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NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its commitment towards the implementation of various regulatory initiatives and programmes, in collaboration with all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem, towards bridging identified gaps and shortages in critical telecom infrastructure in the country.

The overarching objective is to fulfil Commission’s mandate and support extant and emergent policies and strategies of the Federal Government focused on providing ubiquitous, accessible and affordable broadband services in Nigeria.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, stated this during an in-house interview which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently.

The EVC emphasized the centrality of infrastructure to telecom service provisioning by asserting that availability of broadband in sufficiency was non-negotiable and irreducible in the nation’s strategy towards delivering pervasive telecom services.

Danbatta also put the efforts of Government in context towards addressing infrastructure gaps, and commended both state and non-state actors for the vision, diligence and continued dedication to the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, an initiative of the Federal Government, being driven by NCC and conceived to address infrastructure gaps in the telecom and ICT sector.

The EVC said he was gratified that the new plan particularly took into consideration, the identified gaps and challenges in its precursor, the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, which implementation the NCC was equally central to.

According to Danbatta, one of the identified gaps to robust connectivity was the fact that inadequate infrastructure remained a bane to achieving desired broadband penetration to boost access to services that will enhance economic growth and development.

He emphasised that the Commission recognises the importance of infrastructure expansion and this explains its unequivocal commitment and desire to see the licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) work speedily and with precision to cascade fibre to the hinterland, in order to enhance robust telecom service provision.

He said the InfraCo licensees, expectedly, also prioritize stipulated licensing conditions to ensure expected milestones set by the Commission are achieved.

The EVC stated that Commission’s target for licensing the infraCos was to ensure the deployment of fibre infrastructure needed for pervasive broadband penetration across the 774 local government areas (LGAs).

This, he said, will ensure access to telecoms services in the hinterlands of the country, and by so doing address the challenges of access confronting the unserved and underserved areas of the country.

Danbatta also placed on record Commission’s desire for inclusiveness as seminal to erecting sustainable telecom architecture. This, according to him is critical in ensuring the achievement of Federal Government’s target on digital access and financial inclusion.

One visible area of beneficial financial service riding on telecom infrastructure is the provision of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) for financial transactions across various financial institutions’ platforms.

This feat, Danbatta asserted, has brought ease to financial transactions, even as he recalled that NCC is providing support for e-payment initiatives and policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including the e-Naira project, which is the digital currency issued and regulated by the apex bank.

“So, the Commission is committed to ensuring inclusiveness by ensuring the provision of affordable and pervasive accessibility to the Internet as emphasised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN).

“We are aware that until commensurate infrastructure is deployed in the country, the country may not hit the required target necessary for the desired economic development,” the EVC added.

Additionally, Danbatta stated that the Commission has recorded remarkable progression with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is besides facilitating investment, enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) to enhance consumer quality of experience and stakeholder satisfaction in line with the expectations of the Strategic Management Plan 2020-2024.

He assured that Commission will heightened efforts in all areas of the Plan as streamlined in new Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVIP) 2021-2025, including facilitating strategic collaboration and partnering through which it has forged quantifiable strategic alliances with its ever-expanding array of stakeholders.

Concerning NCC’s pioneering strides in the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Danbatta explained that the rollout of 5G network in Nigeria will require more infrastructure for the service to reach all parts of the country.

He called for concerted efforts and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders for the nation to achieve steady, timely and accurate deployment of 5G services because of its benefits to individuals, businesses and the growth of the country.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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General News

Nigeria to Launch 4 Satellites for Surveillance, Others

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Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the launch of four satellites aimed at strengthening Earth observation capabilities and improving national security, according to Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Nigeria to Launch 4 Satellites for Surveillance, Others

Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology

Speaking at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) in Abuja, Nnaji said the satellites include three Earth Observation models and one Radar Aperture satellite. The council meeting was held from 12 to 14 May under the theme: “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity.”

“Just last week, the Federal Executive Council approved that Nigeria launch four satellites—three Earth Observation satellites and one search satellite,” the minister said.

According to him, the Radar Aperture satellite will be capable of capturing images under various conditions, including nighttime and rainfall.

“The search satellite is the one that will pick images both day, night, during rain, every time of the day, and that is technology in play. The military can use it effectively,” he said.

Nnaji noted that this will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on purchasing data and imagery for monitoring remote areas like the Sambisa forest.

On policy development, he said an inter-ministerial committee is reviewing the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and working on establishing a National Research and Innovation Fund.

“As a country, we can no longer afford to ignore the widening gap between research and real-world impact,” Nnaji said. “For decades, valuable research conducted in our universities and institutions has remained underutilised, disconnected from industries and policy.”

He pointed out the challenges faced by young innovators, including a lack of structured support and financing to transform ideas into marketable products.

“Let this 22nd edition of NCIST mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where every research has a roadmap to industry,” he said.

Nnaji called for sustained efforts from researchers, private investors, and regulators to ensure innovations are protected and supported. “The government must build and enforce regulatory frameworks that protect, support, and incentivise innovation at every level,” he added.

