Telecom
Danbatta Highlights Achievements Says Broadband Penetration on Fast-tract
The national target to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025 is receiving renewed attention from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which promises 50 per cent before the end of 2023.
This promise was one of the highlights of the special media chat with executive editors and media chiefs in the northern part of the country, hosted by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, to unveil his achievements since the resumption of office till date.
At the occasion, where Danbatta informed the media chiefs that Fifth Generation (5G) services subscriptions have already hit half a million in subscription, the various efforts of the Commission to improve broadband penetration are yielding fruitful results with the current estimates as at July 2023 standing at 47.01 per cent.
Using the extant reviewed five-pillar Strategic Vision Plan as building block, the EVC spoke to 119 milestones achieved under the five strategic pillars, including regulatory excellence, universal broadband, market development, digital economy and strategic collaboration.
Danbatta said through effective implementation of NCC’s mandates under his leadership and cooperation of internal and external stakeholders since 2015, telecommunications industry in Nigeria has achieved remarkable milestones under our leadership.
“While we acknowledge the challenges encountered by the industry, we have also witnessed explosive growth, improved regulatory standards, and digital innovations that have garnered global recognition,” he said.
While reeling out impressive statistics that have characterized his leadership at NCC from 2015 to date, the EVC said active telephone subscribers had increased from less than 150.7 million to 218.9 million, representing a teledensity growth of 115.70 per cent from 107.87 per cent in 2015.
Through stimulating broadband infrastructure across the country, Danbatta said broadband penetration, which stood at 6 per cent in 2015 has increased significantly to 47.01 per cent as of July, 2023, enhancing over 89.73 million subscriptions on 3G, 4G and 5G networks in the country. Additionally, general Internet subscriptions have reached 159.5 million up from less than 100 million in 2015.
“Also, from 8 per cent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015, telecommunications sector now contributes 16 per cent quarterly to the Nigerian economy as of the second quarter of 2023. besides, following the authorization of more telecommunications companies to operate in the Nigeria’s telecoms sector, the investments profile has increased tremendously from $38 billion in 2015 to $75 billion currently and this keeps growing daily. From the sales of Fifth Generation (5G) C-Band Spectrum, the NCC has generated over $847.8 million for the Federal Government,” he said.
Danbatta, who has received a gallery of awards nationally, regionally and globally in recognition of the outstanding performance of Nigeria’s telecom industry also listed several achievements recorded since 2015.
“Other milestones and initiatives recorded aside the regulatory activities that culminated in the landmark launch of 5G services in Nigeria include the introduction of Spectrum Trading Guidelines, re-farming and re-planning certain spectrum band for efficiency, the emplaced collaborative process for the release of C-Band Spectrum by Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, and introduction of the Expanded Revenue Assurance Solution (ERAS) to address revenue leakages and improve government revenue from the telecoms industry.
“These initiatives also include Licensing of Satellite Earth Stations, issuing of operating licence to SpaceX Satellite, facilitating the landing of additional submarine Cables, such as the Google 2,000km Equiano subsea Internet cable in 2022, listing of MTN on the Nigerian bourse, licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), introduction of new unlicensed millimeter wave spectrum, and regulation of white space spectrum,” Danbata said.
Also as part of NCC’s commitment under Danbatta’s leadership, the Commission has endowed professorial chairs in Nigerian universities and committed over N500 million naira to Research and Development (R&D) in the telecoms sector.
“The creation of the Digital Economy Department, the mandate to drive the implementation of the indigenous telecoms sector growth through the operation of the Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS), are also important strides made by the Commission,” he said.
Danbatta said other consumer-focused initiatives of the Commission have also centered on the establishment of Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) in over 30 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). All these centres are operational, as well as the creation of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).
The EVC said these two initiatives have been helping consumers to get succour in times of emergencies as well as ensuring effective protection for telecom consumers while online.
The NCC Chief Executive said the Commission has also taken very clear actions on consumer protection, advocacy, information-sharing and education.
“These include introduction of data roll-over just before the expiration of subscribed data plans, introduction of the 622 toll-free number for lodging service-related complaints to the Commission, the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code for tackling the menace of unsolicited text messages, elimination of forceful/deceitful subscriptions to telecom services on mobile networks, tackling the issue of call masking, ensuring effective Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration, launching of National Roaming service and reduction of access gaps to telecom services from over 217 to 97, thereby enhancing access to telecom services by more Nigerians,” Danbatta said.
However, Danbatta said while the industry still faces a number of challenges such as vandalism, securing equitable Right of Way (RoW) from governmental stakeholders, as well as multiple taxation and regulation, the Commission has put framework in place to work with necessary stakeholders to overcome the obstacles possed by these challenges and to sustain the growth trajectory which has been the hallmark of telecoms sector as an enabler of socio-economic development in Nigeria.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced plans to issue up to N50bn in Series 13 and 14 Commercial Paper Notes under its N250bn Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.
This proposed issuance aligns with the company’s strategy to broaden its funding sources and strengthen its liquidity position.
