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Tag: Reuben Muoka

  • BREAKING: NCC approves data, voice tariffs hike

    BREAKING: NCC approves data, voice tariffs hike

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given approval to network operators in the country to increase the cost of data and voice tariffs in response to request by the telecom operators.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports NCC gave the approval on Monday, saying the data and voice tariffs adjustment will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study.

    The Commission also stressed that the new adjustments will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

    In a statement by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs, NCC noted that tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators.

    “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

    “These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

    “Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.

    “These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.

    “Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

    “The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.

    “The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments.

    :To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.

    “Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector.

    “Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

    “As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation,” NCC stated.

  • 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.

  • BREAKING: NCC announces major change to fixed lines numbering format

    BREAKING: NCC announces major change to fixed lines numbering format

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a major change to the numbering format for fixed lines.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC.

    According to the statement released on Wednesday, the change is in line with NCC keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources

    In the process, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number.

    “The Commission hereby informs the public of the changes and also clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of December 31, 2023. From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with “02” prefix will be operational,” the statement reads.

    In other words, the old and new number formats are allowed to run concurrently till the cut-over date (December 31, 2023). Thereafter (from January 1, 2024), the new fixed-lines format will assume full recognition across all networks.

    For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000.

    Additional examples are: For Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano’s current number format of 014630643, 094630643, 084460643 and 064460643, will now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643 respectively in the new numbering format.

    “However, it is important to note that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers. There is NO CHANGE to the existing mobile numbering format.

    “The announcement is made to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC and it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT),” the statement added.

  • NCC denies incurring N17bn deficit in 2021 budget

    NCC denies incurring N17bn deficit in 2021 budget

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied it incurred a deficit of N17 billion, spending N35.2 billion on personnel and consultancy fees.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement released on Tuesday by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.

    According to the statement, a report of the Commission incurring a N17 billion deficit because of expenditures on personnel and consultancy fees is far from the truth.

    “Though the Statement of the Financial Performance of the Commission for the period ended December 2021, clearly indicates that the sum of N17.3bn was a “Surplus/(Deficit) retained for the period)”, this does not imply that the Commission incurred a cash deficit as the expenditure in its financials were both in cash and accruals applicable to the year.

    “If the publication had inquired of the constituents of our expenditure, it would have learnt that the expenditures for the year 2021 included accruals for items undergoing procurement at the end of the year, like the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative, SABI, being implemented by the Commission, which was standing in the sum of about N24bn in the financial report.

    “The Commission also remitted an Operating Surplus/Spectrum Fees of estimated N197.7bn to the Federal Government, under the same Financial Performance Reporting period, and had a bank balance of about N46.97bn, erasing any doubt that there was any deficit spending.

    “The Commission, therefore, disclaims the wrong impression created by the above headline, and subsequent misinterpretation of our financial report in the publication may have had in the minds of the public, and stakeholders,” the statement reads.

    Meanwhile, NCC reiterated its commitment to effective and transparent processes in all its regulatory, management and financial activities.

  • We are not responsible for monitoring social media contents – NCC

    We are not responsible for monitoring social media contents – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it is not the regulator of the contents of the social media networks that many stakeholders have complained about.

    The submission came during a recent visit of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), led by its Executive Secretary, Blessing Akinsolotu, who sought the intervention of the Commission on the worrisome and misleading content of social media platforms.

    “We know that NCC, as the regulator of the telecoms industry, has greater role to play in helping to curb the spread of fake news and incendiary contents that Internet users put on social media platforms. Therefore, we want NCC to partner with us in this regard,” he stated.

    Akinlosotu said the situation demands immediate intervention of key stakeholders to ensure that the content of the social media and the Internet are credible and enhance national social cohesion.

    Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Mr. Reuben Muoka, who received the group on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, informed the organization that Commission’s mandate does not extend to controlling the content of such media platforms.

