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Tag: NCC

  • ITU ranks Nigeria high in digital transformation readiness

    ITU ranks Nigeria high in digital transformation readiness

    A new report of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has ranked Nigeria very high at 71 per cent, in comparative legal, policy and governance frameworks towards G5 – advanced state of readiness for digital transformation known as G5 with Germany, Finland and Singapore leading the global chart.

    In the report conducted by the ITU, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and unveiled by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in Abuja on Monday, Nigeria was ranked among Africa’s top seven BEMECS 5G Readiness Index, which represents the country’s readiness to deploy and adopt mass-market 5G networks.

    Titled, Collaborative Regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Transformation, and presented at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja by ITU’s Kagwira Nkonge, the report, among other things, presented a case study for ‘collaborative regulation review to assess and support Nigeria’s transition towards collaborative digital governance, evidence-based policy making and agile regulation in the digital economy”.

    The report, which was presented to a cross section of key industry stakeholders including service providers, government agencies, representatives of multilateral institutions, West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), Africa Telecommunications Union (ATU), among others, was also designed to complement existing cross-country benchmarks in which features of countries policy and regulatory environment are assessed.

    The features of countries policy and regulatory environment are assessed  according to the pillars of the Generations of Regulation frameworks which tracks telecom regulatory maturity towards digital transformation readiness, designated at G5 Advanced State of Readiness”, and for which Nigeria currently stands at G4.

    Advanced State of Readiness is benchmarked against four critical levels of accomplishments which include national collaborative governance, policy design principles, digital development toolbox, digital economic policy agenda, with Nigeria scoring 91 per cent in regulatory capacity; 82 per cent in Market Rules; 81 per cent in Collaborative Governance; 76 per cent in Legal Instruments for ICT/Telecom markets; 69 per cent in National Digital Agenda Policy, among other benchmarks.

    Dr. Tijani, in his remarks at the event, commended the ITU and partner agencies and consultants that actualised the report; and expressed Federal Government’s commitment “to utilise this report as a navigational aid towards attainment of our regulatory objectives and policies outlines towards achieving a robust digital economy”.

    “That is what we will continue to do as a government, ensuring that we can put ourselves in a place to have cutting-edge modern regulations in place to ensure that business is done properly in our sector and to ensure that, where possible, increase the local content of the sector as well,” he said.

    Dr. Tijani noted that NCC has adapted over the years in response to how its role and mandate have changed.  He explained, “Fifteen, twenty years ago, NCC was just regulating the telecommunications sector, today, NCC regulates the foundation for which any economy would be prosperous.”

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who hosted the presentation, welcomed the indicators that promote effective regulation, attraction of greater investment, and development of innovative models for broader digital inclusion.

    He emphasised that collaborative regulation would support Nigeria’s transition towards effective digital governance, evidence-based policy making and agile regulation in the nation’s digital economy.

  • Connectivity: NCC moves to reduce infrastructure gap in rural areas

    Connectivity: NCC moves to reduce infrastructure gap in rural areas

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it will reduce the gap of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61 per cent to 20 per cent by 2027.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of  NCC, Mr  Aminu Maida, said this during the Sixth Edition of  the Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFO) in Lagos, on Wednesday.

    The event had the theme:  “Accelerating Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency”.

    Maida was represented by Head of Policy Competition and Economic Analysis Department,  Freda Bruce-Bennett.

    He said the commission planned  to achieve the objective through smart infrastructure sharing and optimisation, innovative licences and rural intervention.

    The executive vice chairman said that NCC would also implement smart policies to reduce the infrastructure gap in the rural areas.

    On building a more prosperous and inclusive economy, Maida said : “NCC will implement more policies to increase Nigeria’s tech talent pool.

    “We will create a supportive environment for innovation, ensure robust infrastructure, unlock investment in critical sectors and stimulate economic growth.”

