News
Operators Mull Study to Stem Terror Attacks
Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Alton), the umbrella body of telecom operators has commissioned a study on the socio-economic impact of telecom operations in the country, in the first attempt to capture the contribution of the sector to the economy, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek has learnt.
In the absence of reliable statistics, the profound impact of telecommunications in the economy is usually measured at best in estimates.
Alton’s decision to commission the study may not be unconnected with the views of some participants at the recent stakeholders’ roundtable on protection of ICT infrastructure organized by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek and Alton where operators were asked to do more to highlight the benefits and importance of their operations to both the economy and social life.
Either as an expression of religious hatred or caused by people who think it is funny to damage peoples’ property, participants believe raising awareness will play a vital role in protecting the infrastructure from vandalism.
“Some Nigerians see operators in another light, the first thing they think about the huge profits forgetting the roles telecommunications services play in their families’ and business lives” Dickson Eze, a participant at the workshop stated.
Ernest Ndukwe, former executive vice chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) said Nigerians must be made to understand the importance of telecom infrastructure and the need for them to protect them.
Last month’s coordinated attacks on ICT infrastructure in some northern states point to the apparent misconception of a few Nigerians of the services rendered by the operators.
Harrison Odogwu, chief superintendent of Police said that “instead of protecting the infrastructure which is like water and electricity is to life and business, some Nigerians see them as threat”.
Aside terrorism attacks there have been several other attacks in different parts of the country on telecommunications infrastructure such as base stations and optic fibre.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that telecommunications companies in Nigeria spend some $90 million annually in repairs of fibre network cut by activities of government contractors building roads and vandals.
Fiber optic cables are major building blocks in the telecommunication infrastructure because of their high bandwidth capabilities.
But the damage being done to the telecommunications infrastructure is hampering efforts to provide robust ICT services.
Operators also warn that if urgent measures are not taken by government and other regulatory authorities, about $25 billion investments recorded in the sector so far will be seriously affected.
As it is today, Nigeria still lacks major infrastructure and cannot afford preventable damages of its facilities as a result of government neglect and security lapses.
In its reaction, Nigerian Communications Commission has sponsored a bill at the national Assembly seeking that telecommunications infrastructure be accorded the status of a critical national infrastructure to be protected by the law.
Alton’s effort is however the best foot forward because it will not only document the development but also show the impact of telecommunications operations in different sectors of the economy, such as education, banking, social life, job creation among others.
The study is also expected to outline the various corporate social responsibility initiatives of telecommunications operators and their benefactors.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed plans to commence investigation into the activities of an entity operating under FF Tiffany, allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme that has defrauded citizens.
A statement by the SEC on Tuesday in Abuja said preliminary information revealed that the scheme, which promised investors unusually high and unrealistic returns, had resulted in the loss of several billions of naira.
The SEC said it viewed the activity as a threat to investor confidence and the overall integrity of the financial system.
The commission assured the public that it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to bring everyone involved in the unlawful operation to justice.
According to SEC, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the Investment and Securities Act and regulatory provisions.
SEC reiterated its earlier warnings to the general public to desist from engaging in Ponzi or unregistered investment schemes that promised guaranteed or exaggerated returns.
“These schemes are not registered with the SEC and do not offer investor protection under the law.
“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC said.
The commission encouraged investors to conduct due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment firm or product by visiting the SEC website or contacting the commission directly through official channels.
SEC said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting investors, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
The Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta, Nigeria received a significant step towards increasing digital access and empowering young people as US Embassy in Nigeria launched the ‘Window on America’ facility.
The newly opened centre will offer free high-speed internet, computer access, and targeted programs to help young Nigerians build essential skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), the US Embassy described the hub as a modern ICT and resource centre meant to promote digital inclusion and provide youths with skills.
“Hello Abeokuta! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. This dynamic space offers free high-speed internet, computers, and programs to help young people gain tech, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills,” the Embassy wrote.
The facility was established in collaboration with the Ogun State and GFA Technologies, a software solutions provider for startups and SMEs.
The Embassy said the facility is part of its wider network of 29 American hubs across Nigeria, designed to empower youth and broaden access to global knowledge and opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun urged young people to use the ICT industry for self-sufficiency and competitiveness globally.
He lauded the program as a public-private cooperation that connects Nigerian youngsters with global innovations.
The governor said: “The Ogun Tech Hub serves as a collaborative space for technologists, startups, and social entrepreneurs to develop tech-driven solutions for societal challenges. The partnership is aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading tech hub in Africa, supporting creative problem-solving and commercial innovation.”
With the ‘Window on America’ program fully operational, Ogun State is well-positioned to boost youth empowerment and digital literacy.
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