Telecom
NCC Tasks Licensees on Compliance with Telecoms Regulations, License Conditions
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of NCC, has enjoined telecom licensees to always comply with the provisions of extant laws, subsidiary legislations and other regulatory frameworks put in place by the Commission to ensure a more competitive and sustainable telecoms sector in Nigeria.
L – R: Mr. Yakubu Gontor, Director, Financial Services, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Mr. Muhammed Babajika, Director, Licensing and Authorization, NCC, Engr. Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Executive Secretary, Universal Services Provision Fund, USPF; Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC; Mallam Hafiz Shehu, Chief of Staff to the EVC, NCC; Mr. Shuaibu Swade, Zonal Controller, Kano, NCC; Mallam Yakubu Musa, Special Assistant to EVC on Media, during the “Talk to the Regulator Forum in Kano, recently.
The EVC gave the charge at a two-day tripartite dialogue of the Commission tagged, ’ which held in the ancient city of Kano on Friday, October 15, 2021.
The programme had in attendance representatives of more than 104 telecoms licensees in different categories and segments of the Nigerian telecoms market as well as consumers of telecoms services.
Prof. Danbatta said while the Commission continues to engender effective regulatory environment, there is a need for licensees to support several initiatives carefully designed to enhance market opportunities for all its licensees.
“Telecoms industry sustainability can only be guaranteed where all licensees ensure full and effective compliance with licence conditions and other regulatory prescriptions. So, this forum provides an opportunity to discuss areas where some of our licensees are falling short of their licence obligations, and how we can collectively improve on the present situation,” he said.
The EVC highlighted some of the key policies that have been articulated by the Federal Government, including the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS, 2020-2030); the Nigerian national Broadband Plan (NNBP, 2020-202), the Revised national Digital Identity Policy for SIM Registration, among others, and sought the licensees’ full and unalloyed commitment to ensure their successful implementation.
Danbatta also briefed the licensees about some activities which the Commission is pursuing to further facilitate the achievement of its regulatory mandate.
These include the recently-launched NCC’s five-pillar Strategic Vision Plan (SVP, 2021,2025); commencement of a comprehensive review of its licensing frameworks; ongoing reviews of other key regulatory instruments to align with the rapidly emerging contemporary developments; ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage exercise; as well as the ongoing efforts to launch the Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria.
The NCC CEO said, as the regulator, the NCC provides the enabling environment for healthy competition in the industry.
Adeleke Adewolu, executive commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, who amplified Danbatta’s voice on the need for strict compliance with telecoms regulations by the licensees, said telecoms has continued to lead national economic growth through effective regulation and adherence to rules of engagement by the licensees.
Thus, Adewolu said the sector has consistently driven growth of the Nigerian economy and has provided critical infrastructure required for the digital transformation of practically all spheres of life.
He declared that in the second quarter of 2021, the Information and Communication technology (ICT) sector sustained its trajectory of growth and contributed 17.9 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic product (GDP).
Adewolu, however, identified three key factors driving the sector’s performance to include a stable policy environment engendered by various digital economy policies; a consistent tradition of firm, fair, forthright, transparent and developmental regulatory oversight provided by the NCC; as well as long-term infrastructure investment and service commitments of telecoms licensees.
“The NCC has, therefore, organised this forum to enable us to strengthen collaboration along these three lines, to enable our valued stakeholders give us feedback on ongoing initiatives and to enable you seek clarifications on issue of concern,” Adewolu told the forum.
In his remarks, Mohammed Babajika, director, Licensing and Authorisation, NCC, said while the Commission is fully aware and committed to discharging its mandate, especially in facilitating conducive telecoms environment and guiding the industry to sustain the achievement already recorded in the industry, these can only be possible with the cooperation and support of the licensees.
Babajika said the Commission recognises the importance of various service providers, hence the need to constantly engage the licensees with a view to identifying generic and unique challenges and collectively proffering solutions to them.
The overarching objective of the forum, which is in line with NCC’s vision of strategic collaboration and partnership, was to get first-hand feedback from NCC’s licensees.
The programme will be hosted in other cities across the country during the year.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced plans to issue up to N50bn in Series 13 and 14 Commercial Paper Notes under its N250bn Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.
This proposed issuance aligns with the company’s strategy to broaden its funding sources and strengthen its liquidity position.
The proceeds from the issuance are earmarked to support MTN Nigeria’s short-term working capital needs, enabling the company to sustain its operations and meet financial obligations effectively.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public, MTN Nigeria emphasized its commitment to maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, further details regarding the structure, pricing, and timeline of the issuance will be disclosed to the market in due course, as MTN Nigeria continues to engage with stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
The telecom giant said it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy to continue diversifying its funding sources and reducing its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied towards short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria said. “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria will launch four satellites as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu said this at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space in Abuja.