    In his presentation, Mr Tola Yusuf, Founding Partner, INFRATEL Africa said weak digital application ecosystem, lack of funding, low smartphones penetration and difficult fiber deployment were some of the challenges plaguing rural connectivity.

    Yusuf said others were digital infrastructure gap, development obstacles, need for more digital skills, mismatch between tech and slow digital transformation.

    He also noted that 70 per cent of rural connectivity was  dominated by foreign exchange.

    Yusuf said that to solve these challenges, there must be a balance between accessibility and affordability.

    ”We need to go to the grassroots, understand the challenges and know how to tackle them.

    ”The government needs to implement the right policies, funding, grants, taxes and subsidy to solve the issues on ground.

    ”Also, telcos need to partner more, instead of seeing each other as competitors. Local community engagement, grassroot initiative and  collaboration are also very necessary, ” he said.

    Yusuf added that as stakeholders, it was time to start exploring workable solutions.

    He stressed the need for telcos to initiate cheap packages for those at the grassroot.

    The Convener of the event, Mr Omobayo Azeez, said the aim was to create a midpoint dialogue platform for digital economy stakeholders across both the public and private divides.

    He noted that it was also aimed at  brainstorming, exchanging  perspectives, clearing grey areas and harmonising thoughts regarding the industry.

  • Nothing has changed, my Brother – By Okoh Aihe

    Nothing has changed, my Brother – By Okoh Aihe

    Our material on this page last week titled: Between NCC and NMC, good news in small packets, has elicited a little dig from a very close friend who observed we almost created the impression that the telecoms industry is witnessing an el dorado.

    No, we pointed out, we have only written in support of the relationship between the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission, on one hand, and Nokia on the other, to train some young Nigerians on Nokia’s 4G and 5G equipment as a good deal that should be encouraged with a prayer that more of such deals be cultivated.

    This writer is aware of the dearth of qualified tech personnel that has dogged the telecommunications industry since 2001 and the story is not about to change. As technology grows with the speed of light literally, so is the challenge for skilled workforce to push the fortunes and frontiers of the industry. For instance, while 2G was a big story in early 2000, the world is today confronting the monstrous possibilities of 5G as the new technology that can virtually make all things possible – download big movies in seconds and make it possible for machines to whisper to each other in landmark conspiracy.

    This writer couldn’t be talking of any el dorado in the industry because of the number of things popping up in the observatory. Sometimes, one is at the edge of frustration to still be talking about them at this point in time. Too trite and mundane after two decades of ceaseless industry operation.

    For instance, in the corner of the nation’s capital where I live, not too far away from the city centre, I still move from room to room in search of strong signals for effective calls or actually just pick a point of advantage on the bed to make a good call happen. This is a recent development, meaning that quality of service has plummeted because one of the key stakeholders in the industry may have dropped the ball. It is not just about Abuja, it is about a failing in the industry that is pervasive, even hitting my neck of the country that has not been fortunate in enjoying a fair share of modern amenities.

    No el dorado, dear friend, because each time I call the regulatory authority to get  updates on the Commission or the entire industry, I get a response which has become a refrain, unfortunately:  nothing has changed, my brother. This is not just from a source but sources. The sources are no purveyors of despair but good souls who know the heroics of the regulator in the days of yore and are genuinely worried that things are yet to get a stir, not even turning the corner yet.

    In the life of the previous administration, the telecommunications industry had little to celebrate because of the unfortunate mix up of regulatory activities and policy making by both the NCC and the Ministry. It was a dangerous act strange to the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 that took the industry below our basest expectations.

    The appointment of Drs. Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Aminu Maida as Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, was expected to bring immediate relief to the Ministry, regulatory agency and the industry. And the people celebrated expectantly, even suggesting that their pedigree – education, history of work and achievements – and youthfulness would galvanise the sector into immediate action. I wouldn’t now want to agree, most shamefully, that we celebrated too early because I still expect a spark into action.

