Brands/Products
Why Airtel Spam Alert Service is a Game Changer for Mobile Security
By Joan Aimuengheuwa
By embedding real-time spam alert at both the network and systems level, Airtel strengthens trust in telecom infrastructure, a foundational element for digital economies, ensuring cross-network security accountability, proving that telcos can and should take more responsibility for securing the digital environment, not just selling data plans.
Have you ever won a “N5 million giveaway” from a number you’ve never dialled? Or been warned that your BVN would be “blocked in 24 hours” unless you click a link? If you never fell for these, then congratulations, you’re a part of Nigeria’s club named, The National Association of Spam SMS Survivors.
That’s not a real club though, but seriously, in 2024 alone, fraud in Africa surged by 21%, with phishing and SMS scams responsible for nearly half (48%) of all incidents.
As revealed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the country’s financial sector lost over N52.26 billion to fraud, a 350% increase, over five years. This tells us that mobile networks are no longer used as just channels of communication, they are becoming active fields for criminals.
This is why Airtel’s launch of a Spam Alert Service in March 2025 couldn’t have been better timed. It is a commendable effort that also signifies in mobile security across Africa. It is beyond merely reacting to fraud; it appears to be preventing it in real time.
The Scale of the Problem
Nigeria is ranked 7th globally for spam SMS. Research shows that 87% of mobile users in the country receive unsolicited messages, many of which are fraudulent. Airtel itself reported that its internal analysis showed that 60% of its customers were receiving spam monthly.
These are not just annoying messages, they open the gates to fraud, asking users to click dangerous links or share sensitive data.
And while East Africa leads the continent with a 27% fraud rejection rate, West and Central Africa still struggle at 22%. The threat has gone beyond a telecoms issue, we can see it’s now an economic and societal one.
Airtel’s Intelligent Countermeasure
Airtel Africa, with over 150 million subscribers and operations in 14 countries, has responded with a network-level AI-powered Spam Alert Service.
While some members of the public have raised concerns over likely privacy breaches, Airtel has confirmed that the Artificial Intelligence in the backend of the Spam Alert Service does not read user messages. Instead, it analyses over 250 parameters including the frequency of the sender, message volume, link patterns, and geographical spread.
At its core, the service simply identifies and flags suspicious SMS messages in real time, labelling them as “Suspected SPAM” and alerting the recipient immediately. It requires no app download, no user configuration, and is automatically activated for all Airtel users, smartphone or feature phone. It’s a simple, although not easy, solution to a thorny problem.
Using a proprietary dual-layer protection system, one at the network level and another at the IT systems level, Airtel AI Spam Alert Service is reported to process over 1.5 billion messages in under two milliseconds.
Real Time Results
Between it launch in Nigeria on March 13 and May 20, 2025, just two months, the Spam Alert Service flagged 9,667,008 suspicious messages, according to Airtel reporting. That number includes 528,080 sent by userson the Airtel network (on-net) and 9,138,928 sent by users from other networks (off-net).
This staggering number indicates both the scale of fraud attempts and the importance of cross-network security measures. The Airtel system doesn’t just defend its own users, it monitors the messages entering the network from outside, offering an additional layer of safety for subscribers.
According to Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, this innovation reiterates the strength of the telco’s AI-driven infrastructure in tackling the threat of spam and scam messages. “We understand that trust is the cornerstone of digital communication,” he stated, adding that, “This is why the AI is constantly learning, so as to keep pace with the changes in methods employed by spammers.”
Why This is a Game Changer
Network-Level Protection: Unlike most solutions that depend on user-side apps, Airtel’s service operates within its core infrastructure; it is always on and scanning, making it harder for threats to go undetected.
No User Action Required: There are no installations, updates, or settings for users to worry about.Every Airtel user, regardless of their phone type, gets protected by default.
Real-Time Alerts: The AI flags spam SMS in milliseconds, giving users feedback on potentially harmful messages as the messages arrive.
Scalable and Inclusive: Whether you’re using a basic feature phone in rural Tanzania or a smartphone in Lagos, you get the same level of protection, and this makes the service replicable in all of Airtel’s markets across Africa.
