Telecom
How FG, States & Local Councils Turn Telcos to ‘Cash Cows’

Declining income from the Federation Account due to the fall in oil prices; federal structure and the Constitution authorisation of certain items to be legislated across the three tiers of government, are among the causative factors why the telecoms in the country is over-regulated and multi-taxed.
This formed part of key message by Airtel Nigeria at the recent third quarterly seminar organised by IT reporters in Lagos, Shola Adeyemi, director, Legal & Regulatory Affairs/ Company Secretary, of the Company, noted that “drive to increase internally generated revenue particularly at the State and Local Government levels; and the notion that telecoms is a “cash cow” and should be the main target in raising revenue for state”, should be discouraged.
Adeyemi identified that mis-appreciation of the role of infrastructure in overall socio-economic development by taxation of infrastructure will constrain infrastructure deployment, whereas subsidizing deployment of same will facilitate broader tax revenues from the ensuing value chain of economic activity.
Although, the industry accounted for N640bn in license and spectrum fees & N220bn annually in taxes and regulatory fees; attracted significant Foreign Direct Investment; created over 3m jobs and contributed about N1.58trillion, accounting for 9.8% in GDP growth in second quarter 2016, based on National Bureau of Statistics report, the telecoms sector is heavily taxed.
How States Usurp Telcos On Right of Way
In the presentation, Airtel decried how Kogi, Kano, Delta, Rivers Abia, Oyo, amongst others charged huge fees on right of way, especially on Federal roads that pass through their States.
Although he didn’t state the year or period the fees were charged, but Adeyemi cited examples: “Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue demanded the total sum of N2, 295, 000, 000 as ground rent fees for fibre optic cables laid on Federal roads inspite of the fact that Airtel obtained Right of Way permit from the Federal Ministry of Works; Kano State Urban Planning & Development Authority (KNUPDA) demanded the sum of N196,250,000 as Right of Way fees for fibre optic cables laid along federal Highway. KNUPDA also demanded for the sum of N324, 250,000 as annual planning permit renewal fees inspite of the fact that planning permit is a one-off fee”.
“Delta State Ministry of Environment demanded for the sum of N733,000,000 as Ecology fees for the period 2007 -2015; Rivers State Internal Revenue Services demanded for the sum of N1,600,000 as Premises fitness fees;
“Abia State Ministry of Industry, Science & Technology demanded for the sum of N96,000, 000 as Business Premises permit. Base Stations are classified as Business Premises;
“(Oyo) State Board of Internal Revenue demanded for the sum of N3,000,000 as Business Premises fees.
“National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) demanded for a total sum of N1,056,435,750.00 as right of way fees for fibre optic cables laid within the Federal Government’s Right of Way in Northern States inspite of the fact that similar fees had already been paid to Federal Ministry of Works.
Meanwhile, in May 2015, the office of Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala, the erstwhile minister of Finance amended the Taxes and Levies (approved list for collection) Act Cap.T2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (the Act).
By the foregoing, taxes for the Federal, State and Local Governments increased from 8 to 9, 11 to 25 and 20 to 21 items respectively; leading to new taxes such as Land use charge, Entertainment Tax, Environment (Ecology) fee, Infrastructure Maintenance Charge, Fire Service Charge, Property tax, Economic Development levy, Social Service Control levy. Caps placed on taxes such as business premises permit (N10,000) removed.
“The Amendment Order 2015,”Adeyemi said in his presentation, “legitimized multiple taxes & levies bedeviling telecoms industry and gave States unfettered powers to charge arbitrary fees”.
He also lamented that multiple taxation adversely impacts network costs, investment planning and business plan credibility; “Increased OPEX and lost revenue costs around N9bn each year depending on location and length of the shutdown. Adversely impacts other critical sectors (such as health, security, banking services, etc.) with attendant inevitable effect on the economy and affects emergency response and other related services which rely on communications services”.
Effects of Multiple Taxation
“Possible diversion of Foreign Direct Investments to other jurisdictions considered more investor-friendly; industry may not be able to adequately support Law Enforcement Agencies to investigate crimes at affected locations; probable barrier to broadband roll out with attendant adverse impact on internet penetration and services; unconventional tactics employed by the MDAs for the collection of the levies result in damage and injury to operators’ staff and property; and affects accurate business planning and forecasting which is critical for corporate growth”.
Adeyemi further called for political will, persuasive campaigns, cross‐sector and cross‐ministry coordination and executive power to implement and enforce the end of the multiple taxation regime.
“Airtel also aligns with industry stakeholders in canvassing for an implementation of a national strategy that will increase awareness of these issues and educate all about the impact of such acts, including the legal consequences; undertake critical review of current Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection); and expedited development and approval of a legal instrument to accord telecommunications networks the status and legal protection of Critical National Infrastructure”.
He said, “At 150m subscriber threshold and 107% penetration (June 16), telecoms plays a key role as an economic enabler and social overhead capital (SOC) with a 7% contribution to GDP.
“Stronger collaboration of relevant stakeholders required to address incidence of multiple taxation in order to ensure that the Quality of Service is improved upon for the ultimate benefit of the country”.
Telecom
Glo to Improve Customers’ Digital Lifestyle with “More Data, More Value” Package