    What then is the problem? This writer was told that the regulatory hijack which unfortunately happened under the last administration as a fallout of the protracted fight by the ministry to control the telecommunications industry, has not changed. Big decisions are still being cleared with the Honourable Minsiter, and this can affect the pace of decisions or even for decisions to genuinely address industry concerns. The NCC will need to address that problem if it ever wants to make progress again.

    Nobody is talking of progress now because it cannot happen. The fortunes of the industry are not looking good at all. We gathered that things are so troubling that some operators have had to cut their Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) by as much as 30 percent. This means there won’t be any expansion or growth or even new employment. What is imperative at the moment is for the regulator to stabilise the industry.

    “We are unable to source the Dollars to import equipment for maintenance and expansion,” an industry source lamented.

    Aaha! This is one source of the failing quality of service which has lately troubled the sector and there can be no magic about it. Telecoms equipment are not manufactured in this part of the world and you have to pay Dollars for your purchases. Things are not that bad, I hear you say?

    Let me table only two examples. One. MTN Nigeria reported a huge revenue yield of N2.46 trillion in the full year of 2023. It retained market dominance but suffered a loss of N137bn, unfortunately.

    In the same period, Airtel Africa, announced a revenue of $4.98bn and also suffered a loss of $89m.

    This is hardly coincidental. Both organisations attributed the loss to the volatility in the Forex market, the devaluation of the Naira and the near impossibility of sourcing Forex for equipment purchases.

    The second example is also not inspiring at all. The fate of two operators, 9MOBILE and Ntel, is so fluid that nobody can determine their status or whether they have any value addition to the ecosystem. The first is losing subscribers in droves and is nearly at the level of inconsequence, while Ntel is fighting for reincarnation. Their inability to contribute their expected quota to the market is enough to impact the industry negatively.

    What therefore is at issue? NCC should stand up for regulation and resolve all areas of conflict with the ministry and the minister. Ordinarily there shouldn’t actually be any problems because the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 is very clear on this. Please, go to Sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Act. People shouldn’t allow emotions, fear and job security becloud their ability to take responsible decisions while in office.

    Time has come for the NCC to do a stress test for the industry it regulates in order to take some urgent actions that can help the operators. There is the need for the regulator to have a proper conversation with the operators in order to find what ails them, and then be in a position to take their requests to the Tinubu administration.

    Apart from providing valuable services to subscribers and industries with their super infrastructure, I am of the opinion that the NCC is in a position to do a little calculation to determine how much tax the industry remits to the government and be convinced that its intervention is expedient for the good of all stakeholders.

    There is too much at stake at the NCC, so the regulator should quickly engage in actions that can redeem the industry. And the government should also help the regulator to perform by instituting the board. At the moment only a few people who are not reflective of the plurality of the nation are taking all the decisions.

    An operator told me, “without a board the different zones of the nation are not represented at the NCC and that is  good.”

  • All sim cards are locally manufactured in Nigeria- NCC

    All sim cards are locally manufactured in Nigeria- NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed that all the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)   presently used in Nigeria were  manufactured in Nigeria

    This development was made known by Engr. Babagana Digima, the Head, New Media and Information Security, NCC, at a training for media executives in Lagos.

    According to Digima, the feat was achieved through the commission’s commitment in encouraging local content and indigenous participation in the industry through the Nigeria Office for Development in the Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT).

    “The NCC by Section 1D to F of our Act has spelt out our function to encourage Indigenous participation of telecom companies as well as the national policy for promotion of indigenous content in the Telecommunications Sector which established NORDIT.

    “Indigenous participation is one of the key areas NORDIT has played a major role.

    “Previously, in the last two years, almost 99 per cent to 100 per cent of SIM cards in Nigeria were imported.

    “And when NORDIT came, we made it one of our key low-hanging fruits that in five months to six months manufacture of SIM cards will be indigenous.

    “We directed all the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to source their SIM cards locally, and in fact, as of now 100 per cent of all the SIM cards used in Nigeria are manufactured locally, no importation,” Digima said.

