Telecommunication

NCC Sensitizes Consumers on Fraudsters Activities

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By Mosope Kehinde

Market men and women at Araromi motor spare part, Agodi Ibadan have urged the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC to sustain it’s sensitization Campaign on possible ways of  identifying activities of fraudsters on mobile phones.

They made the call in Ibadan at a sensitization programme tagged “Shine your eyes – No Fall Mugu” third in the series of customers awareness campaign of the NCC this month.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, President of Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers Association, Mr Olanrewaju Ishola who gave kudos to the commission for bringing such educative program to the market, said the initiative would continue to make positive impact on Telecom subscriber.

Earlier, head of consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Mr Ayobamiji Ojo stressed the need to monitor the telecommunication industry as the commission has received over twenty thousand fraud related complaints.

He said telecom consumers should approach their network providers to resolve their complaints, saying if unresolved, customers should approach the commission by dialling 622 toll-free number.

Telecommunication

Media Dialogue on Digital Learning Platforms

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By Afolasade Osigwe

One of the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic is the extension of the space for learning online which experts believe could be utilized for empowerment.

Ways and how to maximize the associated gains and explore youth-related opportunities were the focus of a 2- day media dialogue on Digital Learning Platforms which kicked off on Wednesday in Lagos.

 A Programme Specialist in UNICEF, Johannes Yimbesalu noted that part of UNICEF’s initiative to bridge the gap from schooling to work was the creation of The Youth Agency Market Place platform, YOMA, about two years ago.

He noted that the YOMA allows young ones to build and transform their futures by creating learning, skilling and social enterprise opportunities for them.

Yimbesalu said, “There are over two hundred thousand current users on YOMA and Eighty-seven per cent of them are from Nigeria”. 

According to him, YOMA hosts links to opportunities for young people and its contents help to boost job seekers’ qualifications.

Another Learning Platform that was reviewed, is the  Nigeria Learning Passport, NLP. 

The Director, Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics in the  Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr. Adejare Afolabi, said the NLP, was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education at both federal and state levels in conjunction with the UNICEF to complement the traditional means of learning, available to children and youth.

Dr. Afolabi explained that the platform would help children to understand better and learn at their own pace which will eventually reduce the number of out-of-school children.

He added that teenagers and youths can also acquire digital skills from the Nigerian Learning Passport which teaches lessons in Nigeria’s three major local languages in addition to English language.

Another facilitator at the forum, who spoke on the  Overview of Youth Employment, Skilling and Upskilling in Nigeria; the Senior Programmes Manager at TECH4DEV, Mr. Abraham Akpan, said his organization had put up various skills empowerment programmes which are all tuition-free, in conjunction with the Federal ministry of communication and digital economy.

Akpan explained that TECH4DEV’s mission was to create opportunities for Africans to access decent work and entrepreneurship, through digital skills empowerment and advocacy.

In an opening remarks, the Communication Officer, UNICEF, Lagos Office, Blessing Ejiofor said the primary objective of the media dialogue was to understand the workings and opportunities that various digital learning platforms can offer Nigerians.

She, therefore, called on the media to assist in building advocacy about the learning platforms for all stakeholders to be adequately informed about them.

Similarly, The Lagos State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Adetola Adegboyega noted that Tech had become so important that the young ones need to learn it because it is the future. 

Journalists from some media organisations and Youths are participating in the media dialogue organised by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Lagos State in collaboration with UNICEF.

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Telecommunication

CPJ Decries Conviction of Kwara Journalists

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The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the conviction of two Kwara journalists, Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi on conspiracy and defamation charges.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kwara State had convicted the duo over a false publication about an Agro-allied company based in the state.

The publication, “Inside a Kwara Factory where Indian Hemp is Legalised” was published in the News Digest publication in the 2018 edition.

The convicted journalists who worked for News Digest, an online publication, were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and defamation by the court on February 7, 2023

CPJ, an independent, nonprofit organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide described the conviction as “a chilling message to the Nigerian press” on Friday.

It also highlighted the urgent need for authorities to reform the country’s laws and ensure journalism is not criminalised.

According to the CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, Angela Quintal, the duo should have never been charged, let alone convicted.

“Nigerian journalists Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi should never have been charged, let alone convicted, for publishing an investigative report about a factory.

“The telecom surveillance used to bring the journalists into custody, followed by a more than three-year-long trial, demonstrates the lengths Nigerian authorities will go to arrest and prosecute the press,” she said.

Before charges were filed, CPJ disclosed that police leveraged Yushau and Alfred’s access to call data and briefly detained a News Digest web developer and at least two other journalists in their efforts to locate Yushau and Olufemi.