    According to Muoka, the major role of the telecom regulator is to facilitate the deployment of telecom infrastructure that provides different types of telecommunications services, including improving broadband that enhances robust Internet experience, and ensuring fair competition as well as the protecting of telecom consumers.

    Muoka said the mandate includes making services available, accessible and affordable for Nigerians who may leverage such access to engage in digital social mediation for the benefit of the individual, businesses, and the nation’s socioeconomic growth.

    In the performance of its functions, Muoka said the Commission promotes collaboration and partnerships with different stakeholders such as NCSCN, in creating awareness and promoting access to different categories of consumers in the country. He said the Commission looks forward to furthering collaboration with NCSCN in its efforts to align with the aspirations of users of telecommunications services across the country.

    The NCSCN, a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, commended the Commission for its people-oriented and consumer-centric regulatory activities.

    The Council also seeks collaboration with NCC to spread messages of the Commission’s consumer enlightenment programmes to Nigerians in the grassroots through its over 100-member Civil Society Organisation (CSOs).

    Akinlosotu also invited the Commission to partner with the NCSCN in hosting a conference aimed at tackling the seemingly intractable diffusion of fake news, particularly on social media networks.

  • NCC rejigs for operational efficiency, senior staff redeployed

    NCC rejigs for operational efficiency, senior staff redeployed

    Two directors of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Alhassan Haru and Mr. Efosa Idehen have been respectively redeployed to man the Technical Standards and Network Integrity (TSNI), and the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) departments of the Commission.

    According to a statement released by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, this is in a move to further enhance operational efficiency and sustain regulatory excellence.

    In an exercise approved by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, other senior staff of NCC were moved to head critical departments, following the recent retirement of some directors, who reached 60 years of age.

    Dr. Haru, hitherto Director, New Media and Information Security (NMIS), takes over from retiring director Engr Bako Wakil at the TSNI department, which oversees the maintenance of international standards and integrity of the national network, including quality of service (QoS) and equipment type approval.

    Idehen, who was once the director at CME, returns to a familiar turf where he was nicknamed ‘Efosa, the Enforcer’ after a stint at the Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB). He takes over from Mr. Ephraim Nwokonneya, who has also commenced his retirement leave. The CME department monitors the industry and enforces compliance with industry rules of engagement.

    At the Projects Department of the Commission, from where Mrs. Iyabo Sholanke retired, Mr. Philip Eretan, Deputy Director, was appointed Head, while Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo, another deputy director, took over as head, Corporate Planning Strategy and Risk Management, (CPSRM),  a  position left by erstwhile director, Mr. Felix Adeoye.

    Dr. Chidi Diugwu, deputy director at NMIS, took over from Haru as head of the department. Mrs. Safiya Jijji has assumed duty as Ag. Head, Zonal Operations, following the retirement of the erstwhile director, Mrs. Amina Shehu.

    Another deputy director, Banji Ojo, takes over from Idehen as Head, CAB.

    NCC boss, in the redeployment, charged the new appointees to work in tandem with the Commission’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024 and NCC’s Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVP) 2020-2025.

    The EVC further assured industry stakeholders of the Commission’s determination to provide essential regulatory supports to consolidate on the growth already recorded in the industry.

    According to him, the NCC will continue to put round pegs in round holes to sustain its operational efficiency and regulatory excellence.

  • Again, NCC warns against use of non-type approved phones

    Again, NCC warns against use of non-type approved phones

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has again cautioned consumers against the patronage and use of counterfeit devices and devices that have not been typed approved, strongly warning that such devices negatively affect the quality of experience while leaving their users vulnerable to losses and other discomforts.

    The warning came following the Commission’s enforcement activities in Kano where it arrested representatives of three companies responsible for the sale of counterfeit as well as non-type-approved devices.

    According to a statement released on Wednesday by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the arrested persons have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and further necessary action.

    “The enforcement team arrested Yahaya Ado of Gezawa Communications Limited for selling counterfeit Gionee devices and not being able to show any evidence of authorization granted to the company by the Commission.

