The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday donated 50 sets of HP computer laptops to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, (NCPWD)

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, made the donation when a delegation from his establishment paid a courtesy visit to NCPWD headquarters in Abuja.

Maida, represented by a Deputy Director in the Commission, Mr Tijani Munguno, said the provision of the ICT equipment was borne out of the NCC’s conviction that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) required the tools.

He said the equipment would boost digital communications expertise of PWDs to enable them compete favourably in ICT market

Maida said that besides building the digital capacity of PWDs, the equipment would support the commission in its determination to achieve its mandate.

He added that strengthening digital communications for PWDs would boost skills and ensure inclusivity.

”We recognised that in today’s world, access to digital technology is essential to providing quality output and efficiency.

“With these laptops, we hope we can make significant impact on disability community,” he said.

The Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Dr James Lalu, thanked the delegation from the NCC for the donation and support to PWDs.

He expressed his commitment to partner with NCC to advance the digital communications skills and knowledge of PWDs.

Lalu presented National Accessibility Manuals to the delegation to enable NCC get acquainted with the accessibility standard guidelines in their various offices.

Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative, AREAi, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC will work together on the research on tech’s environmental impacts and the digital sector’s role in climate crisis.

Recall that the NCC reported that the total GHG emissions from the energy sector, which is a major enabler of Nigeria’s ICT and digital technology system, is about 34% of the total net GreenHouse Gas emissions of Nigeria, making it the second major contributor of GHG in the country.

Moreso, it is evident that the technology ecosystem has a growing “carbon footprint” and this is from greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions that stems from across all the life cycle stages of all technological processes from extraction of raw materials used for the production of software and hardware materials such as laptops, phones, television sets, desktops, among numerous others.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Prince Gideon Olanrewaju – the Chief Executive Officer and Project Manager, AREAi, said that despite concerted efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), the
Information and Communication Industry (ICT) has received little attention even though it is a significant contributor to GHG emissions.

“This is the underlying fact that led to the design of this intervention,” he said.

“It is evident that ICT emissions will not reduce without major concerted efforts that involves broad political and industrial actions and more significantly, a coordinated response that leverages informal approaches in galvanizing key actions across the whole spectrum of involvement across the ICT sector including innovation hubs, technology start-ups, data processing centers and other producers, suppliers and consumers of digital hardware .

“At least in every home in Nigeria there is a mobile phone. There is also data from NCC to show Nigeria’s Internet connectivity.

“In relation 34 per cent of GreenHouse emission is done by the tech ecosystem. The tech ecosystem contributes 34 percent of the greenhouse emissions. This evident based. And this ecosystem is the second major contributor.

“We’ll work with the NCC and NITDA who are regulatory partners in telco system.”

SCALE, funded by the United Kingdom government through the DAP of the FCDO, stands for Smart Climate Awareness, Learning and Empowerment and will be leveraging on research approach, the urgent need to enrich the available evidence base on the role of tech ecosystem stakeholders towards reducing digital environmental footprint is premised on how their knowledge can enable them to 1. manage the life cycle analysis of their products and services, 2. adapt approaches for the measurement of the impacts associated with their IT assets and data centers, 3. innovate around the integration of new measures in all old and new IT processes, 4. develop Digital environmental KPIs.

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has noted it is a no-brainer that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionising lives for the better, be it in education, healthcare delivery, living, public services, energy management, and much more.

The commission noted that in Nigeria, a young tech-savvy and upwardly mobile population is teeming, and exploring derivable benefits of digital technologies and are propelled by rapidly expanding internet access and steady broadband penetration, currently about 43 per cent.

It noted that the digital economy is poised for significant growth, positively impacting various sectors and benefiting the nation through enhanced connectivity and digital skills.

In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Press of NCC; the Commission said that digital transformation is happening globally at a record pace.

It pointed out that during the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, remote work and virtual collaboration tools took centre stage; platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet became—and still are—essential for meetings, conferences and team collaboration.

“E-commerce and online retail have transformed how consumers seamlessly order and receive goods and services.

“Even traditionally brick-and-mortar businesses are changing the ways they engage with their customers through introduction of digital solutions to improve the customer experience.

“It is a no-brainer that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionising our lives for the better, whether in education, healthcare delivery, living, public services, energy management, and much more.

“Suffice to say, that underpinning this global digital transformation is the indispensable role of telecommunications infrastructure.

“Universal, affordable, reliable and fast telecom services are becoming social rights, as mobile networks and data-centres form the backbone for digital transformation by enabling the storage and processing of large amounts of data as well as the integration of digital technologies into numerous use cases.

“For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda draws us all to a more promising outlook. Inherent in his agenda is the pledge to embolden and support the youth and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy.

“In delivering this vision, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani unveiled a blueprint appropriately titled – “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency” with the goal of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth by enhancing productivity, facilitated by digital innovation.

