News
Gateway Nigeria Provides Access to the ‘Super Highway
Gateway Nigeria has since its inception in 1994, provided backbone for businesses in Nigeria, enabling them gain high speed internet access.
Initially known as GS Telecom Nigeria, it was rechristened Gateway Nigeria in 2007 after a buy-over, and is today owned by telecom giant Vodacom SA, with effect from 28th December, 2008.
John Dindlebeck, MD, Gateway Nigeria told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that the company was providing VSAT service called Biznet1, to the oil companies. This was owned by the 5 major oil companies but was operated and maintained by GS Telecom. In 1995, following the huge success of Biznet1, Biznet2 was launched and this was owned by 4 oil companies.
“At the time, satellite service was very expensive and therefore other organizations without the deep pockets of the oil companies could not afford this. In 1998, we applied and got national and international VSAT license for 10 years.”
“However, with technological advancement came cheaper connectivity solutions and in 1999, the Central Bank of Nigeria contracted us to connect their state offices to the new headquarters in Abuja. And thus began the proliferation of VSAT services to the banking sector. We provided more customer-owned networks and at the time were more of a systems integrator,” said Dindlebeck.
He stated that by 2000, the company evolved from a systems integrator to an engineering house when they launched their Frame Relay service and by 2003, had points-of-presence (PoP) in 25 cities in Nigeria.
“Of the 25 PoPs; 3 in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt were both national and international gateways, which meant that we could not only do in-country connectivity, but could also, leveraging on strategic alliances with international service providers, provide international leased circuits, VPN services and high capacity internet services.”
“Some of the PoPs were owned and managed by us, but some were at our client’s locations from where we provided service to other clients,” he added.
“With the advent of the GSM companies in 2001, we became a carrier’s carrier, providing MSC and BTS backhaul services for both national and international voice traffic, which was about 75% of our business at that time. Today, a carrier service is only 25% of our business against 75% of business services.”
“Moving with technology, in 2004, we purchased an iDirect-powered hub and again evolved to a network owner and operator. Today, we have 3 hubs in Lagos and 1 in Washington (for Internet services) with over 1,500 remote sites, all C-band high quality connections,” said the Gateway Nigeria boss.
Gateway has offices in Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Cameroun, and South Africa, and with presence in 32 of the 50 African countries, has a huge customer-base in the continent.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
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