    Digima, the former Head of NORDIT, noted that the commission through NORDIT engage in advocacy work to encourage indigenous participation of companies and people in all aspects of telecoms.

    He said that NORDIT had also provided grants and incentives to some companies to ensure the development of the industry.

    “We are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Ordinal Duct, and the company that will be established will be the first in the whole of Africa to manufacture such kind of product.

    “We also encourage tower manufacture, fibre manufacture and have been in touch with Coleman Cables, which are currently manufacturing fibre cables.

    “They have even overtaken the only company in Egypt in manufacturing capacity and they are expanding.

    “I am sure a lot of companies are very happy with what we have done,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative to upskill senior media executives was borne out of the need to bridge the gap between the commission and how it was understood by its publics.

    Maida, who was represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, said the commission needed to develop a mechanism that would enable the consumers and stakeholders understand how things work in the industry.

    He added that the aim of the training was to develop a reliable database of core partners within the geography of media systems and to cultivate a strategic relationship with media stakeholders.

  • Between NCC and NMC, good news in small packets – By Okoh Aihe

    Between NCC and NMC, good news in small packets – By Okoh Aihe

    All of a sudden, the little information on the NCC website, that equipment manufacturer and vendor, Nokia, has agreed with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to train some Nigerians on its 4G and 5G equipment, means so much to me now.

    There was a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the effect that Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria, will train young Nigerians on latest 4G/5G radio and transmission technologies at the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Digital Parks.

    Digital Parks? Pray, what happened to the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) with facilities in different parts of the country which was built to carry out such high end trainings for the telecommunications industry? So much money went into the build out of its facilities. It is a shame that years later some fellow would canvass lesser alternatives for reasons very difficult to understand.

    The agreement draws on an emotional thread of the past unbeknown to many. Years ago, I had close encounters with Nokia in their office in Finland as a visiting journalist and at one of its world press conferences at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

    Having been exposed to their immense capacity in their head office and the factory, my question was simple and direct: Why wouldn’t Nokia set up a factory in Nigeria which at the time was exploding exponentially and was hailed as the most attractive mobile market in Africa, and then hit the African market from its Nigerian operations?

    The answer was simple but not totally unexpected. For us to set up a factory anywhere, we must have at least about 1000 or was it actually 5000 skilled workforce and the power supply must be uninterrupted. At the time, Finland got most of its power supply from Russia and had witnessed no dip in several decades.

    I felt some bolts tightening inside of me. I knew of the industry power demand which the nation could hardly meet. The power situation was bad, very bad. Operators in the telecommunications sector were building alternative grids with generators. This was over 18 years ago and the situation has hardly improved.

    I wouldn’t want to regurgitate the woes of the power sector, how companies are shutting down or fleeing the country, my candid cautionary appeal is that we confront the truth with striking intentionality that can yield immediate results. The power problem cannot continue to be an irrepressible bogey haunting every one of us without end.

    As they say, lamentations can blind the eyes against the good things ahead. Only good news here, please!

    The good news is that Nokia Nigeria would be setting up a fully functional 5G/4G test lab, leveraging their latest radio and transmission technologies.

    According to this statement from the NCC, “This collaboration advances the vision to enhance the capacity and skills-set of Nigerians, by equipping them with contemporary skills and knowledge needed to adapt to the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.”

    This is very much in line with the new vision of the Ministry to drive digital literacy and build a pipeline of technical talents across Nigeria. In addition, Nokia Nigeria would also set up an Entrepreneur Learning Programme where it would deliver high-quality vocational trainings to 200 Nigerian students chosen from across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

    This is the way to go, breaking new grounds and building new alliances for Nigeria to access digital opportunities. The more relationships that can be built the better for a nation whose youths are frothing for opportunities that can level them with the rest of the world.

    It is no surprise therefore, that the number one pillar of the Strategic Blueprint released by Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in October 2023, is Knowledge, which, in his words, is the foundation upon which nations build a robust and sustainable economy in a rapidly interconnected world.

