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Tag: NCC

  • NIN/SIM: NCC says no to extension

    NIN/SIM: NCC says no to extension

    • Subscribers rush to NIMC, banks

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday said that it would not extend the February 28th deadline for the linkage of the Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM) with the National Identity Numbers (NIN), insisting that it had given adequate notice to subscribers through various platforms of its intention to bar lines which had not been linked with NIN.

    Its Director of Public Affairs,  Mr Reuben Muoka, confirmed this to our Correspondent that NCC would not change its stance on the matter.

    The Nation gathered that the development has put pressure on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as Nigerians thronged their offices nationwide in an effort to beat the deadline. No fewer than 12 million telephone lines may be affected as a result of NCC’s deadline.

    Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have also said that they would comply with the directive of the regulatory body as citizens have been told more than three years ago on the imperative of linking their SIM with NIN. According to the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, telecom operators had no choice than to comply with the NCC’s directive.

    “About 12 million SIM cards may not have been linked to NIN. Some of these SIM cards work on modems and mifi devices. According to the regulatory directives, those numbers that are not properly linked to NIN will have services withdrawn to them by midnight of 28th February. We stand by that regulatory directive and we are going to comply,” Adebayo said.

    Meanwhile, there were crowds at the Alausa, Ikeja office of the NIMC, some NIN registration centres that are front end partners (FEPs) to NIMC and some bank offices across Lagos yesterday ostensibly caused by customers move to link their NIN to their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and to their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) .

    NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, acknowledged the surge in the number of applicants, but insisted that the Commission had open various platforms to ease registration processes.

    Customers, who spoke with The Nation, said they were at NIMC office to not only pick their NINs but also correct errors spotted a long time ago before the implementation of the NCC directive.

    One of customers, who gave his name simply as Ajayi, said he had printed his NIN at GTBank which he has used all the while. He said he wanted to do transaction only for GTBank to insist he gets his NIN validated and print out at NIMC. Ajayi said he’s been on it for weeks.

    Another subscriber, Ijeoma said she did her NIN at passport OFFICE, Ikoyi a long time ago and had had no issues whatever thereafter, including inking it with her SIM. Trouble however started when she wanted to renew her international passport.

    “I was told while applying for international passport by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service that my NIN has been suspended. It was strange to me. I have been on this since January having done everything NIMC asked me to do. It is really frustrating, “ she said.

    Also, bank customers that crowded the Ipaja Gate branch of Stanbic IBTC Bank and Pako bus stop branch of GTBank (along Ipaja/Ayobo road) said apart from carrying out other bank activities, the linking of NIN to BVN, which is now mandatory, equally brought them to the banking halls.

    Recall that while there are 104 million NINs as of December 2023, data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) showed that as of January this year, there are 60.2 million BVNs in the country. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had in December 2023 announced that it would freeze accounts without a BVN and NIN from April 2024.

    The apex bank via a circular had instructed banks to place a “Post no Debit” restriction – which prevents customers from making withdrawals, transfers, or any other debits “for all existing Tier-1 accounts/wallets without BVN or NIN.

    “Effective immediately, any unfunded account/wallet shall be placed on ‘Post No Debit or Credit’ until the new process is satisfied.  Effective March 1, 2024, all funded accounts or wallets shall be placed on ‘Post No Debit or Credit’ and no further transactions permitted,” the circular, endorsed by the CBN Director of Payments System Management Department Chibuzo Efobi, and the Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department Haruna Mustapha had stated.

    Due to the gaps that still exist in NIN registration process with so many people having several irregularities and some without NIN, unless the policy is reviewed, once implemented, many Nigerians might be unable to access cash from their accounts, a development that might heighen the hardship occasioned  by the country’s worsening cost of living crisis.

    Read Also: Lagos begins prosecution of pedestrians crossing highways

    Already, banks including GTB, Stanbic IBTC have urged their customers to linking their NINs to their BVN.

