Telecom
Nigerians Pay for Calls That Did Not Connect- Lawan
Ahmad Lawan, Senate President, has charged telecommunications service providers in the country to improve their services or leave the country, saying it is wrong for Nigerians to be made to pay for calls which did not connect.
He said that the National Assembly would henceforth be tough on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that they carry out their regulatory functions effectively.
Lawan spoke while declaring open a one-day joint public hearing on the incidence of drop calls in the country.
The public hearing, tagged: “The increasing rate of drop calls and other unwholesome practices by Telecommunications Network Operators in Nigeria that have robbed Nigerians of their hard earned billions of Naira” was organized by the Senate Committees on Communication and Trade and Investment, chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central).
The Senate President said that it is wrong for Nigerians to be made to pay for calls which did not connect.
He lamented that all service providers are complicit in the rising cases of drop calls in the country for which they charge Nigerians.
Lawan said: “Whoever will provide better services, I think Nigerians will be better advised to use that service whatever it is.
“And whoever is not, Nigerians should abandon such a service provider. But at the moment all the service providers are involved in this drop calls.
“We pay for drop calls and drop calls are not services provided. For service providers, I am sorry I have to be brash and I have to be blunt, this is cumulative frustration of services not provided by telcos for years.
“The most painful part it is you don’t do it anywhere else. You do it in this country. We suffer. MTN in South Africa don’t do what they do here. Or even in Ghana.
“But in Nigeria, maybe because we are too fatalistic by saying maybe that is what God wishes, meanwhile somebody pockets billions.
“Please, let this be a journey for us in Government representing the people and you, service providers, business institutions or organizations come together and resolve this issue. It is high time.
“I know some of you will say well, we have heard this before, honestly we are going to be tough with the NCC.
“NCC should sit up and do what it is expected to do – to regulate properly because we have oversight function on NCC.
“But you (telcos) you are in business. If you are tired of what is going on I think we will insist on what may appear an uphill task.”
Senator Tinubu in her opening remarks noted that the Nigerian telecoms industry has greatly excelled over the last decade with impressive statistics to show for it.
She how lamented that the achievements in the industry have been greatly hampered by the worsening quality of service by operators.
She lamented that difficulties are often encountered in making telephone calls and “where the call eventually goes through, the caller is either unable to hear the receiver or vice versa.”
She insisted that in spite of a call being unsuccessful, the caller’s account still get charged.
Senator Tinubu said: “The achievements of the industry in the last 18 years are burdened and dwarfed by worsening Quality of Service (QOS) especially noticeable in the increasing rate of drop calls and other unwholesome practices by telecommunications network Operators.
“This and other unsatisfactory consumer experiences have made the issue a cause for concern.
“Difficulties are often encountered in making telephone calls and where the call eventually goes through, the caller is either unable to hear the receiver or vice versa.
“In spite of the call being unsuccessful, the caller’s account still gets charged. In addition, call credit often disappears from the subscribers phones without justifiable explanation.”
She further noted that “it is obvious that while the subscriber base across the networks is growing at a geometric proportion, service providers have not adequately invested in infrastructure in order to stem the tide of drop calls.
“As direct representatives of the Nigerian people, it will be absurd to fold our arms and allow this situation continue unabated.
“Certainly, all involved, starting from the operators, must confront the issue of drop calls owing to its negative impact on National Security and our nation’s economy.
“It is my belief therefore, that it is instructive for both the regulator and operators; and of course all relevant stakeholders, to strive to resolve this challenge of drop calls so as to justify the confidence of subscribers who keep them in business.”
Stakeholders that attended the public hearing included the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Umar Dambata, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council, Babatunde Irukera, and the representatives of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile, among others.
Most of the stakeholders blamed insecurity, vandalism, community antagonism, multiple fiber cuts, double taxation and road construction works for the drop calls sometimes experienced by subscribers.
All the representatives of service providers in their presentation said that drop calls are not usually charged by the networks.
Federal government has said it commence a $2 billion fibre network expansion project in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The initiative aims to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, boost internet accessibility, and drive economic growth.
Under the project, an additional 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables will be deployed, expanding Nigeria’s existing network from 35,000 km to 125,000 km.
This expansion is expected to improve internet connectivity, increase broadband penetration to over 70%, and significantly reduce access costs by more than 60%.
Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, stated that the Federal Executive Council had approved the creation of a special purpose vehicle to oversee the project’s implementation and funding.
The government will invest $1 billion directly, while the remaining funds will be sourced through loans and partnerships with organisations such as the World Bank.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.
Improved fibre optic infrastructure is expected to drive technological advancements, attract investment, and create job opportunities across various sectors.
By enhancing internet accessibility nationwide, the project will support Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, facilitate e-governance, and enable digital inclusion, particularly in underserved rural areas.
The government’s investment in broadband infrastructure is seen as a strategic move to position the country as a regional hub for digital innovation.
