Telecom
Nigeria’s Aggressive Taxes is Cause of Bad Network – Report

Nigeria’s multiple and aggressive implementation of taxation on telecommunications companies is the cause of bad network quality, according to nairametrics.com
This was disclosed in a report released by SB Morgen titled “Inside Nigeria’s Subnational Fiscal Crisis”.
The report stated that the telecommunications industry appears to suffer disproportionately from this over taxation in Nigeria.
The report also revealed that there are over 40 different taxes and levies meted out upon the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) carrying out telecom services in Nigeria.
However, the aggressive taxation of this sector has led to the degradation of network quality causing Nigerians to suffer the consequences.
What the report is saying
The report stated that the poor network quality is an evident result of telecoms corporations’ numerous taxation.
It said, ”A clear impact of multiple taxations of telecommunications companies is the degradation of network quality. This mostly occurs when state authorities, in a bid to enforce compliance in payment of taxes, lock up the facilities of telecom operators and deny them access to their sites for refuelling, maintenance or fault resolution.”
The report stated that the regulator’s forceful lockout of telcos would result in catastrophic network disruptions, affecting a large number of Nigerians.
The report said, “The lockouts are quite often targeted at large sites, which effectively paralyses a good section of the network, causing complete network outage for the affected communities over an area that could stretch across as many as two or more adjoining states.”
According to the report, the effects of such network failures are not limited to the impacted telecommunications network but may spread to others as affected clients transfer to other network providers when they are unable to enjoy service from their current network providers.
The report said, “telecommunications operators in Kogi State warned that the shutting down of their sites by the Kogi State government in a bid to force operators to pay more taxes and levies could lead to a communications blackout in as many as 11 states.”
The report added that “State governments often lock telcos out of their facilities in a bid to collect various taxes. Oftentimes this leads to a degradation of network quality”
What you should know
The Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 estimates that 4G coverage is at 37% and has a target of achieving coverage of at least 90% of the population and a penetration rate of 70% by the end of the plan’s lifetime and delivering data download speeds of about 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas.
It also forecasts that for every 10% increase in broadband penetration, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rises by 2.6-3.8%, making this an economically significant initiative.
According to Nigeria’s GDP data, the telecommunications sector had a nominal GDP of N14.1 trillion as of December 2021 compared to N5.3 trillion for the entire financial services sector.10 years ago (2021), Telecommunication Sector has a nominal GDP of N5.3 trillion while banks had a GDP nominal size of N1.49 trillion.
Telcos have a customer base and demand that will drive increased revenues and profitability in the coming years, with over 199 million active mobile users. Telcos also have the capability and capital to diversify into other areas of the economy, beginning with banking. MTN’s latest MOMO license provides the company with a new source of revenue.
Nairametrics reported that Nigeria’s telecommunications behemoth, MTN Nigeria, is now worth N5 trillion, making it more valuable than all banks, insurance companies, and financial services firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange combined.
Telecom
NASENI, Nigerian Air Force Renew Strategic Partnership to Drive Indigenous Defense Technologies

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on indigenous technology development, particularly in defense, aerospace, and infrastructure.
The event, which took place at NASENI Headquarters in Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja on 25th July 2025, was marked by a high-level visit led by the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar alongside senior officers from the Nigerian Airforce. The team was received by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and his management team.
In his keynote remarks, the Air Marshal commended NASENI for its transformative work under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, particularly in reverse engineering, local manufacturing of engineering components, and consistent support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He specifically acknowledged NASENI’s contribution to the development of the C5 Rocket Project, highlighting the agency’s role in producing the rocket bodies and structural components, and in conducting precision material analysis.
He also applauded the establishment of the NASENI Northwest Technology Innovation Hub located at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, describing it as a landmark project made possible through land support by NAF.
The Air Marshal noted that, Airforce is seeking greater inclusion in the governance and execution of the hub, given its role as host and technical contributor, also proposing that NASENI formally co-own the C5 Rocket Project, while urging the agency to continue leading the production of rocket body structures while exploring cost optimizations.
Furthermore, he invited NASENI to enroll its young researchers in newly developed R&D training modules at its Research and Development Institute. The request extends to a new area of partnership — capacity building in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining for Air Force technical personnel at NASENI’s Centre of Excellence.
Responding, NASENI EVC/CEO Mr. Khalil Suleman Halilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the long-standing collaboration with the Air Force, describing it as both professional and personal.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is one of our smoothest and most productive,” he said. “We’ve achieved so much together — from reverse-engineering projects to shared innovation hubs — and we are just getting started.”
Mr. Halilu showcased NASENI’s progress in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) development, drone pilot training, asset recovery programs, and its world-class CNC machining infrastructure, inviting the Air Force to take advantage of all available resources and facilities.
He emphasized NASENI’s culture of private sector collaboration as a model for cost-effective implementation while maintaining inclusive access for public institutions such as the Air Force.
Highlighting the signing of the new MoU, Mr. Halilu said the updated agreement is designed to be more structured, result-driven, and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It focuses on joint R&D, local manufacturing of aerospace and defense components, human capital development, and knowledge exchange.
“This partnership goes beyond paperwork,” Mr. Halilu noted. “It’s about building the future of Nigeria’s defense and innovation ecosystem together.”
The formal signing of the renewed MoU marked a new chapter in the strategic relationship between both institutions, setting the stage for the activation of joint action plans on the C5 Rocket Project, CNC training, defense manufacturing, and other innovation-driven initiatives.
Telecom
How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
Telecom
MTN Media Innovation Programme Fellows Gain Insight into Nigeria’s Connectivity Backbone

Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) embarked on an intensive industry tour recently, gaining firsthand experience of MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure and learning how technology is shaping the future of connectivity and storytelling.

L-R: Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria; Rebecca Edun, Social Director, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, recently.
The day began with a visit to the MTN Cable Landing Station, where the Fellows explored the facility that serves as a gateway for international data traffic. The tour provided insights into the network that powers Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
At the MTN Switch in Aromire, the group observed key operations ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. They were guided through the processes that keep millions of Nigerians connected daily.
Later at MTN’s Head Office in Falomo, the Fellows engaged in two sessions with the company’s executives.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the role of 5G and IoT in driving innovation and storytelling in the media. “5G is not just about speed; it’s an enabler of experiences,” she said. “With ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity, we can deliver high-definition content production, virtual reality experiences and cloud-native workflows that redefine how journalists create and audiences consume media.”
The CMO also noted that MTN’s leadership in 5G since 2022 has opened doors for industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment to innovate.
In a session on network innovation and digital transformation, MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence for demand planning and network optimisation. “AI allows us to predict faults, automate maintenance and plan smarter for Nigeria’s unique needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the technical challenges of maintaining network stability. “From seamless handovers between base stations to combating fibre cuts and vandalism, we work around the clock because connectivity is critical to the economy and to people’s lives,” Ibrahim said.
The day provided Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of MTN’s infrastructure and the technologies shaping Nigeria’s digital future, reinforcing the programme’s goal of empowering media professionals to tell richer, more informed stories about the industry.
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