CPJ added that, “The telecom surveillance, along with two similar cases in 2017 and 2018, prompted an ongoing lawsuit against the Nigerian Communications Commission over regulations granting warrantless access to telecom subscribers’ information.”

Earlier, while delivering judgement on the matter after about five years of legal battle, the magistrate, Mr A.S Muhammad said, “I have carefully considered the evidence of PW1 (Shakirat Yusuf) on the character of the convicts as well as considered the Allocutus made by learned counsel to the convicts and I have equally reflected on the provisions of sections 316 and 417 of the Kwara State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2018. In compliance with the provisions under S.417 (2) (d) of the Kwara State ACJL, 2018, I shall not pass a maximum sentence on the convicts.

“Premised on the forgoing for the offence of conspiracy, I sentence the 1st and 2nd defendants to a fine of N40,000 only each or 2 months imprisonment in default of payment.

“On defamation, the 1st and 2nd convicts are sentenced to a fine of N60,000.00 only each or 3 months imprisonment in default of payment.

“For clarity, each of the convicts is to pay a fine of N100,000.00 only for the offences of conspiracy and defamation respectively, having been convicted in default of payment, the sentence shall run concurrently.

“Rights of Appeal exist within 30 days”, he said.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Telecommunication

Passengers Groan as Aviation Workers Down Tools

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International flights at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Monday morning were grounded as workers of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc embarked on strike.

According to NAHCO, the strike is due to salary increments.

An affected passenger and aviation expert, Alex Nuba, said that NAHCO staff in the early hours of Monday walked out of the international airport, saying they were on strike and would not handle any passenger.

“Even the Qatar flight I’m travelling with this morning landed and has returned to Doha as there’s no one to handle them,” Nwuba said.

He said passengers are frustrated as they have been kept outside to avoid a crisis and no information, announcements or emails was sent to passengers.

NAHCO handles check-in, boarding and ramp services for several international airlines including Air France/KLM, Qatar, Ethiopian Airlines, Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Air.

Travellers say if the situation is not addressed, more flights would be grounded.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Telecommunication

Smartphones will Switch to Use of Universal Charger from 2024

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The European Parliament on Tuesday passed a new law requiring USB-C to be the single charger standard for all new smartphones, tablets, and cameras from late 2024.

The measure, which EU lawmakers adopted, wants to push Apple to drop its outdated Lightning port on its iPhones for the USB-C one already used by many of its competitors.

While makers of laptops will have extra time, to also follow suit from 2026.

The bloc’s competition chief Margrethe Vestager said it is expected to save at least 200 million euros ($195 million) per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic waste every year.                           

The EU move is expected to ripple around the world.

Apple the world’s second-biggest seller of smartphones after Samsung, already uses USB-C charging ports on its iPads and laptops.

But the company has resisted EU’s legislation to force a change away from its Lightning ports on iPhones, saying that it was disproportionate and would stifle innovation.

The EU law will in two years’ time apply to all handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable speakers, handheld videogame consoles, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, mice, and portable navigation systems.

FRCN AbujaTersoo Nicholas

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Telecommunication

Poor Services, Function of Vandalism – NCC

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has attributed poor telecom services to the destruction of telecommunication infrastructure and facilities in the country.

The Vice Chairman, NCC, Umar Danbatta, said this at the 2022 edition of the Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit, held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Danbatta said over 50,000 cases of destruction in telecom infrastructure and facilities had been reported across the country in the past five years, adding that the implications of these incidents could be felt in the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

He said the increased incidents had continued to affect the quality of experience of consumers and called for concerted efforts by members of the public and security agencies to stem the tide.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communication Unit, Nnena Ukoha, said, “The negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.”

“The impact of  vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services as well as countless failed calls.”

Danbatta further said it was necessary to consider that the ability to connect and communicate was fundamental to human existence, improvement in business processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking.

He added that to enjoy seamless connections, every member of the community should get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that made these services possible.

“As a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from the NCC with your family, friends, and neighbour,” he said.

Punch/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Telecommunication

Report cases of vandalism to law enforcement agencies – NCC

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, says poor telecom services in the country are connected to the destruction of telecommunication infrastructure and facilities.

The Vice Chairman, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, said this at the 2022 edition of the Youth, Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit, held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Professor Danbatta said over 50,000 cases of destruction in telecom infrastructure and facilities had been reported across the country in the past five years, adding that the implications of these incidents could be felt in the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

He said the increased incidents had continued to affect the quality of experience of consumers and called for concerted efforts by members of the public and security agencies to stem the tide.

