are here today to present this honor to your esteem person (Dr John Asein), because you have distinguished yourself as a selfless leader of astute erudition, outstanding understanding and articulate attributes.

“Dr John Asein is one of such rare prominent Africans that are writing their names on the very heart of history as a matter of dedicated service to God, humanity and Country, which is in line with the Thomas Sankara Ideology.

“Our terms of reference for conferring this honor to your esteem person include your hard work and dedication to national development.

“Your positive transformation of this Commission since your assumption of office as Director-General in 2019 and positive contributions to publishing and protection of copyright, intellectual property development in Nigeria.’’

While expressing delight on the honour, Asien said he dedicated the award to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing him as the NCC Director-General.

He called for collaboration between NCC and the organisation in areas of youths empowerment in the creative sector since campaign against drug addiction remained the core mandate of the organisation.

“Some people go into those unwholesome activities because their energy is being channelled to that areas.

“If you can channel energy of more youths to their creative abilities, you might be able to give some of them reason to stay out of drugs.

“This is because someone who is into poetry or drama knows that he needs to finish a play or the production and he will not use that time to go and start taking drugs because that will derail his taught.

“So, if you give them things that will make them to believe that using my brain to create will bring some rewards to me, then, it is likely you will take some out of drugs,’’ NCC chief said.

He also sought for the organisation’s partnership in the areas of campaign against copyright piracy, intellectual property and rewarding creative talents.

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Nigerian mobile subscribers hit 210m in August – NCC

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said no fewer than 210 million Nigerians had been active mobile subscribers in Nigeria as at August with a teledensity of 109.99 per cent.

The Executive Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Dambatta, stated this on Monday at the NCC Day at the 43rd Kano International Trade Fair.

Dambatta represented by the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs of the commission, Mr Banji Ojo, said that Internet subscribers in the country had exceeded 152.2 million with a broadband penetration of 44.56 per cent.

According to him, “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is not the only fastest growing industry but it is also an important enabler of innovation and development.

“The telecommunication sector is a strategic driver of the digital economy especially in the activities of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria and beyond.”

He said that the commission had embarked on digital literacy training for entrepreneurs across the six-geopolitical zones of the country.

He said that the aim was to equip small-scale business owners with the requisite skills and generate ideas for the development of products and services that could be exported.

Also in a remark, the Interim Chairman of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, commended the NCC for promoting the telecommunication industry.

Aminu said that the 43rd Kano Trade fair was organised to enhance commerce and industry and also to showcase the talents and products of SMEs, with the aim of boosting the economy.

Ten participants won brand new android mobile phones during a raffle draw organised by the commission at the event.

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