E-Business
MTN Unveils Tri-Generation Plant to Produce Power, Recycle Water
The MTN Group has recorded a major breakthrough in power generation on the African continent with the development of a self-sustaining, environment-friendly power supply initiative. A team of engineers at MTN’s Network Group came up with the unique solution – a 2-megawatt (MW), methane-driven tri-generation plant, which is the first of its kind on the African continent.
Speaking at the unveiling of the plant, Karel Pienaar, managing director of MTN South Africa, stated that, in the current climate, there is greater pressure on companies to do more with less in a responsible and sustainable way.
“With our ‘Greening 14th Avenue’ project, we are making a concerted effort to ensure that all our business practices are aligned to a sustainable, cost-cutting model that will reduce our carbon footprint. We needed to ensure that the company’s expansion and growth plans were not hampered by energy shortages or a lack of the power supply we require at the MTN campus to drive the business forward. Our challenge was to look at what was available versus what we needed, and come up with a plan to connect the two.
“The tri-generation plant is the result of a unique solution to meet our strategic objectives. It will generate electricity and, through a second re-absorption chiller cycle using the waste heat, will generate water for the air-conditioning systems in our buildings. The idea of using methane gas to generate energy got us all thinking and the tri-generation power plant is the end result,” explains Pienaar.
Methane gas is a clean-burning, sustainable gas that is reliable and offers a consistent supply. Its journey to the MTN Campus at 14th Avenue in Fairlands, Johannesburg, covers a distance of 874kms, from the Mozambique coast via Secunda and Sasol to Egoli Gas. A grid at the MTN Campus is connected to Egoli Gas to transport the gas down a pipeline to the tri-generation plant that is currently under construction below the Phase II building.
“Today, we are about to witness what was just a plan in October 2008, becoming a reality, in enabling us to manage potential energy shortages and reduce power consumption, increase savings, and initiate a sustainability model to reduce our carbon footprint.
“This plant will also assist us in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the electricity consumption here at our headquarters, resulting in a reduction of coal-based electricity generation and its associated environmental consequences,” comments Pienaar.
When the plant is fully operational and producing 2 MW of power, MTN expects a return on its investment of R22 million within a five-year period.
“This proactive approach to generate our own electricity has resulted in various other positive ‘green’ spin-offs, and places us in a strong position to deliver on the company’s business and growth plans in a sustainable way,” says Pienaar.
Speaking at the function at MTN, Dina Pule the deputy minister of communications, , commented: “Nothing less than a shift from a high to a low carbon global economy is required and in many cases, ICTs appear to offer the best way to accelerate this.
“Therefore, I am elated to witness that your growing corporate footprint is consistent with your thrust to reduce your carbon footprint. In fact, it is comforting to see that you are going the extra mile to make our sector even greener and safer for future generations.
“This tri-generator plant electricity plant by MTN is evidence that you are an environmentally-friendly and good corporate citizen,” stated Pule.
By generating its own power, MTN is now in a position to plan its own grid to roll-out its services to areas where they are needed. As a spin-off, the plant will produce an estimated 800kW of cooling for free, resulting in further savings in the building’s air conditioning processes.
Using the tri-generation plant, methane gas is burned in the machines and the energy created by the gas-fired engines generates heat and electricity. The waste heat from the engines will be used in the absorption chiller to cool the water. This chilled water is then supplied to the air-handling units that supply the cooled air for the electronic equipment housed in the new building – the Test Switch centre on the ground floor and the Data Centre on the first floor.
The water from the six huge cooling towers is used to cool down the heat from the engines. As it is not used in the absorption cycle, this ‘grey water’ is then recycled through the Phase 1 and Phase 2 buildings on the MTN campus to flush the toilets. All the plant’s processes have been designed to result in savings in the water and electricity costs. And, once it is running at 100% capacity, the plant’s load excess will power and cool the campus.
Another positive and unexpected spin-off for MTN with the development of the tri-generation plant is the resultant reduction in its carbon footprint.
“We have been able to register this initiative as a carbon credit project with the UN-based project to offset the costs associated with purchasing the gas and the tri-generation plant.
“We are seen as ‘green’ through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity consumption and the consequent reduction in the generation of coal-based electricity and its associated environmental consequences. So, we earn credits while generating our own electricity and recycling the water. It is a win-win situation,” states Pienaar.
MTN is not the only company looking at ways to generate energy while having to cut costs and make savings, and has taken a hard look at ways to counteract the current situation. Its pro-active and innovative approach to save costs and become self-sufficient in generating its own power has enabled it to plan its roll-out grid and provide services when and where they are needed.
“Through our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our focus on sustainability and our ‘Greening 14th Avenue’ initiative, MTN Group is showing its commitment to lead by example. And, what better way to do this than by creating our own source of sustainable energy,” states MTN Group CEO and President Phuthuma Nhleko.
Federal government has announced plans to roll out an electronic visa (e-visa) system by May 1, 2025, in a major step towards modernising Nigeria’s immigration processes.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Ministry of Interior, is designed to tighten border security while simplifying travel procedures for visitors.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on the implementation of immigration protocols under the Migration Visa Policy (MVP) 2025, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, outlined the far-reaching benefits of the new system.
He explained that the e-visa platform, alongside the automation of landing and exit card processes, would strengthen background checks and deter unauthorised entry into the country.
“With the e-visa, applications will be processed online, and a centralised visa approval centre is already operational at the Immigration headquarters,” Tunji-Ojo revealed.
