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General News

SMS and CSC Effective Mobile Marketing Tools

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Technology continues to improve the way mankind does business in the 21st century and one of the best tools that have enhanced our living standards is mobile device which continues to astound even the innovators to push beyond limits
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Before the turn of the century, analogue fixed wired telephone ruled but all that seem gone with the advent of digital mobile phone. Now, other mobile devices like the android, iPhone and tablet makes the famed George Orwells’ 1984 stone age.

The prediction earlier this year according to the Cisco’s ‘visual networking index’ on global mobile data traffic forecast is that the number of connected mobile devices will exceed total human population.

Over the past two years, connected global mobile data continue to double in growth. In 2011 for example, the traffic grew above Cisco’s prediction of 131 per cent – it grew at 133 per cent. “In 2011, mobile data traffic was 8 times the size of the entire global Internet in 2000 (597 petabytes vs. 75 petabytes).”

By 2016, we are told there will be about 1.4 mobile devices per capita, with over 10 billion connected mobile devices worldwide. The world population is projected to reach 7.3 billion by that year.

“By 2012, over 100 million smartphone users will be using over 1 gigabytes-per-month of data. And by 2016, the monthly global smartphone data traffic will pass 10 exabytes-per-months, with the average smartphone generating 2.6 gigabytes-per-month, a 17-fold increase from 2011’s average.”

Businesses find these figures quite attractive bate to invest in new line of operation. In North America, where connectivity is significantly high compared to emerging markets as in Africa, companies and organization now find the mobile platform as medium to reach out to potential and existing clients.

“Specifically, SMS is the most effective channel for marketers because of its simplicity, adoption (or) familiarity, and unbiased reach.

 Virtually all phones are SMS capable, which means the channel can reach five billion subscribers worldwide.

The International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry (CTIA) reported U.S. annualized yearly text messaging at 2.12 trillion in June 2011, indicating a huge opportunity for marketers.

And, according to Nielsen Mobile, the average consumer sends 600 messages per month compared to using less than 200 voice minutes,” according to a neustar report recently released.

Interestingly, unlike in Africa where the majority of the populations rely on mobile phones to transact businesses and engage in other forms of social-activities, only about 31.6 per cent of the American households are wireless-only (suggesting that they rely solely on their mobile phones as opposed to fixed-landlines).

In over 95 per cent of post-paid mobile contracts, text messages is built into the contract with about 90 per cent of SMS opened and read, this contrast sharply to less than 40 per cent of all email solicitations.

In essence, text message or SMS with its universal accessibility and usage, combined with the ability to provide information in real-time and creates opportunities is making it increasingly more attractive medium of communication than the email options.

More and more companies in the most advanced economies are relying on a ‘common shot code’ mobile marketing platform to “deliver personal, immediate and actionable contents to a target audience.”

“A Common Short Code (CSC) is a 5 or 6 digit carrier-approved number that mobile phone subscribers use to send SMS messages in order to receive information, promotions, alerts and branded content directly to their device.”

Radio stations operating in the frequency modulation (FM), band in Nigeria find the CSC attractive to interact with their target audience – this is affected through a binding contract between the station(s) and a mobile operator, with revenue sharing formula built into the contract. The CSC gateway proves a mutual benefit to both consumers and brands in establishing a two-way communication channel.

“The CSC gateway enables wireless subscribers to access mobile applications and participate in voting and polling, customer feedback, database enrollment, news and offer alerts, contests, surveys, chat, games, direct marketing and mobile commerce. Short code campaigns are rapidly growing in popularity because of their inherent simplicity, ubiquitous outreach, societal trendiness, and perpetual accessibility,” said neustar.

Radio listeners turn to SMS and the CSC platforms to reach their preferred stations during social protests to vent their frustrations over the airwaves. This is even more attractive because of the low broadband penetration in Nigeria and the lack of access to Internet facility to send email or interact on social media platforms. Its cost effectiveness is also an added attraction that pulls listeners to use this medium.

Increasingly, as in the most advanced economies, more businesses would find this medium more profitable to reach their customers for a more cheaper, faster and sure advertising platform.

The result of a recent survey by U.S based firm showed that CSC campaign generated 325 percent more entries than the Web-based call-to-action. While it only ran in 25 percent of the adverts, the short code campaign generated to 52 percent of the total entries. The results demonstrate how short code campaigns make it easy for the consumer to respond to the calls to action while it is still top of mind.


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General News

NIMASA Embraces Technology to Strengthen Regulatory Mandate

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance its regulatory functions, improve efficiency, and boost revenue generation for the Federal Government.

According to a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, on Sunday, the move follows a comprehensive internal review of NIMASA’s operational systems aimed at closing gaps in monitoring and compliance.

