Telecom
NCCT Urges NIPOST to Leverage PAV for Services
The National Council on Communication Technology (NCCT) urged the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to leverage on existing Public Access Venues (PAV) infrastructure around the country to deploy its services.
This was part of communiqué issued at the end of the Third (3rd) meeting of Council held in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State recently under the Chairmanship of Dr. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology.
The Communique, thus urged NIPOST to use its post offices to deploy ICT services all across the country.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication Technology in implementing the National Broadband Plan at all tiers of government, has urged States in the country to sign up to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry for the implementation of the Smart State initiative already pioneered in 3 states namely Lagos, Cross River and FCT; and being tested in Anambra, Bayelsa, Ondo with others to follow.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek had reported that 34 States are yet to sign the agreement which will, among other things, lead to reduction in taxations and levies charged on telecom infrastructures at the States level.
The Ministry of Communication Technology and the Broadband Council chaired by Dr Omobola Johnson, is promoting a ‘’Smart State’’ initiative geared at engaging governors and relevant authorities at the state and federal level to address the issue of multiple taxation impeding the acceleration of the roll out of critical infrastructure across Nigeria.
The main aim of the Smart States initiative is to ensure that effective measures are adopted to remove arbitrary charges and eradicate multiple taxations across the nation impeding the roll out of critical ICT infrastructure across Nigeria.
In her keynote address at the NCCT Meeting, Dr Johnson commended Bayelsa State for Signing the Smart State MoU.
She indicated that the Ministry is currently collaborating with Bayelsa State in a number of areas and congratulated the Governor for pursuing a Digital Transformation Agenda in his State.
Johnson highlighted the top priority areas of the Ministry to include Connect Nigeria-which focuses on building ICT infrastructure, Connect Nigerians, ICT in government and Local Content.
She disclosed that the Ministry of Communication Technology has made progress in its priority areas resulting in improvements in a number of indicators including teledensity, active subscription, number of internet users, and internet penetration. She also noted that steady progress was being made in software industry development and ICT in government.
She assured that the Ministry of Communication Technology would provide the necessary leadership and rallying point for ensuring that the potential of the Nigerian ICT sector is fully harvested for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable development.
The Council deliberated exhaustively on the 73-page report presented by the meeting of officials and other items of the Agenda and agreed on major decisions and recommendations highlighted in the Communiqué.
The NCCT urged States and Local governments in the country to make policy changes in the areas of investing in infrastructure security and development, active collaboration in negotiating Federal, State and local government jurisdiction issues as it affects ICT.
The changes should also incorporate the establishing or strengthening where they exist Ministries, agencies or authorities to build capability to coordinate ICT that will pay due attention to ICT investment and funding as well as coordinated ICT development in States.
The Communiqué also urged Members to sensitize their Chief Executives and mobilize support for implementation of the National Addressing policy to be piloted in the six geopolitical zones with Ekiti, Nasarawa, Benue, Bayelsa, Osun, Plateau, Gombe and Anambra states as volunteers.
All states in the country were also urged to participate actively in the effort to finalise the national e-government framework.
The NCCT Meeting which considered 49 substantive memoranda in addition to a number of information memos also called on all tiers of government in Nigeria to consider the adoption of the Open Data policy as a means of creating jobs.
They also highlighted need to make data available for policy formulation and decision making as well as reducing the cost of governance and improving public service delivery and a call for the Federal Government to develop and implement a National Data security policy that would be entrenched in all tiers of government and other sectors.
Other recommendations contained in the Communiqué include a call for the institutionalization of equal participation for women and girls in ICT as a matter of priority for national development and the adoption and replication of the Ministry’s Digital Girls curriculum in State secondary schools across the nation.
The Communiqué also urged members of the Council to bring the contents of the Guidelines for Nigerian Local Content in ICT to the attention of state MDAs, ICT companies and the public in general. Other recommendations in the Communiqué include the call for the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology to approach the National Bureau of Statistics NBS with a view to mainstreaming relevant ICT indicators into their data collection instruments as a complementary means of mitigating the present paucity of ICT data.
Furthermore, they called for Galaxy Backbone Limited partnership with the state governments to extend the data security facilities in the states from the existing infrastructure to fully optimize the value of the initial investment on the facilities.
To further promote the Digital Jobs initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, the Communiqué urged each State to provide a suitable venue with 250 sitting capacity and nominate 800 unemployed youths for the workshop for training of prospective job seekers on digital job opportunities.
States and local governments were also urged to support NigComSat as it negotiates with them on the acquisition of sites for the deployment of infrastructure to facilitate the affordability of its services.
In order to put a sustainable mechanism for addressing the problem of Cyber security in the country, Council also called on NITDA to actively work towards the development of National Cyber security Strategy without prejudice to ongoing efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Companies and entities at both the State and Federal levels were also urged by the Communiqué to have .ng domain names and to establish web presence.
The NCCT Council commended Dr Johnson for her commitment and hard work in moving the ICT sector forward in her three years in office as the Honourable Minister and noted and appreciated the efforts of many states that made presentations and shared their experiences on how they are using ICT applications for improved service delivery and greater efficiency.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recent increase in tariffs by telecommunications companies in Nigeria, threatening to embark on a nationwide protest to compel a reversal.