Professor Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communication Unit, Nnena Ukoha, said, “The negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.”

Professor Danbatta further said it was necessary to consider that the ability to connect and communicate was fundamental to human existence, improvement in business processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking.

He added that to enjoy seamless connections, every member of the community should get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that made these services possible.

“As a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from the NCC with your family, friends, and neighbour,” he said.

The Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Telecommunication

NCC warns Nigerians Against Hackers Unlocking Cars

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Nigerian Communications Commission has warned Nigerians against hackers, who unlock and steal cars due to the cyber-vulnerability of such cars.

According to the NCC, the ongoing cyber-vulnerability allows a nearby hacker to unlock vehicles, start their engines wirelessly and steal the cars.

The NCC gave this warning in a statement on Sunday signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

The statement read in part, “The Nigerian Communications Commission is alerting telecom consumers and members of the public on an ongoing cyber-vulnerability that allows a nearby hacker to unlock vehicles, start their engines wirelessly and make away with the cars.

“The fact that car remotes are categorized as short-range devices that make use of radio frequency to lock and unlock cars informed the need for the Commission to alert the general public on this emergent danger, where hackers take advantage to unlock and start a compromised car.

“According to the latest advisory released by the Computer Security Incident Response Team, the cybersecurity centre for the telecom sector established by the NCC, the vulnerability is a Man-in-the-Middle attack or, more specifically, a replay attack in which an attacker intercepts the RF signals normally sent from a remote key fob to the car, manipulates these signals, and re-sends them later to unlock the car at will.”It was disclosed that this cyber-vulnerability has been found in some Honda and Acura car models.

The NCC-CSIRT advised vulnerable car users to reset their key fob at the dealership or store their key fobs in signal-blocking ‘Faraday pouches’ when not in use. It was also recommended that car owners choose Passive Keyless Entry as opposed to Remote Keyless Entry, which would make it harder for an attacker to read the signal for any nefarious act.

The NCC also warned Nigerians about the resurgence of Joker Trojan-Infected Android Apps on the Google Play Store, which can lead to a compromised device.

In this regard, the NCC warned Android users to avoid downloading unnecessary apps or installing apps from unofficial sources.

The NCC also advised that apps installed from the Google Play Store are heavily scrutinized by reading reviews, assessing the developers, checking the terms of use, and only granting the necessary permissions.

The commission also recommended that unauthorised transactions should be checked against any installed app, and any apps not in use should be deleted while ensuring that a device is always patched and updated to the latest software.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Telecommunication

Govs. Raise Concern over Journalists Safety, Fake News

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Osun State Government wants stakeholders to come out with measures that will protect Journalists against the prevailing issues of digital attacks.

The state government noted that this becomes imperative for the continued guarantee of press freedom in the era of digital communication.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode.

It lauds journalists and media professionals, describing them as unsung heroes of the nation’s democracy, reaffirming its continued commitment to upholding both local and international statutes guaranteeing essential freedom of expression.

The Statement also assures journalists, especially those practising in Osun State that it would continue to do all that is legally possible to protect and make their operations as smooth as possible them.

“It is a pleasure to join the government of states and nations in the 2022 commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, as a reaffirmation of the noble role of a free press in a democracy.

“We as a government appreciate the efforts and labours of journalists and media professionals, the unsung heroes of our democracy, who have continued to provide citizens with information about our nation, our government, our lives. Their contributions have been critical to the ability of citizens to hold leaders accountable, as they explain and analyze government policies just as the constitution requires of them.

“The freedom of the press remains an essential pillar of a democratic society. Upon this recognition, the Osun Government has continued to uphold both local and international statutes guaranteeing freedom of expression, but unfortunately, the freedom of the press has continued to be attacked especially by non-state actors who are particular about circumventing the truth.”

It says this year’s theme, “Journalism under Digital Siege”, is very apposite to the goings-on in the media space, as it aims to highlight the multiple ways in which journalists and journalism are endangered by surveillance and digitally meditated attacks.

“The sponsors of this brand of attack have an agenda, which is inimical to public good and wellbeing. This explains why on a day like this, and indeed going forward, relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, journalists, media representatives, activists, cyber security managers, and legal experts, should come together to explore these issues and develop concrete solutions so that the threats posed by increased digital mediation to press freedom and privacy can be addressed.

“We seize this occasion to register our respect and sympathy to journalists who are being harassed, are in danger, and those whose lives have been lost in the cause of their professional duty.

“On our part as a responsible and responsive government we will continue to do all that is legally possible to protect journalists and journalism in the State of the Virtuous, in the collective interest of the good people of Osun”, the statement read.