A key component of the technological transformation is the deployment of the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS), which brings digital traceability to the core of Nigeria’s maritime operations.

“MEMS provides real-time visibility into vessel movements, operational logs, and regulatory interactions,” Osagie explained.

“With automated alerts, smart invoicing, and centralized data integration, NIMASA can now detect, document, and respond to maritime activities with greater precision and efficiency—eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks while strengthening compliance.”

He noted that one of the major targets for improvement is waste reception services—routine for both domestic and international vessels—which have historically lacked proper tracking.

This has resulted in unmonitored activities and substantial revenue losses. Through MEMS, each waste offload can now be logged, time-stamped, and automatically billed, ensuring environmental standards are upheld while generating consistent revenue.

Marine pollution control, another critical area under NIMASA’s mandate, has also suffered in the past from limited digital oversight.

“Without satellite tracking and automated reporting, pollution events often went unnoticed or were reported too late to mitigate environmental damage,” he said.

“Now, with modern surveillance systems, digital logbooks, and real-time alerts, NIMASA can respond swiftly to pollution incidents, recover environmental damages, and hold polluters accountable both legally and financially.”

Osagie further explained that past revenue shortfalls experienced by the agency were largely due to outdated manual processes, fragmented data systems, and inadequate digital enforcement tools—factors that external actors exploited for personal gain.

“The ongoing reforms at NIMASA are designed to overcome these systemic weaknesses. By investing in digital infrastructure and streamlining monitoring systems, the agency is positioning itself to fulfill its statutory obligations with greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” he added.

Responding to recent reports claiming the agency had commenced a concession of its operations, Osagie dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.

“There is no iota of truth in the reports suggesting that NIMASA has embarked on any form of concession. These are the handiwork of both internal and external elements attempting to exploit the existing system for personal benefit,” he stated.

“We urge the public to disregard these baseless claims and instead support NIMASA’s transformation journey, which aligns with the national objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to enhancing maritime governance, environmental protection, and revenue optimization for national development.


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Nigerian Tech Prodigy sets World Record with Smallest GPS Tracker

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Young Nigerian tech genius, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, has developed the world’s smallest GPS tracking device, a prototype measuring just 22.93 x 11.92 mm.

Recognised by the Guinness World Records, the device was created at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, on April 27, where he is employed as a researcher.

It has been hailed for its potential across industries, from logistics and personal safety to medical devices and wildlife monitoring.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated the feat in a post on X, praising Oyinlola for showcasing the ingenuity of the West African country’s youth. “You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” he wrote.

Adding to the accolades, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, lauded the innovation as a symbol of national pride and technological potential.

He commended Oyinlola’s journey, noting his early support for the young inventor’s IoT startup. “Long before this global recognition, I had the privilege of backing Oluwatobi. His journey, now continuing at MIT, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of our people,” Tijani said.

The prototype not only marks a leap in miniaturised technology but also highlights Nigeria’s growing footprint in global innovation. Bosun added that as Nigeria intensifies efforts to nurture homegrown tech talent, Oyinlola’s success is a beacon for the next generation of innovators.

“The world is only beginning to see what you’re capable of,” said the Minister.

 

 


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Africa Looks to Solar Amid Electricity Challenges

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Africa is becoming a global hub for solar energy development. The commercial and industrial sectors are driving this trend, with photovoltaic systems being installed on-site at businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities to meet energy demands.

This is according to CBi-electric: low voltage, which manufactures and supplies low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment.

2.5 gigawatts-peak (GWp) of solar capacity was built across Africa in 2024, with 194.34 GWp expected in 2025, according to the company.

Dr. Andrew Dickson, engineering executive of CBi-electric: low voltage, outlines how several reasons are hastening the continent’s transition to solar. “Energy poverty remains a major issue across Africa, with reliable grid electricity reaching only 14% of Zimbabweans, for example.”

He goes on to say that inconsistent power supply is another significant contributor, stating that “Persistent nationwide blackouts are affecting countries like Botswana, disrupting day-to-day operations. And in hydro-electric dependent countries such as Zambia, climate change is reducing water levels, leading to lower electricity generation and higher prices.”

Dickson believes that strategic system design and management are critical to realising the full potential of solar energy on the continent.

He said: “As Africa’s solar energy market continues to expand in 2025, organisations have an opportunity to capitalise on its long-term benefits. With the right technologies and safeguards in place, solar is not only a clean energy solution it’s a strategic asset that pays off.

“By combining surge protection, DC breakers, and monitoring tools, businesses can reduce unexpected costs, minimise downtime, and extend the life of their investment.”


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