Telecom
Experts harp on need to balance innovation with regulation in fintech space
At the recently held 10th edition of the Information Communications and Telecommunication Exhibition (ICTEL Expo), industry experts have emphasized the critical need to strike a balance between innovation and regulation in the fintech sector. The flagship event, organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), with the theme, ‘New Tech: Threats and Opportunities’, brought together key players in the technology and telecommunications and financial services industries.
Panelists at the 10th edition of the LCCI ICTEL Expo on the impact of regulations on fintech operations and innovation.
This year’s edition reflects Nigeria’s present journey towards a self-sustaining and productive digital economy; highlighting the transformative power of emerging technologies, mitigating the associated risks and exploring the endless possibilities they present.
The focus on fintech and telecoms sectors, evaluating their operations, challenges, yearnings and how to improve their services and productivity derives from the critical way in which they are deeply embedded in our lives today.
During a panel discussion on the impact of regulations on fintech operations and innovation, Partnerships Specialist Moniepoint Inc, Emmanuel Abadi, alongside other industry leaders, made a compelling case for increased collaboration across the fintech ecosystem.
Abadi stressed the importance of finding equilibrium between fostering innovation and implementing necessary regulations to ensure stability and consumer protection in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
“The regulatory landscape in Nigeria is evolving in a good way especially to the extent that we have hundreds of fintechs that are driving some of the mandates of the CBN today.
“At Moniepoint, we are very passionate about powering the dreams of millions of business owners and the individuals that they support and we have seen that financial inclusion has grown and thrived on the strength of existing regulation.
“We understand the imperative of using regulation as the lynchpin for driving stability in the nation’s economy at large, as well as the need to deepen consumer protection by building systems that will increase the public and regulator’s trust in the services that we as fintechs provide.
“Thankfully, there are channels in place that facilitate information exchange between the regulators and the players, and this has helped us a great deal,” Abadi noted.
Abadi also took the opportunity to showcase Moniepoint’s significant contributions to advancing the government’s socio-economic agenda, as evidenced by the launch of a definitive report around the informal economy, partnerships with the CAC, SMEDAN and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment whilst underscoring the potential of fintech solutions to drive positive change in Nigeria’s financial services landscape.
The discussants also called on the need to have targeted guidelines that cater to the nuances and peculiarities of the fintechs and other innovative players, as against the current practice where majority of the rules in place are the same ones developed and applicable to the traditional financial institutions.
They maintained that regular and collaborative engagement between the fintechs and the regulators can fast track the formulation of regulatory guidelines that will be proactive and grow the industry.
The session which was moderated by Hakeem Olajide, CEO, Ascentree Services Ltd also had Ochanya Dan-Ugo, Director /Group Chief Risk Officer, Unified Payments and Seun Folorunso, AGM Projects & Relationships, FintechNGR as co-panelists.
The two-day expo featured a diverse array of activities, including special presentations, masterclasses, product demonstrations, exhibitions, and pitch sessions. These events provided attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the information and communication technology sector.
Special guests at the event included President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA; Engr Leye Kupoluyi, Deputy President, LCCI; VP and Chairperson, Trade Promotion Board, Abimbola Olashore and Director-General, Chinyere Almona.
The ICTEL Expo, now in its tenth year, continues to serve as a crucial platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the ICT and fintech sectors in Nigeria.
As the fintech industry continues to evolve rapidly, the insights shared at this event underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue between innovators, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure a thriving and responsible fintech ecosystem in Nigeria.
Meta may shut down its Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in protest against the substantial fines imposed by multiple government agencies.
The tech giant has been ordered to pay nearly $300 million in fines in Africa’s most populous nation, following regulatory demands which Meta described as “unrealistic.”
In July 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), imposed a $220 million fine on Meta for allegedly discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.
The commission stated that Meta had failed to engage a Data Protection Compliance Organisation and had not submitted a Nigeria Data Protection Regulation audit report for two consecutive years.
Similarly, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), demanded $37.5 million over unapproved advertising, while the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), announced a $32.8 million fine for an alleged data privacy breach.
Meta challenged the decisions at the Federal High Court in Abuja but was unsuccessful, as the court upheld the fines in a ruling delivered last week.
The court directed the company to comply with payment by the end of June, but Meta has indicated it may not do so, according to the BBC.
“The applicant may be forced to effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in order to mitigate the risk of enforcement measures,” the company stated in court documents.
Responding to the NDPC’s assertion that Meta’s data processing could expose Nigerian users to health and financial risks, the company said the agency had failed to “properly interpret the laws guiding data privacy.”
As the Premier League season enters its final stretch, MTN Nigeria is set to stage simultaneous watch parties in Abuja and Uyo on Sunday, May 4, giving football fans a shared space to experience the highs and lows of matchday.
The events, scheduled for Farm City in Wuse and Pyramid Lounge & Grill in Uyo, are expected to attract large turnouts as MTN continues to deepen its connection with football audiences nationwide.
The line-up for the day includes four Premier League fixtures, culminating in a marquee showdown between Chelsea and Liverpool. Earlier games such as Brentford vs Manchester United, Brighton vs Newcastle, and West Ham vs Tottenham will round out a packed viewing schedule. With top four ambitions, title races, and European dreams on the line, the fixtures promise high-stakes drama and entertainment.
MTN’s EPL watch parties have grown into a recurring highlight for fans who want more than just a screen, they want atmosphere. This weekend’s events will feature expansive screen setups, branded fan zones, and side attractions including live trivia and merchandise giveaways.
For MTN, the activations represent an opportunity to tap into the communal spirit of football, a sport that unites Nigerians across regions and loyalties. The brand’s involvement in football has steadily evolved from sponsorship to full-scale experiences, allowing it to build affinity with youth audiences and sports lovers alike.
In recent years, MTN has emerged as a key driver of fan engagement through its partnership with SuperSport and broader investment in Nigeria’s football ecosystem. These dual-city events reflect that strategy in motion, bringing the Premier League closer to the streets and ensuring fans are not just spectators, but participants in the global game.
With anticipation running high and bragging rights on the line, Sunday’s watch parties are shaping up to be a celebration of sport, identity, and the power of community on and off the pitch.
Telecommunications services disrupted in Kogi State have resumed following a resolution of the dispute between MTN Nigeria and the state government, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, told TVC News that the issues that led to the shutdown of telecom masts in the state, primarily affecting MTN, had been addressed, paving the way for service restoration.
TVC News earlier reported that businessmen and women were counting their losses as they suffered the impact of a shut down of telecommunication service in Kogi State
Over the past two weeks, telecoms connectivity had been erratic, with competing brands experiencing glitches, particularly in the Lokoja metropolis.
The State government suspended the operations of some telecom services citing unpaid taxes and fibre-related dues.
The shutdown stemmed from a compliance dispute between MTN and the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, which accused the telecom giant of violating operational rules and under-declaring the extent of its optic fibre network coverage in the state.
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