Telecom
ALTON Rues Exclusion of Critical Telecoms Infrastructure in Abuja City Master Plan
Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has identified the exclusion of critical telecoms infrastructures from Abuja Master plan, as contributory factor to the persistent poor quality of network services in major parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, chairman ALTON, made the remark during a breakfast dialogue with Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) in Lagos, insisting that the Federal Government needs to review the master plan to make provision for the deployment of cell sites in the City.
Following recommendations by Justice Akinola Aguda Panel in 1975, the Federal Government established the Federal Capital Development Authority in 1976 which commissioned a US-based IPA Group, to prepare a draft Master Plan for the new Federal Capital of Nigeria.
The Master Plan of Abuja by IPA, completed in 1979 according to FCDA, is now undergoing review by Messrs. Albert Speers Partners in collaboration with four other Nigerian Town Planning Consultants, namely, Multi-system Consultant, Austin Aike & Partners Fola Konsult and Benna Associate.
ALTON claimed that the masterplan has no provision for modern technologies to drive telecommunications services in the FCT thereby causing poor quality of service and limiting operator’s ability to expand operations.
He further lamented that several efforts to get attention of relevant authorities in the FCT to make provision for such infrastructure has not yielded enough results.
Eng. Adebayo told the industry reporters, “The reality is that if we want good telecoms services, we have to leave with the environmental pains that come with it. It is very simple- you have a very nice looking building, but you need to receive good TV signals at home. So, you go to instal apparatus to capture digital signal. It’s a pain you have to leave with. In our case, I am not saying a painful infliction on the people. No, rather why we need good telecom services, there are supporting infrastructure that we need to tolerate. The reason being that, for example, problem of approval for cell sites. We were told, there are no areas designated for cell sites towers within Abuja central area. Now, Abuja is one of the most difficult cities to drive in and out at the peak times.
“The reason is it is the seat of Government, yet we don’t have approval to build cell sites. We have been in discussions with Abuja Authorities in the last four years on how to mitigate on this problem. They keep saying, ‘no approval’.
“The implication is that you are at the seat of Government yet it is difficult to make calls. Very simple. And they did say there are no designated areas for building cell sites, because it was not in the masterplan.
“The masterplan was developed about 40 years ago. When it was done, there was no mobile telecom services. We think it is time for somebody to look at that concept again and grant approvals to service providers so we can improve the quality of service.
“I make bold to say until we have the necessary infrastrastructure to deploy infrastructure in Abuja, we will continue to struggle with QoS in the FCT.
“It is high time somebody somewhere did something to allow us to build more cell sites in and around Abuja to have better coverage and improve on the quality of services. We are told it is because of aesthetics and revenue. But we think, the common good of the socioeconomic benefits of telecoms services to the economy should override other interests.
“So, the disruption of infrastructure on the environment is something we may need to compromise. Now what police do we require going forward. It is as basic as give us access to foreign exchange”.
He said that the Government needs to pay close attention to the telecoms industry to understand where to intervene and make amends for better service delivery to the populace.
“Those are policy issues. In the first instance, we don’t know how some industries are designated as priority and telecoms didn’t appear on the list. Government talk about Aviation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, while telecoms disappeared from the list. We know that telecoms is the infrastructure of infrastructures. So, what policy do we need for government to solve this problem? Give us access to foreign exchange!”
The ALTON Chairman also called for end to multiple taxation and regulations in the industry, which he said are slowing down investment in the sector.
“That is my cry: remove the issue of multiple taxation, multiple regulations, classify our infrastructure as national and economic infrastructure. Give us first layer of protection. Now, report has it people are complaining about the state of power supply to our homes. Many are buying inverters. Now, battery stolen from cell sites on Shagamu-Benin Express road, sold to the supplier in Benin, then, to the distributor in Agbor, then to an aggregator in Onitsha, then to Alaba market and finally to a Consumer in Kano.
“Therefore, we need to secure our infrastructure.These are the policy issues we are clamouring for, believing that when they are addressed by way of healthy modifications, it will help to move the industry forward.
