Telecom
Subscribers Urge FG, Telcos to Halt Implementation of New Taxes on Phone Calls

Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATIC) has appealed to the Federal Government and telecom providers not to implement their new taxes due to their ripple effect on subscribers.
Sina Bilasanmi, national president of ATIC told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that subscribers would be overburdened with the high cost of making calls should they implement the taxes.
NAN reported that on March 31, telecom providers planned 40 percent increment on services that included voice calls, SMS and data while the government imposed a N90.4 billion tax on telecom providers.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said the 40 per cent increment was due to the rising cost of doing business.
The Federal Government said the N90.4 billion tax would be equivalent to a minimum of one kobo per second for phone calls.
The government said the tax would enable it to fund the National Health Insurance Authority Bill 2021 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, last week.
The government said Nigerians made 150.83 billion minutes of calls in 2020, which translated to 9.05 trillion seconds of calls, meaning the new tax will generate 9.05 trillion kobo, which converted to N90.49 billion, yearly.
Bilasanmi said both taxes should not be implemented now because telecom providers had not perfected their services to warrant such 40 per cent increment.
He said the N90.4 billion tax would lead to untold hardship on subscribers who had issues of drop calls, undelivered messages, among others, to settle with telecom providers.
“The tax by the Federal Government means that the telecom will now increase tariff; a tariff the association is willing to prevent.
“We urge the Federal government and telecom providers to stop the unwanted increment as this will bring more burden on subscribers.
“If the telecom operators must increase tariff, subscribers must be involved in the process to ensure the vulnerable in the society are protected,” he said.
Telecom
Digital Payments Reshaping West Africa’s Largest Market, Unlocking Economic Growth

Moniepoint, Nigeria’s leading fintech and business banking provider, has unveiled a detailed case study showcasing its pivotal role in powering trade and financial inclusion in Onitsha, West Africa’s largest market.
The report provides an in-depth look at how Moniepoint’s digital payment solutions and innovative business support tools are transforming the commercial landscape for thousands of traders and businesses in the region.
The case study, titled “How Moniepoint is Driving Trade in West Africa’s Largest Market,” draws on extensive field research and firsthand accounts from market participants.
“It highlights the unique challenges of operating in Onitsha’s dynamic environment and demonstrates how Moniepoint’s technology is enabling seamless transactions, improving access to financial services, and fostering trust among merchants.
Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO and Co-founder of Moniepoint Inc, commented: “Our mission has always been to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
“This case study is a testament to the impact of digital innovation in Africa’s most vibrant markets.
“By providing reliable, accessible, and secure financial services, we are not just facilitating transactions-we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Key findings from the report reveal that Moniepoint’s integrated platform has significantly reduced payment bottlenecks, enhanced business efficiency, and contributed to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the market.
The study also explores the enduring apprenticeship system in Onitsha and how digital tools are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Excerpts from the Report’s Findings:
Onitsha Market as a Living Business School:
Beyond trade, Onitsha functions as a structured business incubator through the Igbo apprenticeship system. Generations of entrepreneurs are created, transferring wealth, trade secrets, and business skills without formal academic structures.
Payments Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Safety and Speed:
Transitioning from cash to digital payments (led significantly by Moniepoint) dramatically reduced risks of theft, enabled faster transactions, and eliminated costly bank runs — unlocking smoother business flows in one of Africa’s busiest markets.
Massive Digital Payment Penetration at the Grassroots:
Today, 2 out of 3 in-person payments in Onitsha are via Moniepoint POS terminals. This shows that digital finance can deeply penetrate highly traditional, informal economies when solutions are hyperlocal, reliable, and frictionless.
Access to Instant Credit as a Growth Accelerator:
Merchants can now leverage digital transaction histories to secure fast loans, allowing them to stock up quickly when market prices fluctuate — a crucial competitive advantage in volatile, high-volume markets.
Hyperlocal Support and Trust as the Differentiator:
Moniepoint’s dedicated local account managers who understand cultural nuances (even language) have been critical to building trust — proving that digital financial services must be deeply embedded in community realities to succeed.
This latest case study adds to the growing pool of thought leadership materials curated by Moniepoint for the benefit of stakeholders – regulators, investors and the general public aimed at improving their understanding of the financial services ecosystem in Nigeria.
Past case studies have explored family-owned businesses, community pharmacies, women owned businesses and the Informal Economy Report.
Moniepoint’s ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and economic development has positioned it as a catalyst for growth across Nigeria and beyond.
The company processes over $17 billion in transactions monthly and continues to expand its reach, supporting millions of businesses with payments, banking, credit, and business management solutions.
Telecom
Airtel, SpaceX Partner to Bring Starlink’s Connectivity Solutions to its Customers in Africa

