Telecom
How we Generated over N1Trillion in 2Years – Pantami

In its bid to deliver the promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari, to all Nigerians in terms of economic diversification, enhanced security and anti-corruption, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and its parastatals under the leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, have generated a total of One trillion, 54 billion naira as revenue for the Federal Government through the implementation of various policies, initiatives and interventions.
The Minister made this disclosure on Thursday during the virtual commissioning of the 12th batch of the Digital Economy Projects for a Digital Nigeria at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja.
The 12th batch of the digital economy projects which were virtually commissioned by Dr Pantami includes; the e-Accessibility Centre in Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable School, Bauchi; the Digital Economy Centre and e-Learning Facility at Ogba Grammar School, Lagos; the Digital Economy Centre and e-Learning Facility at St Paul Secondary School, Eke, Enugu; the Digital Economy Centre and e-Learning Facility at the Federal Character Commission, Abuja; the Emergency Communications Centre at Leko Abdulrahman Hospital, Daura; the e-Accessibility Centre at the Alderstown Schools for the Deaf, Warri; and the Virtual Examination Centre, at the College of Education, Argungu, Kebbi State.
The Honorable Minister stated that the Communications and Digital Economy sector singlehandedly lifted the country out of recession, with ICT recording the highest growth rate according to reports given by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in the fourth quarter of 2020.
“The Ministry and its parastatals have generated over N1 Trillion for the Federal Government in less than 2 years, this translates to an average of about N44 Billion every month or over N1.4 Billion every day”, he added.
He mentioned that within this period, the Ministry has been able to record some major achievements in the area of national policy formulation, infrastructure, national identification number enrollment, revenue generation and many more.
Dr Pantami further disclosed that about N360 Billion of this revenue was largely from Spectrum allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), under the Chairmanship of the Minister, to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for commercial purposes.
He also added that over N600 Billion was paid by ICT Companies to the account of the Federal Government through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
“Furthermore, over Ninety Four Billion Naira (N94,000,000,000) was generated for the Federal Government and approved by the National Assembly in line with relevant laws, as part of the 2020 appropriation for personnel, capital projects, capacity building, interventions, etc. The IT Projects Clearance Programme also saved over Five Billion Naira (N5,478,007,325.23) for the Federal Government”, the Minister recalled .
Dr Pantami, while applauding the chief executive officers of the various parastatals under the ministry at the virtual commissioning event for their support and commitment, modestly disclosed that 1,667 ICT projects and Centres have been established across the country in 2years since he assumed duty as the Honorable Minister of the Ministry.
“In addition to those already established, we have over 455 other projects and programmes that are ongoing. All these are in full alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria”, he noted.
Accordingly, the Honorable Minister strongly believed that in creating and developing a sustainable digital economy, it was imperative to create a critical mass of highly skilled citizens by engaging in constant capacity programmes.
“In the last 2 years, we have offered direct world class training to well over 219,198 citizens in digital skills and emerging technologies. This number does not include the many citizens that have benefited from trainings through our Centres”, he stated.
Furthermore, he said that the mass trainings were efforts geared at promoting a paradigm shift from the general societal focus on degrees to a strong focus on skills acquisition.
While speaking on policy formulations, Dr Pantami said that within his 2 years tenure as Minister, 16 National policies have emerged, which includes; the National Digital Economy Policy & Strategy (NDEPS); Roadmap for the Implementation of the NDEPS; the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025; Sim Card Registration Policy; National Policy on Digital Identity for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria; National Policy on VSAT Installation Core Skills for Nigerians, amongst many others that have been developed and implemented as against just one policy he inherited on assumption into the office.
The Honorable Minister agreed that a highly robust identity programme is critical to create a secure and sustainable digital economy.
He further disclosed that the Ministry has significantly increased the number of National Identification Number (NIN) enrolments since the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) joined the Communications and Digital Economy family in September 2020.
“The increase of about 20 million enrolments in less than a year is unprecedented. We have also launched the Android enrolment software and have received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the upgrade of critical ICT infrastructure of the National Identity Management System,” Dr Pantami announced.
Earlier, the Minister thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation and citizens. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the CEO’s of all the parastatals under the Ministry for their commitment and unflinching support towards him in the last two years in office.
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage all the host communities and beneficiaries of all our projects and programmes to ensure that they take full advantage of the facilities and skills for the benefit of their communities and the Nation”, the Minister concluded.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, while giving his goodwill message, congratulated the Honorable Minister on his second year anniversary in office.
He noted that the Minister’s achievements were unprecedented and therefore gave assurances of his agency’s support and commitment into the full implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) in creating a sustainable Digital Nigeria.
“At NITDA, based on our Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan,(SRAP) we will key in 100% into the implementation of the NDEPS and cascade our activities in line with the policy”, Abdullahi stated.
Telecom
Anambra Deepens Digital Reforms, Eyes Top Ranking in Ease of Doing Business

