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Telecom

Experts Seek Stricter Regulation against Call Masking, SIM-Boxing Fraud

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Experts have called for stronger laws and stricter regulation to tackle security issues around call masking and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-boxing-related fraud in Nigeria, according to the Nation.

Experts Seek Stricter Regulation against Call Masking, SIM-Boxing Fraud

Call masking or refilling is a practice in which international calls are terminated in Nigeria as local numbers, using illegal SIM boxes loaded with several numbers.

It is a deliberate attempt by fraudsters to avoid paying the correct International Termination Rate (ITR) for international calls, paying instead the Local Termination Rate (LTR).

For example, when the number is masked as a local call, an operator pays N3.90 LTR and not N24.40 ITR.

The process allows operators to terminate inbound international telecoms traffic as local calls, so they do not have to pay ITR, which is the interconnection charge set by telecoms traffic carriers as carrier-to-carrier charges.

A SIM Box fraud is a setup where fraudsters install SIM boxes with multiple prepaid SIM cards.

A fraudster can bring calls through VOIP (through the internet) and terminate international calls through local phone numbers from a country, to make it appear as a local call, by initiating the call through a local SIM installed in the SIM box.

About three years ago, when the issue came to the limelight, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) carried out some investigations, leading to the sanctioning and suspension of some operators earlier this year.

Some of these suspensions were later lifted.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and Committees of the House of Representatives and Senate have on several occasions expressed concern about the menace.

While many stakeholders believe that the menace has been nipped in the bud, it has continued to rear its ugly head to the bewilderment of experts and stakeholders.

Ikechukwu Nnamani, president/chief executive officer of Medallion Communications Limited, lamented that it is a subject matter, which NCC should address completely.

Nnamani, who is an executive member of the premier telecom body in Nigeria – the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said almost all calls he received recently are masked.

“Sometimes, I don’t pick up calls because I do not know the number only to find out later it was an international call.

“The truth is that I don’t know why this has not been resolved, I expected it to have been solved.

“Honestly, I would not know why. One would have expected them to have sorted all these out by now,” he said.

Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS) said there was no need to relent in reporting the menace to the right authority.

He said it could be a plan to ensure that gain accrued to some people. “I don’t know whether call masking favours the operator or it is being done deliberately.

“It is a situation that the telecoms should deal with because it is a technical problem. I think it is some of those unlicensed operators doing all these.

“Some of these operators’ facilities are being tapped into; they need to look into their operations, so they can be taken care of.

“If they are still in the habit of doing it, proper sanctions should be meted out to any erring service provider.

“There should be heavier sanctions. They can’t be short-changing subscribers and at the same time, the government,” he said.

Mr. Ajibola Olude, executive secretary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), believes the issue can be addressed.

“When it comes to technology, you can only address it maximally. It is not as rampant as before and it is an international issue.

“We have addressed it before and we will look at it again.

“About four years ago, when it happened, we deployed all the resources within our capacity to address it and I think it was addressed maximally.

“I have not seen any operator complaining, except now that you are raising the issue, but as far as we know, call-masking is no longer a problem.

“I am going to contact our compliance monitoring to enlighten me about what is going on, but it is no longer an issue,” he said.

Mouka Reuben, director, Public affairs, NCC, said the situation has been tackled before and he does not think it was a major issue again.

He, however, promised that the commission would look into it again to find a way out.

NCC recently put the revenue lost to call-masking and SIM-boxing activities in the country at $3 billion.

This is as telecom operators lamented during the 85th edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament in Lagos that they were losing about N2.5 million minutes per day to these fraudulent activities.

On actions that had been taken by the commission to combat the menace, Prof Umar Danbatta,  former Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, said the NCC had tightened the SIM registration process across all networks to reduce the availability of SIM cards for SIM-boxing as well as address the security issues around the availability of pre-registered SIMs.

According to him, the action was necessary as some arrests made in Lagos two weeks ago showed that the perpetrators of SIM-boxing had over 100 SIM cards registered with fictitious names and used them to divert international calls.

Credit: The Nation


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Telecom

Nigeria to Receive $3Bn Telecoms Infrastructure in June – Minister

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Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy
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Nigeria is set to receive telecommunications equipment and fibre optic infrastructure worth $3 billion in June 2025, according to Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Nigeria to Receive $3Bn Telecoms Infrastructure in June – Minister

Speaking during a panel session at the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) organised by the World Bank, Tijani revealed that the equipment valued at $1 billion was expected to arrive in the country by mid-2025.

He added that an additional $2 billion worth of fibre optic cables would soon be delivered to boost Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.

According to him, the initiative aims to significantly enhance communication services across the country and bridge the connectivity gap.

Tijani also noted that a pilot phase targeting over 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to any form of telecommunications would soon be launched.

The Nigeria Development Update (NDU) is a bi-annual World Bank report that assesses the country’s recent economic and social developments, policy directions, and provides recommendations to address emerging challenges.


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Legend Internet Debuts Nigeria’s First Fibre-to-the-room Service

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Legend Internet Plc has launched FTTR by Legend — Nigeria’s first Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) service, redefining the standard for broadband connectivity across homes and businesses.

“Being listed on NGX is just the beginning, With FTTR by Legend, we are building the infrastructure of the future, today — not just to improve connectivity, but to transform how people live, work, and create”, said Aisha Abdulaziz, CEO of Legend Internet Plc.

This groundbreaking innovation was deployed by Legend, with strategic technology support from global telecommunications leader- Huawei. The result is a seamless digital experience that meets the demands of modern living.

The launch of FTTR follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Legend Internet and Huawei Technologies.

“Our collaboration with Huawei reflects our commitment to global standards and local innovation. Unlike traditional broadband that stops at the router, FTTR by Legend brings pure fibre into every room, offering zero lag, full-house coverage, and the performance needed for smart homes, remote work, creators, and tech-forward enterprises.

The collaboration is aimed at accelerating broadband infrastructure development, enhancing local capacity, and positioning Nigeria as a digital leader in Africa. Huawei brings decades of R&D in fibre optic and smart home technology to support Legend in deploying this state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Coming on the heels of its recent listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited(NGX), Legend Internet PLC shows no signs of slowing down. The company is celebrating its public debut with a landmark product — one that delivers ultra-high-speed fibre into every room of a building, enabling uninterrupted, gigabit-speed internet at all times.

Legend Internet’s entry into fibre-to-the-room solutions is part of a broader ambition to close the digital divide in Nigeria. While FTTR by Legend is currently being offered exclusively to high-end residences, the company plans to scale and democratize access through complementary solutions over time. This aligns with Legend’s dual-market approach.

In broadband, Legend leverages fibre optics to deliver ultra-high-speed internet directly to consumers, with a focus on reliability, speed, and innovation. In fintech, the company is expanding last-mile payment infrastructure and delivering secure, scalable tools including wallets, merchant solutions, and digital financial platforms for everyday use.

Legend’s mission is clear: to power Nigeria’s digital future — through cutting-edge technology, bold thinking, and local-first execution.


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NASENI Commends President Tinubu’s Push for Local Industry Growth

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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.

NASENI

In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.

He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.

“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said.

“Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”

Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives.

He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products.

These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers.

“It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised.

“We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.

President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers.

“They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”


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