National Support and Expansion
Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, endorsed the solution, commending Airtel for aligning with national priorities.He stressed that the Airtel Spam Alert Service demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance online security and economic empowerment.
Similarly, Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted the sector-wide value, pointing out that it boosts consumer trust and directly supports national telecom security goals.
Following its success in Nigeria, the service has now expanded to Tanzania and Kenya, with a rollout planned for all 14 countries where Airtel operates.
Feedback from early users has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reported improved personal awareness to SMS messages.
According to Balsingh, the AI Spam Alert Service is not a one-off solution, it is embedded in Airtel’s focus on integrating intelligent systems across its offerings while improving user experience. With threats becoming more sophisticated, “so will our solutions,” he said.
The company’s Spam Alert Service is a necessary evolution in how we think about mobile security, proactive, intelligent, and inclusive. Mobile phones are lifelines to finance, communication, and commerce, and this service does more than pinpoint spam, it restores user confidence.
And across the current digital space, confidence is indeed everything.
Brands/Products
MultiChoice Nigeria Strengthens Dealer Partnerships at Engagement Forum
MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with its dealer network at the MultiChoice Dealer Enterprise 2.0 forum held on Monday in Lagos.
The forum brought together the company’s mega dealers across Nigeria to discuss evolving market realities, customer expectations and new initiatives designed to support long-term business growth.
In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, described dealers as critical partners in the company’s growth journey and customer experience delivery.
“Our dealers remain the bridge between our business and millions of customers across the country. As the market evolves, it is important that our partnership model also evolves to ensure sustainable growth and shared value across the ecosystem,” she said.
The company unveiled enhancements to its dealer engagement across its DStv and GOtv businesses, reinforcing its commitment to supporting dealer profitability, operational growth and long-term sustainability.
Speaking on the initiatives, Chimaobi Eluigwe, Vice President, Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the move reflects MultiChoice Nigeria’s intention to build a stronger and more rewarding partnership while positioning the dealer network for future growth.
“We are intentional about creating opportunities that allow our dealers to grow sustainably with the business. This is about strengthening partnerships, improving value creation and ensuring our dealers remain well-positioned for the future,” he said.
Dealers at the forum welcomed the initiatives, describing them as a positive step toward strengthening collaboration and improving business confidence.
According to Cordelia Ikeanyi, Managing Director at Eastland General Resources, the renewed engagement and enhanced benefits structure demonstrate MultiChoice Nigeria’s commitment to recognising the value dealers bring to the business.
“This is a step in the right direction for dealers. The improved communication and engagement from MultiChoice have made partners feel more valued and included, and the new initiatives will support business expansion and help us explore untapped opportunities,” she said.
Also speaking at the forum, Ifeanyi Onyibo, CEO of Radac Communications Limited, noted that dealers have experienced more engagement and clearer communication in recent months, describing the renewed approach as a positive development for the dealer ecosystem.
“There has been a noticeable improvement in communication and engagement, and initiatives like this give partners greater confidence in the direction of the business,” he said.
The forum also featured a feedback session where dealers shared market insights, customer trends, and recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening customer experience across the country.
Awards were presented to top-performing dealers in recognition of their sales performance, customer service excellence and commitment to growing the MultiChoice business nationwide.
With the Dealer Enterprise 2.0, MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with dealers to strengthen partnerships, improve collaboration and drive shared growth across the country.
Brands/Products
Choose Milk Campaign: FG, Others Urge Nigerians to Prioritise Real Milk for Healthier Families
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerians have been advised to prioritise the consumption of real milk, not creamer, because of its nutritional value.
This piece of advice was given by the federal government and some of its partners at the launch of the Choose Milk Campaign in Lagos.
This is a strategic national initiative focused on helping Nigerian households make informed dairy choices by strengthening consumer education and awareness on the nutritional benefits of milk and the differences between real milk and creamers.
According to the Senior Project Manager from the Danish Dairy Board, Mr Lars Jensen, the initiative seeks to address widespread misconceptions about dairy consumption while drawing a clear distinction between dairy milk and creamers commonly found in the Nigerian market.
