Telecom
Danbatta Shares Regulatory Model for Nigeria’s Digital Inclusion with Guinea-Bissau Team
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has shared his experiences on some of the regulatory models, approaches and best practices being implemented by the Commission in promoting a stable telecoms sector and accelerating digital inclusion in Nigeria.
L-R: Mr. Ibrahim Galadima, Head, International Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mr. Teofilo Lopes, Head of Delegation from Guinea-Bissau; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC; Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC during a benchmarking courtesy visit to the Commission in Abuja recently.
Danbatta shared these experiences while receiving a delegation from Autoridade Reguladora Nacional (ARN), the Telecom National Regulatory Authority of Guinea-Bissau who were on a on a week-long benchmarking visit to the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
The delegation was in the Commission to gain insights into NCC’s regulatory template as part of the exchange to build stronger bilateral relations with the Commission in the area of telecommunications regulation.
According to Danbatta, who is also the Chairman of the West African Telecommunication Regulatory Assembly (WATRA), the Nigerian Communications Commission has been recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as Africa’s foremost regulatory organisation and has over the years received regulators from across Africa and beyond whose mission is to understudy the Commission.
He recalled the strong support to Nigeria by Guinea Bissau during the recently concluded election for the position of Executive Secretary of WATRA and the Chairmanship of the regional body, noting that the benchmarking visit underscores the cordial relationship, mutual cooperation and collaboration between both countries.
“The 16 members of the regional organization share a common vision in ensuring that the citizens are not digitally excluded and are cooperating to ensure that access to information and communication technology services are not only ubiquitous, but that they are available and affordable through effective national and regional policies”, Danbatta said.
The EVC pointed out that the NCC has through the implementation of various policy initiatives, particularly the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) improved access to broadband for over 80 million Nigerians and targets the provision of Point of Broadband Access (PoA) in all the 774 local government areas (LGAs) of the country within the plan period.
Dnabatta stated that challenges remain in the process, but observed that NCC is committed to addressing such challenges as Right of Way (RoW) issue, multiple taxation, vandalism of telecom infrastructure, among others, confronting the licensees as they roll out services.
To further drive digital inclusion, Danbatta said the Commission carried out a study to determine areas where there are access gaps in the country. “We identified 217 clusters of access gaps and today, we have ensured more Nigerians are digitally-included by reducing the number of access gaps to 114 currently, while more measures are being taken to further reduce the access gaps, thereby deepening digital inclusion.
Through NCC’s various regulatory efforts, Danbatta said “Nigeria’s telecoms sector had reached an all-time-high, basic internet subscription of 154 million; over 87 million broadband subscriptions, representing 45.93 per cent broadband penetration; over 207 million voice subscriptions with teledensity standing at 108.94 per cent as at October, 2020.”
Meanwhile, Danbatta, as WATRA Chairman, has assured of ongoing plans for the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aliu Aboki, to visit the 16 member countries of the Assembly for the purposes of interacting and engaging with the member countries in order to build a common front to galvanise the development of the telecommunications ecosystem in the West African sub-region.
“So, we hope this level of collaboration at the level of WATRA, will be strengthened, so that together, we can act in a manner that other parts of Africa can be able to copy from us.
“It is an excellent regulatory model that we are working together and I solicit your support and that of other member countries in making the visit of the 16 member countries by the Executive Secretary a huge success,” Danbatta urged the delegation.
While expressing the desire to reciprocate the visit, the EVC particularly appreciated the Guinea Bissau’s delegation for the visit and expressed the hope that their expectations for the benchmarking programme have been met as they take away some key ideas and integrate same into the regulation of their country’s communications industry.
MTN Nigeria has proposed issuing up to N50bn series 11 and 12 commercial paper notes to raise funding for its operations, according to the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
The notes issuance is under the company’s N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, the issuance is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its financing options with the funds being deployed towards short-term working capital requirements.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250b commercial paper issuance programme.
Ukpanah, the telecom giant it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy of continuing to diversify its funding sources and reduce its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied to short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
MTN Nigeria has received a “Media Capacity Development Support Award” for its immense contributions towards the growth and development of media practitioners across Nigeria.
The award was presented by the Media Career Development Network, at its inaugural conference held at the University of Lagos on October 31, 2024.