The proceeds from the issuance are earmarked to support MTN Nigeria’s short-term working capital needs, enabling the company to sustain its operations and meet financial obligations effectively.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public, MTN Nigeria emphasized its commitment to maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, further details regarding the structure, pricing, and timeline of the issuance will be disclosed to the market in due course, as MTN Nigeria continues to engage with stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
The telecom giant said it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy to continue diversifying its funding sources and reducing its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied towards short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria said. “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria will launch four satellites as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu said this at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space in Abuja.
The anniversary celebration was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).
Tinubu, represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, stated that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders facilitated the passing of the Space Act that led to the establishment of NASRDA in 1999.
“Space is an area of limitless opportunities and one in which the advanced countries of the world are relentlessly discovering how the opportunities can be tapped for their advantage.
“It is obvious that Nigeria cannot afford to lag in this global quest of discovering space and how the knowledge from such discoveries can help in solving her internal issues for national development,” he said.
NASRDA has made efforts to develop major space programs in collaboration with the Nigerian Military to develop capacity in the use of space for tactical services, among others.
“Today, the synergy between NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA has led to a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space program will be built in the near future.”
“All these giant strides made by this important sector of our dear country are notable and noble with the launch of seven satellites, and efforts are on top gear to launch an additional four satellites within the lifespan of this administration.”
“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” President Tinubu said.
The President also emphasised the need to strengthen the NASRDA Act to help the Nigerian space ecosystem be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.
“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programs, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens.
“This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our locational advantage for cheaper launching services.”
“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space program to accelerate technological and innovative development.”
In his remarks, Nnaji, who was represented by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report projected the global space economy to reach about 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035.
The minister added that the growth would be driven by advances in satellite technology and industries like supply chain logistics and agriculture, among others.
He stated that the growth would also impact the aerospace sector and communications and was expected to generate over 60 percent of the new economic value from space-enabled technologies.
“Space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities.
“Reduced costs and heightened accessibility will encourage increased participation from non-space sectors, integrating space into the fabric of global infrastructure,” the minister said.
He commended the President for recognising the role of space technology in the Renewed Hope Agenda and approving some projects for the agency.
“The President approved for the replacement of NASRDA’s Earth Observation satellites, ensuring the regulation of oversight functions of all space activities in the country and utilisation of space technology to monitor federal government revenues.”
Nnaji called on NASRDA to capitalise on the support of the federal government by expanding its revenue base through partnerships with the private sector.
According to him, the key areas of private sector engagement include commercial space travel, development of satellite technology, resource utilisation, investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ventures, and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.
Earlier, Dr Matthew Adepoju, director-general of NASRDA, recalled that over the past 25 years, the Nigerian Space Program had been a beacon of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration and development, thereby placing the country on the global map of space-faring nations.
The DG disclosed that President Tinubu’s administration had recently approved the development of four satellites, which included a Synthetic Aperture Radar (5AR) satellite and the first in Africa.
“This transformative project will be executed under a public-private partnership, ensuring the infusion of expertise and investment to accelerate implementation.
“These satellites will significantly enhance our capabilities in areas such as precision agriculture, disaster management, national security, and urban planning while contributing to global scientific advancements.
“Furthermore, we are guided by the recent Presidential directive to integrate space technology into the operations of all revenue-generating agencies, departments, and ministries in Nigeria.
“This directive underscores the strategic importance of space technology in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government functions, ultimately contributing to national development.
“Nigeria’s space assets—including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, and NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1, among others—are vital tools for national development.
“These satellites have supported critical disaster management, urban activities in security, health, agriculture, disaster immense value to planning, and broadband connectivity, advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.
Airtel Africa, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider with presence in 14 countries across the continent, has appointed of Dinesh Balsingh as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, effective 1st November 2024. By this appointment, Balsingh also becomes a member of the Executive Council for the Airtel Africa Group.
He takes over from Carl Cruz, who returned to his home country, The Philippines, at the end of October.
Balsingh has extensive experience across the telecommunications industry and returns to Nigeria following his appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania in 2022. Prior to his move to Tanzania, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Airtel Nigeria and therefore brings with him considerable experience of the Nigerian telecommunications market.
Balsingh’s career in the telecommunications industry spans over 24 years, having begun his career in 2000 with Hutchison Essar, before moving to Airtel India as a Marketing Director in 2006 and then Tata Docomo in 2011. Balsingh joined Airtel Nigeria as Marketing Director in 2013, before taking over as CCO in 2018.
During his tenure in Airtel Tanzania, Balsingh led the business to achieve record growth through intelligent pricing, product enhancements and disciplined execution of projects, resulting in strong Revenue Market Share (RMS) gains in the highly competitive market.
Speaking on the leadership changes, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar said, “Mr. Balsingh’s deep telecommunications experience and strong operational execution, combined with his knowledge of the Nigerian market, will be instrumental in further supporting our corporate purpose of transforming lives across Nigeria.”
Balsingh holds a Master of Business Administration from Thiagarajar School of Management.
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