Association of Telephone Cable TV And Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), has warned MTN Nigeria, the largest mobile network operator in Nigeria, to desist from increasing its tariffs or else it will lose about 80 million customers who have subscribe to its services in the country.

Recall that MTN recently raised alarms over a potential shutdown if tariffs are not increased to address rising operational costs.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, had highlighted that the telecommunications sector is facing severe financial strain, especially from escalating diesel prices required to power base transceiver stations.

But Sina Bilesanmi, national president of ATCIS, said the service shut down would not affect its subscribers, urging the telco to desist from threatening its customers.

According to him, “when ATCIS saw it on Tuesday, I shared it on the ICAF platform, ATCIS wrote MTN CEO to go ahead with the 80 million+ subscribers, but have promised them with their association body, with the power of the ATCIS Masses being the National President of telecom subscribers in Nigeria, if MTN try it, that may be the end of MTN.”

MTN claimed it has invested N2.6 billion in corporate social responsibility, according to its 2023 Sustainability Report, is currently operating on profits accumulated over two decades. However, he stressed that this is unsustainable.

“We must return the industry to profitability,” Toriola emphasized, adding that the company’s reserves are depleting.

Earlier this year, telecom operators called for the first tariff hike in 11 years, citing the need to manage rising costs and maintain service quality. Without such an increase, they warned, the financial viability of the sector, along with service standards, would continue to decline.

Toriola also pointed out that MTN, once one of Nigeria’s top corporate taxpayers, has seen its tax contributions decline due to the financial challenges. In the first half of 2024, MTN reported a staggering N519.1 billion loss, largely attributed to foreign exchange losses from the naira’s devaluation and high inflation.

In addition, Toriola revealed that MTN may suspend Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) banking services due to a N250 billion debt owed by Nigerian banks. “We are seeking regulatory approval to halt support for USSD services used for banking transactions unless the debt is resolved and tariffs are adjusted,” he said.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State has commended MTN Foundation for its decade-long commitment to STEM education in Nigeria through the renovation of 110 laboratories across multiple states.

Speaking through his representative, Engr. Ganiyu Oseni, Special Adviser on Innovation, Broadband, and Technology, Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude for MTN’s efforts, describing the initiative as “more than just infrastructure but a vital investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth.”

MTN Foundation unveiled seven newly refurbished laboratories at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Yaba, Lagos, as part of its Science & Technology Laboratory Project (MTNF STLP).

The commissioning event welcomed key attendees, including MTN Directors; Dennis Okoro, Mosun Belo-Olusoga, and Edith Ofili-Okonkwo, along with MTN Foundation Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, Lagos State representative, Engr. Ganyu Oseni, Special Adviser on Innovation, Broadband, and Technology; and representatives from the school’s alumni association.

Through this ambitious initiative, MTN is expanding science and technology resources in public secondary schools across the country, enhancing STEM education and positively impacting students in underserved communities.

MTN Foundation’s Science & Technology Laboratory Project (MTNF STLP) is currently in its third phase, following a legacy of impact that began in 2012.

In the first phase (2012–2014), MTNF renovated 66 laboratories across 22 schools in six states.

The second phase, from 2022 to 2023, saw the refurbishment of 16 labs across four schools.

The current phase expands the project’s scope even further, with 28 new laboratories established in six schools across Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been focused on transforming Lagos into a centre of innovation and opportunity, and MTN Foundation’s investments strongly support this vision.

“The work of MTN Foundation in equipping science labs not only enriches the academic experience but also positions our state as a hub for knowledge and innovation,” Oseni remarked.

Odunayo Sanya in her speech emphasised the Foundation’s focus on youth development and national priorities, explaining that Nigeria’s young demographic drives the Foundation’s investments in empowering the next generation.

“Nigeria is young, with immense potential, and it only makes sense to channel that energy toward building a brighter future.

“We are honoured to be part of this journey, empowering students with the tools they need to excel.” Sanya stated.

“Please help us make it a gift that continues to give,” she urged, noting MTNF’s dedication to not only revitalising these labs but to creating sustainable educational resources that can transform students’ learning journeys.

“We’ve done the heavy lifting, and the heavy lifting is the investment, bringing it back up to where it should be.”

The School alumni also praised MTN Foundation’s impact, noting that the modernised labs will significantly enhance students’ learning experiences in critical science subjects.

MTNF’s dedication to building a well-rounded science education infrastructure continues to reflect its resolve to support Nigeria’s next generation.

As MTN Foundation continues its commissioning events in Rivers and Plateau states, it is reinforcing its role as a leader in private-sector-driven educational support.

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and PalmPay, have joined the line-up of partners and sponsors of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum, fourth edition, (AfriTECH 4.0).

Scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 07, 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, AfriTECH 4.0 is Africa’s premier technology and innovation conference, uniting key stakeholders to explore the theme, “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy”.

As a lead partner, the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC’s) involvement highlights its commitment to regulatory excellence in the telecommunications industry and involvement in consumer awareness, ensuring the supply of telecommunications services and facilities as well as creating an environment for competition among telecommunications operators.

NCC’s support of AfriTECH 4.0 comes at a crucial time as Africa continues to embrace the digital economy and adopt transformative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and financial technology (fintech).

The commission led by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, will spotlight the growing intersection between telecommunications infrastructure, e-commerce, technology, and entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging markets.

Also, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) operates on a mandate to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of information technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.

NITDA’s role therefore is to develop, regulate and advise on Information technology in the country through regulatory standards, guidelines and policies.

Since his assumption of office as the director general of NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has raised the bar in the pursuit of the Agency’s mandate as the clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country.

It is the prime Agency for e-government implementation, Internet governance and general IT development in Nigeria.

NITDA is poised to showcase its mammoth mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, local and international partnership and efficient utilization of resources in the interest of Nigeria, even at AfriTECH 4.0.

From a commercial point of view, PalmPay is becoming a household name in digital banking and payment; a simple and secure payment app that gives rewards. The app with over 35 million users lets you send quick cash between friends and pay for airtime and utilities. The Managing Director, Mr. Chika Nwosu will delve into “Harnessing Fintech Solutions for Financial Inclusion & eCommerce Growth”.

AfriTECH 4.0 will feature a robust lineup of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions.

NCC, NITDA, PalmPay alongside other the Gold Sponsor – QNET and Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd, plus Bronze Sponsors – CED Technologies, AfriGoPay, Tecom, Northsnow UK, Hyperspace Technologies, OADC, and Ecosystem Partners: InnovationBed Africa, ALTON, ATCON, NCS, IXPN, NiRA, Lagos Blockchain Week, Newmark Group, are backing AfriTECH 4.0.

Media Partners include; Techeconomy, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek, ITPulse, Ravenewsonline, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, GrassRoots, DigiVation Network, TechLifewithUgo, BusinessMetrics, BusinessRemarks, SwiftReporters, TechTV, Hyperscalers Media, CyberEra, ITRealms, DigitalTimes, TechnologyMirror, TechandBizNews, ITNewsNigeria.

Commenting on QNET as Gold sponsor of the event, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the Chairman of the AfriTECH 4.0 Organizing Committee, said: “We are delighted to welcome NCC, NITDA and Palmpay as sponsors and partners of AfriTECH 4.0.

“AfriTECH 4.0 is expected to draw hundreds of participants, including tech professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials, all focused on driving Africa’s digital transformation.

“As sponsors, NCC, NITDA and Palmpay will have the unique opportunity to showcase their innovative regulatory and operations solutions and engage with key stakeholders looking to harness technology for economic development.