He said at the unveiling that, “Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value,” noting that, “It is important for consumers to understand that creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk. This campaign is about clarity, transparency, and better health outcomes.
“We are taking this message directly to communities, schools and nutrition advocates because education at the grassroots level is key to driving lasting behavioural change,” he added.
Also speaking, the Danish Consul General to Nigeria, Ms Jette Bjerrum, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving nutrition awareness and improving health outcomes.
She noted that sustainable progress in nutrition education and dairy development can only be achieved through partnerships among governments, healthcare institutions, development organisations, and responsible industry stakeholders.
Echoing this call for collaboration and shared responsibility in improving nutrition outcomes was the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who, in a video message played during the event, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving nutrition and strengthening the dairy sector in Nigeria.
“This ‘Choose Milk’ campaign strongly aligns with the Ministry’s objectives to improve national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption, and strengthen the local dairy value chain,” he said. “By encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier and more food-secure nation.”
In her remarks, the Director of Food and Drugs Services of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Olufowolabi-Yusuf Adeola, described the campaign as timely and aligned with the federal government’s broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes across the country.
“Nutrition remains one of the most important public health priorities for any nation seeking sustainable growth and development. Consumers are faced with numerous food options and varied information about nutrition.
“Therefore, people must understand what to consume, why it matters, and how it contributes to their health and well-being. Campaigns like this help bring the nutrition literacy gap by empowering consumers with accurate information that enables them to make informed dietary choices for themselves and their entire families,” she stated.
The Choose Milk Campaign is expected to run for three years, driving sustained nationwide awareness efforts designed to help Nigerian consumers better understand authentic dairy products and make informed nutritional decisions that support healthier families and communities.
The campaign will reach consumers across the country through community engagement initiatives, school educational sessions, social media campaigns, TV and radio awareness programmes, and other public education activities.
The launch was attended by several personalities, including Funke Akindele, Dr Ayodele Renner (Noisy Naija Paediatrician), several senior government officials, respected media personalities, digital creators, and lifestyle influencers.
Brands/Products
bPOWERd Launches Cheap Solar Battery Rental Service Across Lagos Mobil Stations
By Adedapo Adesanya
Clean energy tech startup, bPOWERd, has expanded into Nigeria to offer solar solutions to businesses and homes for as low as N1,500 per day.
The startup has established operational presence across seven initial sites in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with 11 Plc, which now operates the country’s famous Mobil service stations.
According to a statement, the bp-developed startup is utilising these locations to deliver its solar-powered battery rental “business-in-a-box” infrastructure.
It comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face a significant energy access deficit. According to the World Bank data on global energy access deficits, 43 per cent of the population lacks grid access.
According to the company, powering a small, entry-level generator (0.9 kVA to 1.2 kVA) costs Nigerians an average of N10,000 daily, but a bPOWERd battery delivers up to 12 hours of power for just N3,000, a 70 per cent cost reduction.
bPOWERd offers an on-demand, solar-powered battery rental model for urban households and small business owners. Portable, solar-charged batteries are available to rent with a refundable N15,000 deposit. Daily rates are small battery (300Wh): From N1,500 per day, with larger battery (1,000Wh): From N3,000 per day.
These units power essential appliances like lighting, TVs, fans, refrigerators, and small business equipment.
The Nigeria expansion will seek to replicate the first phase, which was launched in South Africa in 2025, where it claimed it facilitated 125,000 rentals in its first 12 months of operations.
According to the Managing Director at bPOWERd, Mr Jonathan Lule, “Small businesses sit at the centre of everyday economic activity, yet many continue to operate against the backdrop of unstable and expensive power. At a time of continued grid instability, bPOWERd is helping households and small and medium-sized enterprises access dependable pay-per-use power they can rely on”.
On his part, Mr Oluwole Ogidan, Head bp Global West Africa, said, “Our focus is on delivering diversified energy solutions that are affordable, resilient, and adaptable to how people live and work. Beyond expanding access to reliable power, this rollout also supports the growth of a local green workforce through on-site sales roles and partnerships with Nigerian solar technicians.”
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