    “Messrs Nura Ahmed of Saleh Latest Venture and Rufai Nuhu of Al Mansoor Communications were also arrested because they were not licenced to engage in the sales and installation of terminal equipment and were unable to show any evidence of authorization from the Commission in that connection,” the statement reads.

    The NCC’s Head of Enforcement, Mallam Salisu Abdu, who led the team, expressed concerns at how the GSM Market on Beirut Street, Kano, was awash with counterfeit and non-type approved phones.

    Abdu bemoaned the fact that many of the vendors were not licensed by the Commission to provide such communication service they rendered.

    The non-type-approved phones found during the enforcement include Gionee branded phones with model numbers G800, and L990; H-Mobile phones with model numbers it5606+, H351; FoxKong with model numbers F30, F300; and KGTEL phones with model numbers K2160 and KG1100.

    “The Commission is determined to carry out post-enforcement checks to ensure that the sale of counterfeit devices is stopped.

    “The NCC will collaborate with market associations to ensure that appropriate licences are obtained by vendors and assist in apprehending the major dealers and suppliers of counterfeit devices,” the statement added.

  • Auction of remaining 5G spectrum will take place as planned – NCC

    Auction of remaining 5G spectrum will take place as planned – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the auction of the remaining 5G spectrum will take place as planned.

    This is contained in a statement released on Wednesday by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

    Recall that the NCC had in December 2022 auctioned the first two (2) lots of 3.5GHz spectrum for the deployment of 5G network across the country.

    The Commission in response to requests for more spectrum lots to be made available had estimated a period of 24 months to clear all encumbrances in the remaining two (2) lots of the 3.5GHz band.

    The Information Memorandum that guided the 2021 auction process stated the Commission’s intention to migrate incumbent users of the remaining portion of the C-band to free up Spectrum and make it available for the deployment of new services.

    According to the statement, NCC has achieved the clearance earlier than the estimated 24 months, thus making the spectrum available for licensing.

    The statement reads: “We, therefore, wish to reassure all stakeholders and investors, that the processes and schedule for the Auction of two (2) lots of 3.5GHz Spectrum will take place as planned.

    “The final Information Memorandum for the Auction has been published on the Commission’s website. Interested applicants are advised to adhere to the requirements as specified in the Information Memorandum for participation in the Auction”.

    Meanwhile, NCC in the statement insisted that spectrum licensing via Auction is one of the most transparent methods of assigning Spectrum resources globally.

  • MTN, Airtel, others ordered to reverse tariff increase for voice, data services

    MTN, Airtel, others ordered to reverse tariff increase for voice, data services

    The Federal Government has directed MTN, Airtel and other affected Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country to reverse the unilateral upward tariff adjustments.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through a letter dated Oct. 12, gave the directive following media reports of unilateral implementation of the recently approved 10 per cent upward tariff adjustments.

    The adjustments were for some voice and data services by the service providers on their networks.

    NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Muoka said that the consideration for 10 per cent approval was in line with the mandates of the commission as provided by the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

    He also said that it was in line with other extant Regulations and Guidelines, as this was within the provisions of existing price floor and price cap as determined for the industry.

    He said that the decision was taken after a critical and realistic review, analysis of the operational environment and the current business climate in Nigeria, as it affects all sectors of the economy.

    “The tariff adjustment was proposed and provisionally approved by the management, pending the final approval of the Board of the Commission.

    “However, in the end, it did not have the approval of the Board of the Commission. As a result, it is reversed,” he said.

    He said that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, had maintained that his priority was to protect the citizens and ensure justice to all stakeholders involved.

    He quoted the minister as saying: “As such, anything that will bring more hardship at this critical time will not be accepted.

    “This was also why he obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari for the suspension of the proposed 5 per cent excise duty, in order to maintain a conducive enabling environment for the telecom operators.