Telecommunications and digital solutions provider, Globacom, has introduced a new promotional data package known as “More Data More Value only on Glo”, aimed at enhancing the digital lifestyle of its customers across the country.

In line with the growing demand for internet connectivity in Nigeria’s increasingly data-driven economy, Globacom said the new offer reinforces its position as a customer-focused network by providing subscribers with over 10 percent additional data value on selected bundles.
According to a statement issued by the company in Lagos, the initiative was introduced to ensure that Nigerians derive maximum benefit from every Naira spent on data services, while continuing the company’s tradition of delivering affordable and value-packed telecommunications solutions.
The “More Data More Value” package features several weekly and monthly plans structured to support both daytime and nighttime browsing needs.Under the weekly category, the ₦1,000 plan offers subscribers a total of 3.7GB data, comprising 1.7GB regular data and an additional 2GB night browsing allocation.
Customers who opt for the ₦2,000 weekly package receive 9GB in total, broken into 6.5GB main data and 2.5GB for night usage.
For monthly subscribers, the ₦1,500 package provides a combined 5.2GB data volume, consisting of 2.2GB regular data and 3GB night allocation. The ₦2,000 monthly option comes with 6.25GB in total, including 3.25GB main data and 3GB night data.
Subscribers choosing the ₦5,000 monthly plan receive 16.5GB altogether, made up of 14.5GB main data and 2GB night browsing bonus. Higher-end packages are also available, including the ₦10,000 option which delivers 42GB total data volume — 38GB main data plus 4GB night data — while the ₦15,000 package provides 64GB in total, comprising 62GB regular data and 2GB night allocation.
Globacom noted that the enhanced data bundles are designed to support the increasing digital needs of students, entrepreneurs, remote workers, gamers, and social media enthusiasts who require uninterrupted connectivity for streaming, online meetings, content creation, gaming, and social interaction on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
The company added that the offer is equally beneficial to households and small businesses that depend heavily on mobile internet and hotspot connectivity for daily operations.
By increasing data value across its packages, Glo which aims to position itself as the preferred network for high-volume data users further disclosed that the offer aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy through the Glo Café app, which enables customers to subscribe to bundles conveniently and manage their bonus data seamlessly for a more rewarding user experience.
According to the company, the “More Data More Value” proposition reflects its commitment to delivering superior value and ensuring that Nigerians continue to enjoy reliable and affordable digital services without compromising their online lifestyle.
Telecom
Chinese Bank Supports Nigeria Towers Project

China Industrial Bank (CIB) has thrown its support behind the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project (NUCAP), a large-scale infrastructure plan designed to extend connectivity to more than 20 million Nigerians in underserved communities.