In a statement jointly signed on Thursday in Abuja by Comrade Anzaku Shedrack Ovye, national secretary-general, NANS and Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the student body gave the Federal Government and telecommunications companies a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the tariff increase.
The students warned that upon the expiration of the ultimatum, students across the country would be mobilized for a series of street protests nationwide to ensure a reversal.
They argued that the arbitrary action of telecommunications companies has further exacerbated the financial burden on millions of Nigerians, particularly students and youths, who are among the dominant end-users of their services.
The statement read in part:
“This decision, which has led to a significant rise in the cost of calls, data, and other communication services, is both unjustifiable and insensitive, given the prevailing economic challenges faced by the populace.
“NANS views this development as a blatant disregard for the welfare of Nigerian citizens and an affront to the principles of affordability and accessibility that should govern the telecommunications sector.
“This administration is committed to promoting the welfare of Nigerian students; hence, it will vehemently oppose any tendency that does not align with this vision.
“NANS is deeply concerned about the adverse impact this tariff hike will have on students, many of whom rely heavily on affordable telecommunications services for academic research, virtual learning, and staying connected with their families.
“Therefore, it is worrisome to comprehend the justifications for these increments, as NANS considers this action a direct threat to the security of Nigerian students and an attempt to further impede their ability to navigate their academic endeavors, maintain familial connections, and secure legitimate personal incomes, particularly for independent students responsible for their upkeep.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to telecommunications companies, the Honourable Minister for Innovation, Digital and Blue Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission to reverse this tariff increase and provide a clear roadmap for ensuring affordable telecommunications services for all Nigerians.
“Failure to comply with this ultimatum will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilize students across the nation for a series of peaceful protests to demand justice, accountability, and a comprehensive audit of activities in the telecommunications sector,” NANS stated.
The leadership of NANS maintained that as student representatives, they would not stand idly by while the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, which they have vowed to protect, are trampled upon by greed, “corporate capitalism,” and regulatory complicity.
NANS also called on the Federal Government to intervene promptly and decisively to address this issue.
Additionally, they urged telecommunications companies to prioritize the interests of their customers over profit margins and to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions rather than inflict further hardship on Nigerians who are already struggling economically.
“As the voice of Nigerian students, NANS remains committed to advocating for policies and actions that promote equity, fairness, and the overall well-being of all Nigerians.
“We will continue to hold all parties and duty-bearers accountable to ensure that the rights of students and citizens are protected,” the statement added.
Federal Government has restated its dedication to closing Nigeria’s digital divide, with a focus on delivering connectivity to underserved and unserved communities.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement session held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tijani noted that while significant progress has been made in expanding broadband penetration and strengthening digital infrastructure, millions of Nigerians remain without access to reliable digital opportunities.
He announced several flagship initiatives under the Federal Government’s efforts to bridge the divide. These include Project BRIDGE, a 90,000km fibre optic expansion; Project 774, aimed at connecting every local government secretariat with high-speed internet; and the Universal Access Project, targeted at connecting over 20 million unconnected Nigerians.
Other initiatives, such as the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) and the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, were also highlighted.
“The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) remains a critical tool in delivering this goal, as it supports infrastructure expansion and inclusive policies,” Tijani said.
He stressed the need for strong public-private partnerships and collaboration with development agencies and local communities to achieve sustainable progress.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), emphasized the importance of unified efforts to build resilient telecommunication infrastructure.
He revealed that projects funded by the USPF had played a significant role in connecting remote communities.
“We urge stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and explore innovative financing models that will ensure sustainable connectivity,” Maida said.
The engagement session also provided a platform for deliberations on practical strategies for addressing barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy, which hinder the achievement of universal connectivity in Nigeria.
The Federal Government reiterated its vision of achieving universal access to communications and digital literacy for all Nigerians by 2030.
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, on Thursday launched ‘MyLagosApp,’ a digital platform designed to enhance urban living in Lagos.
L-R: Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria, A’isha Mumuni; Legendary Nollywood Actress, Joke Silva; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat and Chief Information Officer, MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke at the launch of MyLagosApp, a one-stop digital hub designed to simplify urban living, held on Thursday, March 13 at MTN Rooftop Plaza, Falomo, Lagos.
The application, which serves as a one-stop hub for events, entertainment, transport services, hospitality, and government-related payments, aims to simplify access to essential services for residents and visitors.
At the launch event held in Lagos, the Executive Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the partnership as a milestone in leveraging technology to improve lives.
“This collaboration reflects our administration’s commitment to bridging the gap between public and private sectors, using innovation to provide practical solutions for the people,” Hamzat said.
He described the app as a vital tool for fostering transparency, accountability, and seamless access to public services, noting that it aligns with the state’s smart city initiatives.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, expressed the company’s pride in partnering with the Lagos State Government to achieve this milestone.
“MyLagosApp is a major stride in digital transformation, marking a significant step in making Lagos a truly smart city. It simplifies connectivity, access to services, and promotes an efficient urban ecosystem,” Toriola said.
The app, developed by MTN’s Software Lab, adheres to global security standards and ISO 27001 certification, according to MTN’s Chief Information Officer, Shoyinka Shodunke.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized the role of the app in advancing mobility, supporting local businesses, and enhancing government-citizen interactions.
The application is now available for download on Android and iOS platforms.
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