From Angela Nwanodu
Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to building a tech-driven and business friendly environment.
The State Government led by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR reiterated the commitment at the maiden State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) technical session and statewide town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, held at the International Conference Center, Awka.
The event formed part of the nationwide tour by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), bringing federal reform champions face-to-face with state officials, private sector leaders, and the business community.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, welcomed the PEBEC team and stakeholders, describing the session as timely and essential.
He stressed that Anambra’s business reforms are deliberate and data-driven, echoing Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR’s belief that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”
Governor Soludo reaffirmed that although Anambra currently ranks 7th nationally and leads the South East on ease of doing business, the state views reforms as an ongoing, measurable process grounded in technology, planning, and accountability.
Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, DG of PEBEC, in her goodwill remarks delivered via video, described the SABER programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative, as a transformative partnership co-designed to help states implement global standards and create easier, more transparent business environments.
She stressed that while designing reforms matters, real impact comes from effectively implementing them, with states as the true engines of economic growth.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, in her opening remarks, emphasized that with over 98% of Anambra’s wealth held by the private sector, government reforms must be deliberate and responsive.
She noted that under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has remained intentional about ensuring businesses face fewer obstacles and enjoy a competitive edge.
During the technical session, PEBEC reform leaders Ohiemi Gabriel, Ifeanyi Icheke, and Oluwatofunmi Odunladi commended Anambra’s reform champions for their consistent efforts in reporting, as well as the state government’s resolve which earned the state 7th place nationally and first in the South East in 2021 and 2023.
They encouraged Anambra to deepen its reforms ahead of the next ranking in December 2025, which will spotlight top-performing states and most improved states, alongside tailored recommendations for investors.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion and town hall meeting anchored by the PEBEC team, featuring members of the State Executive Council as panelists, including the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA; Commissioners for Industry, Lands, Power and Water Resources; MD of ANSIPPA; and MD of ASBA.
During this session, panelists discussed how technology is central to Anambra’s reform agenda. They spotlighted initiatives like the ANAMGIS (Anambra Geographic Information System), which digitizes land processes; the Grievance Redress Mechanism that swiftly addresses investor concerns; the adoption of the .anambrastate.gov.ng domain to standardize official digital communications and strengthen trust in government services; and the ongoing expansion of fiber ducts to enable 5G connectivity, all reflecting the administration’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision.
The conversation also highlighted Solution Lens, a civic engagement platform designed to deepen citizen participation and transparency by allowing residents to track and report on government projects across the state.
Together with strategic projects like road constructions which are deliberate efforts by Governor Soludo to inter- connect Anambra State for easy moving round in doing business.
These reforms aim to enhance transparency, and position Anambra as a smarter, investor-friendly state
As Anambra prepares for the next PEBEC evaluation, government and stakeholders reiterated their resolve to keep reforms measurable, digital-led, and investor-focused
With technology and intentional governance at its heart, Anambra State is strengthening its position as a modern hub where businesses can invest, scale, and thrive.
Telecom
MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform

In a defining step toward sustainable transformation, Nigeria has officially joined the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a platform empowering corporate board members to take decisive climate action.

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The initiative’s virtual launch drew a dynamic mix of leaders—former ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and climate advocates from across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed attendees with a call to reimagine corporate leadership: climate risks, she noted, should no longer be treated as external issues—they must be integrated into strategic decision-making. She pointed to green finance, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models as key areas of opportunity.
Echoing that sentiment, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, warned that climate challenges already influence everything from access to capital to long-term competitiveness. “Climate risk directly affects our bottom line. It’s no longer optional to care—it’s necessary,” he said.
Toriola detailed how MTN has embedded climate governance at the core of its operations. From energy-efficient innovations like solar-powered towers and motion-sensor lighting to a nationwide battery and device recycling program, MTN is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Crucially, all executive performance indicators now include sustainability goals—with incentives tied to measurable impact.
He didn’t shy away from the hard truth: genuine climate progress will require sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs,” he said, urging corporate leaders to prioritize climate resilience even when it’s inconvenient or costly.
As CGI Nigeria joins a growing global network of corporate climate advocates, the message is clear—business leadership must go beyond profit to steward environmental accountability. From the boardroom to rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s private sector has a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Telecom
Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded 3,016 customers in Season 10 of its ongoing Millionaire Promo. So far, 12 customers have won the top prize of ₦1 million each, while 3,004 others have received different cash rewards.
The winners were selected through electronic draws held between January and June, ensuring broad participation. The promo is open to new and existing savings account holders and ends in September.
During the fifth draw held on June 17, four additional customers won the star prize of ₦1 million each, with 112 others also receiving cash prizes. The latest millionaires include Ranti Badmos from Lagos, Wilson Onoezikome in Kaduna, Esther Obafemi in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Israel Oruma in Asaba, Delta State.
Israel Oruma, a timber merchant, expressed his delight at winning, saying the prize would significantly support his business.
“This is a pleasant surprise. I have been facing financial challenges recently. The ₦1 million will go a long way in assisting me. I’m investing it in my business and will encourage all my staff, family, and friends to open an account with the Bank. Thank you, FCMB.”
Adetunji Lamidi, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, said the Millionaire Promo reflects the bank’s broader mission to enable financial security and opportunity for everyday Nigerians.
“At a time when many are facing economic pressure, savings-driven initiatives like this shift the focus from getting by to making progress. It gives people a reason to save, rewards loyalty, and shows that banking helps create real-life impact.”
Speaking on the integrity of the selection process, Oyinkan Kusamotu, Principal Legal Officer at the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated: “It’s great to witness FCMB’s commitment to compliance, fairness, and transparency throughout the draw process, which builds trust with customers and stakeholders.”
To qualify for Season 10 of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, customers must increase their account balance by at least ₦10,000 and maintain it for 30 days to enter the monthly and seasonal draws. Each additional ₦10,000 saved increases the customer’s chances of winning. Dormant or inactive account holders can also participate by reactivating their accounts. Draws are held nationwide, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win.
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