“Whether we have not done enough engagement with stakeholders, you are our voice. Please, tell them about our predicaments. We are engaging government in all levels. Recently, we were in Ebonyi State, the other week, we were in Kaduna State, the upper week- Imo State. Yesterday, they were in Abuja; all to engage stakeholders.
“You might be surprised that after the meeting in Ebonyi, despite all the problems we had there, the report they gave to His Excellency was different from the realities. He came to the meeting to express surprise at what the Advisers told him. That’s why we need you to tell the right stories about the problems that we face”, Eng. Adebayo concluded.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, which criminalises the vandalism, theft or obstruction of critical national infrastructure.
The Commission noted that the enforcement drive is aimed at curbing the growing incidence of sabotage at telecom sites, which continues to degrade the quality of network services nationwide.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, head of Public Affairs at the NCC, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to act.
She stated, “President Tinubu signed the Executive Order on 24th June 2024, declaring telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The NCC is now mandated to implement this order fully, and anyone found tampering with these facilities will face the full weight of the law.”
Mrs Ukoha, who represented Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, added that the NCC has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to sensitise the public about the significance of protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecom, energy and transport facilities.
Expressing concern over rampant damage, she said, “The destruction of fibre cables, theft of generators and fuel, and removal of key components from telecom base stations have become all too common. These acts directly affect the quality of service that millions of Nigerians depend on.”
She identified three major challenges undermining telecom service delivery:
Vandalism and Theft: “We are witnessing frequent attacks on telecom sites. These lead to service outages and cost operators billions in repairs.”
Restricted Site Access: “Operators face obstruction from local communities, touts and even some government officials who demand levies, making it difficult to access sites for maintenance and refuelling.”
Road Construction Damage: “Ongoing road projects often result in accidental damage to underground fibre cables, further compounding the situation.”
Responding to public complaints about fast-depleting data, Mrs Ukoha clarified that “mobile network operators do not steal users’ data. What many people experience is due to automatic app updates, background processes, and hotspots being shared unknowingly.”
She advised users to be proactive: “We encourage consumers to review their phone settings, limit background data, turn off auto-play videos, and regularly change hotspot passwords.”
Commending the media, she added, “Journalists play a vital role in educating the public. We appreciate your efforts and urge continued partnership in disseminating accurate, impactful information.”
She also revealed the Commission’s drive to improve digital inclusion: “The NCC is committed to supporting underserved communities with affordable internet access and has commenced specialised training for journalists, particularly senior editors in Lagos and Abuja.”
Mrs Ukoha emphasised collaboration with government agencies to reduce infrastructure damage: “As construction projects expand nationwide, we must work together to prevent unnecessary damage to telecom assets.”
Also speaking, Mallam Yakubu Musa, head, Corporate Communications, NCC, reinforced the importance of the media in the telecom ecosystem.
He said, “Our partnership with the press is key to promoting transparency, building consumer trust, and supporting regulatory compliance.”
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike, chairman, NUJ FCT, commended the NCC’s regulatory efforts and expressed interest in deeper collaboration.
She stated, “We look forward to partnering with the NCC on media training, expanding internet access for journalists, and enhancing public awareness. We also seek your support for our forthcoming Press Week and capacity-building programmes.”
She continued, “The NUJ recognises the importance of digital tools in journalism. Equipping media professionals with access and knowledge will strengthen democratic engagement and promote good governance.”
The NUJ delegation, comprising key executives and media team members, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the NCC to promote national development.
This enforcement initiative—anchored on President Tinubu’s July 2024 Executive Order—provides a solid legal framework for protecting vital telecom infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted communication services.
Telecom
Africa’s Lawmakers Commit to Strengthening AI, Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Frameworks
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the African Population Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with the GSMA, have concluded the first Africa Digital Parliamentary Summit focused on building legislative capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection, digital health and smart manufacturing, in a bid to promote evidence-based policy-making for Africa’s digital future.
The three-day Summit, held from 9-11 July in Lusaka, convened over 20 Members of Parliament from the Pan-African Parliament Committees on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology, and Health, Labour and Social Affairs and was opened by the Zambian Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Mutati. Strategic partners in attendance included AUDA-NEPAD, Africa CDC, ECOSOCC, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
This concluded with the publication of the Lusaka Declaration outlining shared priorities and next steps for ensuring Africa’s digital transformation is inclusive, responsible and grounded in evidence-based policy.