He said the council’s resolutions would be forwarded to FEC for formal adoption and reaffirmed the ministry’s plan to restore the council’s annual meeting schedule after delays pushed the 22nd edition into 2025.

Esuabana Nko-Asanye, the ministry’s permanent secretary, described the meeting as a platform to promote inter-sectoral collaboration and address challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, and climate change. She said 109 memoranda were presented, highlighting proposals on issues like commercialising research, boosting funding for innovation, and building capacity in emerging technologies.

“The richness and diversity of these submissions underscore the growing recognition of science, technology and innovation as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sustainable development,” Nko-Asanye said.

George Akume, secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Morris Mbaeri, said building a resilient innovation ecosystem is key to national development. “This cycle is very essential in addressing real-world challenges and unlocking long-term prosperity,” he said.

Azikiwe Onwualu, president, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), urged the government to increase research and development spending to 3% of GDP and proposed the establishment of more RDIC clusters that integrate academia, industry, and startups.

He said: “We should operationalise the National Research and Innovation Council Fund to coordinate RDIC efforts as envisaged in the STI policy.”


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Shell Reports 122 Percent Surge in Oil Spills from Nigerian Operations in 2024

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Shell Plc has reported a significant 122% increase in operational oil spill incidents in Nigeria in 2024, driven largely by equipment failures and persistent sabotage, according to its newly released 2024 Annual Report and Accounts.

Shell Reports 122 Percent Surge in Oil Spills from Nigerian Operations in 2024

The company’s Nigerian subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), which operates the SPDC Joint Venture (JV), recorded 20 oil spill incidents exceeding 100 kilograms during the year up from just 9 incidents in 2023.

The report attributed the surge in operational spills primarily to defective pipeline clamps.

These clamps, which were locally manufactured and used in pipeline repairs after the removal of illegal connections, were found to have factory faults.

Shell confirmed that the manufacturer has since recalled the faulty batch, and SPDC has begun replacing the affected components.

As a result, the volume of operational oil and product spills spiked to 0.37 thousand tonnes, compared to just 0.005 thousand tonnes recorded in the previous year.

Two major spills one onshore along the Trans Niger Pipeline and one offshore at a terminal loading buoy accounted for 89% of the total volume.

SPDC JV has said it is implementing a comprehensive pipeline maintenance and replacement program aimed at reducing such incidents in the future.

Beyond equipment failures, Shell identified third-party interference and crude oil theft as a continuing challenge, noting that 81% of spill incidents in 2024 were caused by sabotage.

There were 84 theft- or sabotage-related spills totaling 2,000 tonnes of crude oil in 2024, compared to 139 such incidents amounting to 1,400 tonnes in 2023.

While the number of incidents declined, the volume spilled increased, indicating that larger-scale breaches may have occurred despite improved surveillance and protection measures.

Shell’s report highlighted ongoing efforts to combat vandalism and protect infrastructure.

The SPDC JV continued to deploy aerial surveillance, drone monitoring, and on-ground patrols to detect and respond to illegal activities and spills more rapidly.

Key anti-theft protection measures were further enhanced in 2024, including:

Reinforced wellhead and manifold cages

Use of anti-theft nuts

Upgraded CCTV systems and networking technologies

In addition, Shell reported ongoing collaboration with Nigerian government security agencies to maintain surveillance and secure the pipeline network and operational areas.

“SPDC JV continued to work closely with authorities to address third-party interference, particularly along our pipelines,” the report stated.

Shell reiterated its commitment to reducing environmental impact through proactive infrastructure upgrades and improved response systems, while also calling for stronger enforcement against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism issues that have plagued Nigeria’s energy sector for years.


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NOTAP Urges South Eastern Entrepreneurs to Embrace Franchising as Business Model  

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Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, DG/CEO, NOTAP
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Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, director general and chief executive officer, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), has advocated Franchising as a sustainable business model for the South East entrepreneurs.

NOTAP Urges South Eastern Entrepreneurs to Embrace Franchising as Business Model  

Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, DG/CEO, NOTAP

She made this call during a one-day sensitization and unveiling of the NOTAP Franchising Guidelines for south east stakeholders and entrepreneurs for a successful franchising business.

The DG who was represented at the event by Mr. Emeka Orji, head of Department Corporate Planning (CP) Department, NOTAP, said that franchising business model had globally been proven to be successfully sustainable due to low business risks associated with it.

She defines franchising as a contractual business relationship between a licensor (the franchisor) and a licensee (the franchisee) that allows the business owner to use the licensor’s brand and methods of doing business to distribute products or provide services to consumers.

She added that in essence, the franchisee pays the franchisor for the opportunity to use his established business model and brand name in running his business.

Dr. Amadiobi said the essence of the workshop was not just organised to explore the possibility of adopting franchising as a strategic platform to transform local dreams into national and global business realities.

She described the programme as an opportunity for business owners and intending entrepreneurs from the Zone  to latch into the huge and untapped potentials provided by franchising business models in becoming business and brand ambassadors.

With over 800,000 franchise establishments across the globe, generating trillions in revenue, she described Franchising as a pathway to economic empowerment.

 

 

 


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