    GTB, in a notice, said: “We would like to inform you of the mandatory requirement to link your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identity Number (NIN) to your personal GTBank Account. The process of linking your BVN and NIN to your Account is simple and can be completed using any of these channels.”

    Similarly, Stanbic IBTC wrote to its custoners: “Dear,…. please visit www.stanbicibtcbank.com to update your NIN on or before Friday, 01 March 2024 to avoid restrictions on your account. Thank you.”

    Meanwhile, telcos said they will carry out NCC directive, despite court order.

    According to them, NCC has not said otherwise: “The directive was for operators to disconnect unlinked SIMs by February 28. We are concluding on the audit done and disconnection begins in earnest.”

    Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Reuben Muoka had said the Commission wasn’t properly served about the court process.

     MTN said it is fast resolving the technical glitch subscribers on its network had yesterday, stressing that the challenge came largely from damage to fibre in Abuja and some part of northern region.

  • NCC: 5G network prone to cyber breaches

    NCC: 5G network prone to cyber breaches

    As technology evolves into the sixth and seventh generation (6G and 7G) the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said the 5G technology launched in the country about three years boasts of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure.

    Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who spoke in Lagos at this year’s Telecom Industry Risk Management Conference which had: “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends” as theme, said in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way people communicate, connect, and conduct business. According to him, as the nation navigates this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount.

    Recall that MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications and Airtel Nigeria have rolled out services on 5G network with subscriptions reaching about 500,000 so far. Each of the operators paid $273.6million totaling $820.8million for the spectrum licence.

    Dr Maida however said the technology, which has fast data speed and latency as major advantages, boasts of wider attacks owing to its ability to connect several devices. 

    He said: “Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

    “While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future. We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity. However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.

    “Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon. As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancement but also a fresh set of challenges. Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.”

    Represented on the occasion by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, at NCC, Ubale Maska,  the CEO said in addition to the evolution of connectivity, consideration must be given to the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, Dr Maida said, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform the industry positively, adding that they however, introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in the risk management strategies.

    Read Also: Tijani, NCC boss revamping communications sector – Centre

    “The NCC remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure. As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources  and implementing robust risk management strategies. We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry,” Dr Maida said.

    He restated his commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the industry, stating that “together, we can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.

    “Building a culture of risk awareness is paramount. As an industry, we must empower our people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout our business processes.  Emerging technologies such as AI  should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time. We should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities on a continuous basis and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry,” Dr Maida said, stressing that the challenges posed by current technologies should not only be attended to but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond. “Together, we can ensure that the telecoms industry not only adapts to change but thrives at the forefront of technological innovation,” he said.

  • Nigeria is a fertile ground for fintech – NCC

    Nigeria is a fertile ground for fintech – NCC

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has said Nigeria with its youthful population and increasing mobile penetration presents a fertile ground for the financial technology industry (FINTECH) to flourish offering immense potential for financial inclusion, economic growth and social development.

    He said this at the launch of a book titled, “Digital Economy and the Prospect of Financial Technology in Nigeria” by a prominent expert in digital economy and financial technology, Engr Dipo Fisho in collaboration with Glorious Vision University (GVU), Ogwa.

    Maida, who was represented by the Principal Manager, NCC, Engr Kunle Olorundare, at the launch of the important book described it as a well-deserved Festschrift in honour in honour of an esteemed colleague and industry expert, Fisho.

    He said the book could not have come at a better time than now as the country stands on the cusp of a transformative era. 

    “The digital economy is rapidly reshaping every facet of our lives and the Fintech industry is an integral part of this revolution. Nigeria with its youthful population and increasing mobile penetration presents a fertile ground for fintech to flourish offering immense potential for financial inclusion, economic growth and social development,” he said.

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    He said Engr Fisho whose career beautifully trajectory mirrors this evolution has been an expert and passionate advocate for the digital transformation of Nigeria. 

    He said the book, a collection of insightful essays, articles and reports by renowned experts explores such crucial themes at a time when Nigeria strives to harness the full potential of its digital economy.