Also in Ogun, the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, wants media professionals to tackle fake news vendors and abstain from propaganda capable of truncating security and peace in the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun stressed the need for Journalists to always ensure accurate and objective reportage.

The Governor described journalists as the bastion of democracy and urged them not to allow themselves to be used to destabilize or heat up the polity.

Governor Abiodun who noted that though media professionals work in hostile environment in some countries, they have been able to discharge their duties of informing, educating, entertaining and setting agenda for development and growth.

While urging Journalists not to derail from performing their constitutional and social responsibility, the Governor said media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, would be accorded a priority in his administration.

He reiterated that his administration would continue to create conducive atmosphere for the media to thrive and discharge their duties without fear or favour.

Bolanle Adesida / Abiodun Adeoye

Telecommunication

NUJ Zone B Advocates more Protective Policies for Journalists

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone B, has eulogized journalists all over the world, particularly Nigerian journalists in appreciation of their painstaking efforts toward ensuring that the public is properly and broadly informed.

Vice President of the Zone, Comrade Ronke Samo in a release on Tuesday lauded journalists all over the world for remaining resolute, hard-working, and undaunted in the face of myriads of challenges confronting the profession which according to her, included hostile government policies, maltreatment, and assassination of journalists and poor remuneration all over the world.

She particularly identified with the plight of reporters in Nigeria given the fact that findings by reliable monitoring bodies that Nigeria ranked among nations that present a hostile environment for reporting.

Comrade Samo in her release to herald the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), urged journalists not to relent in their efforts geared toward ensuring that our society is properly, truthfully, and broadly informed in a most professional way in spite of the hostility and threatening environment.

She added that such an undaunting gesture will not only free our society but also defeat the enemies of progress in the shortest possible time. 

Noting that today’s celebration of the WPFD has been tagged: “Journalism under digital siege,” she identifies with reporters in this age of digital hostility against the profession, urging them not to lose focus but continue to be resolutely professional.

“Today marks the celebration of our struggle for the freedom of the press and we must rejoice, even in the face of daunting challenges, this is because we have actually been winning the war against several attempts and actions by the hostile stakeholders to gag the press. The freedom of the press ensures justice, fairness, and true freedom of any society and scares away evildoers.

This is the reason we must remain resolutely professional in performing our duty as the fourth estate of the realm.  

According to agency reports, the theme of this year’s WPFD spotlights the multiple ways in which journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks on journalists, and the consequences of all these on public trust in digital communications.”

“The foregoing shows that our common enemy as Journalists today is the challenge we are facing with being under a digital siege. 

While we urge our colleagues to be discreet and professional in performing their duties so as to avoid possible pitfalls and banana peels, we equally urge the state to urgently formulate policies and put in place frameworks that would protect the Press from this emerging threat from advancement in digital technology. This should be done in a most patriotic manner because of the fact that a truly free press will bring progress, fairness, justice, and true freedom to our society.

“On this note, l salute the courage and resilience of our colleagues in performing their duties and also appreciate efforts by all stakeholders, especially friendly and supportive government agencies, non -governmental organizations, and activists, among others in ensuring true freedom for the press.

PR/Morenike Esan

Telecommunication

NYSC launches Radio, Television stations

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The National Youth Service Corps has gone a step further in its achievement with the inauguration of its Radio and Television Stations.

The Director General of the Scheme, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim explained that the philosophy behind the establishment of the Radio and Television stations was to educate and entertain Nigerians, give the scheme stronger voice to sensitize Nigerians on the policies of government, in addition to the promotion of national unity and value re- orientation.

Major General Shuaibu explained that the stations, to be run by corps members, would contribute in redirecting the mindsets of youths towards positive ventures.

He said the revamping of the NYSC Ventures had generated revenue of over one billion naira from 2020 to 2021.

He listed other achievements of the scheme to include: NYSC movies, museum, national cultural troupe and the establishment of the North Central Skill Acquisition Centre.

The founder of the scheme, Retired Major General Yakubu Gowon, said the media outfits were veritable tools for driving the nation’s quest for national unity and development.

The Director Press and Public Relations, Mr. Eddy Megwa pointed out that the NYSC Radio and Television hit the airwaves barely a month after being licenced and commended the Director General for the giant stride.

FRCN, Abuja/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

Telecommunication

BREAKING: FG Directs Telcos to Bar Outgoing Calls on Unlinked Lines from Monday

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The Federal Government has commended Nigerians for complying with the NIN-SIM linkage, while also directing telecommunications companies to bar outgoing calls on unlinked lines from Monday, 4th April, 2022.