“Acknowledging the criticality of resilient telecommunications infrastructure to a robust digital economy, Dr. Tijani’s Strategic Agenda 2023 — 2027 sets targets to achieve a 50 per cent improvement in Quality of Service (QoS) by the end of 2024; to boost Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate to 70 per cent by the end of 2025; to deliver data download speed of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas by the end of 2025; to provide coverage for, at least, 80 per cent of the country’s population, especially the underserved and unserved populations by the end of 2026; to reduce the gap of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61 per cent to less than 20 per cent by 2027; and to secure between 300 per cent to 500 per cent increase in broadband investment by the end of 2027.

“Drawing from the Strategic Agenda of the Ministry, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has emplaced three Strategic Focus Areas for the Commission: The Consumers, the Industry and Licensees; and the Government.

“Dr. Maida’s approach to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda comes from the recognition that each of these stakeholders has a unique perspective and different, occasionally-paradoxical expectations of the Commission. His goal is to forge a path that carefully balances each stakeholder’s needs while meeting their expectations.

“Consider the Consumers—who are central to Dr. Maida’s focus—for example. His approach focuses on ensuring that they receive an enhanced Quality of Experience, beyond the narrow and very technically-evaluated Quality of Service.

“Quality of experience takes into account all touch points along the consumer’s journey in using telecom services from selection through onboarding, usage, support, and even off-boarding. This means that, consumers are empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy a seamless onboarding into the network of their choice, enjoy quality service at fair costs, receive responsive customer service and enjoy protected off-boarding where they chose to leave the network.

“To address consumer complaints on data depletion, the Commission has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems and is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans. These initiatives would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer.

“The Commission, under Dr. Maida, rather than taking a national outlook on data collection for Quality-of-Service delivery, has adopted an approach where more granular data is collected from operators and analysed to determine quality of service at very small, local levels, to allow the deployment of optimised solutions or regulatory actions where needed.

“On the side of the Industry and Licensees of the Commission, Dr. Maida’s focus is aimed at forging a resilient industry and enhancing the delivery of regulatory services. Since he came on board, the Commission has shown commitment to tackling industry debt issues more seriously. It has also embarked on critical advocacy initiatives to address long-term challenges in the sector, including advocacy for designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, as well as successfully persuading over six states to waive Right of Way (RoW) fees, even as he initiates discussions with more states. The Commission, under Dr. Maida’s leadership, is equally engaging with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms towards addressing multiple taxation issues in the telecoms sector.

“In order to ensure that the industry is in line with current realities, the Commission is also undertaking a review of its extant Regulatory Instruments and Licensing Frameworks. For instance, Quality of Service Regulations have been reviewed to incorporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 5G and other participants that are critical to the Quality of Service.

“By achieving expected QoS KPIs, high-speed internet connectivity, and forging a resilient and innovative telecommunications industry, the Commission is actively supporting the Ministry’s vision of boosting economic growth and productivity through technological innovation, delivering on the promise of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians.”

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has harped on the necessity of cultivating a cadre of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, experts capable of navigating the complexities of the digital era.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida spoke at the 2nd West Africa Communications Infrastructure Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, where he emphasized the imperative of nurturing local talent to effectively address the evolving demands of the technology landscape.

Maida, who was represented by Victor Adoga, Head of Next Generation Technology and Standards at NCC, stressed the significance of indigenous expertise in adapting to emerging technological paradigms.

The EVC highlighted the advent of 5G networks as a transformative milestone in communications infrastructure, underscoring the potential of 5G to deliver enhanced speeds, reduced latency, and expanded capacity, thus enabling a spectrum of innovative applications including the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality.

“The future goes beyond 5G. Looking at 6G, one sees an increase in network capabilities and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the management of communications activities and services,” he said.

“It requires a lot of investment, both in terms of hardware and distribution.

“With the Internet of Things (IoT), everyday objects connect to the internet and collect and share information,” he added.

Maida said the 6G revolution will transform industries from agriculture to medicine, making them more efficient and improving health.

He said that this meant a significant increase in relevant equipment and changes in information management strategies for communications.

Maida also said that the backbone of a strong digital economy was the fiber optic network.

He emphasized that the expansion of fiber optic infrastructure is essential to increase internet coverage and improve internet quality in Nigeria.

Regarding information disclosure and security, he said that as digital services increase, there is a need to protect and manage the large amounts of information provided.

Maida said that strengthening information security measures and establishing local institutions will play an important role in protecting user trust and complying with global data protection regulations.

He also said that practical measures to instill these processes, such as collaboration between government, industry and universities aimed at promoting innovation and development, should also be considered.

He also noted that to delve into these trends, strategic actions such as partnerships between government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and development must be considered.

The EVC added that such collaborations could lead to sharing infrastructure models that reduced costs and improved service delivery.

He further said that developing telecoms infrastructure required capital, adding that public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) could be key to meeting financial demands.

“Another thing is to build our infrastructure, and sustainability must be a priority. This includes not only environmental considerations but also building systems that are economically and socially sustainable.

“Integration with AI and machine learning to optimise network management, predict maintenance needs, and enhance customer service through automation and advanced analytics is also necessary.

