Telecom
Stakeholders Canvass for Concerted Effort in ICT Local Content Development
Stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector have urged the federal government to do everything in its powers to support local content in ICT.
They stated this at the Nigeria Information and Communications Technology Reporters’ Association’s (NITRA), quarterly forum with the theme, “Local content development in Nigeria’s ICT sector: stimulant for national economic recovery” held on Thursday in Lagos.
Chris Uwaje, Director General, Delta State Innovation Hub, in his keynote address called on federal government to create national strategy on software development as well create a park where people can work and come out with productive output.
He noted that Nigerian technology space is underfunded and unprotected and thereby urged the government to ensure that 10% of its national budget is earmarked for the development of ICT sector in the country.
He explained that local content development is a topical issue in the country, stressing that local content is when a product is developed in Nigeria by Nigerians or anywhere else in the world but the product does not require foreign remittance.
Uwaje, commended Systemspec for developing Treasury Single Account for the federal government, noting that they deserve national merit award for harmonizing government accounts into one.
He called on attendees to imbibe local content in creating their passwords with local languages as these will reduce the chances of cybercrime attack to 50%.
“I call on you all to change your passwords to Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and any other Nigerian languages through this you will reduce the chances of cyber crime attacks to 50%.
“In china, Russia and other countries they do not use English to create their passwords, they use their local languages and this thereby reduced the chances of them being attacked by hackers because they may not understand local language used in creating the password”
He also called on government to build knowledge labs in our schools to ensure bottom up growth for our children in ICT development.
Speaking earlier, Emma Okonji, Chairman, Nigeria Information and Communications Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), said that the main thrust of NITRA as an umbrella body of all practicing ICT journalists in Nigeria is to drive ICT development and ensure accurate and robust ICT reportage.
He noted that this quarterly seminar is in line with the association’s noble vision of driving ICT development and creating a platform where issues of national interest would be discussed.
He stated that the incursion of Financial Technology (FinTech) players into the country’s financial sector has led to digital disruption in the banking sector.
He decried the lack of support and patronage from government agencies and organisations towards these startups who have developed home grown technology solutions with the best of quality that are commercially viable in addressing specific and organisational challenges in the country, to foreign software and hardware solutions.
He said, “Since the incursion of Financial Technology (FinTech) players into the country’s financial sector that has led to digital disruption in the banking sector, we have witnessed the growth of several FinTechs and technology startups.
“The FinTechs and startups have developed home grown technology solutions with the best of quality and are commercially viable in addressing specific and organisational challenges, but they lack support and patronage from government agencies and organisations who still prefer foreign software and hardware solutions, to the detriment of locally developed products.
“NITRA strongly believe that if the right support is given to FinTechs and technology startups, it will not only boost local production that will enhance job creation, but will also help the federal government and the Nigerian economy to save huge revenue that would have left the country for the purchase foreign solutions and products.”
He called on the federal government to urgently formulate new policies that will ensure full implementation of polices that will protect local content in Nigeria.
He commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its Local Content Guidelines initiative that seeks to help restructure and develop a strong indigenous ICT industry, adding that they should give such guidelines the utmost attention it deserves, especially in the area of implementation.
Okonji, also commended SystemSpecs for developing Remita that is driving the country’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other electronic payment systems in the country.
“The Association is proud of SystemSpecs, one of the leading FinTechs in the country for developing Remita, the indigenous software solution that is driving the country’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other electronic payment systems in the country.
“We also commend the federal government for believing in the local solution called Remita that is currently doing the country proud in the area of electronic payment system.
“We encourage other FinTechs and technology startups to develop quality solutions that can address specific, organisational and our collective national challenges, he stated.
MTN Nigeria has proposed issuing up to N50bn series 11 and 12 commercial paper notes to raise funding for its operations, according to the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
The notes issuance is under the company’s N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, the issuance is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its financing options with the funds being deployed towards short-term working capital requirements.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250b commercial paper issuance programme.
Ukpanah, the telecom giant it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy of continuing to diversify its funding sources and reduce its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied to short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
MTN Nigeria has received a “Media Capacity Development Support Award” for its immense contributions towards the growth and development of media practitioners across Nigeria.
The award was presented by the Media Career Development Network, at its inaugural conference held at the University of Lagos on October 31, 2024.
