The breakfast meeting served as a collaborative forum, bringing together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to review GenU 9JA’s progress in providing Nigerian youth with digital learning, upskilling, and pathways to meaningful employment.

In his opening remarks, Carl Cruz, chief executive officer at Airtel Nigeria, expressed Airtel’s dedication to supporting the youth.

“It is a privilege for Airtel to host this significant meeting and reaffirm our commitment to an initiative that holds the power to transform the lives of millions of young Nigerians. By equipping our youth with essential skills and resources, we not only support their individual success but also contribute to Nigeria’s social and economic growth,” he said.

Mr. Cruz further highlighted Airtel’s leadership in providing connectivity for digital learning, noting,

“With the support of our UNICEF partners, we have connected 1,260 schools across Nigeria to digital learning, enabling 600 children to access educational platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport and Yoma Africa. This connectivity is not just about internet access; it is about creating an equal playing field for young people, giving them access to quality education and skills essential for their future.”

The event saw participation from a host of other GenU 9JA partners, including IHS Towers, ATC, Unilever, Jobberman, Microsoft, Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, GIZ, World Bank, ILO, UNDP, UNFPA, the EU Delegation, and the Government of the Netherlands.

While delivering a report on GenU 9JA digital learning, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, reiterated Airtel’s dedication to driving digital inclusion and youth empowerment in support of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

“For us at Airtel, we are actively involved in connecting schools and advancing digital learning for young Nigerians. Looking back at the debut of our partnership with UNICEF in 2023, we have exceeded our initial expectations in school connectivity, which highlighted the significant gaps in Nigeria’s educational system. This year, we have made even greater strides and our involvement in initiatives like the Nigeria Learning Passport reflects our commitment to bridging this gap by expanding digital access, fostering learning, and building essential skills nationwide to support young Nigerians,” he said.

 “Also, it would interest everyone to know that Airtel Nigeria’s new Home Broadband thematic campaign, ‘Live Limitless’, resonates strongly with the GenU 9JA ‘We No Get Limit’ motto, which underscores our dedication to empowering young Nigerians to unlock their full potential without barriers. This commitment drives us to continue creating and promoting opportunities that equip the youth for a brighter future” he added.

The GenU Steering Committee meeting served as a valuable platform for Airtel and other partners to deepen their commitment to the GenU 9JA mission.

By fostering collaboration and driving impactful initiatives, Airtel demonstrates its corporate social responsibility by actively contributing to programs that uplift Nigerian youth and promote sustainable development across the nation.

This statement was made by Dr Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, during the inauguration of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop, an initiative aimed at fortifying the country’s communications infrastructure.

Dr. Maida’s address comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s recent Executive Order designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). 

This designation aims to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications against threats that damage service quality and operational efficiency. The workshop also targets the implementation of the Executive Order effectively.

Dr Maida stated that the financial stress on operators, who are forced to spend billions on repairs and also preventative measures against ongoing attacks is a lot. “In addition, the limited access to telecom facilities imposed by both private landowners and government bodies limits expansion efforts, further worsening the connectivity problems,” he added.

Over the years, industry stakeholders have cried out for the recognition of telecom infrastructure as a national asset, urging the government to tackle the incidents of vandalism. 

Earlier this year, Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, stated these issues following the internet outage caused by damaged fibre optic cables.

In 2023, MTN Nigeria reported over 6,000 fibre cuts, which prompted the operator to relocate approximately 2,500 kilometres of its vulnerable fibre lines at a cost exceeding N11 billion. This expenditure could have financed the installation of around 870 kilometres of new fibre lines in unserved areas.

Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Carl Cruz, further revealed that the company encounters an alarming average of 1,000 fibre-cut incidents monthly, pointing to the urgent need for enhanced protection measures for telecom infrastructure.

While the recent classification of telecom infrastructure as a critical national asset has raised hopes for improved security, experts warn that the true effectiveness of this policy hinges on the government’s focus on enforcing it rigorously. 

Past attempts, such as the measures announced in June 2020 by former Communications Minister Dr. Isa Pantami, have yielded little success, with infrastructure vandalism remaining a pervasive issue.

He wrote the number of deaths, mortality rate among age groups and causes of death. Graunt revolutionised how we use medical data today. He was the first to use data to analyse,  understand, and solve a problem.