The anniversary celebration was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).
Tinubu, represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, stated that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders facilitated the passing of the Space Act that led to the establishment of NASRDA in 1999.
“Space is an area of limitless opportunities and one in which the advanced countries of the world are relentlessly discovering how the opportunities can be tapped for their advantage.
“It is obvious that Nigeria cannot afford to lag in this global quest of discovering space and how the knowledge from such discoveries can help in solving her internal issues for national development,” he said.
NASRDA has made efforts to develop major space programs in collaboration with the Nigerian Military to develop capacity in the use of space for tactical services, among others.
“Today, the synergy between NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA has led to a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space program will be built in the near future.”
“All these giant strides made by this important sector of our dear country are notable and noble with the launch of seven satellites, and efforts are on top gear to launch an additional four satellites within the lifespan of this administration.”
“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” President Tinubu said.
The President also emphasised the need to strengthen the NASRDA Act to help the Nigerian space ecosystem be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.
“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programs, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens.
“This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our locational advantage for cheaper launching services.”
“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space program to accelerate technological and innovative development.”
In his remarks, Nnaji, who was represented by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report projected the global space economy to reach about 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035.
The minister added that the growth would be driven by advances in satellite technology and industries like supply chain logistics and agriculture, among others.
He stated that the growth would also impact the aerospace sector and communications and was expected to generate over 60 percent of the new economic value from space-enabled technologies.
“Space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities.
“Reduced costs and heightened accessibility will encourage increased participation from non-space sectors, integrating space into the fabric of global infrastructure,” the minister said.
He commended the President for recognising the role of space technology in the Renewed Hope Agenda and approving some projects for the agency.
“The President approved for the replacement of NASRDA’s Earth Observation satellites, ensuring the regulation of oversight functions of all space activities in the country and utilisation of space technology to monitor federal government revenues.”
Nnaji called on NASRDA to capitalise on the support of the federal government by expanding its revenue base through partnerships with the private sector.
According to him, the key areas of private sector engagement include commercial space travel, development of satellite technology, resource utilisation, investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ventures, and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.
Earlier, Dr Matthew Adepoju, director-general of NASRDA, recalled that over the past 25 years, the Nigerian Space Program had been a beacon of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration and development, thereby placing the country on the global map of space-faring nations.
The DG disclosed that President Tinubu’s administration had recently approved the development of four satellites, which included a Synthetic Aperture Radar (5AR) satellite and the first in Africa.
“This transformative project will be executed under a public-private partnership, ensuring the infusion of expertise and investment to accelerate implementation.
“These satellites will significantly enhance our capabilities in areas such as precision agriculture, disaster management, national security, and urban planning while contributing to global scientific advancements.
“Furthermore, we are guided by the recent Presidential directive to integrate space technology into the operations of all revenue-generating agencies, departments, and ministries in Nigeria.
“This directive underscores the strategic importance of space technology in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government functions, ultimately contributing to national development.
“Nigeria’s space assets—including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, and NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1, among others—are vital tools for national development.
“These satellites have supported critical disaster management, urban activities in security, health, agriculture, disaster immense value to planning, and broadband connectivity, advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.
Airtel Africa, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider with presence in 14 countries across the continent, has appointed of Dinesh Balsingh as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, effective 1st November 2024. By this appointment, Balsingh also becomes a member of the Executive Council for the Airtel Africa Group.
He takes over from Carl Cruz, who returned to his home country, The Philippines, at the end of October.
Balsingh has extensive experience across the telecommunications industry and returns to Nigeria following his appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania in 2022. Prior to his move to Tanzania, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Airtel Nigeria and therefore brings with him considerable experience of the Nigerian telecommunications market.
Balsingh’s career in the telecommunications industry spans over 24 years, having begun his career in 2000 with Hutchison Essar, before moving to Airtel India as a Marketing Director in 2006 and then Tata Docomo in 2011. Balsingh joined Airtel Nigeria as Marketing Director in 2013, before taking over as CCO in 2018.
During his tenure in Airtel Tanzania, Balsingh led the business to achieve record growth through intelligent pricing, product enhancements and disciplined execution of projects, resulting in strong Revenue Market Share (RMS) gains in the highly competitive market.
Speaking on the leadership changes, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar said, “Mr. Balsingh’s deep telecommunications experience and strong operational execution, combined with his knowledge of the Nigerian market, will be instrumental in further supporting our corporate purpose of transforming lives across Nigeria.”
Balsingh holds a Master of Business Administration from Thiagarajar School of Management.
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