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December 31 NIN-SIM Deadline: Millions of Subscribers Risk Disconnection

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The fate of an estimated 11 million mobile telephone subscribers currently hangs in the balance as the December 31 deadline for the National Identity Number and Subscriber Identity Module (NIN-SIM) verification exercise approaches, with the Federal Government mum on any further extension.

December 31 NIN-SIM Deadline: Millions of Subscribers Risk Disconnectionm

According to the Sun, this is as insecurity remained a cog in the wheel of progress as many rural communities still under terrorists and bandits seige and dreaded by officials handling the enrollment exercise.

Going by industry records, only 180 million SIMs have been linked to NINs as at October, meaning that an extension is likely, if millions of subscribers are not to be  left out of mobile telephony.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), there were 229,582,206 connected lines in Nigeria in October, and only 191,618,839 lines were active.

Top government sources confided in Daily Sun that several stakeholder meetings were being held at the instance of Dr Isa Pantami, minister of Communication and Digital Economy, to seek ways of further extension of the NIN enrollment exercise and ultimately capture the majority of Nigerians.

Pantami had on December 10, 2021 said over 70 million unique NINs had been captured so far.

Aliyu Azeez, director general, NIMC, had in September announced that the Commission was working with the National Population Commission (NPC) to create a system where children could be captured at birth in order to bridge the gap in enrollment of children of school age.

Also Ikechukwu Nnamani, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said the government would review its activities before deciding on whether to extend the deadline.

He said, “I believe the last statistics from the minister is that over 70 million Nigerians have been captured at NIN, which is a great progress from where it was two years ago.

“So, that is commendable. As always, the government will review what is outstanding and make a decision if the deadline should be extended or not.”

According to Adeolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), an extensionwould be necessary until 80 percent of subscribers have been captured under the SIM-NIN exercise.

He said, “It is about seven days to the end of the deadline; I want to implore the ministry to engage ALTON and ATCON on how much progress they’ve made.

“If it covers a minimum of 80 per cent of subscribers, we are good to go. But if it is less, we are pleading for an extension.  Depending on how far we have come, the extension might be needed. A minimum of 80 per cent of the total number of subscribers must be achieved first.”


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MTN Nigeria Expands Digital Offerings with Audiomack+ Music Subscription

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MTN Nigeria, a leading ICT company, has partnered with Audiomack, a renowned music streaming platform, to introduce the Audiomack+ subscription program.

This strategic collaboration provides MTN subscribers with seamless access to premium Audiomack content, uninterrupted streaming, offline downloads, and exclusive features through convenient mobile payment options.

Audiomack+ offers three flexible subscription plans, enabling subscribers to discover emerging artists, underground music, and community-driven playlists. Music lovers can enjoy, Month Pass (N900/month): 30-day free trial + uninterrupted streaming, Week Pass (N400/week): Affordable weekly subscription and Day Pass (N100/day): Daily access to premium content.

“This partnership with Audiomack reinforces our commitment to delivering value-added services to our customers,” said A’isha Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Nigeria.

“We’re excited to offer our subscribers an easy and affordable way to access premium music content, empowering them to explore new music and support their favorite artists.”

David Ponte, Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO, added, “Our partnership with MTN Nigeria brings us closer to making music accessible to everyone.

“With Audiomack+, we’re proud to offer affordable premium streaming options, providing users in Nigeria with the best music experience possible.”

To subscribe to the Audiomack+ monthly plan, text APM to 3134 or visit Audiomack+ Month Pass. Alternatively, customers can text APW to 3134 or text APD to 3134 for weekly or daily subscriptions.

Through its strategic partnership with music streaming platforms, MTN Nigeria reinforces its commitment to providing enhanced and innovative digital experiences to customers.


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Elon Musk’s X Slammed with $418,000 Fine in Australia for Failing to Provide Child Protection Data

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An Australian court has upheld a decision requiring X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay A$610,500 ($418,000) fine after failing to cooperate with a request from the nation’s eSafety Commissioner.

The request was for detailed information about the platform’s efforts to tackle child sexual exploitation material.

X initially contested the fine, arguing that a corporate restructuring in 2022, when Elon Musk took Twitter private and merged it into a new entity, freed the company from having to comply with the request issued in early 2023. However, the Federal Court of Australia disagreed, ruling that the platform was still bound to provide the information.

Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, noted that if accepted, it could have set a dangerous precedent. She stated that such corporate mergers could allow international companies to sidestep regulatory obligations in Australia, undermining internet safety efforts.

The penalty relates to a current inquiry into how tech companies, including X, are managing harmful content, particularly involving child protection. The eSafety Commissioner had requested specific details on the platform’s anti-child abuse strategies, which X failed to provide. In addition to the fine, civil proceedings have also been initiated against the company due to its noncompliance.

Musk’s X has faced previous clashes with the Australian internet safety regulator. Earlier this year, the eSafety office ordered the platform to remove content showing a violent incident involving a bishop being attacked during a sermon.

X challenged that directive, arguing that regulators in one nation should not dictate what content is visible worldwide. The Australian regulator eventually dropped the case, and X kept the posts online. Musk criticised the order, labelling it as an act of censorship and linked it to a larger agenda by international bodies like the World Economic Forum.

This latest legal setback adds to Musk’s growing list of challenges in managing the platform since his takeover, particularly as it continues to face questions from regulators around the world.


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FG Hopeful Thuraya’s Relaunch in Nigeria Will Boost Fight against Insecurity, Others

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Thuraya, a leading provider of satellite communication solutions, has officially relaunched its services in Nigeria, a move the federal government hope will help in the fight against insecurity, illegal mining and oil thefts in the country.

FG Hopeful Thuraya’s Relaunch in Nigeria Will Boost Fight against Insecurity, Others

Tsat Telecommunication, Thuraya’s local service partner, spearheaded the relaunch by implementing comprehensive strategies to enhance service delivery across Nigeria.

As part of this effort, the company partnered with system integrators Cypod Solutions and Niflink, who played critical roles in ensuring the successful integration of Thuraya’s advanced satellite services into the local market.

With this relaunch, Thuraya aims to provide more reliable and accessible communication options for businesses and individuals across Nigeria, addressing the growing demand for robust satellite solutions in remote and underserved areas.

This development is expected to have a significant impact on sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and disaster management, where seamless communication is vital for operational efficiency.

At the event Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communication, Innovations and Digital Economy, expressed hope that the launch of Thuraya communication products and services will help in the fight against insecurity, illegal mining and oil thefts in the country.

The minister who was represented by Engr Farouk Yusuf, permanent secretary of the ministry, said, beyond helping in expanding the country’s broadband penetration to hinterland and hard-to-reach areas, the formal entry of Thuraya satellite communications services will help security forces in combating criminalities bedevilling the country.

“Of course, Thuraya’s solutions will not only enhance broadband access but also provide critical communication tools such as can be used in security, agriculture and disaster management, as we mentioned in previous presentations.

“We expect Thuraya’s satellite products and services to play a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges through a deliberate action.

He, however, said that while the country is thrilled with the coming of Thuraya, Nigeria expects the firm to take deliberate actions and efforts in ensuring that the partnership brings value to the country.

Earlier, Alhaji Abba Sani Abdullahi, chairman and chief executive officer of TSAT, expressed delight over the partnership that saw the re-entry of Thuraya onto the Nigerian market.

Also speaking, Faisal Mohammed Ahmed, vice president, Tech and Sale of Thuraya,  said the company has range of telecommunications and satellite assets that will boost the country’s digital landscape and also help in tackling security problems.


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