Telecom
TSSF 2.0: Expert Highlight Ways MVNOs Can be Successful in Nigeria

As Nigeria continue to gear towards the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operation, a Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider expert, Mr Satya Mekala has disclosed ways and techniques that can be adopted for a successful operation of the virtual network in the country.
While applauding the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for announcing the licensing of MVNOs in the country, the Managing Director, Wireless Technology Labs, Satya Mekala said the definition of business aims, focus, analysis, planning and commitment from management to
make the MVNO work are fundamental.
Mekala made this disclosure at the Business Remarks Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF) held in Lagos with the theme “Creating Awareness and Ensuring Sustainability of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria’s 5G Ecosystem”.
As per the report by Fortune Business Insights, He said the global MVNO Market Size is projected to reach USD 67.54 billion in 2020 and USD 123.40 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, 2021-2028.
Speaking under the sub-topic, “How to build a successful MVNO business in Nigeria”, Mekala posited that the success of an MVNO is heavily dependent on choosing the right strategy to acquire sufficient subscribers.
To choose the right market segment to acquire a lot of subscribers quickly, the acquisition strategy must be well designed as this is one of the highest costs for an MVNO. Mekala also stated that it is about the means available to access the service offering as MVNOs offering data services only may want to subsidize smartphones. This can create huge debt in the beginning, he highlighted.
While advising potential operators on choosing the right offerings wisely, he emphasized the need for operators to differentiate their offerings so that customers can see the benefits to take your service. According to him, MVNO is a volume business. More subscribers mean more revenue.
“Initially customers will come to you to get better pricing. The transparent and easy-to-understand pricing structure is important.”
Sharing more insights, he said the barrier to starting an MVNO is very low, and many fail to establish a sustainable business model. Worldwide, only 20% of the conceived MVNOs survive. However, Mekala noted that effective voice and data bundles are key to customer acquisition. Bundling VAS services can help MVNOs to acquire a particular group of customers (mobile banking, online gaming etc). Also, Specialized MVNO who sells only IOT SIMS on 4G / 5G networks is very interesting.
According to him, it is important to assure that the economics of telecom are well understood and that the business plan is built up accordingly. What is the end game of an MVNO? What is the exit strategy?
Speaking further, he said forging a win-win agreement with a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) will play a key part in any MVNO’s success.
“The secret is having solid partnerships with the host operator and other partners. Having an experienced technical partner as well as a vendor is crucial. A good contract with a network operator that is easy to renegotiate if it becomes necessary to switch network hosts is essential. Ensure that the final contract is adaptable enough to meet new requirements, such as the need to accommodate data IoT offerings, and future opportunities with upcoming 5G networks” he said.
Furthermore, Mekala advised MVNOs to include a rural connectivity strategy in their plan. While highlighting that over 45 million Nigerians are without connectivity, building rural networks MVNO can acquire a captive customer base that will make the company stable and achieve a faster return on Investment (ROI).
On her part in her welcome address, the Convener, Bukola Olanrewaju who also doubles as the Managing Editor of Business Remarks said the increasing number of mobile subscribers, technological advancements, and demand for connectivity has played an important role in creating a significant opportunity for MVNOs to thrive in the sector.
“By 2020, some estimates put the total number of MVNO subscribers on the continent at upwards of 110 million – not far off four times the total number in the USA.
“The introduction of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) is believed to add value for both operators and customers; for the operators by using their available excess capacity and for the customers by offering innovative and several niche value-added services that were not offered by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
“From the consumer side, MVNOs can provide more competitive offerings, which means lower costs without compromising on service. Utilizing network capacity without having to own it frees up costs that are then passed down to the consumer.” She said.
Telecom
MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform

In a defining step toward sustainable transformation, Nigeria has officially joined the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a platform empowering corporate board members to take decisive climate action.