Radio Nigeria Ibadan reports that this was made known in a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs, NCC Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, and Head, Corporate Communications, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke .

The statement discloses that the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on behalf of the Federal Government, gave the directive to Telcos.

Pantami commended Nigerians and Legal Residents for their support during the exercise to link National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM).

He disclosed that over 125 Million SIMs have had their NINs submitted for immediate linkage, verification and authentication, adding that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 78 Million unique NINs till date.

Noting that the deadlines for the NIN-SIM linkage has been extended on multiple occasions to allow Nigerians to freely comply with the Policy, Pantami said the Federal Government also took into consideration the passionate appeals by several bodies – Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Civil Societies, Professional Bodies and a host of others – for the extension of the deadlines in the past.

He said: “Mr. President graciously approved the many requests to extend deadlines for the NIN-SIM linkage.

At this point however, Government has determined that the NIN-SIM Policy implementation can proceed, as machinery has already been put in place to ensure compliance by citizens and legal residents.

The implementation impacts on Government’s strategic planning, particularly in the areas of security and socio-economic projections.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the implementation of the Policy with effect from the 4th of April, 2022. Consequently, the Federal Government has directed all Telcos to strictly enforce the Policy on all SIMs issued (existing and new) in Nigeria.

Outgoing calls will subsequently be barred for telephone lines that have not complied with the NIN-SIM linkage Policy from the 4th of April, 2022.

“Subscribers of such lines are hereby advised to link their SIMs to their NINs before the Telcos can lift the restriction on their lines.

Affected individuals are hereby advised to register for their NINs at designated centers and thereafter link the NINs to their SIMs through the channels provided by NIMC and the Telcos, including the NIMC mobile App.”

The Minister emphasized that enrolment for the NIN is a continuous exercise and NIN is a precondition for service in Telcos, banks, Nigerian Immigration Service, and for several other government services.

He also encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to visit NIN registration centers for the enrollment and issuance of valid NINs.

NCC FB Page/Olaolu Fawole

Telecommunication

NCC Deploys Broadband Infrastructure for Sectoral Investment Drive

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC is pursuing a comprehensive deployment of broadband infrastructure to attract relevant investments for the transformation of other sectors of the economy through Information Communications Technology.

The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta gave the information while delivering a lecture at Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State.

Professor Danbatta said the strategy to achieve the goal was youth-centred, hence, the introduction of various ICT youth empowerment initiatives to aid the creation of a digitally skilled workforce that would fit into the digital Economy project of Nigeria.

He listed some of the initiatives to include, Annual ICT innovation Competition and exhibition programme.

These programmes, covering health, community, productivity, economy and transportation are aimed at facilitating sustainable Digital Start-Ups under which a nine million naira research grant was awarded to three Nigerians with the most innovative digital solutions for containing pandemics and epidemics in the country.

 Others include ICT park project, National Essay Competition, Digital Awareness Programme and Advanced Digital appreciation programme for tertiary institutions.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman encouraged Nigerian young graduates to develop themselves in the ICT ecosystem, particularly in Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things, Hyper-connectivity, Super Computing, Cloud computing, smarter world, cyber security.

Professor Danbatta noted that the market was huge as “4G connections will grow to 57%; 5G will have 1.8 billion connections; usage of smartphones will become 81% and; Internet users from 4.0 billion to 5 billion; and operator Revenues and investment from 1.4 trillion dollars to 1.15 trillion”.

The NCC boss who described Nigeria as Africa’s largest ICT market with 82% of the continent’s Telecoms subscribers and 29% of Internet usage, maintained that such was a big market for players in the sector.

He said an average of 6.7 uses of Social media platforms by a person each month in Nigeria provided huge opportunities for youths to own businesses in various areas.

Professor Danbatta gave assurance that effective high-speed Internet coverage would be available to at least 90% of the population by the year 2025 at a price less than 300 nairas.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Amidu Sanni had emphasized the need for effective policies to promote the development of information communication technology in Nigeria.

Professor Sanni charged Nigerian graduates that the basic knowledge of their areas of studies was not enough to secure jobs and make significant marks in emerging trends in the 21st century.

Adenitan Akinola

Telecommunication

Ogun Govt. Assures Telecoms Operators Of Cordial Relationships

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Ogun State Government is set to harmonise all operational guidelines necessary to ensure seamless takeoff by telecommunication operators and other potential investors in the sector.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Tunji Odunlami gave this assurance in Abeokuta, during a meeting with Telecommunication Service Providers. 

Mr. Odunlami explained that the move became imperative to remove the gridlock in the application processes for building permits for telecommunication infrastructure.

