Telecom
Nigeria’s QoS Better than London’s -NCC
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday boasted that quality of service (QoS) in the country was one of the best in the world and even better than services offered in Central London, England and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Commission has also unveiled the corporate governance code that will protect the over $25billion worth of assets in the telecommunications sector.
Speaking at the 75th Telecoms Consumer Parliament in Lagos, Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman/CEO, NCC, said that QoS provided by players in both the aviation and banking sectors of the economy were worse than the one offered in the telecoms sector yet not much noise is heard about that.
“I have heard about these complaints about quality of service in Nigeria. The quality of service in Nigeria is not the worst. The quality of service in this country is better than that of Central London, better than Dubai. Wireless telephony technology is rather complex. You cannot absolutely do without drop calls.”
Juwah who was reacting to the explanation of, Akinwale Goodluck, corporate service executive at MTN that QoS get degraded during wet season because of whirlwind, said while he will neither agree nor controvert that position, the technology of global service for mobile (GSM) communication is complex.
The NCC boss explained that it is not within the mandate of the regulator to compel operators to give financial compensation to customers for poor QoS, adding that its mandate is to ensure that customers get fair deal by ensuring that they get value for their money.
He said the NCC will continue to sanction operators that fail to meet the specified key performance indicators (KPIs) while money paid from the fines will be paid to the coffers of the Federal Government for appropriation since the regulator does not have the power to “appropriate”.
He said customers that feel so aggrieved about the QoS issue should either go to the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) or the court to seek redress.
Earlier the the Commission unveiled corporate governance code, a product of consultations among stakeholders, dating back to April 2012.
The commission said stakeholders had agreed that the absence of a common code binding on all telecommunications operators was hindering the growth of the sector.
It, therefore, noted that the code would put something new in the sector and would contribute to the nation’s rebased Gross Domestic Product.
Juwah, said the telecommunications sector was of strategic and high impact significance to the economy at a macro level, and had considerable reach at the micro level.
This, Juwah pointed out, was made up of a wide range of operators with diversity in size, scope of operations, asymmetry qualifications, legal and regulatory requirements, capital market activities as well as local and cross-border relationships.
“The combined factors of the strategic importance of telecommunications and the unprecedented growth of the sector (over 130 million mobile subscribers), with extensive reach across all social and demographic groups in the Nigerian economy, makes it imperative that operators in this critical sector must uphold a code of corporate governance, which is specific to their industry,” he added.
At the launch on Thursday, Dr. Omobola Johnson, minister of Communication Technology, said that the major factor in corporate governance is to create a system that holds decision makers accountable while according proper respect to their positions in the company.
Johnson added that the standard accountability mechanisms, as generally accepted, are the market, shareholders voting, and civil and criminal liability.
The Minister who was represented Engineer John Ayodele, a director at the Ministry, alluded to the theory that these mechanisms work together to create incentives for responsible decision making and to deter self-dealing or other forms of misconduct.
“In reality, however, each of these accountability mechanisms contains flaws that allow corporate governors to sometimes exercise an unreasonable degree of discretion when making decisions that affect the fortunes of stakeholders. When governance systems fail, the impact can be devastating for parties.
“Working with stakeholders, NCC has fulfilled its responsibility by putting in place a framework that adequately contains minimum best practices. The Code is however, dynamic therefore as new experiences accrue and business circumstances change its content and structure will be adjusted through periodic review and consultation,” the Minister said.
Johnson also tasked the NCC to develop and effective post-launch monitoring scheme with allocated responsibilities for supervision, implementation and enforcement among different operators in a clearly defined way.
Nodding in agreement, Dr. Eugene Juwah, executive vice chairman (NCC), said that the Code became expedient as telecommunications forms strategic and high impact significance to the economy at the macro level and has considerable reach at the micro level.
He said that the sector is made of wide range of operators with diversity in size, scope of operations, asymmetry qualifications, legal and regulatory requirements, capital market activities as well as local cross-border relationships.
“The combined factors of the strategic importance of telecommunications and the unprecedented growth of the sector; having over 130 million mobile subscribers, with extensive reach across social and demographic groups in the Nigerian align to and uphold of a Code of Corporate Governance which is specific to their industry.
“Also, the recognized corporate governance principles of accountability, transparency, integrity and ethical conduct, independence, etc., are important for all types of companies operating in the telecommunications industry, whether public or private, large or small, as the requirement for good corporate governance does not wane on account of size or type of business affiliation,” the EVC added.
He maintained that shareholders and other stakeholders are now placing higher demand on companies to demonstrate these principles; hence NCC is determined to promote good corporate governance for the telecommunications industry.
MTN South Africa, in partnership with Lynk Global, has successfully conducted Africa’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call touted as a groundbreaking development.