“Officers have been trained and equipped with integrated solutions connected to global criminal databases such as Interpol, enabling thorough background checks for all incoming travellers.”
The new procedure mandates that passengers must complete an online landing and exit card before boarding their flight.
This information will be cross-verified by airlines in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to the minister, this integration ensures that anyone attempting to enter or exit Nigeria without proper clearance will be flagged immediately.
“The responsibility of coordinating and verifying this process rests with the NCAA. They are fully committed, as we all are, to safeguarding our nation’s borders and upholding our sovereignty,” he added.
The collaboration between the ministries has already yielded tangible results through initiatives like the EPIC Solution, an advanced passenger information system that has led to the interception of individuals flagged by Interpol at Nigerian borders.
Furthermore, e-gates have been installed at key terminals in Lagos and Abuja airports to support automated, efficient, and secure passenger clearance.
Tunji-Ojo announced that in the coming weeks, the NCAA and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will jointly establish a dedicated team to finalise the implementation framework, regulatory guidelines, and protocols for airlines.
“This is not a task for one agency alone. It is an inter-ministerial effort requiring seamless cooperation,” he emphasised.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, minister of Aviation, described the partnership as a model of effective governmental collaboration. He highlighted that both the e-visa and the automated landing and exit card systems will be free of charge, ensuring accessibility while reinforcing security.
Keyamo provided further details on the operational flow of the new system, explaining that travellers will be required to complete an entry card online before their arrival.
The digital system will store their details, including visa type, entry date, and permitted duration of stay. Upon departure, passengers must present their exit cards at the airline’s check-in desk, where the NCAA’s protocol will be applied.
“As you prepare to leave Nigeria, the first checkpoint will be the airline’s boarding desk,” Keyamo explained.
“If you’re a foreign traveller, they will ask for your exit card. Without it, you won’t be issued a boarding pass.”
The process is designed to trigger automatic verification: once the traveller enters their passport number, the system retrieves their entry data and duration of stay.
Should any irregularities arise—such as overstaying a visa – the airline, following NCAA protocol, will refuse to board the passenger and refer them to immigration authorities.
“When you approach immigration, officers will have complete visibility of your travel history and status. Depending on the nature of the violation, they may issue fines, cancel visas, or impose travel bans of up to 10 years,” Keyamo stated.
Both ministers underscored that the overarching goal is to enhance Nigeria’s national security, curb illegal immigration, and create a seamless, digital travel experience.
With this modernised approach, the country aims to align with global best practices while maintaining its sovereignty.
As preparations advance toward the official launch date, authorities are optimistic that the e-visa system will not only improve efficiency but also bolster Nigeria’s reputation as a secure and welcoming destination for legitimate travellers.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has announced that operatives of the Department of State Security and Nigeria Police Force have arrested suspects involved in the illegal collection of National Identity Numbers (NIN), in Anambra State.
This comes as the commission also warned Nigerians against sharing their National Identity Number with unauthorised persons in exchange for money.
Dr. Kayode Adegoke, spokesman for NIMC issuedthis warning in a statement on Wednesday.
This follows reports of some Anambra residents submitting their NIN to unauthorised individuals in exchange for money.
Reacting, NIMC said the activities contravene NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cyber Crime Act.
The commission said individuals involved in the act have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security and the Nigeria Police Force.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), swiftly arrested the culprits behind the illegal collection of the NIN.
“They are currently being interrogated and will be made to face the full wrath of the law. The commission, therefore, advises Anambra State residents and Nigerians to avoid submitting their NINs to unauthorised individuals, organisations, or platforms, as the Federal Government and NIMC have not authorised this. Anyone caught will be sanctioned appropriately.
“At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation. Anyone caught will be dealt with appropriately.
“The Commission had earlier issued a statement warning Nigerians against sharing their NIN or data with anyone or on any fictitious sites. The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified.
“The Commission has taken necessary measures to kerb the activities of these unscrupulous individuals,” NIMC stated.
Nigeria is in the process of making registration for national digital ID compulsory for every citizen under any circumstance.
Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, NIMC
This aspect is contained in a draft text which is currently in the National Assembly for examination.
Only recently, the bill passed second reading in the senate, meaning it has to now be also vetted by the House of Representatives before it can be assented to by the President if he has no objections.
Already, the bill has passed second reading in the Senate after a report submitted by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population was reviewed and adopted.
Senator Victor Umeh, chairman of the committee, said that the bill is a repeal and re-enactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.
The objective of the draft text, the lawmaker said, is to streamline digital ID registration in Nigeria by putting in place a harmonized system that is cost-effective and meets global standards for digital ID management.
There have been talks by the Nigerian government, including a recommendation of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crimes, for all government databases to be harmonized as a way of revolutionizing identity verification.
According to the bill, as reported, a centralized identity repository will be created, as well as a new commission that will have the specific responsibility to enroll citizens and issue national digital ID cards.
It is not totally clear if this commission will fully take the ID issuance responsibility currently under the NIMC.
These proposed changes envisaging compulsory ID enrollment in Nigeria align with broader efforts of the government to strengthen the country’s digital ID legal framework, a process that started sometime last year and announced by NIMC, and is part of conditions to unlock funds for the World Bank-sponsored digital ID program ongoing in the country.
Last year, a proposed amendment to the NIMC Act 2007 also called for compulsory digital ID for foreign nationals living in Nigeria.
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