The announcement was made by the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, following a meeting in Abuja with a CIB delegation led by Peng Shuang, general manager of the Strategic Emerging Industries Business Headquarters.
Under NUCAP, the Federal Government plans to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers nationwide, targeting rural, riverine and hard-to-reach areas where access to reliable network coverage remains limited or non-existent.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader digital inclusion strategy aimed at expanding access to communication infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunities.
Tijani disclosed that CIB has committed to supporting the delivery of at least 1,000 telecom tower sites before the end of the year, describing the partnership as a major milestone in accelerating nationwide connectivity.
According to him, the project represents a “green” telecommunications network designed to ensure sustainable expansion of digital infrastructure while bridging long-standing access gaps in remote communities.
He also noted that CIB’s involvement marks the bank’s first investment in Nigeria, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s digital economy reform agenda.
NUCAP builds on earlier federal plans to construct up to 7,000 telecom towers across rural Nigeria, an initiative already approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to strengthen national connectivity infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission has said telecom operators have pledged to upgrade 12,000 network sites in 2026, including the migration of legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure to more advanced 4G and 5G systems.
Officials say the combined public and private sector investments are expected to significantly improve network quality, expand broadband access and support Nigeria’s long-term digital transformation goals.
Telecom
Moniepoint CEO Pushes New Credit Revolution for Millions of Nigerian Small Businesses

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officially rolled out its ambitious Nigeria Payments System Vision (PSV) 2028 framework in Abuja, industry leaders are shifting the conversation from how money moves to making a robust case for how those transactions can unlock economic survival for millions of underserved businesses.

Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint Inc,
Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint Inc, has said the next phase of growth in Nigeria’s payments ecosystem will come from building credit products directly on top of existing payment infrastructure, using transaction data to unlock financing for the millions of small businesses that have historically been shut out of formal credit markets.
Eniolorunda made the remarks during a panel session at the launch of the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028), describing the event as a reminder of how far the country’s payments ecosystem has come and how much further it can go with deliberate building.
“I believe the next phase of growth will come from layering services like credit onto existing payment flows, using the visibility and trust already built through financial transactions,” Eniolorunda said.
The Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 is a CBN-led framework setting out the priorities and direction for the country’s payments infrastructure over the coming years, with financial inclusion, resilience, and innovation among its core pillars.
The panel, moderated by Chief Executive of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, also featured Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc, Mr. Premier Oiwoh; Managing Director/CEO of Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), Mr. Deremi Atanda; and Managing Director/CEO of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited, Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, among others.
Speaking on the power of payment infrastructure as a foundation for broader financial services, Eniolorunda argued that the data generated by payment systems, when used responsibly, holds the key to making credit faster and more accessible for underserved businesses.
“One of the most powerful things about payment infrastructure is the data it creates. When used responsibly, it can help unlock quicker and more accessible credit for businesses that have historically been underserved. For many small businesses, access has always been the real barrier,” he said.
Eniolorunda also noted that Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso used the PSV 2028 launch to stress the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a payments ecosystem capable of supporting inclusion and economic growth.
“Achieving the ambitions of PSV 2028 will require regulators, banks, fintechs, and ecosystem players working together with a shared long-term vision,” Eniolorunda emphasized, echoing Governor Cardoso’s warning against the country’s historic “start-stop” policy cycles.
In his address at the launch, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso noted that the new framework builds on Nigeria’s progress in digital payments and seeks to accelerate the country’s transition towards a more inclusive, technology-driven ecosystem as it continues to lead Africa’s digital payments ecosystem.
“Over the past two decades, Nigeria’s payments ecosystem has evolved into one of the most dynamic and innovative in the world. From instant payments and digital adoption to fintech-led innovation, our progress has often set the pace on the continent. While this progress has not always been fully reflected in global narratives, its impact on economic activities, financial inclusion, and system resilience is evident across our economy,” he said.
The CBN governor stressed that financial inclusion must remain central to the country’s economic future, noting that millions of Nigerians are still outside the formal banking system.
“Inclusion and not exclusion must define our future. In 2023, a very large number of Nigerian adults will have access to financial services. Under Vision 2028, I would like to see this reaching 95 per cent inclusion. That means 50 million more market women, farmers, and young people will have a bank account or wallet in their name, with their name and BVN protecting them,” Mr Cardoso said.
Nigeria has grown into one of the most active fintech markets globally over the past decade, driven by mobile money adoption, agent banking expansion, and a wave of venture-backed startups building across the financial services stack. The push to convert payment data into business capital aligns closely with the core pillars of the PSV 2028 roadmap, which emphasizes open banking, infrastructure resilience, and deep economic integration.
Moniepoint, which is Nigeria’s largest distributor of financial services has built its early dominance on payment infrastructure and agent banking for small businesses, and has since expanded into business banking and credit, with over 1 trillion naira disbursed in 2025 to Nigerian MSMEs.
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