    He commended the editors and contributors for their valuable work in compiling the insightful book shape future of digital economy in Nigeria

    The Head of Department of the Department of Economics of the University, Dr D. C. Onyejiuwa, said they were celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Dipo Fisho to the Fintech community. 

    Onyejiuwa, who spoke on the book, said Fisho was been chosen to be honoured not only because he elegantly propelled a massive development, which is the Fintech industry, but has proved to be valuable in support of academics and human capital development. 

    “We express our deepest gratitude for the countless hours of dedication, the wealth of knowledge shared and mentorship provided to generations of students and colleagues. Your contributions have been a catalyst for excellence and your wisdom has shaped the intellectual landscape and the fintech world. Your unwavering commitment to scholarship, mentorship and service have set a standard of achievement that has enriched us all,” he said.

     Deputy Governor, Financial Service Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria, Philip Ikeazo, who was represented by an Assistant Director, Chike Ugwueze,  said the publication of the topical and consequential book for the financial sector in Nigeria, shows that GVU is committed to cutting edge research that is relevant to the economic situation in Nigeria and should be lauded.

    The book was reviewed by the Head, Media Relations, NCC, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, who thanked Engr Fisho for bein intentional in making such a decisive contribution. 

    Engr Dipo Fisho in his remarks, thanked all who made the work possible.

    He said the book was a compendium of knowledge, which was not just his work, but written with others which made it richer.

    He said, “Unity is strength and when there is team work it is better. The book speaks to unity in strength, teamwork and collaboration. I thank all the contributors. This monumental work is a testament of the collective efforts and dedication of all those who have contributed to the discourse on the digital economy burgeoning landscape of financial technology in Nigeria. I am reminded of the profound impact that collective knowledge and collaboration can have on shaping the trajectory of an entire industry,” he said.

    The Chief Launcher of the event was High Chief Eniola Fayose.

    Remarks were made by the Acting Vice Chancellor of GVU, Ogwa, prof E. S. Asemah.

    Goodwill messages were given by the Vice President, TACN/LAWNA territorial Chairman and Visitor, GVU, Past S. G. O. Uyeh.

    The book is a Festschrift for Dipo Fisho, with 25 chapters that have been thoroughly researched and reviewed by Scholars, Technocrats and Professionals in different fields. 

    These chapters are tailored to provide solutions and more insight into the challenges of Fintech in Nigeria. It highlights the transformative impact of fintech and digital payments on Nigeria’s economy, emphasizing the country’s leadership in real-time digital payments, the government’s support for the digital economy, and the potential for further growth and development in the financial technology industry.

  • NCC urges states, others to cut telecom taxes

    NCC urges states, others to cut telecom taxes

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday appealed to states and local government councils across the country to cut taxes imposed on telecom companies, saying excessive taxation would be counter-productive to the growth of the industry.

    Its Executive Vice Chairman, (EVC) Dr Aminu Wada Maida lamented that with between 50 to 55 percent taxes already imposed on telecom operators,  it would be difficult to attract foreign investments into the sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the NCC.

    According to Dr. Maida, the NCC management has decided to embark on nationwide advocacy to appeal to states and local governments as well as other stakeholders on the need to reduce levies they imposed, especially the Right of Way (RoW) charges and other multiple taxes.

    Dr Maida made the remarks yesterday at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora,  Abuja, during an interactive session with ICT reporters and those from the National Assembly.

    “We are going to be going on an advocacy campaign to see how we can convince the states to remove some of these obstacles like Right of Way and multiple taxations because I have seen some studies which indicates taxation is almost 50 per cent getting to 55 per cent in some areas in this country.

    Read Also; Southern, Middle Belt leaders seek end to rising poverty, insecurity

    “And you would agree with me that if we are trying to bring in foreign investment that is not a good picture to paint,” the NCC boss said.