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The initiative’s virtual launch drew a dynamic mix of leaders—former ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and climate advocates from across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed attendees with a call to reimagine corporate leadership: climate risks, she noted, should no longer be treated as external issues—they must be integrated into strategic decision-making. She pointed to green finance, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models as key areas of opportunity.
Echoing that sentiment, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, warned that climate challenges already influence everything from access to capital to long-term competitiveness. “Climate risk directly affects our bottom line. It’s no longer optional to care—it’s necessary,” he said.
Toriola detailed how MTN has embedded climate governance at the core of its operations. From energy-efficient innovations like solar-powered towers and motion-sensor lighting to a nationwide battery and device recycling program, MTN is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Crucially, all executive performance indicators now include sustainability goals—with incentives tied to measurable impact.
He didn’t shy away from the hard truth: genuine climate progress will require sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs,” he said, urging corporate leaders to prioritize climate resilience even when it’s inconvenient or costly.
As CGI Nigeria joins a growing global network of corporate climate advocates, the message is clear—business leadership must go beyond profit to steward environmental accountability. From the boardroom to rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s private sector has a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Telecom
Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded 3,016 customers in Season 10 of its ongoing Millionaire Promo. So far, 12 customers have won the top prize of ₦1 million each, while 3,004 others have received different cash rewards.
The winners were selected through electronic draws held between January and June, ensuring broad participation. The promo is open to new and existing savings account holders and ends in September.
During the fifth draw held on June 17, four additional customers won the star prize of ₦1 million each, with 112 others also receiving cash prizes. The latest millionaires include Ranti Badmos from Lagos, Wilson Onoezikome in Kaduna, Esther Obafemi in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Israel Oruma in Asaba, Delta State.
Israel Oruma, a timber merchant, expressed his delight at winning, saying the prize would significantly support his business.
“This is a pleasant surprise. I have been facing financial challenges recently. The ₦1 million will go a long way in assisting me. I’m investing it in my business and will encourage all my staff, family, and friends to open an account with the Bank. Thank you, FCMB.”
Adetunji Lamidi, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, said the Millionaire Promo reflects the bank’s broader mission to enable financial security and opportunity for everyday Nigerians.
“At a time when many are facing economic pressure, savings-driven initiatives like this shift the focus from getting by to making progress. It gives people a reason to save, rewards loyalty, and shows that banking helps create real-life impact.”
Speaking on the integrity of the selection process, Oyinkan Kusamotu, Principal Legal Officer at the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated: “It’s great to witness FCMB’s commitment to compliance, fairness, and transparency throughout the draw process, which builds trust with customers and stakeholders.”
To qualify for Season 10 of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, customers must increase their account balance by at least ₦10,000 and maintain it for 30 days to enter the monthly and seasonal draws. Each additional ₦10,000 saved increases the customer’s chances of winning. Dormant or inactive account holders can also participate by reactivating their accounts. Draws are held nationwide, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win.
Telecom
4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

Four people have been killed, with over 20 injured after a fire at Cairo data centre disrupted telecom services nationwide.
A fire at a major Telecom Egypt facility in Cairo on Monday has left four workers dead and at least 22 others injured, plunging parts of the capital into a communications crisis.
According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for Egypt’s Health Ministry, most injuries were due to smoke inhalation.
The blaze, which broke out at a key data centre operated by Telecom Egypt, the country’s primary fixed-line and internet provider, was brought under control later that day.
However, it caused widespread disruptions, halting phone services, affecting internet connectivity, and even interfering with digital banking operations.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that national connectivity dropped to just 62% of normal levels following the incident.
Residents across Cairo struggled with poor network access, and banks—although already closed for the day—reported interruptions in ATM services and online transactions.
In a statement on Tuesday, Telecom Egypt mourned the loss of its employees and pledged support to their families.
Amr Talaat, Egypt’s minister of Communications and Information Technology, assured the public that service restoration was underway and expected to be completed within 24 hours.
To address the disruption, the Health Ministry released alternative emergency contact numbers across Egypt’s governorates, in case its primary ambulance hotline remained unreachable.
The state-run MENA news agency reported that the fire was prevented from engulfing the entire building and nearby rooftops, thanks to the efforts of emergency responders.
A preliminary investigation suggests the fire was likely triggered by an electrical short circuit, according to a security source cited by MENA.
As the nation works to restore full connectivity, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced fire safety protocols in sensitive tech facilities.
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