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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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TD Africa and Huawei Join Forces to Empower KOMU Students with ICT Skills

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In a significant stride towards empowering students with the requisite skills to thrive in the global technological landscape, TD Africa has formed an alliance with global ICT leader, Huawei, to establish an Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) hub at Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Owerri.

During the official launch of the ICT Academy held in Owerri, the Vice Chancellor of KOMU, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, expressed optimism about the transformative impact the ICT hub would have on the university. He stated that the academy would promote tech excellence and foster self-reliance among students.

Representing the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Governance, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering digital literacy.

He noted that the ICT Academy aligns perfectly with the vision of building a digital city in the state, equipping students with essential skills for the global tech workforce.

Chioma Chimere, the Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, underscored the growing importance of digital literacy. She encouraged the students to take advantage of the ICT Academy, which opens a new avenue of knowledge that will distinguish them in the digital space.

Huawei’s representative, Gari Li, urged the students to seize the opportunity provided by TD Africa and Huawei to develop their digital skills.

He emphasized the role of ICT in shaping the 21st century, stating that the ICT Academy offers hands-on experience and knowledge essential for thriving in the modern technological era.

As technology continues to drive progress in the 21st century, TD Africa reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth continent-wide, fostering self-reliance, and preparing them for success in the digital economy.


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NITDA Urges NYSC Members to Champion Digital Literacy for Nigeria’s Future

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In a decisive move toward bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital economy, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who are serving as Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative champions to double their efforts in training and sensitising Nigerians on the transformative potential of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future.

The gathering, which is one of the flagship programmes under NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on grassroots engagement, and seeks to provide underserved communities with essential digital knowledge, empowering individuals to access opportunities in an increasingly digitally-driven world.

In his keynote address, Inuwa said, “you are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”

While reminding the champions of their critical role in actualising NITDA’s ambition to achieve short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, and 95% by 2030, Inuwa emphasised that the goal inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.

He added that the DL4ALL initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-driven economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.

Inuwa emphasised the far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting “this programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future.

“A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”

“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.

He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.

The Director General’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to serve as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining experience in leadership and community engagement.

As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, their responsibilities are to impart knowledge, sensitise communities about the benefits of digital skills in everyday life, including financial inclusion through digital banking, leveraging e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding cybersecurity essentials to navigate the digital space safely.

The Digital Literacy for All initiative is a movement that embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. It brings together key stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the NYSC, and other strategic partners, all working towards the shared goal of fostering digital inclusion.

As part of the initiative, champions received intensive training to prepare them for the field. This training includes hands-on workshops on digital tools, effective communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and techniques for tailoring content to meet the specific needs of different communities.

As these champions embark on their journey, their efforts are expected to create a ripple effect that will transform lives and communities across Nigeria.


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Multiple Taxes, RoW Challenges Hurting Telecom Sector – ATCON

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Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised alarm over persistent challenges threatening the telecom industry’s growth and sustainability.

Multiple Taxes, RoW Challenges Hurting Telecom Sector – ATCON

The association highlighted multiple taxation, Right of Way (RoW) bottlenecks, and infrastructure vandalism as major impediments to the sector’s progress.

Mr. Tony Emoekpere, president of the association, speaking during ATCON’s 31st-anniversary celebration in Lagos at the weekend, called for urgent action to address these issues, emphasizing their critical impact on Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.

Mr. Emoekpere outlined the following obstacles: The telecom sector is burdened with excessive and overlapping taxes levied by federal, state, and local governments, creating a hostile business environment that discourages investment and innovation.

Lengthy and costly processes for obtaining RoW permissions delay infrastructure expansion, hindering broadband rollout and network upgrades.

Frequent attacks on critical assets like fiber cables and base stations cause financial losses, disrupt services, and negatively impact both operators and consumers.

To overcome these challenges, Emoekpere advocated for collaborative efforts between government agencies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. He proposed:

Harmonized Taxation Policies: To reduce redundancies and attract more investments.

Streamlined Right-of-Way Approvals: To accelerate the deployment of infrastructure.

Enhanced Security Measures: To safeguard telecom infrastructure from vandalism.

“These challenges require immediate attention and collective action. Only through unified efforts can we create an enabling environment for telecommunications to thrive and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy,” Emoekpere stated.

He also emphasized the immense potential of emerging technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), which present unprecedented opportunities for the sector. However, he warned that foundational issues must be resolved to fully harness their benefits.

“The Nigerian telecom industry is at a critical crossroads. We must address these systemic challenges to unlock the full potential of telecommunications and transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy in Africa,” Emoekpere concluded.

The continued development of the telecom sector, he added, is vital not only to the industry but also to the broader goal of positioning Nigeria as a digital leader on the continent.


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