Telecom
Task of Advancing ICT Industry, a Collective Responsibility – Pantami
Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy has declared that the onerous task of expanding the frontiers of growth in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry is a collective responsibility requiring active collaboration of the Ministry with its agencies and industry stakeholders.
Pantami stated this Thursday as he shared his vision for the ICT and telecom sector during a special reception hosted in his honour by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Abuja.
The special reception, attended by cream of the personalities in the telecom sector, was spiced with a special documentary on the Minister and packed with presentations by ATCON member organisations focused on key industry issues requiring the attention of the Minister.
Responding to the warm wishes and presentations, Pantami, expressed his gratitude to ATCON members for the reception.
He reiterated that he has presented some of the challenges and concerns facing the telecommunications sector to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for necessary actions and called for collaborations of all stakeholders in telecommunications sector to enhance the growth of the subsector and entire ICT industry.
“Most of the issues raised were familiar issues as they had been brought before me earlier and I can assure you that actions are being taken towards resolving those issues for the development of the industry. More importantly, I would like all of you to join hands with the Ministry and its agencies to see how to take our industry forward. Let me be the first to be contacted for any problem in the industry.
“Furthermore, I want to pledge my commitment to work with all stakeholders in the sector and ask for their support, suggestions and constructive criticisms wherever necessary, in order to promote the growth of the sector for the betterment of all Nigerians,” he said.
Pantami also proposed a periodic meeting of the Ministry and its agencies, associations and captains in the industry to regularly review issues and progress made in the industry.
The Minister noted that the reception has provided a platform for all industry stakeholders to be on the same page with regards to the need to work together towards advancing the frontier of the ICT industry.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Olusola Teniola, President of ATCON, stated that the idea of the reception was conceived to achieve three objectives – to formally present and introduce the Minister to the captains of the industry, to give the industry the opportunity to meet with him and share experiences on the state of the industry and where ATCON expect the industry to be after the Minister’s tenure, as well as to offer the Minister the opportunity to share his vision for the industry with the relevant stakeholders.
Teniola also told the Minister that ATCON was willing and ready to work with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy in order to understand how “we can shape, mould and create an industry that attracts further huge investments and create the environment where innovation creates a fitting eco-system for both the smaller and larger operators to co-exist in order to create positive shareholder’s value and deliver a consumer experience that exceeds expectations. Collaboration remains a critical factor in the success equation of our industry.”
Prominent personalities at the event include Musa Fuktur Istifanus, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy; Prof. Umar Danbata, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agencies (NITDA); and Dr. Abimbola Alale, Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).
Other key personalities at the reception to honour the Minister include Yusuf Kazaure, Managing Director/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited; Adebisi Adegbuyi, Postmaster-General of the Federation and CEO Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST); Ayuba Shuaibu, Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Directors from various agencies in the Ministry and its agencies, ATCON executive members, CEOs of telecommunication companies, and other industry stakeholders.
Telecom
Google, Meta Criticize Australia’s Rush to Pass Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Tech giants Google and Meta have called on the Australian government to delay a proposed bill that would ban children under 16 from accessing most social media platforms.
The companies argue that more time is needed to assess the bill’s impact and await results from an age-verification trial.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government aims to pass the legislation—one of the strictest globally on children’s social media use—by Thursday, the final day of the parliamentary year. Introduced last week, the bill was open for public submissions for just one day, drawing criticism for its expedited timeline.
The proposed law would require social media companies, rather than parents or children, to enforce age-verification measures, potentially using biometrics or government-issued identification. Companies found in breach could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).
Meta criticised the bill as “inconsistent and ineffective” without clear results from the age-verification trial. Google echoed the sentiment, urging for a measured approach to ensure Australians understand the implications of the legislation.
TikTok raised “significant concerns” over the lack of consultation with experts, social media platforms, mental health organisations, and young people. “Novel policies must be drafted thoroughly to ensure their success,” the company stated.
Elon Musk’s X also opposed the bill, arguing it could infringe on children’s human rights, including their freedom of expression and access to information. Musk, a vocal advocate for free speech, accused the government of using the bill as a backdoor to control internet access.
The opposition Liberal Party has signalled support for the bill, while some independent lawmakers have criticised the government for rushing its passage. A Senate committee report on the bill is expected on Tuesday.
If passed, the bill will place Australia at the forefront of regulating children’s online activity, but its swift progression and potential implications have sparked a heated debate over privacy, freedom, and the role of government in digital spaces.
Telecom
Unforgettable Moments and Big Wins at the TECNO SPARK 30 City Tour
TECNO SPARK 30 city tour made a memorable stop at Ikeja City Mall on November 15th, bringing with it an infectious energy that electrified the entire city.
As the event unfolded, it was clear that this was more than just a product showcase – it was an immersive experience designed to thrill and delight.
The day’s festivities kicked off with the iconic TECNO SPARK 30 transformer bus, painted in bold red and blue hues, rolling into action.
The bus served as the hub for a games grotto, where fans immersed themselves in thrilling digital games and adventures.
Outside, the excitement spilled over, with attendees engaging in friendly competitions of Jenga, Monopoly, Ludo, and chess.
These games sparked laughter, playful banter, and a sense of camaraderie among strangers.
As the games heated up, so did the rewards. Purchasers of the TECNO SPARK 30 Pro enjoyed a N20,000 discount and a chance to win up to 100% cashback by participating in the games.
The atmosphere was electric, with cheers of victory, enthusiastic applause, and celebratory high-fives.
The excitement reached a fever pitch with the arrival of tech and lifestyle creator Kagan, accompanied by Big Brother Naija Season 9 stars Victoria and Ruthee.
The trio dove into the action, competing in games and claiming victory. They were awarded TECNO-branded gift items, earning cheers and applause from the thrilled crowd.
The event was an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Telecom
Sophos Report Highlights Cyber Risks During Holiday Shopping Season
During peak shopping days, this threat intensifies.
Here’s what happens: with the surge in online deals, more employees may be shopping from their work computers, feeling that Cyber Monday is a legitimate time to do so.
This increases the risk of them clicking more freely and potentially exposing the organization to malicious links or phishing attacks.
To keep your organization safe, encourage your team to follow these simple tips:
• Don’t click deals in email that look too good to be true or are from businesses you don’t have accounts from – these could be phishing emails hoping to bait you into clicking links to bogus, malicious web sites.
This season, small steps can make a big difference in protecting against cyber threats.
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