Telecom
Increasing Internet Access through Sabi, Win Initiatives
Internet service delivery in the country has been a nightmare ranging from low speed and high cost of the service.
Apart from Internet access service offered by many of the ISPs in Nigeria to the general populace, telecommunications operators also provide data services.
There are issues associated with performance which cuts across the spectrum of various Internet connectivity solution providers in the country.
GSM networks:
All the four GSM networks offer Internet access solutions using GPRS, EDGE and/or 3G (3.5G), although, their Internet services are not at its best in terms of speed.
CDMA networks:
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators are doing much in this regard, with most of them rolling out wireless broadband service, however, there are some challenges with the speed.
Against this backdrop that NCC is planning a forum to address the various bottle-necks in operators bid to offer high speed internet service to their subscribers.
Determined to improve on the current low Internet penetration in the country, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on July 11, 2006 said it was poised to scale the hurdles to speed up the development of Internet through some new initiatives, deploying emerging information and knowledge technologies.
NCC to the rescue
These initiatives include the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI), Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) as well as Wire Nigeria project.
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) explained that the major reasons for the slow development of Internet services in the country were the high cost of bandwidth, computers and Internet infrastructure as well as unreliable power supply. He however assured that the NCC would remain focused on its programme of enthroning an information society where every citizen enjoys the full benefits of the global information superhighway.
SABI, Ndukwe said, has been designed to encourage the private sector to build and run a broadband infrastructure with government support and incentive in all state capitals and selected major commercial cities in the country. The project which is nearer to completion will drive Broadband to home (B2H) at an affordable cost.
The SABI project entails the provision of wireless broadband services in Nigerian cities; stimulation of demand for Internet services and increase in usage; and stimulation and acceleration of opportunities in e-education, e-commerce, e-governance, and all electronic related services.
It is believed that National e-government strategy (Negst) is going to leverage on the Sabi in the deployment solution that will facilitate the take off of e-government in the country, especially its recently launched electronic Local Government Administration (eLGA).
The WiN project is intended to provide massive fibre transmission facilities to most areas of Nigeria. The project when fully implemented will ensure that all Nigerians will be only a maximum of 50 km from a fibre network access point wherever they live.
The first phase will connect all State capitals to the fibre network; thereafter all Local Government headquarters will be connected. In the final phase, it is intended that all Nigerians will be within 50 km of a fibre network.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced at the end of the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that Sabi will deliver broadband services in all of the country’s states by the end of 2009. The NCC hopes that the rollout will help to drive economic recovery. The GSM Association (GSMA), the worldwide group of GSM operators, in report said that ICT investments, especially in broadband services, could help take countries out of the economic crisis.
‘The idea and purpose is to serve the areas that are unserved and improve on the areas that have been served partially. We want to stabilize the environment and create incentives that will improve manpower skills that will lead to economic growth,’ said chief regulator of the NCC, Ernest Ndukwe. The first phase of the project will cover the 36 state capitals, followed by expansion to council headquarters and other towns and cities in the local regions.
Three unnamed companies have been approached for the deployment, out of a total of 50 that applied to run and manage the subsidized programme.
He said the subject of broadband being discussed at the conference was timely and crucial to the commission; even as the nation celebrated seven years of massive growth in voice telephony, as broadband was the next frontier that needed to be conquered.
Ndukwe said it was because of the importance placed on extending broadband services to all parts of the country that the commission initiated the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative, which would cover all the 36 state capitals and many of the urban and semi urban centres.
“The rationale behind the Sabi project is to provide wireless broadband services in Nigerian cities so as to stimulate demand for Internet services and increase usage, and most importantly, this project is to drive broadband to homes at affordable levels,” he said.
The NCC boss said that the Wire Nigeria Project being facilitated by the commission to ensure provision of optic fibre cable backbone infrastructure across the country, would also compliment the Sabi.
“The idea behind the WIN project is to provide a national backbone infrastructure,” he said.
"We have also given frequencies to those companies to enable them go round and do it copiously. So, by the end of the year, you will see a lot of broadband infrastructure rolled out across the country with good enough speed to make us happy. In the next few weeks, we shall be holding a forum to discuss how the speed of broadband is improved in our country. Many people are not happy with the current speed and there are bottlenecks and others and the forum is to seek a solution." I must say I have read it in the newspapers like anybody because there is no single company that has approached NCC for tariff increase, he said.
Ndukwe also disclosed that the commission had freely offered information and communication technology appreciation training to over 4,000 professors and lecturers from tertiary institutions across the country through the Digital Bridge Institute, which was established by the commission.
He said the training was offered to the lecturers under the Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary-designed to equip the lecturers with the basic computer skills and Internet application to ensure they were equipped to use the facilities to teach and encourage their students.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Rewards 1,500+ Winners with ₦290m in Mega Billion Promo

Telecoms giant, MTN Nigeria, has announced the disbursement of over ₦290 million to more than 1,500 winners in its ongoing Mega Billion Promo.