Held at the Biodun Shobanjo Auditorium Centre for Excellence, the Media Career Development Conference saw the coming together of seasoned media practitioners who shared insights on opportunities for growth and career advancement in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin noted that the conference aligns with the organization’s commitment to promoting media excellence and advancing the careers of media professionals in Nigeria.
Speaking on the award, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo appreciated the Media Career Development Network for the initiative, while also affirming MTN’s commitment to supporting the media.
“On behalf of MTN, I’d like to extend gratitude to the network for the recognition.
“At MTN, we believe in investing in institutions that bring value to the society and this includes the media.
“Journalists and other media professionals play a crucial role in telling authentic stories and shaping the image of our nation globally.
“So we’re committed to helping them gain the requisite skills and exposure needed to thrive in their profession”, he stated.
MTN Nigeria has consistently shown dedication to training world-class media professionals in Nigeria, particularly through its Media Innovation Programme (MIP).
Since 2022, the ICT firm has partnered with Pan-Atlantic University to enable media practitioners across various platforms gain insight into the rapidly evolving media environment.
Convener and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin acknowledged the impact of the telecommunications giant’s efforts in upskilling Nigerian media professionals.
“The 6-month Media Innovation Programme created by MTN in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University has afforded media practitioners in-depth training on the media space and even the opportunity to gain more insights in South Africa.
“We hope that MTN Nigeria will continue to champion this programme for the development of professionals”, he said.
The Media Capacity Development Support Award joins a long list of awards MTN Nigeria has received for its contributions towards institutions beyond the telecommunications sector and the general society.
Telecom
MobileCoreX Taps Wireless Technology Labs in Multi-Million Dollar Deal to Build New Mobile Core Network across Nigeria
Wireless Technology Labs (WTL) today announced that it has been chosen by MobileCoreX Ltd (MCX), Nigeria’s premier Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), to spearhead the development of the country’s first mobile virtual network in a landmark deal valued at millions of US dollars over the next three years.
This initiative aims to enhance mobile connectivity for Nigeria’s 220+ million residents, addressing the current challenges of low broadband penetration and poor quality of service.
Nigeria’s telecom sector is predominantly dominated by four major operators—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile – with only 29% of Nigerian’s 220+m population regularly accessing the mobile internet, (GSMA figures) due to poor coverage and a variety of other issues.
In Q2 of 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) adopted a new strategy to boost coverage and adoption, it issued 43 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licenses to amplify service coverage, particularly in unserved and underserved regions.
Amongst the licensee’s was MCX which obtained a tier 4 MVNE license aimed at constructing new mobile network infrastructure to provide capacity for emerging MVNOs as a platform as a service.
“Coverage, poor quality of service, costs and inflexible value propositions in Nigeria have persisted for too long.
“We are committed to leveraging innovative technology to create more competitive networks that reduce costs for consumers and provides value propositions that suite that needs,” stated Mr. Habib Ahmed, CEO of MCX.
He emphasized WTL’s pivotal role in delivering the carrier-grade core systems required for a comprehensive suite of mobile services, encompassing voice, data, and value-added features to meet the diverse needs of MVNO clients.
WTL, headquartered in Belgium, with over 20 years of experience, has been active in Nigeria and across Africa, working with operators of all sizes to rollout both urban and rural networks, work which has garnered it widespread recognition and industry awards.
The company has already partnered with two of the 43 new MVNOs licensed by the NCC, showcasing its commitment to enhancing telecom infrastructure in the region.
Mr. Satya Mekala, CEO of WTL “This partnership is about empowering a new entrant to make significant impact in the telecom market.
“We are committed to supporting MCX in its journey from a newcomer to a major player in the industry.
“Our advanced Core systems will ensure that MCX can offer reliable, scalable, and innovative mobile services from day one”.
As the telecom industry in Nigeria undergoes transformative changes, this collaboration signals a promising future for mobile connectivity and digital adoption in the country.
WTL will be showcasing its capabilities at upcoming events including MVNO Nation 2024 in Valencia, 6-8 November and The Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, 12-14 November, further reinforcing its commitment to driving digital adoption across the continent and the globe.
To learn more about how WTL can help with the rollout of MVNO/E urban and rural networks in Africa, please email [email protected]
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