The launch of the fibre network project marks a significant step toward closing Nigeria’s digital divide, fostering economic development, and ensuring that more Nigerians have access to affordable, high-speed internet.
MTN Group has reported a 69 per cent decline in full-year earnings, citing the impact of Nigeria’s naira devaluation and operational difficulties in Sudan.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria
The company with headquarters in South Africa announced on Monday that its headline earnings per share—a key profitability measure fell sharply to 98 cents for the year ending December 31, down from 315 cents in 2023.
The financial downturn was largely attributed to Nigeria’s ongoing foreign exchange crisis, which has led to chronic dollar shortages and multiple currency devaluations.
In a bid to stabilize the naira and attract investment, the Central Bank of Nigeria implemented devaluation measures that significantly affected businesses operating in the country, including MTN.
Rising inflation and high interest rates further exacerbated the situation, increasing operational costs and contributing to the telecom giant’s financial slump.
MTN Nigeria, a key subsidiary of the group, bore the brunt of the economic turmoil. Its pre-tax loss surged by over 200 per cent, reaching N550.3bn ($355.76m).
In response, the company has initiated several measures aimed at restoring profitability, including renegotiating tower leases and implementing a tariff hike, which received regulatory approval in January.
Despite the challenging economic environment, Ralph Mupita, CEO, MTN Group said the company remains optimistic about the recovery prospects in Nigeria.
“That pain which we’ve had for 18 months is abating somewhat,” Mupita stated during a media briefing. “The business is growing very strongly. So, I’m actually very bullish and confident that we’ll see a strong recovery in Nigeria.”
Beyond Nigeria, MTN’s performance in Sudan was also hampered by the country’s ongoing armed conflict.
The unrest led to network impairments totalling 11.7bn rands ($643.40m), significantly affecting operations in the capital, Khartoum, where services had been down since April 2023.
However, the company has reported gradual improvements, with some sites being restored in previously conflict-ridden areas.
Despite the downturn, MTN’s overall group service revenue stood at 177.8bn rand, reflecting a 15 per cent decline.
However, in constant currency terms, the company noted a 14 per cent rise in service revenue, buoyed by growth in data, fintech, digital, and enterprise services, particularly in its home market of South Africa, where service revenue increased by 3.1 per cent.
To reassure investors, MTN declared a final dividend of 345 cents per share and projected a minimum dividend of 370 cents for the 2025 financial year.
While the company continues to navigate economic and geopolitical challenges across its markets, the management said it remains focused on strategic initiatives aimed at stabilizing its operations and ensuring long-term profitability.
The telecom giant said it is actively engaging with regulatory authorities, implementing cost-cutting measures, and leveraging its digital transformation strategy to drive revenue growth.
With confidence in Nigeria’s long-term market potential, MTN said it is optimistic about a turnaround despite the current headwinds.
Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria’s foremost digital infrastructure and services provider, has unveiled a bold and comprehensive four-year strategic plan (2025-2028) aimed at accelerating the integrated digital transformation Strategy (IDTS) plan for government and businesses in Nigeria.
This strategy is designed to enhance digital service delivery, strengthen connectivity, and support Nigeria’s vision of a fully integrated digital economy.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, the strategy focuses on five core pillars that will drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
The first focuses on building a Resilient Digital Infrastructure; ensuring that government and businesses have access to secure, high-speed, and scalable digital platforms. By building and maintaining a robust digital backbone, GBB aims to support the nation’s growing demand for seamless connectivity and data security.
The second pillar, Integrated Digital Ecosystems; fosters collaboration between government, businesses, and local communities, creating a more connected Nigeria. Through this initiative, GBB seeks to break silos and establish a unified digital experience that enhances communication, innovation, and service delivery.
To meet the evolving demands of governance and business, the strategy prioritizes Innovative Service Delivery; ensuring that digital solutions are tailored to address economic, social, and administrative needs. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, GBB is committed to driving efficiency, economic growth, and improved public service delivery.
Now, recognizing the critical role of trust in the digital era, the fourth pillar of the strategy places a strong emphasis on Digital Leadership & Trust. GBB is dedicated to fostering a culture of cybersecurity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is not only efficient but also secure and reliable.
To sustain long-term impact, the fifth pillar, Financial Sustainability; remains a key priority. By investing in innovative technologies and expanding its digital services, GBB aims to drive revenue growth while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all users.
At its core, this strategic roadmap is designed to enhance government efficiency, boost economic development, and improve the overall digital experience for Nigerians. So, as part of its commitment to achieving these goals, GBB is actively engaging with government agencies, private sector players, and international and local partners to foster collaboration and accelerate implementation.
Through strategic partnerships, the organization is poised to lead Nigeria into a new era of digital excellence, ensuring that businesses and government institutions alike are equipped for the future.
Galaxy Backbone, through its IDTS plan, remains steadfast in its mission to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation through world-class infrastructure, secure connectivity, and innovative solutions that power progress.
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