Airtel Africa has announced an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process.
With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships.
Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa.”
SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.
“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”
Telecom
How MTN Employees Are Driving Social Change Through the Power of Corporate Volunteerism

In a world often dominated by corporate profit margins and bottom-line thinking, it’s easy to overlook the quieter revolutions happening behind the scenes.
In Nigeria, one such movement is being quietly driven not by executives in boardrooms, but by employees armed with a powerful sense of purpose to go make a difference.
Each year, MTN Nigeria’s staff volunteers set aside their day jobs to participate in Y’ello Care, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative. But in 2024, they did more than volunteer — they raised over NGN20 million from their own pockets to renovate a crumbling school block at Iwerekun Community High School, Lakowe.
Iwerekun Community High School, before the intervention, was a picture of broken promise: dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, and a lack of basic facilities. Students struggled to learn in an environment that failed to inspire hope. Today, thanks to the hands-on efforts of MTN employees, the school boasts refurbished classrooms, a steady water supply, and even an inverter system to ensure stable electricity. More importantly, it offers a renewed sense of possibility.
Speaking about the 2024 edition, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “Y’ello Care is the MTN Nigeria ecosystem giving back and contributing time, money, and resources to make a positive impact. Last year, we focused on education in remote areas, supporting three projects that will provide access to quality education for young Nigerians. And we are eager for the 2025 edition.”
Beyond renovations, previous editions of Y’ello Care have touched lives across Nigeria. Employees have organised vocational skill workshops, distributed learning materials through the KNOSK Charity Education Initiative, and mentored students to equip them for the future. From building digital libraries to delivering healthcare services through mobile clinics, MTN’s staff-led projects focus on long-term empowerment rather than short-term charity.
For many MTN volunteers, Y’ello Care is personal. Christiana Agyei, a participant in one of MTN’s earlier vocational training programmes, went from an unemployed single mother to a thriving entrepreneur. Today, she employs others in her soap-making business, a ripple effect that began with one employee-led workshop.
Over the past 18 years, Y’ello Care has grown into more than a CSR programme; it has become a culture within MTN, a living, breathing part of the company’s identity. Each initiative is not just a project, but a commitment to building the kind of Nigeria where opportunity isn’t determined by postcode or privilege.
At the commissioning of the Lakowe project, Honourable Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, summed it up simply: “The education sector worldwide thrives on collaboration and commitment between public and private partners.
“MTN’s generous contribution is truly recognised, and I express my deepest gratitude for its unwavering commitment to supporting education in Lagos State.
“This new facility will provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning, enabling our students to reach their full potential.”
As Nigeria faces ever-evolving economic and social challenges, initiatives like Y’ello Care offer a template for how corporations can genuinely transform the communities they serve, not with slogans, but with sleeves rolled up and boots on the ground.
In the end, it’s not about NGN20 million or refurbished buildings. It’s about faith restored, dreams reignited, and the simple, radical idea that change begins with care.
Beyond Y’ello Care: MTN’s has had Broader Impact through its Foundation
Beyond Y’ello Care MTN Foundation has impacted the society through critical initiatives such as:
Healthcare Interventions: Through the Y’ello Doctor Mobile Medical Intervention Scheme, MTN provided free primary healthcare services to individuals across communities. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted thousands of Nigerians.
Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship Support: In collaboration with partners, MTN facilitated skill acquisition workshops that enabled over 500 Nigerians—including women and persons with disabilities—to launch small businesses. Over 65% of participants actively applied their new skills, and 50% successfully started businesses.
Scholarships & Digital Libraries: MTN Y’ello Care has established digital libraries and awarded scholarships to students, ensuring that quality education is accessible to as many young Nigerians as possible.
As Y’ello Care continues to grow, MTN remains dedicated to expanding its impact, especially in underserved areas. By investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the initiative is building a brighter future for Nigeria, one project at a time.
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