    Pursuing what he planned to achieve, he said: “Our commitment to talent development is unwavering. We have set an ambitious goal to train 3 million early to mid-career technical talents over the next four years. These trainings will cover tech-enabled and tech-adjacent skills, core tech competencies and advanced proficiencies.

    “This holistic approach is designed to empower our workforce to thrive in a constantly evolving technological landscape. Ultimately, our strategic intent is to retain at least 1.5 million of these skilled professionals within our local talent pool and facilitate opportunities for another 1.5 million of our talented individuals to excel in the global talent marketplace, preferably through remote opportunities.”

    This is but a little window into what the Knowledge Pillar stands to offer. The Strategic Blueprint reserves so much meat for the youths which Tijani said must be trained in readiness for global opportunities. The MOU with Nokia offers so much hope. It is expected that other deals will be tied up in this direction to encourage a segment of this society that has largely been disappointed by successive governments.

    After all, a particular government, not too long ago, said our youths were lazy! Not this government anyway, who appointed Tijani and Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, both young minds, to resuscitate the telecommunications sector with their youthful energy and exposure to modern practices.

    I wish to suggest that the NCC has a lot to offer in building capacity across this nation. The Commission has too many stranded assets at the moment, all kinds of digital packages donated to secondary schools and tertiary institutions, that must be audited, harnessed and reconfigured to suit the new vision of the Ministry.

    After all, the two young minds have promised to work together to rejig the industry and build capacity in our youth in readiness for life ahead and in situating them firmly for global opportunities. This is the time to work and add some needed noise to this government’s one year quiet anniversary in office.

  • NCC begins enquiry to review guidelines for telecoms industry

    NCC begins enquiry to review guidelines for telecoms industry

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun a public enquiry on the review of three key guidelines/regulatory instruments for the telecoms industry.

    The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said this on Tuesday while meeting with all Mobile Networks Operators (MNOs) and other stakeholders in the telecoms industry in Abuja.

    Maida said the review of the guidelines aimed at providing a clear and transparent mechanism for resolving conflicts within the telecoms sector, adding that it would promote timely resolution and ensuring that all stakeholders are treated fairly.

    According to him, it will also shape the future of the industry in line with contemporary challenges of digital age.

    He said the guidelines for procedures of granting approval to disconnect telecoms operators and the guidelines for dispute resolution in the industry were being reviewed as telecoms networks interconnection regulations.

    The EVC, who described the guidelines as vital to the growth and development of the telecoms industry ecosystem, said the commission held a public enquiry to ensuring transparency and accountability.

    “The NCC is an independent regulatory authority for the communications industry in Nigeria, we are committed towards accessible and competitive telecoms industry.

    “The public enquiry we are conducting today is a testament to the commitment and dedication to transparency and inclusivity towards ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and considered”, Maida said.

    “These regulatory instruments have played a vital role in driving our telecommunications landscape and it is essential that we revisit and revise them to address emerging challenges, trends and opportunities in the industry.”

    He said guidelines being considered were vital to ensuring that the communications sector meets the demands of the digital age.

    He added that the contributions of all stakeholders would shape the future of the industry and make the telecoms sector more innovative and competitive.

    The EVC said the telecoms networks interconnection regulation played significant role in seamless communications between two different network and facilitating the growth of the telecom industry in Nigeria.

    “This review is crucial to keep pace with technological advancements, foster competition, protect consumers’ interest and align with international standards and improve regulatory efficiency in the industry.

    “The second is the guidelines for procedures of granting approvals to disconnect telecoms operators.

    “As the industry continues to evolve there may be instances where the disconnection of operators becomes necessary.

    “These guidelines are procedural framework through which such approval are granted to ensure that they are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.

    “Lastly, we will be reviewing the guidelines for disputes resolution. Disputes are inevitable part of any industry, There should be a robust framework for disputes resolution.

    “The guidelines aim to provide a clear and transparent mechanism for resolving conflicts within the telecoms sector, promote timely resolution and ensuring that all stakeholders are treated fairly.