    He appealed to states to consider the long-term benefits that would come to them if they allow massive investments in the sector as jobs opportunities would be created alongside other value chains in the sector.

    He also disclosed that the dispute between the two telecom giants, MTN Nigeria and Globacom Network would be resolved amicably soon as the Commission is more interested in a level playing ground for all stakeholders.

    He said the Commission has developed a Strategic Vision based on five pillars to drive the telecom industry and ensure that it continued to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country as expected.

    The EVC acknowledged the challenges associated with quality of services (QoS) from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Services Providers (ISPs), saying the Commission would adopt “a total consumer experience” to address the challenges.

    He also advised consumers complaining about data depletion to look inwards as most of the problems had to do with the types of handsets they are using coupled with the services available and the digital services they enjoyed without considering cost implications.

    He said: “Our approach will thus be to walk towards the expectations of these stakeholders, and everything for me starts with the consumer and the expectation of the consumer is very simple – quality of service.

    “I don’t think you can say anything more than that.  On quality of service, we are talking about a total consumer experience not just about drop calls or I can’t make a call.

    “There is a total quality of experience right from how you find and select the right network to use, how you onboard onto that network talking about SIM registration process, process of linking your SIM to your NIN and of course after you have gone through all of that when you are using it, how easy is it for you to select a tariff, how transparent is the tariff, how are you supported by the entire host, how do you onboard from the network, these are important.”

  • Multiple taxation: NCC begs states to cut telecom taxes

    Multiple taxation: NCC begs states to cut telecom taxes

    The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC on Tuesday, February 6, appealed to states and local government councils across the country to cut taxes imposed on telecom companies, asserting that excessive taxation would be counterproductive to the growth of the industry.

    Its Executive Vice Chairman, (EVC) Aminu Wada Maida lamented that with between 50 to 55 percent taxes already imposed on telecom operators,  it would be difficult to attract foreign investments into the sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the NCC.

    According to Maida, the NCC management has decided to embark on nationwide advocacy to appeal to States and local governments as well as other stakeholders on the need to reduce levies they imposed, especially the Right of Way (RoW) charges and other multiple taxes.

    Maida made the remarks on Tuesday at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, during an interactive session with Reporters covering the Information and Telecommunications Sector and those from the National Assembly.

    “We are going to be going on an advocacy campaign to see how we can convince the states to remove some of these obstacles like Right of Way and multiple taxations because I have seen some studies which indicate taxation is almost 50% getting to 55% in some areas in this country.

    “And you would agree with me that if we are trying to bring in foreign investment that is not a good picture to paint,” the NCC boss said.

    He appealed to states to consider the long-term benefits that would come to them if they allowed massive investments in the sector as job opportunities would be created alongside other value chains in the sector.

    Read Also: Insecurity: NCC, security operatives working to tackle challenges

    He also disclosed that the dispute between the two telecom giants, MTN Nigeria and Globacom Network would be resolved amicably soon as the Commission is more interested in a level playing ground for all stakeholders.

    He said the Commission has developed a strategic Vision based on five pillars to drive the telecom industry and ensure that it continues to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country as expected.

    The EVC acknowledged the challenges associated with the quality of services from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Services Providers (ISPs), saying that the Commission would adopt “a total consumer experience” to address the challenges.

    He also advised consumers complaining about data depletion to look inward as most of the problems had to do with the types of handsets they are using coupled with the services available and the digital services they enjoyed without considering cost implications.

    Wada said: “Our approach will thus be to walk towards the expectations of these stakeholders, and everything for me starts with the consumer and the expectation of the consumer is very simple – quality of service.

    “I don’t think you can say anything more than that.  Quality of service and this quality of service, we are talking about a total consumer experience not just about drop calls or I can’t make a call.

    “There is a total quality of experience right from how do you find and select the right network to use, how do you onboard onto that network talking about SIM registration process, process of linking your SIM to your NIN and of course after you have gone through all of that when you are using it, how easy is it for you to select a tariff, how transparent is the tariff, how are you supported by the entire host, how do you onboard from the network, these are important.”

