Telecom
NDEPS: Pantami Directs Proper Monitoring Policies, As ICT Sector Records 1.37B USD
The Unprecedented achievement recorded in the Implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) launched barely two years ago has placed Nigeria’s Economy amongst the fastest growing in the world.
This was announced by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, at the closing ceremony of the 9th Regular Meeting of the National Council On Communications And Digital Economy (NCCDE) held in Abuja.
Prof Pantami described this year’s theme, ‘Utilizing Digital Technology To Accelerate Economic Recovery In A COVID 19 Era And Beyond’, as apt as it consolidates the present administration’s effort in driving the Nation’s Economy Digitally.
Quoting from the NBS report, Pantami said in the last Q2 of 2020, ICT was the fastest growing sector, adding that the growth rate of ICT sector in 2020 was more than four times the performance of the second most performing sector of the nation’s economy.
“The 14.7 percent growth rate of the ICT sector was greater than the combined 14.21 percent growth of the 2nd to 7th fastest growing sectors in Nigeria in 2020. The Telecommunications sector also recorded a growth rate of 15.90 percent, and this was it’s highest growth rate in the last 10 years.
“National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the Q1 2021 report and the ICT sector retained its position as the fastest growing sector of the economy, thereby contributing 14.91 percent, also in the Q2 of 2021 ICT contributed an Unprecedented 17.90 percent to the nation’s GDP”, he said.
Professor Pantami noted that in view of the remarkable achievements, President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021 commended the ICT sector by admitting that ICT sector played a very vital role in ensuring that the country exited recession.
Another milestone recorded by the sector according to Pantami in 2021, was how Startups in Nigeria raised 1.37 billion US Dollars, followed by South Africa and Egypt with 800 billion and 500 billion respectively, which he said is a clear indication that the Digital Economy sector is doing well in the country.
The Minister therefore task Council members to ensure effective implementation of the policies in their respective states as contained in the policy document, with a view to further growing the nation’s Digital Economy sector.
Oyo state emerged the overall winner in the implementation of the development pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
Heads of various Parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy such as Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa; Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Professor Muhammad Bello; Managing Director, NigComSat, Ms Abimbola Alale, and representative of the Executive Vice President, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), presented winners with medals for their outstanding performance.
Commissioners of Science and Technology from the 36 states of the federation and those from the FCT graced the occasion.
MTN Group has committed $2 billion to the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect initiative, bringing the total funds pledged to $73 billion.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Partner2Connect, spearheaded by the ITU, is a global initiative aimed at enhancing universal digital access, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general, ITU, highlighted the significance of these commitments, stating, “Expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity. These new pledges bring us closer to delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”
According to the ITU, MTN Group has shown a strong commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future, spending approximately $2 billion annually on capital expenditures across its markets over the past five years.
Similar investments are planned over the next five years, focusing on expanding and improving voice and data networks to bolster connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
The ITU also announced a $2 billion pledge from Globalstar to expand its low-Earth orbit satellite network, providing seamless, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for remote regions and underserved areas.
These efforts will include direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity solutions.
As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary, the UN agency has emphasised its dedication to bridging the global digital divide.
An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU data.
The agency has called for $100 billion in commitments by 2026 to fund projects supporting global digital transformation, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
With over 1,000 pledges spanning 147 countries, Partner2Connect is working toward ITU’s vision of a digitally connected and inclusive future.
Current estimates suggest $1.6 trillion is required for global connectivity hardware alone, with the majority of resources needed in developing nations.
The funds pledged by MTN Group and other partners are set to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital innovations to support economic and social growth worldwide.
Telegram has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety by flagging messages from unknown contacts.
When users receive messages from individuals outside their contact list for the first time, a detailed information page now appears.
This page includes details such as the sender’s country (determined by their phone number), their joining date on Telegram, any shared groups, and whether their account is verified.
The goal is to help users identify potential scams and impersonators more effectively.
In addition, Telegram now provides insight into when the sender last updated their username or profile picture, offering another way to detect compromised or hacked accounts.
The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency, promising “clear indicators” to distinguish official accounts, third-party verified profiles, and regular users.
Telegram Premium subscribers can now charge fees for messages received from users outside their contact list, a feature designed to reduce spam while allowing group administrators to monetise their communities.
Dubbed “Star Messages,” this new option enables users to set customisable fees for unsolicited messages.
The feature also provides flexibility, allowing certain users or members of specific groups to send messages for free.
Telegram’s Star Messages come with convenient options, such as single-tap refunds for payments, ensuring a seamless user experience.
By offering advanced controls and monetisation opportunities, the platform continues to prioritise user safety and satisfaction.
With these updates, Telegram strengthens its position as a platform focused on both user protection and innovative monetisation tools.
MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to grassroots sports development following a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City on March 5.
The visit coincided with the upcoming launch of Season 3 of MTN Champs, an athletics competition that will commence in Edo State from March 13 to 15.
The initiative highlights MTN’s dedication to nurturing young athletic talent and aligns seamlessly with Edo State’s focus on sports development.
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, expressed appreciation for Edo State’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure this season’s success.
Governor Okpebholo reciprocated by pledging full logistical and administrative support to make the event impactful.
Season 3 of MTN Champs is set to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, kicking off in Edo State before moving to Lagos and Uyo in subsequent weeks.
This initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader vision of fostering youth empowerment and revitalizing athletics at the grassroots level.
MTN Commits $2Bn to ITU’s Partner2Connect Initiative
Telegram Introduces New Features to Address Unsolicited Messages
NIMC Warns against Using Unauthorised Websites for NIN Changes
Kaspersky Uncovers Sophisticated Deception Campaign using DeepSeek AI as Bait
Igniteher BootCamp: A Pathway to Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
Schmidt, Ex Google Chief Says AI Risky in Terrorist Hands
KongaFM Basks in Rave Reviews from Nigerians
GSMA Launches Innovation Fund to Boost AI Solutions in Emerging Markets
FG Order MDAs to Close Commercial Banks’ Accounts, Enforce TSA Policy
OpenAI CEO Rejects $97.4Bn Takeover Bid from Elon Musk
Telecom1 day agoST Team Partner Proxy Coding School to Launch Free Tech Skills Initiative
E-Business1 day agoGBB to Train Over 300 Civil Servants on Govmail
Broadcasting1 day agoNAFDAC’s Fight Against Counterfeit Drugs Reaches New Heights with Ibadan Raid
E-Business12 hours agoKaspersky Uncovers Sophisticated Deception Campaign using DeepSeek AI as Bait
News12 hours agoIgniteher BootCamp: A Pathway to Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
Telecom12 hours agoMTN Nigeria Reaffirms Support for Grassroots Sports During Edo State Visit
Telecom12 hours agoTelegram Introduces New Features to Address Unsolicited Messages
Telecom12 hours agoForeign Affairs Minister Amb. Tuggar Lauds Moniepoint as a Nigerian Fintech Success Story