Telecom
Olusola Teniola Emerges New ATCON President, Unveils Goals
Mr. Olusola Teniola has emerged the new national president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
ATCON as a professional, non-profit, non-political umbrella organization of telecommunications companies of Nigeria, aims at bringing together under one umbrella all companies in the field of telecommunications and auxiliary services for the purposes of sharing industry information, networking, associating and otherwise enhancing the stature and relevance of the telecommunications industry.
Teniola, replaces Engineer Lanre Ajayi, whose tenure ended at the ATCON at the annual general meeting and national executive council elections 2016 held in Lagos recently.
Teniola, the new president was until his election the first vice president of ATCON.
Other members of the newly elected National Executive Council members of ATCON are: Tony Nwosu (1st Vice President); David Roberts (2nd Vice President); Myke Ofili (National Secretary); Adeyegbe Aderonke (Treasurer); Ikechukwu Nnamani (Coordinator, Telephone Operators); Jude Egokwu (Coordinator, Infrastructure Providers); Gbeyega Ojuri (Coordinator, Internet Services Providers); Adebusuyi Adetunji (Coordinator, Manufacturer’s Representative) and Hyacinth Anucha (Coordinator, Value Added Services).
In his acceptance speech, the National President expressed gratitude to all members of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) for the confidence repose in him and other elected NEC members to steer the leadership of the Association for two years.
He assured to work “tirelessly to take ATCON as an institution to an enviable position through execution of programmes that would aid telecoms industry growth. For me, the Association has once again proved to the whole industry that it believes in corporate governance”.
The new ATCON President said that, the current NEC will be more proactive in that a form will be sent on monthly basis to all telecom companies that are not registered with ATCON to find out some of the areas that the Association needs to intervene before the matter get out of hand among members or the relevant government regulatory commissions.
“This administration shall not be reactionary but more proactive, pragmatic and involving. We want to further promotion and encourage harmonious relationship which would impact positively on the general wellbeing of our members as well as Nigerians. All pending issues in the industry we shall plan to resolve them so that more investors can come to our sector,” he promised.
Teniola added that after a thorough consultation, he developed the following goals for the Association: Strategic and purposeful engagements with all tiers of government as the conceptualization of the Association of Telecommunication Company was to support and give direction to the policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria.
“This NEC shall concern itself with the federal, state and local government in respect of developing the telecommunication sector in a manner that everyone wins. The telecommunications business is on the exclusive list of federal government but what is playing out or obtainable in our country right now is that all tiers of government level taxes on all our member companies and it is affecting the growth of the telecommunication sector in Nigeria. ATCON as an institution would work closely with all agencies setup by various tiers of government to develop a model that would be mutually beneficial to everyone in the value chain.
“Collaboration with NCC, NITDA and other related MDAs: The growth of information communication technology shall occupy our focus in the next two years. The Association shall come up with a time table for quarterly meetings with NCC, NITDA and other related agencies to monitor, review and proffer timely solutions to some of the bottlenecks militating against the implementation of short and long term policies of those agencies. ATCON would organise both indoor and outdoor meetings to upgrade the knowledge of the commission and agencies that regulate the ICT sector for the betterment of the country.
“Protection of telecom investment in Nigeria: ATCON would continue to protect the existing investment in the Nigerian telecoms sector through advocating for an enabling environment in Nigeria. ATCON would also as a matter of part of its objective to encourage further investment in the sector through trade mission to other countries of the world.
“Expand the scope of Communication Business Information Technology Exhibition and Conference (ComBIT Expo): ATCON would reactivate the organization of its popular conference and exhibition which is known as Communication Business Information Technology Exhibition and Conference (ComBIT Expo). As a matter of fact the date for the 2016 edition of ComBIT Expo and Conference shall be announced in the month of June 2016.
“Redefine ATCONNews ThisWEEK: The impact of ATCON News in the Nigerian telecommunication industry has been impressive in terms of timely information dissemination to all stakeholders in the sector. This NEC shall also produce the hard copy of ATCONNews on quarterly basis.
“To strengthen the Secretariat through partnership: ATCON would be open for strategic partnership from members and international communities”.
He added that the leadership shall continue with existing programmes that the Association has developed.
In a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.
L-R: Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW, Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state, Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs and Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs at the United Nations 69th Session.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy.
The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space.
He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives.
Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access.
She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities.
She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.
She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy.
She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries.
She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey.
The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Thursday unveiled the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDP Act-GAID), 2025.
The directive is aimed at safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerians in the context of data privacy and protection.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, said the directive was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to protect citizens’ data.
Olatunji explained that the directive addressed various critical areas, including data protection principles, lawful bases of data processing, and data subjects’ rights.
He added that the directive also emphasized the importance of safeguarding privacy rights in the context of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
The NDPC boss noted that the commission had introduced the data subjects’ Standard Notice to Address Grievance (SNAG), empowering Nigerians to demand remedial action from data controllers and processors.
Olatunji said the full implementation of the NDP Act would commence in September 2025, with provisions related to fees starting in January 2026.
He assured that the NDPC would provide guidance notices, carry out capacity-building programs, and collect feedback to inform future reviews and regulatory instruments.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the NDP Act-GAID, 2025, is a regulatory instrument that gives effect to the noble objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
The act was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023, to guarantee the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations, and telegraphic communications.
Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has unveiled plans to deploy 1,000 base transceiver stations (BTS) across rural communities in Nigeria by 2030.
The initiative, in collaboration with development partners, aims to bridge the digital divide and foster socio-economic growth in underserved areas.
Base transceiver stations are essential components of cellular networks, enabling wireless communication between user devices and network infrastructure.
By expanding this infrastructure, the USPF seeks to enhance telecommunications access, supporting vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and commerce.
The move aligns with global efforts to improve rural connectivity, with innovative solutions such as mounting BTS on wind turbines being explored in some regions to ensure cost-effective and widespread network coverage.
With this large-scale deployment, the USPF is reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal ICT access, creating opportunities for millions of people in remote areas to benefit from digital transformation and economic inclusion.
The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) is a Nigerian government initiative under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) aimed at bridging the digital divide by expanding telecommunications and ICT services to underserved and unserved areas across the country.
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