  • Insecurity: NCC, security operatives working to tackle challenges

    Insecurity: NCC, security operatives working to tackle challenges

    The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has said the agency is working with security agencies and other stakeholders to address the insecurity in the country.

    Aminu, who gave the assurance while unfolding his plans at a parley with media executives in Abuja, assured consumers and the operators that they would have a win-win situation.

    He said: “We will continue to work closely with security agencies and other agencies to face and tackle these challenges. NCC works closely with security agencies and this collaboration was there before I joined.”

    The NCC boss assured Nigerians that consumers would enjoy improved services under his watch.

    He said: “As the EVC and with the collaboration of all stakeholders, we shall drive optimal quality of experience for consumers across all points as well as expansion of broadband infrastructure while fostering innovations and sustainable growth of the telecommunication sector.

    Read Also: NCC Struggles: All eyes on Bosun Tijani

    “I am not the Messiah, but I am confident we can do little things to make things better. I promise to work more in a collaborative way than to wield the big stick. But the fact that we are collaborating does not mean we should not apply sanctions when necessary.

    “At the heart of our strategy, we need to put smiles back on the faces of consumers. We are here to protect the interest of the consumers and licencees. If we don’t put smiles on the faces of consumers, the industry will be challenged.

    “We need a win-win situation. We are working on how to manage a delicate balance between consumers and operators who will need returns for their investments. We have released a draft of Corporate Governance framework.

    “My loyalty is to Nigerians and they include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But it starts with the consumers. If you don’t make consumers happy, how will licencees get returns for their investments?

    “We want to make our industry more secured through data protection and cyber security.”

  • Nigeria’s broadband penetration, teledensity dip

    Nigeria’s broadband penetration, teledensity dip

    Nigerian’s broadband penetration and teledensity have dropped while the country witnessed a steady increase in active voice and internet subscriptions, a new document released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday has shown.

    According to the NCC data which have been adjusted to reflect the latest population growth figures and align with international best practices reflected in the telecom industry statistical reports of September, October and November 2023 published on the Commission’s website, was predicated upon the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC)’s projection of Nigeria’s population at 216,783,381, as of 2022, replacing the previously used 2017 projection of 190 million people.

    With the adjustment in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU’s) calculation of teledensity, the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63per cent to 102.30per cent in September, while broadband penetration witnessed a similar drop from 45.47per cent to 40.85per cent in the same month. However, the active voice subscription statistics witnessed a marginal growth from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883 as of September 2023. In addition, internet subscriptions also enjoyed a marginal growth, from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.

    Teledensity is an index prescribed by the ITU for the measurement of telephone penetration in a population by a factor of one line per 100 individuals in the population.

    In October 2023 the industry also experienced a 0.19per cent growth in Active Voice subscriptions while teledensity stood at 102.49 per cent with Internet subscriptions increasing by 0.60per cent compared to September 2023.

    In November of the same year, the industry also experienced a 0.46per cent growth in Active Voice subscriptions. Teledensity stood at 102.97per cent with a 0.57per cent increase in internet subscriptions when compared to October 2023.

    The adjustment by the Commission is consistent with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), in which the Commission is mandated to monitor and report on the state of the Nigerian telecommunications industry, provide statistical analysis and identify industry trends concerning services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, and issues of competition.

    Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, affirmed the nation’s telecom statistical adjustment process as an appropriate step to maintain the integrity of data about the Nigerian telecom industry as collected, collated, and published by the Commission. He noted that this will also ensure the accurate measurement of the Commission’s progress towards attaining increased broadband penetration rates, improved quality of service, and increased population coverage, among other targets set out in the Strategic Plan for the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

    He also said such data provides information for both  the ITU to which Nigeria belongs, and other development agencies as well as the operators, investors, multilateral agencies, and the public.