    “As this needs arise we must evaluate and review the guidelines to ensure they are effective in resolving conflicts and promoting a stable telecoms ecosystem,” Dr Maida asserted.

  • NCC suspends issuance of communications licenses

    NCC suspends issuance of communications licenses

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has temporarily suspended the issuance of new licenses in some categories.

    The commission said the categories included interconnect exchange license, mobile virtual network operator license and value added service aggregator license.

    The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Dr Reuben Muoka, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said the commission acted in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.

    “This temporary suspension is necessary to enable the commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.

    “The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on May 17, new application for the aforementioned licenses will not be accepted.

    “This is without prejudice to pending applications before the commission will be considered on their merits.

    “Any enquiry or clarification in respect of this suspension notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng.

  • NCC accuses MTN Nigeria MD of evading service

    NCC accuses MTN Nigeria MD of evading service

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), on Tuesday, accused Mr Karl Toriola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; of evading service of court documents in the alleged copyright infringement suit

    The NCC’s lawyer, Gladys Ojo, made the allegation before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Justice Ekwo had, on April 29, fixed today for Toriola and other co-defendants’ to take their plea following his failure to appear in court in the last adjourned date for their arraignment.

    The NCC had, in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024, sued MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; Toriola; MTN Senior Executive Officer, Nkeakam Abhulimen; Fun Mobile Ltd, a telecommunications service provider; and Yahaya Maibe, its CEO as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    In the three count-count charge dated March 19 and filed March 20 by Emeka Ogbonna on NCC’s behalf, the prosecution alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017, “offered for sale, sold and traded for business, infringed musical works of Maleke Moye, an artiste, without his consent and authorisation.”

    The commission alleged that the defendants used Maleke’s musical works and sound recordings with subsisting copyright, known as “caller ring back tunes” without the authorisation of the artiste.

    The musical works and sound recordings of the musician allegedly infringed upon include “911, Minimini-Wana Wana, Stop Racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low Waist, and No Bother.”

    The defendants were also alleged to have illegally distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby infringing on the rights of the artiste.

    In the third count, the defendants were alleged of having in their possession, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste, other than for their personal or domestic use.

    The copyright commission said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    NAN reports that in the last adjourned date, Toriola and Abhulimen were neither in court nor represented by any counsel.

    When the case was called on Tuesday, Toriola and Abhulimen were again not in court.

    Speaking, Ojo said although the matter was fixed for arraignment today, only Maibe (5th defendant) was in court.

    She said all efforts made to personally serve Toriola were unsuccessful.

    The lawyer said the MTN MD allegedly refused to be served.

    “The last time, we told my lord that we were having issues serving the MTN CEO.

    “We sent our officers to the MTN office in Lagos to serve them but we were denied access. We also sent the charge via DHL,” she said.

    But Obafemi Agaba, who appeared for 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants (MTN Ltd, Toriola and Abhulimen), told the judge that the MD and Abhulimen were yet to be served with the charges in the suit.

    He argued that the rules of the court is that the defendants be served personally in criminal matter, adding that the prosecution “has not applied for substituted service.”

    Agaba also drew the attention of the court to his preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court and the competence of the suit.

    But Justice Ekwo advised the MTN lawyer to do everything to ensure that his clients are served with the processes.

    The judge also told the NCC lawyer that she ought to know the necessary legal steps to take regarding service.

    “Nobody can evade service except you don’t know what to do,” the judge told Ojo.

    Justice Ekwo, who adjourned the matter until June 27 for arraignment, said: “However, if the court becomes aware of any application that has been filed before that date, parties will receive hearing notices before that date.”

    NAN

  • In plain irony, government remains a disruptor of digital economy – By Okoh Aihe

    In plain irony, government remains a disruptor of digital economy – By Okoh Aihe

    Cliches often find expression in some happenings in this nation. The more things change the more they remain the same. That was the position of French writer, John Baptiste Alphonse Karr in 1849. His words are very much alive in Nigeria today with uncanny accuracy.

