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Dual Sim Phones, Others Hobble MNP

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Mobile number portability (MNP) arrived with pomp and ceremony a fortnight ago; but the growth has been hobbled by undecided Nigerians who already carry multiple mobile devices, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can now report.

Critics said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) inadvertently took the steam off MNP by introducing the scheme when most Nigerians have already “ported” with their dual  Sim phones.

In essence, MNP arrived too late in the day despite the clamour since 2004 when quality of service provisioning begun to deteriorate.

Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman, NCC, however said that MNP has been identified as one of such services that could further deepen the competition in the telecommunications market.

But today, apart from the frenzy generated by Hafiz Oyetoro alias Saka, the celebrity actor’s migration from Etisalat to MTN network, most Nigerians are indifferent to the scheme.

“Why will I need to switch my network operator when I have a phone that have dual Sim cards-MTN and Globacom, I will make calls with any one that works” Uwen Ekanem, a subscriber said.

Mobile number portability is a new service offered by all mobile service providers that allows a subscriber to switch over to another service provider while retaining his existing mobile phone number.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that despite the huge budgetary allocation for awareness of the new scheme, most telecom subscribers are not aware of the workings of the MNP.

Adenike Laguda, a petty trader asked “what is mobile number portability? I don’t think I will change my MTN”

Also, issues around waiting time to change network service provider has served to exacerbate the sore-footed approach to mobile number portability.

Uche Omwudiwe, chief operating officer, Interconnect Clearing House,  (the middle service provider for switches) explained that subscribers will have to obtain forms from the intending operator to migrate to and send SMS to a short code 3232 and will get a confirming or denying port response within 48 hours.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek gathered that if a subscriber wishes to re-migrate to his original or any other network, such customer has to stay for 90 days on the newly migrated operator before moving again.  This process that will take 48 hours he stated could be completed within 10 minutes.

This means that any subscriber who experiences poor service quality on the new network, shortly after porting, will have to endure the challenges of the network and complete the 90 days period before porting out.

To many Nigerians this is not unacceptable.

“It is like going from frying pan to fire, to me, NCC should not have bothered with the introduction of MNP” Chuks Arubalueze,  a lawyer said.

Elsewhere, some subscribers are reluctant after learning that they have to lose all existing data on the old Sim card when moving from one operator to another.

Arubalueze said that “the simple thing would have been for new operator to provide data backup for the new subscribers to encourage them to stay. I don’t think I will like to lose my data just to move to another network”

But Juwah, EVC of NCC said the benefits far outweigh the shortcomings adding that “customers will no longer need to worry trying to memorise new numbers, making changes on their business cards, letter heads, billboard advertisements etc whenever they need to change their service providers.”

Nodding in agreement, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria said the scheme is a quality driven initiative and operators survival instinct which will lessen the regulatory burden of the NCC.

 He said, “The NCC can now focus on other areas of regulation that will make investment in the telecoms sector to thrive.”

Brett Ghosen, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, described it “another revolution” in the history of Nigeria telecoms sector which shows that the sector is a driven by innovations to give customers choice.

Muhammad Jameel, chief operating officer (COO) of Globacom, said that initiative as “a game changer” in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.


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MTN Awards N2.5m to Top Fellows at Media Innovation Programme Graduation

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MTN Nigeria recently celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), awarding a total of NGN 2.5 million in cash prizes to three outstanding fellows. The graduation ceremony took place at the Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, highlighting MTN’s commitment to fostering innovation in the media sector.

Launched in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the MIP is designed to equip media professionals with essential skills in traditional journalism while emphasizing the importance of technology in storytelling. Over six-months, fellows engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included topics such as media entrepreneurship, ICT in media, and ethical journalism.

During the graduation ceremony, three fellows were recognized for their exceptional contributions including the MTN Nigeria Chairman Award for Innovation awarded to Augustus Aigbe of Cool FM; the MTN Foundation Chairman Award for Innovative Reportage to Moninkanola Ogidan of Adaba 88.9FM, Akure and the MTN Award for Best Reporting awarded to Chiemelie Ezeobi from ThisDay Newspapers.

The Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, emphasized the importance of the media innovation and adaptability in media, stating that these awards represent an investment in the future leaders of journalism. “At MTN, we believe a lot in excellence, which is why the partnership with Pan-Atlantic University is still ongoing. We recognise that the future of media lies in innovation and adaptability.

“These awards do not just celebrate the Fellows’ achievement; we are investing in the next generation of media leaders. In an era where digital platforms redefine how stories are told, media practitioners must be equipped with the skills and resources to thrive.”

Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, highlighted the significance of investing in future media professionals to drive positive societal change while maintaining ethical standards. “In recent times, technological innovation, social media, Artificial Intelligence and the likes have been viewed as dangerous, due to their misuse, although they are not in themselves bad.

“And this is one thing that drives our programs for media practitioners. Our vision is to train and equip competent and professional persons who will use these technological advancements and platforms as a means to contribute to the good of the society.”

The ceremony ended with the Class President, Nifemi Oguntoye expressing his gratitude towards MTN and Pan-Atlantic University for providing a transformative experience that fostered cultural diplomacy between Nigeria and South Africa. “We’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best minds in the industry. The lessons learnt during our study trip, discussions and engagements have been invaluable. We are eternally grateful to Pan-Atlantic University and MTN for the commitment to empowering Nigerian journalists. A number of our colleagues look forward to having this experience in the next cohort and we know they will not be disappointed”, he said.

To date, MTN Nigeria has invested over NGN 300 million in the media. MIP not only aims to enhance the skills of individual practitioners but also seeks to contribute to a more robust media landscape capable of navigating the complexities of a digital economy projected to reach $18.3 billion by 2026. The event reflects MTN’s ongoing dedication to bridging the digital divide and enhancing media capabilities within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving landscape.


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MTN Commits to Nigeria’s Digital Growth at South Africa-Nigeria Summit

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MTN Group and MTN Nigeria have expressed delight at participating in the 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town on Tuesday, during which the strong bonds between the two countries were reinforced and plans were made to accelerate cooperation.

MTN Group CEO/President, Ralph Mupita and MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe with President Tinubu

The MTN delegation – led by Group President & CEO, Ralph Mupita, MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola – was honoured to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of the meeting, which was hosted by South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Hon Parks Tau.

MTN Nigeria is an important MTN subsidiary, accounting for some 27% of all MTN subscribers and some 23% of Group service revenue.

MTN has long established itself as a company that is a proud supporter of the Nigerian economy, remaining committed to contributing to the nation’s progress across several fronts.

“We believe in the Bi-National Commission’s objectives and the pivotal role of the digital economy in driving inclusive growth in Nigeria. We look forward to continuing our support for economic development initiatives,” says a MTN LinkedIn post.


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NiRA Honors Ikechukwu Nnamani with Prestigious Presidential Award

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Digital Realty Nigeria’s CEO, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, has received a prestigious Presidential recognition from the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) at the 7th .ng Awards.

Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani

This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to the growth and evolution of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem over the past three decades.

“Nnamani was honored for his innovative spirit and leadership in shaping the future of the digital landscape,” said NiRA President, Adesola Akinsanya, while commending him and other awardees for their exceptional work in driving digital transformation in Nigeria.

A visibly humbled Nnamani dedicated the award to his dedicated team at Digital Realty Nigeria, acknowledging their pivotal role in the company’s success. He expressed gratitude to NiRA and the broader industry for recognizing his contributions.

This latest recognition adds to Nnamani’s impressive list of accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Awards and the prestigious Titans of Tech Hall of Fame.

The 7th .ng Awards, a biennial event, celebrated the achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

The two-day event featured insightful discussions on emerging technologies, digital trends, and the role of the .ng domain in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.


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