  • Data expiry: NCC should ease consumer pain

    Data expiry: NCC should ease consumer pain

    SIR: In recent years, the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria has witnessed exponential growth, with an increasing number of users relying on data services for communication and connectivity. Data service has become a tremendously successful market segment for Telcos.

    In Q3 2023, Nigeria’s top mobile network operators, MTN and Airtel, collectively generated N403.2 billion from data services. MTN, the country’s largest telecom operator, saw a 38.9 per cent increase, reaching N279.5 billion in data revenue compared to N201.1 billion in the same period the previous year. Airtel Nigeria experienced a 29.3 per cent growth, reporting N123.7 billion in data subscriptions for the quarter ending September 2023. Both telecom giants attribute this surge to heightened data consumption by their customers.

    While the Telcos are smiling to the bank, a concerning issue has emerged – the expiration of unused data, which leaves consumers frustrated and questioning the transparency of these practices.

    Any day on social media one is bound to see posts of consumers voicing their discontent with the apparent injustice of data plans that expire. This sentiment is echoed by many who find themselves losing hard-earned money for services they did not fully utilize.

    The question arises: Why do these data plans have a finite lifespan?

    This practice is particularly egregious considering that data plans are not akin to prepaid cards; they are more comparable to a service subscription. Users expect the ability to utilize their purchased data at their convenience, free from the constraints of an arbitrary expiration date.

    Beyond the expiration issue, consumers also grapple with subpar data speeds, unreliable services, and exorbitant rates. The overall experience with data services provided by Telcos leaves much to be desired, prompting an urgent need for regulatory intervention.

    The National Communications Commission, NCC, holds a pivotal role in safeguarding consumers within the telecommunications sector. In this data dilemma, to better protect consumers, the NCC must initiate a comprehensive review of data expiration policies imposed by Telcos. This includes considering the extension or elimination of expiration periods for unused data to grant users more flexibility.

    Of course, in a matter like this transparent communication is key. The NCC should mandate Telcos to clearly and concisely communicate data expiration details during plan subscriptions. This ensures consumers are well-informed about the implications of unused data and associated expiration policies.

    In addition, the NCC must look at enforcing fair pricing. It should regularly assess and regulate data pricing to prevent exorbitant rates, ensuring consumers receive value for money in terms of data speed and service quality.

    The regulator will do well to closely monitor Telcos’ performance, robust tracking systems should be established, focusing on data speeds, network reliability, and overall customer satisfaction. Penalties should be instituted for Telcos consistently failing to meet specified service standards.

    Educational initiatives are crucial for consumer empowerment. The NCC should launch campaigns to inform consumers about their rights and provide accessible information on data plans, expiration policies, and troubleshooting tips.

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    Moreover, a regular consumer feedback mechanism is essential. In this light, the NCC should establish an efficient system for consumers to report issues and concerns regarding data services. Prompt actions should be taken to address reported problems and ensure accountability within the telecommunications sector.

    Promoting competition is another avenue that the regulator can explore. Yes, the NCC can encourage healthy competition among Telcos to drive innovation and improve service quality. Measures should be in place to prevent monopolistic practices and offer consumers diverse and competitive options.

    Collaboration with consumer protection agencies, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), is equally vital. The NCC should work closely with these agencies to align efforts in safeguarding consumer rights, sharing information and collaborating on initiatives to enhance consumer protection in the telecommunications sector.

    As consumers await regulatory action, there are practical steps they can take to protect their interests. Regularly checking data balances, understanding the terms and conditions of data plans, and providing feedback to both Telcos and regulatory bodies can contribute to a more transparent and consumer-friendly telecommunications environment.

    The expiration of unused data in Nigeria is not merely a technical constraint; it is a symptom of a broader issue plaguing the telecommunications sector. By shedding light on these practices, consumers can collectively advocate for change, urging regulatory bodies like the NCC to ensure that the interests of the people they serve are prioritised over profit margins.

    It is time for a paradigm shift – one that places the consumer at the centre of telecommunications policies and practices, fostering a fair and equitable relationship between Telcos and the people. To the NCC, it is time to unravel the data expiry dilemma.