The Lusaka Declaration recognised the vital role of Members of Parliament in shaping laws and policies that drive the continent’s development. The Digital Parliamentary Summit offered a timely platform to enhance the knowledge and capacity of Parliamentarians on critical aspects of digital transformation.
A key highlight of the Summit was the consideration and discussion with Parliamentarians on the draft Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing reports developed by APHRC and the GSMA.
Both reports will be submitted to the Plenary of the PAP when Parliamentarians of the 55 member states of the African Union meet in Midrand later this month on the occasion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the 6th Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament.
Honourable Behdja Mokrani, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology said “Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties and the accelerating pace of technological disruption, this Summit has highlighted the critical need to equip African legislators with the foresight and capabilities required to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The capacity-building component of the Summit, along with the presentation of the Africa Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing Reports by APHRC and GSMA, reinforced the importance of African policymakers acquiring the relevant skills to address policy issues related to digital transformation – particularly in the areas of Digital Health and Smart Manufacturing – in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Anthony Mveyange, Director of Programs, Synergy, African Population Health Research Center adds “At APHRC, we firmly believe that digital health is a transformative force, holding immense potential for Africa to ‘leapfrog’ traditional development pathways.
This Summit powerfully demonstrates how, by leveraging AI alongside advancements in digital health and smart manufacturing, we can accelerate socio-economic progress and foster deeper continental integration, directly aligning with the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda.”
Key themes explored during the Summit included:
- The potential of AI-driven digital health to accelerate universal health coverage through better data integration and cross-border information exchange
- The role of smart manufacturing in enhancing industrial resilience and job creation through automation and IoT
- The need for harmonised, Africa-led data governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and protect privacy and human rights
“AI, digital health, and smart manufacturing have the potential to transform Africa’s economies and improve lives – but unlocking that potential requires the right policy environment.
“This Summit is an important step in equipping lawmakers with the tools to shape secure, inclusive and future-ready digital economies” said Kenechi Okeleke, Senior Director, Regional, Social and Policy Research, GSMA.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing digital transformation through coordinated reforms, including:
- Strengthening STEM education and digital literacy among policymakers
- Embedding ICT training in public service development
- Establishing cross-sector collaboration between the health, trade and ICT sectors
- Creating enabling conditions for investment in advanced connectivity infrastructure
Draft findings presented during the Summit estimate that Africa’s digital health market could reach $6.5 billion by 2030 under an optimistic scenario, highlighting the urgent need for policy alignment to maximise impact and drive inclusive growth.
The Summit also set out a roadmap for ongoing engagement between the Pan-African Parliament, APHRC and the GSMA, including the establishment of ‘Evidence-to-Policy’ resource units, sustained capacity-building efforts, and regional forums to harmonise legislation on AI, digital health, and data governance across Africa.
MTN Foundation hosted its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference on July 9, 2025, at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chef Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria; Archieabia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, representative of Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, (representative of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu); RT. Honourable Princess Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Assembly; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, and Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health (representative of Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State) during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Lagos Conference held in commemoration of World Drug Day at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; and Dr. Tolu Ajomale of the Lagos Ministry of Health, among others. Also present were representatives of NDLEA, UNODC, academia, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding its youth and fostering a future free from substance abuse. Dr. Olusoga emphasized that drug addiction extends beyond health, touching families, communities, and national well-being, calling for proactive, united action.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo, stressed the company’s long-standing dedication to youth development through initiatives like ASAP. NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa, commended MTN Foundation as a vital ally in drug prevention efforts.
The conference featured personal stories of recovery in a session titled “Journeys Through the Fire,” followed by a panel discussion on multi-sectoral solutions to substance abuse. It concluded with a dramatic performance, “Just One Breath,” by LASU’s WADA Club, illustrating the personal and societal toll of drug use.
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, closed the event with a powerful call to action, urging media, communities, and policymakers to drive sustained investment in youth empowerment and early intervention.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience among young Nigerians and catalyzing cross-sector partnerships for a drug-free future.
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