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Telcos Reportedly Awaiting Nod to Hike Tariff

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More hard times await Nigerians should the federal government grant telecommunication companies’ request to hike tariff on calls and data, according to the Sun.

Telcos Reportedly Awaiting Nod to Hike Tariff

The citizens are already battling high energy costs, inability to access foreign exchange and other challenges; so a hike in tariff by telcos will hurt businesses and households.

Telcos are justifying the planned tariff hike on the premise that virtually all the prices of goods and services in the country have skyrocketed except for the cost of data and call tariff, even though they are also hurt by inflation.

However, telecommunications operators, though agreed that there was a need for an urgent increase in cost of their services but said it cannot happen without the approval of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).

Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere , pesident, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), told the Sun in telephone interview that though all the operators in the industry wish to increase their prices because of the current market realities but cannot go against the law (regulation).

Recall that operators are still waiting for the recommendation of a cost-based study by KPMG, the consultant hired by the NCC.

The study aims to recommend the most appropriate pricing structure for the industry, based on its findings considering the economic variables of the operating environment.

Emoekpere said the operators are waiting for the regulator’s decision on price review but the current prices of calls, data, and other telecommunication services are no longer sustainable because of the key increase in the Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditures (OPEX) of operators.

He argued that, since the operators cannot just increase the prices of their goods and services, some incentives should be considered to ease off some cost of production on them so as to sustain their businesses.

He said, “For instance, Diesel is a major requirement for operators, if there are some levies removed on that and some concession given for CAPEX expenses, the operators would be encouraged.”

To ease of the pressure on forex which is causing the inflation, he said it’s high time they look at their cost element.

“The major cost element is power in terms of operations and from the CAPEX investment standpoint the major element is that, 90 per cent of all we utilise to provide our services are imported. Infact, not only the equipment are imported but also services.”

The ATCON President therefore suggested that, the operators on their own part, should think of how to domesticate some of these services to strengthen the naira.

“Some of the services that are being done by international organisations should be done locally. Anything that can be done locally or denominated in naira should be encouraged, so that the effect on dollar would be removed”, he said.

Earlier, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had voiced his concern on the current prices of calls, data, and other telecommunication services stating they are no longer favourable to operators.

He explained that even though the conversation to review prices is hard, it must be had for the industry to continue to deliver communication service in the country.

Adebayo said, “We also must have one hard conversation, I know it is difficult, but it is one we must have. The current pricing regime of the industry is not sustainable. We are basically selling below cost. It is not easy to talk about, but we cannot continue like this. We must allow market forces to determine prices. On our end, we must look at a more realistic pricing offering because today’s pricing regime is not sustainable.”

Telcos have been insisting on increasing the prices of their services following the increase in the cost of operation caused by rises in the cost of diesel and the devaluation of the naira

 

Credit: The Sun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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NASENI Retreat Focuses on Aligning Development Institutes’ Goals

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In order to achieve greater cohesion amongst its Development Institutes and also sustain their proper alignment with the goals and vision of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, the Agency is holding a two-day strategic retreat for Overseeing Officers who are managing the institutes.

Participants at the retreat also include Project Managers, Coordinating Directors and some Directors from NASENI headquarters.

The event, held in Abuja, is expected to strengthen leadership skills to achieve strategic alignment of the various Development Institutes’ goals with the overarching vision of NASENI, ensure collaborative synergies with the headquarters to streamline efforts, maximize resource utilization and enhance decision making capabilities.

It will also shift the focus of research and development (R&D) efforts towards solutions that are market-ready, innovative and capable of generating sustainable economic values.

In his welcome address at the opening ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated that the retreat was not merely about planning, but about creating the blueprint for action, adding that each of the participants hold a unique and pivotal role in translating the vision of NASENI into reality.

“The conversations, strategies, and commitments forged here will determine how effectively we position NASENI to lead Nigeria into a future defined by innovation, self-reliance, and technological advancement, instill a shared commitment to excellence by adopting global best practices in innovation management”, he stressed.

He pointed out that recent assessments have shed light on the need for greater cohesion between the goals of the Development Institutes and NASENI’s renewed vision, highlighting that the retreat was a critical step in the Agency’s transformative journey-a journey anchored in the guiding principles of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization (3Cs).

He added that the principles encapsulate the essence of what NASENI stands for: creating cutting-edge solutions that are commercially viable and impacting directly on the lives of Nigerians who sit at the core of the renewed hope agenda of the President.

“Today, we gather not just to deliberate but to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more unified NASENI-one that is poised to drive Nigeria’s technological aspirations to unprecedented heights.

