Association of Telephone Cable TV And Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), has warned MTN Nigeria, the largest mobile network operator in Nigeria, to desist from increasing its tariffs or else it will lose about 80 million customers who have subscribe to its services in the country.

Recall that MTN recently raised alarms over a potential shutdown if tariffs are not increased to address rising operational costs.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, had highlighted that the telecommunications sector is facing severe financial strain, especially from escalating diesel prices required to power base transceiver stations.

But Sina Bilesanmi, national president of ATCIS, said the service shut down would not affect its subscribers, urging the telco to desist from threatening its customers.

According to him, “when ATCIS saw it on Tuesday, I shared it on the ICAF platform, ATCIS wrote MTN CEO to go ahead with the 80 million+ subscribers, but have promised them with their association body, with the power of the ATCIS Masses being the National President of telecom subscribers in Nigeria, if MTN try it, that may be the end of MTN.”

MTN claimed it has invested N2.6 billion in corporate social responsibility, according to its 2023 Sustainability Report, is currently operating on profits accumulated over two decades. However, he stressed that this is unsustainable.

“We must return the industry to profitability,” Toriola emphasized, adding that the company’s reserves are depleting.

Earlier this year, telecom operators called for the first tariff hike in 11 years, citing the need to manage rising costs and maintain service quality. Without such an increase, they warned, the financial viability of the sector, along with service standards, would continue to decline.

Toriola also pointed out that MTN, once one of Nigeria’s top corporate taxpayers, has seen its tax contributions decline due to the financial challenges. In the first half of 2024, MTN reported a staggering N519.1 billion loss, largely attributed to foreign exchange losses from the naira’s devaluation and high inflation.

In addition, Toriola revealed that MTN may suspend Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) banking services due to a N250 billion debt owed by Nigerian banks. “We are seeking regulatory approval to halt support for USSD services used for banking transactions unless the debt is resolved and tariffs are adjusted,” he said.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State has commended MTN Foundation for its decade-long commitment to STEM education in Nigeria through the renovation of 110 laboratories across multiple states.

Speaking through his representative, Engr. Ganiyu Oseni, Special Adviser on Innovation, Broadband, and Technology, Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude for MTN’s efforts, describing the initiative as “more than just infrastructure but a vital investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth.”

MTN Foundation unveiled seven newly refurbished laboratories at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Yaba, Lagos, as part of its Science & Technology Laboratory Project (MTNF STLP).

The commissioning event welcomed key attendees, including MTN Directors; Dennis Okoro, Mosun Belo-Olusoga, and Edith Ofili-Okonkwo, along with MTN Foundation Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, Lagos State representative, Engr. Ganyu Oseni, Special Adviser on Innovation, Broadband, and Technology; and representatives from the school’s alumni association.

Through this ambitious initiative, MTN is expanding science and technology resources in public secondary schools across the country, enhancing STEM education and positively impacting students in underserved communities.

MTN Foundation’s Science & Technology Laboratory Project (MTNF STLP) is currently in its third phase, following a legacy of impact that began in 2012.

In the first phase (2012–2014), MTNF renovated 66 laboratories across 22 schools in six states.

The second phase, from 2022 to 2023, saw the refurbishment of 16 labs across four schools.

The current phase expands the project’s scope even further, with 28 new laboratories established in six schools across Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been focused on transforming Lagos into a centre of innovation and opportunity, and MTN Foundation’s investments strongly support this vision.

“The work of MTN Foundation in equipping science labs not only enriches the academic experience but also positions our state as a hub for knowledge and innovation,” Oseni remarked.

Odunayo Sanya in her speech emphasised the Foundation’s focus on youth development and national priorities, explaining that Nigeria’s young demographic drives the Foundation’s investments in empowering the next generation.

“Nigeria is young, with immense potential, and it only makes sense to channel that energy toward building a brighter future.

“We are honoured to be part of this journey, empowering students with the tools they need to excel.” Sanya stated.

“Please help us make it a gift that continues to give,” she urged, noting MTNF’s dedication to not only revitalising these labs but to creating sustainable educational resources that can transform students’ learning journeys.

“We’ve done the heavy lifting, and the heavy lifting is the investment, bringing it back up to where it should be.”

The School alumni also praised MTN Foundation’s impact, noting that the modernised labs will significantly enhance students’ learning experiences in critical science subjects.

MTNF’s dedication to building a well-rounded science education infrastructure continues to reflect its resolve to support Nigeria’s next generation.

As MTN Foundation continues its commissioning events in Rivers and Plateau states, it is reinforcing its role as a leader in private-sector-driven educational support.

In its continuous quest to provide solutions that will revolutionise business operations and drive growth, the tech distribution giant, TD Africa has put head together with Dell Technologies and Intel to examine how AI tools and data-driven solutions can be optimized.

At an event tagged: “Partner Technology Day” which held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, industry-leading experts shared insights on the transformative potentials of AI and data analytic with interactive workshops providing hands-on experience with AI tools and techniques.

Several sessions generated significant interest but discussions on building smart, flexible data centres with a modern and software-defined infrastructure, transforming data centres with Dell Services, and exploring innovations on Dell PowerEdge server platforms were instant hits.

While experts shared understanding of the benefits of modernizing data centres, optimising operations, and leveraging the latest advancements in server technology, Abimbola Owoeye, Country Lead for Dell Technologies, Nigeria, said the use of technology transcends only growing the bottom-line.

His words: “You cannot fight corruption without the use of technologies. We must become an insight-driven data country.

Technology is the future, and Dell Technologies is the biggest shipper of technology. If you are not yet leveraging on Artificial Intelligence and not leveraging the partnership with Dell and TD Africa, you are missing out.”

Abiodun Idowu, Assistant General Manager, TD Africa, buttressed this view when he emphasised the importance of embracing AI and data-driven solutions to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

“We are committed to empowering our partners with the tools and expertise they need to succeed in the digital age,” he said.

The Partner Technology Day event demonstrated TD Africa’s commitment to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to its partners in Nigeria and across the continent.

By leveraging AI and data analytics, businesses can unlock new opportunities, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.