L-R: Deji Roberts, Assistant Director, Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos Zonal Office; Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria; Femi Yusuf, 10 Million MTN Mega Billion Promo Jackpot Winner; Efe Kwado, MTN Mega Billion Promo Winner; Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Samuel Rowland, Chief Operations Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority at the MTN Mega Billion Promo Media Parley held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the MTN Rooftop Events Centre Plaza, Ikoyi.
The update was shared during a live event held on July 19 at the company’s Rooftop Events Centre in Lagos. Representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, MTN executives, journalists and selected promo winners were in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the initiative was launched to support loyal customers during difficult times. “In the last couple of years, it’s been a tough time for the average Nigerian. This promo is one of our ways of making life better for our customers,” she said.
Ikenna-Emeka revealed that the promo has produced over 1,500 winners, including three jackpot winners, 20 winners of ₦5 million each, and more than 100 winners of ₦100,000. She added that the company remains committed to rewarding customers transparently.
One of the jackpot winners, Femi Yusuf, who won ₦10 million, shared his excitement. “I thought it was one of those promos where nothing comes out of it. My wife was the one who spotted my number during the live draw,” he said. When asked about the delivery of his prize, he replied, “Fast and fast. MTN, no scam.”
The event also featured live calls to new winners, including a woman identified as Motunrayo, who won ₦2 million. She expressed joy over the unexpected win, saying, “I’m so grateful. Thanks so much.”
Debo Agun, Senior Manager, Consumer Segment (Mass Market), explained the mechanics of the promo. He said participation is free and open to MTN subscribers who dial *900# to opt in. Airtime purchases serve as entries—₦100 worth of airtime equals one entry, and customers can win multiple times.
Agun stated that 63 winners are selected daily from Monday to Friday, while Saturdays feature 104 winners, including a ₦10 million jackpot. Other prizes range from ₦25,000 to ₦2 million and are paid into customers’ MoMo wallets. Those without wallets can create one by dialing *671#.
Promo draws are conducted and streamed live on MTN’s Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels. Independent partners oversee the process to maintain credibility and fairness.
The promo began on June 23 and runs for 90 days.
Telecom
MENXTT Tech NG Debuts USA-Spec Devices and Redefines IT Retail in Nigeria

MENXTT Technology NG has introduced a fresh lineup of USA-specification smartphones alongside its existing range of laptops, accessories, and software tools in a major move to redefine tech quality and customer satisfaction in Nigeria.
The firm, which operates as a fully online IT service provider, is focused on bridging the gap between businesses and customers by offering seamless tech procurement, deployment, and after-sales support.
According to Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Director of Communication and Customer Retention, the company is committed to restoring consumer trust in tech purchases through guaranteed quality, extended warranties, and structured support.
Nwosu stated that the decision to supply USA-grade devices was borne out of frustration with substandard options in the market and zero accountability.
He said MENXTT was built to be responsive, dependable, and quality-driven, assuring customers that they would not be left alone after purchase.
With services covering laptops, accessories, website development, software deployment, and IT support, MENXTT promises to take technology directly to the client with less stress.
The company, located at 8a Oje Imeviani Street, Julie Estate, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, is also noted for its tech-enabled structure that allows users to access solutions from anywhere in Nigeria through its online platform.
Customers can reach MENXTT Technology NG via email: info@menxtt.com.ng or website: menxtt.ng.
Telecom
MTN, MTV Base Launch “Room of Safety” Series to Promote Online Child Safety

Telecoms giant MTN Group has partnered with MTV Base to launch the Room of Safety campaign, a youth-led movement aimed at raising awareness on internet safety and digital wellbeing for children and young people across Africa.
The initiative, a major part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign, seeks to address growing concerns around cyberbullying, grooming, misinformation, and other forms of online harm. Through this collaboration, MTN will leverage MTV Base’s extensive reach across youth audiences to drive impactful change.
Central to the campaign is the premiere of a 10-part short-form docu-series titled Room of Safety, which kicks off on July 20, 2025, at 16:00 on MTV Base (DStv channel 322). Episodes will also stream on MTV Base South’s digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Each episode will feature real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical resources to help young viewers identify digital threats and take proactive steps. The series also encourages youth to speak up about negative experiences online and shows them how to report abuse.
A statement from MTN Group emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely, adding that the campaign aims to normalize conversations around digital ethics and mental health within families, schools and peer groups.
The launch is backed by social media engagement and outreach activities targeted at schools, creators, and community organizations across multiple African countries.
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