“Another strategy is developing smart infrastructure, because as cities become smarter, telecom infrastructure must evolve to support an array of smart city applications, from traffic management systems to public safety solutions,” he said.

Speaking on challenges in the industry, Maida said: “Today, we boast of over 219 million mobile subscribers and a burgeoning tech-savvy population eager to harness digital technologies.

“However, while our growth has been remarkable, it has not been without its challenges.

“Issues such as uneven service distribution, infrastructural deficits, and regulatory uncertainties have occasionally hindered our progress.

“Yet, each challenge also presented a unique opportunity for growth and innovation,” he said.

Maida said that how this path was navigated would determine the role Nigeria played in the global digital landscape.

Telecommunication operators in Nigeria have said they are the only service providers that have not implemented price increments in the last 11 years despite soaring inflation.

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, disclosed this in a recent joint statement.

The associations noted that current telecom sector pricing does not align with economic realities, threatens the industry’s sustainability, and can erode investors’ confidence.

The operators said the time has come for the Nigerian Communications Commission to approve price increments for the sector.

“ALTON and ATCON respectfully reiterate that telecommunications infrastructure development requires substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades.

“Despite the adverse economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last (11) years, primarily due to regulatory constraints.

“For a fully liberalized and deregulated sector, the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities, threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence.

“ATCON and ALTON call upon the government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability”, the statement by ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and the President of ATCON, Engr Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, said.

The development comes amid Nigeria’s soaring inflation, which stood at 33.20 in March 2024. This is as energy costs keep rising in Nigeria.

A delegation from South Korea has met with the management of the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC.

The meeting was meant to explore collaborative options for the establishment of an Information Access Centre, IAC, in Nigeria

The IAC will help to develop critical knowledge and tools, especially in the field of communications, to promote innovation and development in Nigeria’s digital sector.

During the discussions on the project, the two sides exchanged views on strategies and best practices for the effective implementation of the Information Access Centre, IAC.

The delegation from South Korea, which includes the Executive Principal, Department of Global ICT Cooperation/Global ICT Project Team, Mr Un Jong, JI, commended the NCC’s efforts in promoting transparency and access to the telecommunications industry and expressed its willingness to support the establishment of the IAC.

With the collaboration, the partners are targeting significant improvements in the dissemination and access of information, with the attendant positive contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has advised telecommunications subscribers to opt for strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access to their mobile devices.

The NCC gave this advice through its official Facebook page,

Cyber security remains one of the big problems confronting Nigeria’s digital space but NCC believes that with conscious efforts, the security threat could be managed.

Government and its relevant agencies are also making efforts to effectively check the menace.

NCC is the leading organization dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for industry stakeholders and ensuring that telecom subscribers stay protected from cyber threats.

The Commission regularly shares valuable insights with Nigerian telecom subscribers, offering tips on how to stay safe in digital space.

The NCC shared a recent update, focusing on how cyber-attacks could be prevented, emphasizing the importance of creating strong passwords to safeguard online accounts.

The Commission urged subscribers to ensure that they have a password to log in securely.

The NCC wrote on its official Facebook page, “Protect your online accounts (such as banks and digital media) by using strong and complex passwords.”

It believes that by opting for strong passwords, individuals could defend themselves against cyber attacks

Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has been hailed over his efforts in revamping the telecoms sector.

The Citizens Watch Africa, CWA, commended the EVC for introducing reforms to boost stakeholder confidence and attract more investments in critical telecoms infrastructure.

The group, at a media briefing on Tuesday, pointed out that promoting transparency and accountability in the operations of the NCC is crucial for the growth and development of the communication sector in Nigeria, adding that it was good to see that Maida is focused on these important aspects.

Convener of the group, Pastor Dave Ogbole, said that there has been a renewed drive to promote transparency and accountability by the NCC leadership led by Maida.

He said, “This has consequently led to an improvement in the organization’s governance processes. The takeaway from this new drive is the disposition by the leadership of the NCC to ensure a level playing ground for all players in the sector.

“Citizens Watch Africa convener further stated that the new drive at the NCC has indeed re-positioned the agency for improved productivity. This has been evident in the various stakeholder engagement initiatives where feedback is gathered and examined to improve the sector.

“We are using this medium to commend the leadership of the NCC. It is highly dedicated and committed to delivering on its key mandate. The new drive at the NCC has led to a steady increase in active voice and internet subscriptions, including a drop in teledensity.

“It is instructive to state that the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63% to 102.30% in September. Broadband penetration dropped from 45.47% to 40.85% in the same month. The active voice subscription statistics witnessed a marginal growth from 220,715,961 to 221,769,883 as of September 2023. In addition, Internet subscriptions also enjoyed a marginal increase, from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,125 in September 2023.

“These are indicators of the renewed commitment by the NCC leadership to revamp the sector. Citizens Watch Africa salutes the dexterity and passion of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida. He hit the ground running with laudable policies to re-position the telecoms industry for optimal productivity.”

The group equally encouraged Maida to “continue to provide excellent leadership required at this critical point of our existence towards our drive for sustainable growth and development”.