He said his ministry would collaborate with the State Internal Revenue Services and Bureau of Land and Survey to proffer seamless solutions to the present cumbersome procedures, advising the operators to avail the ministry of the route map of all existing optic fibres infrastructure in the state.

In a remark, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Dayo Abiodun urged the operators to discontinue project work whenever the ministry issued “stop-work orders”.

Bolanle Adesida

Telecommunication

Educationist Identifies Dialogue As Panacea To Nation’s Insecurity

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The Fight Against Poverty And Injustice Which Are Common Enemies Of The Nation Requires Collective Efforts Of Nigerians In Order To Achieve The Desired National Development.

A Retired Professor Of Political Science, Osisioma Nwolise Made The Submission While Delivering A Lecture With The Theme “Socio Economic And Security Challenges: Saving Nigeria From Becoming A Failed State”, To Mark The Sixth Anniversary Of Impact Business Radio 92.5fm At Impact House, Akobo, Ibadan.

Professor Osisioma Nwolise Decried The Poor Economic Situation Of The Country, Suggested Dialoque As Panacea To Addressing Challenges Confronting The Nation.

In A Keynote Address, Chairman On The Occasion, Dr Olufemi Adegoke Represented By Chief Bolaji Ogunseye Explained That The Event Was To Awaken Spirit Of Nationalism And To Discuss Possible Ways To Rebuild Nigeria.

Speaking On The Occasion, The Chief Executive Officer, Impact Group, Deacon Owolabi Oladejo Expressed Gratitude To God For The Sustenance Of The Station, Called On Media Practitioners To Be Accurate And Professional In Their Reportage.

The Acting Zonal Director, Federal Radio Corporation Of Nigeria, Frcn, Ibadan National Station, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi Represented By The General Manager, Premier Fm, Alhaji Bashir Omotosho, Who Maintained That Nation Building Was Government And Citizens Responsibility, Enjoined Nigerians To Embrace The Socially Acceptable Cultural Norms To Reduce Crime Rate Among The Youths.

The Programme Had In Attendance Prominent Nigerians, Including The Founder And Spiritual Leader Of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide, Wakajaye, Ibadan, Professor Sabit Olagoke, Former Head Of Service/Secretary To The Oyo State Government,Chief Bisi Adesola, Ace Journalists, Academics As Well As Religious And Political Leaders.

Blessing Adesanya

Telecommunication

FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification Deadline To October 31st

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The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari approved the extension as part of efforts to make it easier for its citizens within and outside the country, and legal residents to obtain the NIN, with the hope that concerned individuals will take advantage of the extension.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission.

The decision to extend the deadline was made following a request by stakeholders to accommodate registration in hard-to-reach remote areas, foreigners and diplomatic missions, diaspora and address low enrolments in schools and hospitals, as evidenced by enrolment statistics.
It would be recalled that before this new extension, the federal government had set 26 of July, 2021 as the deadline for NIN- SIM linkage.

The new decision also followed a review of the progress of the exercise which indicated significant progress, hence the need to consolidate the gains of the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process across the country.

The NIN-SIM linkage also makes it easier for the security agencies to carry out their statutory duties and the relevant parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are supporting them as required.

Available statistics from NCC show that there are now a total of 59.8 million unique NIN enrolments, with average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN. Accordingly, the Commission believes that with the great number of enrolment centres within and outside the country, and many more coming up, every citizen, legal resident, and Nigerian citizens living in diaspora should be able to obtain their NINs.
“As at July 24, 2021, there are over 5,500 enrolment systems within and outside the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM”, the statement added.

Penangle

Telecommunication

Ogun Government Aids Ease Of Doing Business In Telecom Industry

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Ogun State government has initiated plans to ensure the issuance of provisional permit to prospective telecommunication service providers within seven to fourteen days after the submission of applications for approval to commence work on site.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Tunji Odunlami made this known in Abeokuta, during a meeting with representatives from Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, and other major operators in the telecommunication industry in the state.

Mr Odunlami who described the provisional permit issued to prospective investors as a necessary requirement towards obtaining proper planning permit explained that provisional approval would allow investors to begin work on sites.

He implored investors to ensure Personal Income Tax of the consultants handling their projects was submitted alongside the application documents for approval processing, noting that delay does not come from the government but failure of investors/developers to perfect their documents.

Speaking on behalf of the Association of License Telecommunication Service Providers of Nigeria, Mr. Tochukwu Okafor appreciated the Ministry for the effort put in place at ensuring that provisional approval was issued for operation to kick-off the project, while other documents were being processed for final approval.