“As an institution saddled with the responsibility of indigenous technology advancement, NASENI has always been a beacon of innovation, a catalyst for progress, and a key driver of sector-specific solutions.

“Across our specialized Development Institutes, I see clearly that remarkable work has been done to push the frontiers of research, foster innovation, and develop solutions that address national and industrial challenges.

“Yet, we recognize that to stay true to our mission in this rapidly evolving world, we must continuously adapt, align, and refocus our efforts”, he affirmed.

The EVC/CEO, therefore urged the top management staff to engage fully, think boldly, and collaborate purposefully. “This is our moment to redefine our collective impact and to reaffirm our dedication to a vision that transcends individual institutes to unite us under the banner of progress for our nation.

“Together, we can and will achieve extraordinary outcomes. Let us move forward with clarity, resolve, and to demonstrate an unyielding commitment to excellence that defines NASENI,” he concluded.


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IHS Nigeria Partners with the NCMM to Digitize Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage

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IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count has announced a strategic partnership with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy (FMACCE) to support the digitization of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

This collaboration aims to make Nigeria’s historical artifacts, artworks, and cultural monuments more accessible to the public through a digital museum.

The partnership between IHS Nigeria, NCMM, and FMACCE will leverage technologies to digitalize and display artifacts online, helping to preserve and showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage. It marks a significant step towards modernizing the preservation and dissemination of Nigeria’s cultural assets, making them more accessible to a broader audience.

The digital museum is the first significant project under the Honorable Minister’s Digital Culture Initiative and is designed to provide a platform for the exploration and appreciation of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. This partnership underscores IHS Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and its role in helping foster cultural preservation and digital education.

Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented, “We are excited to partner with the National Council for Museums and Monuments and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy on this groundbreaking initiative. As a company deeply rooted in Nigeria, we recognize the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting our cultural heritage.

“This partnership also aligns with our commitment to sustainability, education, economic growth, and community development. We look forward to contributing to the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural legacy”.

Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, commented, “We are delighted to partner with IHS Nigeria on this initiative which aligns with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and our Ministry’s 8-point plan on fostering strategic partnerships.

“I am particularly pleased that this initiative, which is the first significant project under our Digital Culture Initiative, embodies our commitment to innovation, global partnerships, and the sustainable growth of our creative industries, positioning Nigeria as a leader on the global stage.”

Olugbile Holloway, Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, commented, “We are grateful to IHS Nigeria for their support in this remarkable initiative.

“We believe that to keep ahead of current trends and appeal to a younger demographic, it is imperative that a digital experience of our rich cultural heritage is created and made available to the public.

“The digital museum will serve as an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, both in Nigeria and around the world, and will play a crucial role in the preservation of our national heritage.”

 


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Google Faces Major Antitrust Action: DOJ Demands Chrome Sale

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In a significant escalation of its antitrust battle against Google, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, November 20, urged a federal judge to break up the tech giant by ordering the sale of its widely used Chrome browser.

The DOJ also called for an end to Google’s agreements to be the default search engine on smartphones and proposed measures to prevent it from leveraging its Android operating system to dominate the market.

The DOJ suggested that if these remedies fail, Google should be compelled to divest Android entirely. The proposals mark one of the most aggressive antitrust moves against a major tech company in decades, with regulators seeking to curtail Google’s alleged abuse of its market power.

Google’s president of global affairs, Kent Walker, criticized the filing, accusing the DOJ of pursuing a “radical interventionist agenda.” Walker warned that the proposed breakup would disrupt Google’s product ecosystem, harm innovation in artificial intelligence, and threaten America’s global technological leadership.

This case represents a historic shift in the US government’s approach to regulating tech companies, following decades of relative inaction since the failed attempt to break up Microsoft in the early 2000s.

Google is set to respond in a filing next month, with a hearing scheduled for April before Judge Amit Mehta. The judge’s August ruling declared Google a monopoly, setting the stage for this next phase of the legal battle. Any decision is likely to be appealed, potentially taking years to resolve and possibly reaching the US Supreme Court.

The case’s future could also hinge on political changes, as President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration may take a different approach to antitrust enforcement. Trump has previously criticized Google for alleged bias against conservatives but has also expressed skepticism about breaking up major tech companies.

The DOJ’s proposals come amid broader efforts to address the dominance of big tech, with five antitrust cases currently pending against Amazon, Meta, Apple, and Google. These cases, brought under the Biden administration, are expected to shape the regulatory landscape for years to come.


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