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When Two Elephants Fight over Telecom Regulation

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The environment for compliance in Nigeria’s ICT industry can best be described as a tempest—a stormy outpouring of legislation and regulations requiring that companies protect infrastructure, manage risk, improve controls, guard against threats, and safeguard information.

 

 

The coherence of all of these measures is questionable.

 

 

Many people are aware of the crisis between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) over the issue of who ought to police and regulate erection of telecommunications masts in the telecommunications sector.

 

 

The precursor of the conflict was the decommissioning by NESREA of a telecommunications mast belonging to Globacom for allegedly violating the country‘s environmental regulations.

 

 

Since then, the two government agencies have been arguing over the rights to police and regulate erection of telecommunications masts.

 

 

But it seems the laws of the land inadvertently created loopholes and ambiguity in the powers to the two federal government agencies to regulate the same environment but from a different pedestal.

 

 

For instance, the powers of the Nigerian Communications Commissions is derived from Section 3 of the Nigerian Communications Acts (NCA) of 2003 which makes it independent national regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria with responsibility for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country.

 

 

Elsewhere, the NESREA Act of 2007 charged the agency with the responsibility of enforcing all environmental laws, guidelines, policies, standards and regulations in Nigeria.

 

 

 It also has the responsibility to enforce compliance with provisions of international agreements, protocols, conventions and treaties on the environment.

 

 

Because the picture and scope of their regulatory powers are clouded indistinctness, there are frequent clashes.

 

 

The latest is over sitting of telecoms masts within residential areas in Abuja.

 

 

NCC in attempt to exercise its powers unsealed a base station belonging to MTN Nigeria earlier shut by NESREA.

 

 

But later in the day, NESREA went back to the site and resealed the base station.

 

 

NESREA said the MTN base station fall short of its 10 meter-away -from -residential building standard. The base station in question is said to be 5.6 meters away from the closest building in the area.

 

 

NCC said NESREA is overstepping its bounds by sealing base stations which conform to the 5 metre-away from residential building standard it has set for the industry.

 

 

Now if the argument is on standard, are there standards? Which agency is better placed to determine standards in the telecom industry?

 

We believe is NCC is in a better place determine the standard in telecom. NESREA should focus on environmental laws, guidelines and policies.

 

 

Either ways, the discord is unhealthy for the only thriving sector of Nigeria’s economy hobbled by years of mismanagement and neglect.

 

 

Lawyers and indeed the federal government must step up and draw clear boundaries between the two agencies.

 

 

It is also high time the federal government shut down some of its duplicating agencies that are busy doing nothing.

 

 

Telecom investments, quality of service and indeed Nigerians are suffering as the agencies bicker.

 

 

This renders true, the old saying, that when two elephants fight it is the grass which suffers.

 

 

 It refers to the distress experienced by a feeble or helpless industry when two mighty government agencies engage in warfare.

 

 

 The two elephants herein are the government and the government and the feeble being the citizens.

 

 

 

 

 


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Nedjip Tozun, CEO d.light Named in 2024 TIME100 Climate List for Transformative Impact on Clean Energy Access

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Nedjip Tozun, Co-founder and CEO at d.light, has been named one of the world’s most influential leaders driving business to real climate action in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list.

TIME’s annual climate list recognizes the world’s most innovative and impactful business leaders championing climate action and working toward a sustainable future. This honor celebrates Tozun’s visionary leadership and commitment to transforming energy access for underserved communities across Africa and Asia.

Since co-founding d.light in 2007 at Stanford University, Tozun has led the company’s mission to empower lives through sustainable, affordable, off-grid clean energy solutions. Under his leadership, d.light has reached over 180 million people, providing transformative products such as solar home systems, lanterns, and appliances, and connecting households and businesses to life-enhancing solar energy.

With a growing footprint across some of the world’s most energy-challenged regions, d.light’s innovative pay-as-you-go platform, Atlas, enables over 6 million transactions monthly, making clean energy accessible and affordable for millions.

“We are honored to see Nedjip’s dedication recognized by TIME as part of this esteemed Climate list,” said Wayne Keast, d.light board member and Managing Partner of Inspired Evolution. “His passion for bringing clean energy to the most remote communities is reshaping the future of energy, health, and opportunity in regions where the climate crisis hits hardest.”

As a pioneer in clean, off-grid energy solutions, Tozun has not only driven unprecedented growth for d.light but has also challenged and changed the industry landscape.