This historic trial, conducted in Vryburg, North West province, marks a major step toward bridging connectivity gaps in underserved and rural regions across the continent.
The test involved making a voice call using a standard smartphone connected via a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional network infrastructure, providing a viable solution for remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage.
According to Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, this initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to extend network coverage to hard-to-reach areas.
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure connectivity for all, regardless of location,” Molapisi stated.
The trial also assessed SMS capabilities over the LEO satellite connection, proving the technology’s potential for widespread application.
With successful implementation, satellite-to-mobile communication could revolutionise telecommunications in Africa, enabling digital inclusion and economic opportunities in regions previously disconnected from mainstream networks.
This milestone underscores the growing role of satellite technology in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
By integrating satellite solutions with existing mobile networks, MTN and Lynk Global aim to provide seamless connectivity that overcomes traditional infrastructure challenges.
Samson Aminu, also known as Smile, has described the Smart Treasure Investment Team (ST Team) as a transformative force that has empowered its members and significantly contributed to poverty eradication.
Samson Aminu
Aminu, a VIP 9 member of the team, shared his experiences on Friday during the official car presentation ceremony held at the regional office in Lagos. Having recently received a Lexus RX350 and an international vacation from the team, Aminu recounted how the organization has positively changed his life.
“The Smart Treasure Investment Team has really imparted my life positively and changed my status from zero to hero,” he said.
He revealed that his first earnings through the team allowed him to relocate to a new apartment and acquire gadgets. “I’ve purchased various items for myself and my family, and established an operational center in Ilorin,” he added.
The ST Team, according to Aminu, aligns its activities with the United Nations’ 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include youth empowerment, poverty eradication, support for education in rural areas, and community service.
“The ST Team has come to eradicate poverty in Africa and across the globe. We are teaching people how to catch fish by themselves and making them financially stable,” Aminu explained.
He highlighted the organization’s initiatives such as providing allowances to civil servants, feeding the elderly, orphans, and widows, and investing in agriculture to sustain local communities.
“If the ST Team lasts long for another three years, the government would be grateful to this project as it would bring peace and comfort to the society,” Aminu said.
He applauded the leaders of the organization, Dr. Harold and Mentor Tina, for their sincerity, honesty, and dedication to humanity. “I urge the government to support this project, which has brought significant change to Nigeria in just two years,” he said.
Aminu, who has over 15 years of experience in multilevel marketing, commended the team for its exceptional standards and sustainability.
Telecom
15-Year-Old Autistic Artist, Kanye, to Unveil World’s Largest Art Canvas on Autism Awareness Day
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, affectionately known as Kanye, has become a beacon of inspiration for Nigeria’s youth. The 15-year-old autistic artist is set to unveil what is expected to be the world’s largest art canvas by an individual on April 2, 2025, World Autism Awareness Day, at Eagles Square in Abuja.
Kanye’s journey began at the tender age of two when he first showed a proclivity towards art. Despite facing challenges associated with autism, Kanye has flourished as an artist, earning accolades and the nickname “Young Picasso” for his exceptional abstract paintings.
The young prodigy’s attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record started in November. 2024, as part of the Zeebah Foundation’s ‘Impossibility Is A Myth’ project. This initiative not only showcases Kanye’s extraordinary talent but also aims to raise funds for a state-of-the-art autism resource center in Abuja, highlighting the need for greater support and inclusion for individuals with autism.
Kanye’s story aligns with MTN Nigeria’s recent “Go Make A Difference” (Go M.A.D) campaign, which encourages Nigerians to take bold steps and create positive impacts in their communities. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised how Kanye embodies the Go M.A.D philosophy: “MTN’s mission is to connect people all over the world. Kanye is connecting art lovers, and people all over the world as well. He is a true icon, breaking barriers and proving that nothing is impossible”.
The unveiling event will be attended by key dignitaries, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa. This high-profile support underscores the significance of Kanye’s achievement and its potential to inspire change.
Kanye’s father, Tagbo Okeke, stressed that this record attempt goes beyond personal achievement. “We started this awareness campaign to tell parents that no child should be left behind, that they are Fabulous, Autistic and Talented,” he said. The family’s efforts, including opening a gallery in Abuja where art therapy workshops are conducted, demonstrate their commitment to supporting others on the autism spectrum.
As Nigeria’s youth witness Kanye’s remarkable journey, many are inspired to make their own difference, regardless of the challenges they face. Kanye’s story proves that with determination, support, and the right tools – such as those provided by initiatives like MTN’s Go M.A.D campaign – young Nigerians can achieve extraordinary feats and create meaningful change in their communities.
Kanye’s upcoming unveiling of his monumental artwork is not just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, perseverance, and the limitless potential of Nigeria’s youth to make a difference.
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