Held at the Biodun Shobanjo Auditorium Centre for Excellence, the Media Career Development Conference saw the coming together of seasoned media practitioners who shared insights on opportunities for growth and career advancement in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin noted that the conference aligns with the organization’s commitment to promoting media excellence and advancing the careers of media professionals in Nigeria.
Speaking on the award, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo appreciated the Media Career Development Network for the initiative, while also affirming MTN’s commitment to supporting the media.
“On behalf of MTN, I’d like to extend gratitude to the network for the recognition.
“At MTN, we believe in investing in institutions that bring value to the society and this includes the media.
“Journalists and other media professionals play a crucial role in telling authentic stories and shaping the image of our nation globally.
“So we’re committed to helping them gain the requisite skills and exposure needed to thrive in their profession”, he stated.
MTN Nigeria has consistently shown dedication to training world-class media professionals in Nigeria, particularly through its Media Innovation Programme (MIP).
Since 2022, the ICT firm has partnered with Pan-Atlantic University to enable media practitioners across various platforms gain insight into the rapidly evolving media environment.
Convener and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin acknowledged the impact of the telecommunications giant’s efforts in upskilling Nigerian media professionals.
“The 6-month Media Innovation Programme created by MTN in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University has afforded media practitioners in-depth training on the media space and even the opportunity to gain more insights in South Africa.
“We hope that MTN Nigeria will continue to champion this programme for the development of professionals”, he said.
The Media Capacity Development Support Award joins a long list of awards MTN Nigeria has received for its contributions towards institutions beyond the telecommunications sector and the general society.
Telecom
MobileCoreX Taps Wireless Technology Labs in Multi-Million Dollar Deal to Build New Mobile Core Network across Nigeria
Wireless Technology Labs (WTL) today announced that it has been chosen by MobileCoreX Ltd (MCX), Nigeria’s premier Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), to spearhead the development of the country’s first mobile virtual network in a landmark deal valued at millions of US dollars over the next three years.
This initiative aims to enhance mobile connectivity for Nigeria’s 220+ million residents, addressing the current challenges of low broadband penetration and poor quality of service.
Nigeria’s telecom sector is predominantly dominated by four major operators—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile – with only 29% of Nigerian’s 220+m population regularly accessing the mobile internet, (GSMA figures) due to poor coverage and a variety of other issues.
In Q2 of 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) adopted a new strategy to boost coverage and adoption, it issued 43 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licenses to amplify service coverage, particularly in unserved and underserved regions.
Amongst the licensee’s was MCX which obtained a tier 4 MVNE license aimed at constructing new mobile network infrastructure to provide capacity for emerging MVNOs as a platform as a service.
“Coverage, poor quality of service, costs and inflexible value propositions in Nigeria have persisted for too long.
“We are committed to leveraging innovative technology to create more competitive networks that reduce costs for consumers and provides value propositions that suite that needs,” stated Mr. Habib Ahmed, CEO of MCX.
He emphasized WTL’s pivotal role in delivering the carrier-grade core systems required for a comprehensive suite of mobile services, encompassing voice, data, and value-added features to meet the diverse needs of MVNO clients.
WTL, headquartered in Belgium, with over 20 years of experience, has been active in Nigeria and across Africa, working with operators of all sizes to rollout both urban and rural networks, work which has garnered it widespread recognition and industry awards.
The company has already partnered with two of the 43 new MVNOs licensed by the NCC, showcasing its commitment to enhancing telecom infrastructure in the region.
Mr. Satya Mekala, CEO of WTL “This partnership is about empowering a new entrant to make significant impact in the telecom market.
“We are committed to supporting MCX in its journey from a newcomer to a major player in the industry.
“Our advanced Core systems will ensure that MCX can offer reliable, scalable, and innovative mobile services from day one”.
As the telecom industry in Nigeria undergoes transformative changes, this collaboration signals a promising future for mobile connectivity and digital adoption in the country.
WTL will be showcasing its capabilities at upcoming events including MVNO Nation 2024 in Valencia, 6-8 November and The Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, 12-14 November, further reinforcing its commitment to driving digital adoption across the continent and the globe.
To learn more about how WTL can help with the rollout of MVNO/E urban and rural networks in Africa, please email [email protected]
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