    The big news last week from Kaduna State, which was nasty all the same, is the disruption of telecommunication services by an agency of the government, Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), which accused three mobile operators, MTN, Glo and Airtel, of owing the state the sum of N5.8bn in taxes. Huge amount that could do so much for a state traumatised by incessant bandit attack.

    The state must have to recoup what they felt is legitimately theirs after setting a revenue target of N200bn. So state officials, especially those that have to do with revenue generation, must work towards meeting that target willy-nilly.

    Always,  the telecoms industry provides low hanging fruits for tax hunters and the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Serivice wasn’t going to let that attraction pass.

    “Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, in the exercise of its powers vested in it by Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act, has sealed up the following masts due to the huge tax liabilities as established by Kaduna State and Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA),” said Zakari Mohammed, Head, Corporate Communications, KADIRS.

    All the masts involved and their locations belonging  to the operators aforementioned were sealed pronto.

    Just when you think that such matters have become a thing of the past, they boil over again. The more things change the more they remain the same.

    Engr Gbenga Adebayo, president of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), was shocked at the crash opportunism of KADIRS and kept wondering why an agency of government should behave in a manner that could inflict pain on the subscribers who would be unable to make calls.

    “Assuming there is any substance in the claim that an operator is owing the state or its agencies, the most honourable thing to do after duly writing them is to go to court. This uncivilised way of revenue drive which necessitates the disrupting of critical services like the one telcos render, should stop,” Adebayo said.

    Just the way the avalanche broke, eliciting bewildering reactions, the state immediately unsealed the base stations after a plea from ALTON, it was reported. Reasons prevailed over desperation by a state to meet revenue targets.

    The simpletons in KADIRS had no idea that some of those base stations could be super base stations, serving a number of states in their capacity, and they would not know too, that their little action could impact services negatively across several states. But all’s well that ends well, is that not what Shakespeare says?

    Taxes are commitments by the individuals and corporations to the state, a compulsory contribution they must make from their earnings and businesses to the government, to enable it provide some social services and other infrastructural needs  to its people.

    Unfortunately, taxation has remained a source of worry to the telcos who are besieged with a lot of tax demands, more because of the instantaneous success of the sector which hit a tipping point from 2001. To complicate issues a little more, the demands come from the Federal, State and Local Councils.

    So from one simple word, taxation, has been added multiple taxation, arbitrary taxation, double taxation and many more, which all just coalesce into the amount of pressure that is brought on the telecommunications industry.

    The more things change the more they remain the same. Taxation has remained major headache to the industry and even the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which, in 2020, initiated a research on the subject, titled: A Compendium of Taxes, Levies and Fees by State Governments on Telecoms Operators in Nigeria and its Effects on the National Digital Economy Agenda.

    The research confirmed some kind of arbitrary tax abuses by the various governments as the telecommunications industry is subject to a cocktail of taxes.

    “The Telecommunications Operators in Nigeria reportedly pay more than 40 different taxes and levies to different Agencies of the Government at Federal, State and Local Government levels in Nigeria,” the document stated.

    For a country that plans its future on a digital economy, just like most forward looking countries of the world, such tax encumbrances and sundry levies like right of way (RoW), base station permits and environmental charges pose major impediments to growth and rollout of services.

    Here are the observations of the document. “As a result, the Sector has over the years, experienced excessive and sometimes unpleasant regulatory intervention and actions from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) of Government who subsequently generate revenue from the operations of telecoms operators through the imposition of High and Multiple and sometimes (though not common) illegitimate levies and taxes. The unwillingness of the Operating Companies to submit to these multiple regimes and demands often results in disruptive enforcement actions by these MDAs.

    No sector bears this amount of weight without a little remonstration and there has been some resistance from a sector which doesn’t want to be taxed to death.