    “Much as there is an increase in the cost of production, the provision of telecom services is still very profitable and it is necessary that the subscribers are not subjected to a hike in charges.”

    In view of the above, he said the Commission would carry out further consultations with all industry stakeholders on the best approaches to protect and uphold the interest of both the consumers and the service providers.

    “The commission will continue to entrench very transparent processes and procedures for rates determination in the industry.

    “The process is usually carried out with wide industry consultation.

    “It is through these processes that price floors and price caps for data and voice services are benchmarked, regularly reviewed, and determined from time to time.

    “The commission will continue to abide by this time-tested process and international best practice to ensure efficient pricing mechanism for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria,” he said.

  • NIPR Fellowship to Muoka, Ibietan meritorious – Danbatta

    NIPR Fellowship to Muoka, Ibietan meritorious – Danbatta

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, has hailed the conferment of the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (fnipr) on two management staff of the Commission, as meritorious and a testimony to the Commission’s promotion of professionalism and excellence in its scheme of management.

    The NCC EVC’s assertion followed the recent investiture and induction of Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs, and Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head, Media Relations in the Public Affairs Department of the Commission, as Fellows of the Chartered Institute during its AGM and Conference at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

    Danbatta, in congratulating the duo, said the Commission is proud to have produced these two individuals who have been considered worthy of elevation to the fellowship cadre of the prestigious institution like the NIPR, and that their emergence resonates with two of the Commission’s core values; Excellence and Professionalism; which the Commission coincidentally shares with the NIPR.

    The NCC boss, a Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with many Fellowships like: Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Renewable and Alternative Energy Society of Nigeria, expressed delight at the level of performance of the Commission’s staff in their different areas of professional calling.

    He commended the NIPR as a body for its commitment in the regulation of the practice of public relations in Nigeria for which it has found an ally in NCC. “This can only rekindle the healthy collaboration and partnership existing between the NCC and NIPR, especially in the area of capacity-building and commitment to appropriate national social orientation”, Danbatta stated.

    Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs Department of the NCC, holds M.Sc. in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos with specialisation in Public Relations and Advertising, after a Postgraduate Diploma in the same field from the same University; and he had earlier obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin. Besides being a fellow of NIPR, he is also an associate of the Registered Practitioners of Advertising, (arpa).

    He had worked for many years as Communications Editor in Vanguard Newspapers during which he also chaired the League of Communications Correspondents, one of the platforms that championed the deregulation of the telecom industry in Nigeria. He also worked for MTS First Wireless, Nigeria’s first mobile network operator, where he rose to the position of Deputy General Manager. In 1999, Muoka received a fellowship involving a Pan-African training and tour, leading to the award of a Diploma in Journalism, at the instance of the Egyptian Ministry of Information, and the African Journalists Union (AJU), in Cairo, Egypt.

    Ibietan earned a PhD in Communication from North-West University in South Africa. He had earlier obtained MA in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Uyo, and a Journalism Diploma from the Moscow-based International Institute of Journalism, Abuja Campus. A noted advocate of freedom and democracy, he was Freedom House Nigeria Project’s Regional Media Researcher in the Niger Delta until his appointment in 2006 as Special Media Assistant to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication, during which he popularised the use of new media for public communication in Nigeria. He is a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) and the International Institute of Communications (IIC).

    Ibietan joined the NCC in 2008 and was deployed to Legislative and Government Relations (LGR) Department where he was frontline liaison staff of the Commission with the National Assembly. Much later after the merging of the LGR Department with the Public Affairs Department in 2010, he served as Manager Media and Public Relations under Muoka’s supervision and became Senior Manager Media Management until January 2017 when he was redeployed to PAD’s emergent Online Media and Special Publication Unit, and subsequently designated as the head of the Unit. He also worked at the Consumer Information and Education Unit of the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) until his redeployment to PAD. He became an Assistant Director in January 2021 and was appointed Head Media Relations in July 2022.