Segun Folarin

Telecommunication

FG Extends Deadline For NIN-SIM Registration

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The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification to the 26th of July, 2021.

The decision to extend the deadline was made after a request by stakeholders on the need to consolidate the enrolment and NIN-SIM verification process following the rapid increase in the number of enrolment systems across the country.

A joint statement by NIMC and NCC says as at June 28, 2021, a total of 5,410 enrolment systems are now available across the country and this would significantly ease the NIN enrolment process and subsequent linkage of NIN to SIM.

The statement says there were only about 800 such enrolment systems as at December 2020.

It says there are now a total of 57.3 million unique NIN enrolments, with average of 3 to 4 SIMs per NIN.

FRCN, Abuja

Telecommunication

FG Extends NIN-SIM Registration

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Federal Government has approved extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification till June 30, 2021.

This is contained in a press statement jointly signed by, spokespersons of NCC, Ikechukwu Adinde and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke, Tuesday.

The statement says the extension came after a virtual meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami; Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Adeolu Akande; the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta; and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Maxilensnews reports that the deadline was last extended on 2, April from April 6, 2021, to May 6, 2021, after participants at a meeting of the Ministerial Task Force on NIN-SIM data linkage agreed to have an extension of the process.

The statement says the extension of the deadline was based on a request by stakeholders who said postponing the exercise till June 30 will make it easier for all citizens and legal residents to register.

According to the statement, “Significant progress has been made in the NIN-SIM verification process. For example, almost 54 million people have obtained their NIN and this can translate to up to 190 Million mobile numbers since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to 3 to 4 phone lines. The much-awaited Android enrolment system is now ready for deployment and this has the potential to significantly accelerate the speed and ease of enrollments.’’

The statement said the telecom providers and other enrollment agents have also opened several centres across the country to make it easier for eligible citizens and residents to obtain and link their NINs.

The statement quoted Pantami as thanking Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.

“He again reiterated government’s commitment to continue taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration”, it said.

MaxilensNews

Telecommunication

FG Lifts Embargo on SIM Registration

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The Federal Government on Thursday says the activation and issuance of new SIM cards will resume on April 19 with adherence to the verification and the guidelines.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr, Femi Ademiluyi, a technical aide to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.

”The implementation of the Policy will commence on Monday, 19th of April 2021. The issuance of New SIMs and other suspended activities will resume on the same date, as long as verification is done and the guidelines are fully adhered to. The Minister has also directed NCC and NIMC to ensure that the provisions of the Policy are strictly followed by all operators and subscribers”. The statement reads.

The minister expressed optimism that government would continue to take decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.

READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

PRESS STATEMENT

FG Approves the Activation of New SIM Registration with Mandatory NIN in line with the Revised National Digital Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration

The Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, Section 23(a), specifies the role of the Minister to include the formulation, determination and monitoring of the general policy for the communications sector.

In line with this, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM coordinated and led the development of a Revised National Digital Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration in collaboration with all other stakeholders.

An earlier Policy was approved on the 4th of February 2020, while the Revised Policy was developed in early March 2021. The final amendments to the revised Policy based on the directives of Mr President to make the use of NIN mandatory for all SIM registration were completed yesterday, 14th of April, 2021.

Prior to that, the key aspects of the draft Policy were presented to the stakeholders at the 4th Review Meeting of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on the NIN-SIM registration which held on Friday, 26th of February, 2021.

Key stakeholders and members of the MTF who joined the Honourable Minister at the meeting included the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Others included the NCC Executive Commissioners for Technical Services and Stakeholder Management, MD/CEOs of MTN, Airtel, EMTS (9Mobile), NTEL, Spectranet and SMILE, as well as the COO of Glo.

Dr Pantami also presented the Revised Policy to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on Friday, 26th of March, 2021. Mr President made further improvements and endorsed it for implementation. Mr President also commended the Honourable Minister for his commitment in carrying out the responsibility of developing the digital economy sector, including championing the NIN-SIM registration process.

The Policy includes Guidelines on New SIM Acquisition and Activation, SIM Replacement, New SIM Activation for Corporates and Internet-of-Things/Machine-to-Machine (IoT/M2M), amongst others.

The possession of a National Identity number will be a prerequisite for each of these categories. For the Corporate registration, institutions will be required to appoint a Telecoms Master (at the minimum of an Executive Management level) to provide the operational Primary NIN representation. The Telecoms Master will also be responsible to ensuring that the users provide their NINs to serve as a Secondary NIN.

