Technology
Telco Operators Demand Fair Pricing, Industry Independence
By Adedapo Adesanya
Telecommunication operators in Nigeria have called on the federal government to address pricing challenges amid the current economic climate in the country and the world at large.
The appeal was made in a joint statement by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) signed by Mr Gbenga Adebayo, the ALTON Chairman and Mr Tony Emoekpere, the ATCON President on Thursday.
The two associations (ALTON and ATCON) represent Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and telecommunication companies, respectively.
The telecom operators urged the government to establish a framework that balanced consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.
They said: “For a fully liberalised and deregulated sector, the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities, threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence.
“Despite the adverse economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last 11 years, primarily due to regulatory constraints.
“Government needs to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.”
The operators further urged the government to take decisive action in addressing the numerous challenges confronting the telecommunications industry.
The associations also advocated for the sustenance of a culture of independence in the regulatory landscape, saying this would inspire trust in the telecom sector and encourage investment.
According to them, it will safeguard undue influence and unwholesome incursion into the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) domain.
“Regulatory neutrality and independence are crucial to ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector.
“Statutory provisions lend credence to this notion, as a lack of an impartial regulator will lead to a failure to maintain public confidence in the objectivity and independence of its decisions,” they said.
According to them, there is an urgent need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to overcome obstacles hindering the sector’s growth and development.
The associations said that their members still lacked access to essential telecommunication services due to myriad of challenges.
They noted that the challenges included multiple taxation, regulations, prohibitive Right of Way (RoW) charges, inadequate electric power supply and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.
The associations also advocated for legislation that designated telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).
In their statement, the two associations expressed deep concern over the escalating security threats facing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.
“Telecom infrastructure undisputedly plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and socioeconomic growth, especially as the country currently contends with multiple security challenges that require urgent and immediate actions in response to these threats.
“Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt telecommunications services and result in significant financial losses for operators.
“We urge the government to prioritise the security of telecommunications infrastructure and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection measures and combat vandalism and sabotage effectively.
“The industry also requires substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades,” they said.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Two of the major telecommunications companies in Africa, Airtel Africa Plc and MTN Group, have entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria.
The idea behind this is to cost operating costs and improve network coverage for quality mobile services to millions of customers, particularly in remote areas.
However, this would be carried out in compliance with local regulatory and statutory requirements.
The initiative is part of a growing global trend toward network sharing. By collaborating, telecoms operators can explore innovative and pro-competitive solutions to improve service quality while managing costs more effectively.
The sharing of infrastructure has the potential to enable the delivery of world-class, reliable mobile services to more and more customers across Africa.
Already, MTN and Airtel Africa are exploring various opportunities in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia.
Among the types of agreements considered are RAN sharing and those aimed at establishing commercial and technical agreements for fibre infrastructure sharing and, if necessary, the construction of fibre networks.
“As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services and our offerings we are building common infrastructure, within the permissible regulatory framework, to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway to drive digital and financial inclusion at the same time avoiding duplication of expensive infrastructure to drive operational efficiencies and benefits for our customers,” the chief executive of Airtel Africa, Mr Sunil Taldar, said.
His counterpart at MTN Group, Mr Ralph Mupita, while commenting on the development, said, “As MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress.
“We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets. To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.
“That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A mobile application, MyLagosApp, designed to provide real-time updates on events, entertainment, hospitality, transport services and government-related payments, has been launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The digital platform was created by the Software Lab in MTN, according to the Chief Information Officer of MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke, and is embedded with global security standards and practices with ISO 27001 certification.
At the launch of the app last Thursday, it was emphasised that security was a key priority in the design and development of the app to ensure the protection of user data and secure access to the app’s features and functionalities.
MyLagosApp, currently entitled MyCityApp on the app store, is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Users have been encouraged to download it to experience firsthand how urban living in Lagos has been transformed with the app.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mr Obafemi Hamzat, while speaking at the unveiling of the app, reinforced the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced city management and connectivity.
He described it as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to enhancing the lives of citizens through technological innovation.
“I commend the collaboration between MTN Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, alongside other key stakeholders, for making this vision a reality.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of technology in bridging the gap between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and improve lives.
“The app serves as a vital link between the government and the people, simplifying access to public services, providing real-time updates, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
“Whether you need to navigate government processes, access essential city services, or stay informed about key developments, MyLagosApp places all the information you need right at your fingertips,” Mr Hamzat said on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
On his part, the chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, said, “As we embrace the future of e-governance, digital entertainment and commercial innovation, initiatives like this are essential in making Lagos a truly smart city, and we are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government to drive digital transformation and enhance urban living.
“With the launch of MyLagosApp, we are leveraging technology to simplify access to essential services, improve connectivity, and create a smarter, more efficient Lagos for residents and visitors alike.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, amid growing concerns over potential privacy violations.
This was disclosed, the chief executive of NDPC, Mr Vincent Olatunji, at a press conference in Abuja, where he also announced the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDPC act – GAID 2025).
According to Mr Olatunji, the commission is particularly concerned about how these platforms handle Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.
He said the NDPC is actively investigating the data processing activities of Tiktok and Truecaller to ensure their compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
He noted that the goal was to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data.
The investigation follows increasing scrutiny of global technology companies over data privacy concerns, particularly regarding how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025 provides a comprehensive framework for the implementation of Nigeria’s data protection law, setting out specific guidelines for compliance, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both private and public sector organisations.
He emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring that individuals’ rights to privacy are upheld in line with international best practices.
Mr Olatunji further reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must align with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions on their operations.
The NDPC has called on the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The agency stated that reporting data breaches have become easier with dedicated channels of reaching out to the commission from its official website.
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