    • Elvis Eromosele, Lagos.
  • BREAKING: NCC makes U-turn, stops disconnection of Glo customers by MTN

    BREAKING: NCC makes U-turn, stops disconnection of Glo customers by MTN

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put on hold its earlier approval given to MTN Nigerian Communications (NCC) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from today, Thursday, January 18, 2024, due to a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties. 

    A statement signed by Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, said: “The Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in the exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days from today, 17 January, 2024.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Glo users may be barred from calling MTN lines — NCC

     The commission said that in granting the approval as contained in its Pre-Disconnection Notice of January 8, 2024, it was “deeply conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers and therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which prioritizes and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.

     “Whilst the Commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, the Commission insists that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.

    “It is obligatory that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry keep to the terms and conditions of their licenses, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements,” the commission said.

  • NCC: robust fintech critical to deepening financial inclusion

    NCC: robust fintech critical to deepening financial inclusion

    The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has described the Financial Technology (FinTech) industry as a critical driver of financial inclusion of Nigerians living in the underserved and unserved communities.

    Maida made this known in Lagos in his keynote at the yearly Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) FinTech Forum which focused on “Harnessing Nigeria’s Fintech Potential: Challenges and Opportunities”.

    The EVC, who was represented at the event by the Controller of NCC Lagos Zonal Office, Mr Henry Ojiokpota, stated that the theme of the forum was suitable at this time for a discourse about the financial industry given the significant rise in digital financial services across the nation.

    The EVC said Fintech is revolutionising Nigeria’s financial ecosystem as it represents a positive disruption to the conventional financial system.

    Maida said financial technology’s emergence to leverage technology to enhance financial services such as mobile banking, borrowing, investment, and cryptocurrency, comes as an enhancer and enabler of business and other opportunities in the sphere of innovation, job creation and investment that further stimulates economic growth.

    The EVC stated that fintech applications such as robo-advisors, payment apps, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending apps, investment apps, and crypto apps, create business opportunities for individuals. He also stated that the adoption of these Fintech applications for socioeconomic gains by the youth, who account for 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, would add value to the economy.

    Maida recalled recent industry statistics citing active subscriptions across mobile networks in Nigeria, which hit 220.7 million last August, to demonstrate that the Nigerian Fintech ecosystem can offer an array of financial services to telecom subscribers.

    He said the Commission will continue to expand and enhance telecoms infrastructure to enable robust Fintech services, and address consumer concerns, and regulatory challenges in the sector because the optimal utilisation of digital technologies will enhance the provision of financial services to rural communities and underserved segments of the population through leveraging of high mobile phone penetration in Nigeria.

    “Therefore, Fintech has the potential to deepen the existing payment and financial system infrastructure to reach unserved and underserved areas and further stimulate economic growth,” Maida added.

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    He said the Commission has begun implementing new strategies to meet the new target of 70 per cent Broadband penetration by the year 2025 as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and the blueprint released by the Minister for accelerating the growth of the digital economy sector through technology.

    The EVC said these policies and strategies have huge implications for enhancing derivable benefits of the Fintech industry as well as significantly and positively impacting Nigeria’s goals on financial inclusion and the digital economy at large.

    The NCC boss promised that the Commission will continue to support the fintech industry in harnessing its enormous potential and will not rest on its oars in its strides to address the challenges in the sector, including improving the provision of secured infrastructure that support the delivery of digital financial services in efficient ways. He also reiterated the Commission’s focus on maintaining minimum standards in Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to enhance sectoral contribution to the economy.

    The EVC stated that the Commission, in support of its vision in this sphere, has implemented a Memorandum of Understanding with CBN on boosting payment systems and financial inclusion, which is in line with the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2025. He also informed that NCC will continue to play an important role in harnessing the potential of Fintech through maximum support for Fintech policies, enforcing regulations, and strengthening collaborations with relevant authorities.