His work has made d.light a trusted partner in the global climate effort, positioning the company as a model for sustainable development and scalable solutions in emerging markets.

With a goal of impacting 1 billion people by 2030, d.light continues to scale operations and forge partnerships to meet growing demand while addressing critical climate issues head-on.

“I’m truly grateful to be recognized by TIME for our work in advancing clean energy access”, said Tozun. “This acknowledgment underscores the urgent need to prioritize equitable access to clean energy as we tackle climate change.

d.light’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to energy, and I am proud of what we have achieved together with our team, partners, and the communities we serve.”

Tozun’s inclusion in the TIME100 Climate list highlights the impact of d.light’s work across Africa and elsewhere. It follows d.light’s recent recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Earthshot Prize, the international environmental award founded by the UK’s Prince William that recognises groundbreaking sustainable solutions for repairing and regenerating the planet.

 


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Cloud Energy Solar Shines Bright with 200 Watts Street Lighting Bulb

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Nigeria’s foremost indigenous Renewable Energy Company, decorated by industry partners as the most Outstanding Energy Provider, Cloud Energy Solar, living true to its appellations, is focusing its renewable energy competencies beyond the home and office.

Cloud Energy has increased its impact in street lighting with the design and production of the 200 Watts street lighting bulb.

The 200 Watts bulb consolidates the reputation of brightness and long lasting for the Cloud Energy range of energy saving bulbs, in the homes and offices.

Spurred by the abundance of the sun, the Cloud Energy Solar Company seems challenged to never let the sun set. The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, launching the 200 Watts bulb observed that the times are dangerous in terms of security.

Therefore, the brilliance of the street lighting will eliminate all lurking shadows from the streets and security posts. It is an answer to a call to duty for all patriots to deploy their competencies to enhance national security.

The renewable energy boss said that citizens must be prepared to make sacrifice to give Nigeria its deserved place as the giant of Africa. These sacrifices can come from the kind of opportunities that OEMs give to Nigerians. For example, Cloud Energy, a leading solar practitioner is currently offering rooftop solar panels with a flexible payment plan up to two years or more.

Property owners can now design their buildings with solar panels on the roof and keep paying long after they have completed and moved into the houses.

This flexible payment consideration, the Cloud Energy Boss explains, extends to the entire range of Cloud Energy Solar products – Energy storage products, Inverters, Batteries; Lifestyle products, Fridges, Freezers, Fans Television sets, and solar accessories.

These offers are conveyed in a campaign entitled Bridge the Energy Gap, a clear departure from the traditional way of presenting offers in the market.

The bridge has been used as a symbol to convey a sense of professional support, assistance, and partnership.

The bridge beyond meaning a make-up for a shortfall also provides a thorough fare to the energy transition, without bottlenecks. It deletes all doubts and gives a sense of certainty for a transition.to Solar.

The bridge is the fact that Cloud Energy in partnership with its finance partners offers different kinds of payment plan to ensure a done deal, in electricity, without tears.

Cloud Energy, founded in 2015 has earned respect by installing Solar and Inverter systems for discerning clients, mainly academic, research institutions and multi-nationals across the nation.

In less than a decade Cloud Energy has foot prints in the Banking and Finance sector with ATM installations; Homes and Public buildings with Solar Systems; and is a viable partner to governments through the Rural Electrification Project.


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Airtel HR Director, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias Honoured as HR Leader of the Year

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The Director of Human Resources and Administration at Airtel Nigeria, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, has been awarded as HR Leader of the Year at the 2024 HR People Magazine Awards, organized by Mapelwood Global Resource.

The award ceremony, held recently at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, celebrated the achievements of outstanding HR professionals across Nigeria who have contributed significantly to organizational success and workplace culture.

Speaking on the recognition, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, expressed immense pride in Ayo-Elias’s achievement, describing it as a milestone not only for her but also for the company.

“Adebimpe’s impact, dedication, and leadership extend well beyond Airtel, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her influence in the HR field. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to the industry,” he said.

Receiving the award, Adebimpe expressed gratitude for the honour, reiterating her commitment to advancing world-class HR practices within her organisation.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of those we serve within and beyond the organization. Airtel Nigeria creates an environment that nurtures growth, encourages innovation, and prioritizes the well-being of every employee and as such, this award motivates me to continue championing these values,” she said.

This award reaffirms Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to developing and empowering talent, further establishing the company as a leading force in creating an impactful, forward-thinking workplace.


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