    “Network Operators continue to experience harassment, forcibly sealing of telecoms sites or removal of key components needed for site installations by MDA in a bid to compel tax compliance. These continued interference in the activities of the Telecoms Operators have resulted in disruption of services, degradation of service quality, along with a huge rise in operating expenses and the overall cost of carrying out telecommunications business in Nigeria,” stated the document.

    The document was written in 2020 and it captured happenings in the telecommunications industry since 2001 without a prognostication of what would happen in Kaduna State recently. The truth is that the Kaduna episode has played out in almost all the states of the federation. When a state needs funds after frittering allocations from federal sources, the low hanging fruit is the telecoms sector, which must be coerced into submission with scant thoughts of how such payments abort the capacity of the sector.

    I agree with Adebayo that “uncivilised actions such as the one taken by the Kaduna government should not be known with such a respected country like ours.”

    As a country, we virtually have all the answers to the problems plaguing us but without requisite capacity, boldness and sincerity to confront them. The NCC document spells out the implications of incessant tax burden on the dream of a digital economy.

    This writer is aware of the sundry efforts and movements by Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, who are trying to work with the states and different agencies in order to align them with President Tinubu’s vision for a digital economy.

    The more things change the more they remain the same. But looking at the ephemeral development in Kaduna and the general state of the country’s telecoms sector, here is my observed conclusion, and I don’t expect it to be popular. In plain irony, the government, by its actions and tax greed, remains a significant disruptor of the digital economy it seeks to promote.

  • NCC to adopt Wole Soyinka’s birthday as Nigeria’s National Reading Day

    NCC to adopt Wole Soyinka’s birthday as Nigeria’s National Reading Day

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has proposed that July 13, the birthday of the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, be recognized as Nigeria’s National Reading Day.

    The commission appointed Soyinka, the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature, as the Copyright Change Champion.

    This was declared by the Director-General (DG) of NCC, Dr John Asein, yesterday (Tuesday) during the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day celebration in Ibadan.

    The theme for the year, “Read Your Way”, highlights the significant impact of reading in shaping character, stimulating the mind, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

    To support the theme for 2024, the Nigerian Copyright Commission is initiating various programs throughout the year to encourage reading for pleasure and to promote respect for copyright.

    These initiatives are part of the ABC Action Plan, which includes measures to make reading more enjoyable for everyone. He said this also includes bringing books closer to more children and Choosing change champions for books and copyright.

    Asein said the commission had thus resolved to dedicate the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day to Soyinka.

    We also featured his works as part of the celebrations across the country in commemoration of his 90th birthday.

    “Our Nobel Laurette in Literature, playwright, essayist, literary icon and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Professor Wole Soyinka, will turn 90 on July 13.

    “He is, unarguably, the tallest living iroko in Nigeria’s rich literary forest and an advocate for books, reading and copyright.

    “By this recognition, he becomes our first Copyright Change Champion,” he said.

    The head of copyright mentioned that in addition to a fitting birthday tribute to the literary icon, the committee will be urging critical players in the publishing sector to acknowledge July 13 as Nigeria’s National Reading Day

    He said: “This is to encourage Nigerians to read for pleasure and draw attention to some of the values he advanced in the literary world.

    “To bring books closer to children, the commission will, for a start, make copies of Soyinka’s books and other frontline titles available to 90 public schools and establish more Copyright and Creativity Clubs in schools.”

    In her introductory speech at the event, the NCC Oyo State Coordinator, Oluropo Oke, highlighted the purpose of the event as a celebration of authors, promoting reading, advocating for equal access to knowledge, and increasing awareness about copyright issues.

    She said: “Today, children will be going home with different story books in line with the NCC’s affirmative slogan, “Read My Way” to adopt measures to make reading fun for all, among others.

    “This is not a one-off programme; we will extend this to other schools and ensure proper follow-up with copyright school clubs, reading and essay competitions.”

    The occasion featured talks and discussions by book lovers, academics, students with disabilities, writers, and others involved in the literary world.