For IoT/M2M activations, SIM security protocols would be implemented on the SIM profile to ensure that SIMs can only be used for point to point data services specific to the URL they are working with. All other services will be barred. In the event that a data only service is particular to individual use (eg home car tracking, WiFi, MiFi services, etc), the standard NIN registration process will be followed. A Telecoms Master will also be required for Corporates requiring IoT/M2M activations. The full details of the requirements for each class of service will be made available in due course.

Significant progress has been made in the NIN registration process across the country. Nonetheless, the Federal Government is committed to supporting all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain a NIN. The biometric verification process has been slower than anticipated, owing largely to the non-adherence of many previous SIM biometric capture processes to the NIMC standards. The Revised Policy will ensure that operators conform to the required standards for biometric capture.

The Guidelines in the Policy have been painstakingly developed and while they are thorough, it should be noted that they have been developed that way in National interest since the SIM is essentially a national resource. Citizens and legal residents are encouraged to bear with the government as the process has been developed in the best interest of the country.

The implementation of the Policy will commence on Monday, 19th of April 2021. The issuance of New SIMs and other suspended activities will resume on the same date, as long as verification is done and the guidelines are fully adhered to. The Honourable Minister has also directed NCC and NIMC to ensure that the provisions of the Policy are strictly followed by all operators and subscribers.

Dr Pantami wishes to thank Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise. He reiterated government’s commitment to continually taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration.

Dr Femi Adeluyi
Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to the
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
15th April, 2021

Telecommunication

VP Osinbajo Launches Ogun Digital Economy Project

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has launched the Ogun Digital Economy Infrastructure Project as part of efforts to extend broadband connectivity to Nigerians by the year 2023.

Professor Osinbajo, who launched the facilities through virtual interaction during the ceremony held at Ogun Tech Hub, Kobape road Abeokuta, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to enhance Nigerians access to the internet. 

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who maintained that broad band connectivity was compulsory for meaningful growth, pointed out that digital economy had been enshrined in the economic sustainability plan of the federal government. 

While explaining that broadband penetration would determine the country’s competitiveness in the global market, the vice president said that the launching of the project would provide opportunity for improved access to education.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who explained that digital economy infrastructure was the backbone for ICT revolution in the state, said that the launching of the project would further enhance the ease of doing business in the state.

Also, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, represented by the Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, described the project as a timely one towards creating new economic opportunities for improved living standard of the people.

The minister, who identified digital economy as one of the drivers of the global economy promoting job creation, disclosed that the facility had assisted Nigeria during the economic recession.

In a remark, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication Technology Mr Abubakar Suleja, commended Ogun State Government for being the first state in the country to achieve such a remarkable feat, and said that his Committee would work towards encouraging other states to follow suit. 

Bolanle Adesida

Telecommunication

NIMC Introduces app For SIM-NIN linkage

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The National Identity Management Commission, NMIC has launched an improved National Identity Number (NIN) slips and App for the public.

The launch was performed by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, through the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz.

The Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, said the NIMC APP comes with improved National Identification Number (NIN) Slip.

The NIMC App offers a secure channel for Nigerians and legal residents to verify and authenticate their identities using their smartphones on-the-go, Adegoke explained in a statement.

He said: “As an integral part of Nigeria’s digitization process spearheaded by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the App offers a built-in harmonisation process that allows for its use across other government services including FIRS, FRSC, NHIS, NPF, and NCC to mention a few

“On the other hand, the new improved NIN slip is pocket friendly and easy to verify and can be accessed via a self-service Portal, where persons who already have been issued the NIN, can log in, pay a small token fee, download a PDF of the document in color (if preferred) print and laminate as desired.

“The current NIN Slip will remain valid and gradually phased out.

Frcn, Abuja

Telecommunication

Minister Charges NIPOST On Revenue Generation

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The Federal Government has charged the management of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to make the service an enviable one where graduates will be longing to work.  

Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami gave the charge in Ibadan while addressing the management of Nigerian Postal Service. 

Represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy Engineer Festus Daudu, Dr. Pantami noted that it was high time the NIPOST management designed strategies that will make the service a revenue generating agency.

Dr. Pantami advised the NIPOST management to struggle to make the service financial independent to match up with the international standard.

Post Master General of the Federation, Nigerian Postal Service, Dr. Ismail Adewusi said NIPOST’s involvement in the provisions of financial services had yielded significant results.

He said NIPOST would digitized its operation to check leakages of revenue in the service 

Chairman, NIPOST governing Board, Mrs. Maimuna Abubakar, who described the welfare of members of staff as key to achieving goals of the organization promised to prioritize Staff welfare.

Sunday Ogunyemi