With the rise of the internet comes the rise of big data. Research showed that Sir Tim Berners Lee simplified the use of hypertext and hyperlinks for information sharing. Thus, when Google arrived in 1997, data became widely available to everyone who could access a computer or mobile device. Let us look at another type of data.

On the one hand

When you browse websites, download files, stream your favourite movies and soap operas or play games, your device sends and receives information as data packets.

Each activity consumes a different data volume. It depends. For instance, if you stream a high-definition video, you consume more data than when you send an email.

On the other hand

The Internet data is the bits and bytes of information transmitted through the World Wide Web. Emails. Videos. Messages. Web content.

These activities consume internet data. Whenever your device is connected to the Internet, it consumes data. Today, internet data has changed our lives. Without the internet data, you are dead. With it, you are alive.

Reason Airtel Nigeria offers you unlimited internet data experience. Ismail Adeshina, director of Marketing, Airtel Nigeria said you should not bother about the speed of your internet if you are on this data plan.

“We are the first in the telecom industry to introduce the unlimited data and the Airtel Smart Router, which enables users to convert traditional television sets into smart ones Due to our customers’ increased need for data, we have debuted the unlimited data bundle’’, he said.

In the long term

Aside from this, Airtel Nigeria is also in the data centre business. In the year 2027, the Airtel NXtra commercial data centre would debut. It is a tier four, carrier-neutral data centre.

The sunny side of this venture is that international web service providers like Amazon would be attracted to it like bees to honey. Airtel’s foray into the data centre space will revolutionise the business.

It will drive the localisation of data. Improve users’ experience. Increase data speed. Reduce latency. Kemi Ariyo, Director of IT, told the media roundtable in Lagos recently.

Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, said Airtel Nigeria offers an integrated suite of telecom solutions to its subscribers: mobile voice, data and mobile money services. The Airtel Africa Group will continue to provide a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys.

As a leading telecom provider and mobile money services, and a member of Airtel Africa Plc with a presence in 14 African countries in East Africa, Central and West Africa (EACWA), the company is committed to the data revolution agenda.

Adeniran explained that Airtel is dedicated to network infrastructure and sustainability. It is also committed to digital transformation and technology.

He alluded to the company’s sustainability agenda in Africa, its people-centric programmes, its partnership with UNICEF to supply network connectivity to public schools in Nigeria (1,280 schools have benefitted already), its care for the environment through plastic waste separation, and the use of flasks for food and water instead of plastics.

Airtel is adopting the latest technologies that align with sustainability standards by implementing a hybrid solution that combines solar and lithium-ion batteries.

’’All you need is a satellite at a site and you can connect to the rest of the world. We are unique in this aspect as we work with two links: one serves as a backup to promote reliability and stability,” Harmanpreet Singh Dhillon, chief technology officer, said.

In the short term

To understand how the Internet can help you make an informed decision, select Airtel’s unlimited data plan.

This development follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) reluctance to approve a tariff increase, which operators have sought to mitigate the impact of naira’s devaluation and rising inflation.

The operators have resorted to load shedding, a practice where services are deliberately reduced in specific areas to prevent system-wide failures and cut costs. 

Although the operators have not officially confirmed this move, there is noticeable prioritisation of service in high-revenue areas, leading to varying service quality across different regions.

The telecom sector in Nigeria is currently faced with several challenges, including the escalating costs of diesel, maintenance, and infrastructure, compounded by a rapidly depreciating naira. 

FDIs in Nigeria’s Telecom Sector: Opportunities and Risks in 2024

For instance, MTN Nigeria, with nearly 80 million subscribers, reported a huge loss of ₦137 billion after tax for the first time since its 2019 listing, primarily due to foreign exchange losses amounting to ₦740 billion. 

Similarly, Airtel Africa, which serves over 50 million Nigerian subscribers, recorded a loss of $89 million for its fiscal year ending in March 2024, largely due to foreign exchange challenges.

The economic downturn has greatly affected the sector’s investment capacity. Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Carl Cruz, spoke on the sharp devaluation of the naira and how it has hindered the industry’s growth, given its reliance on imported infrastructure. 

MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, stated that the sector is on the brink of collapse unless urgent interventions, such as tariff increases, are implemented.

The situation has become so dire that operators are now exploring load shedding as a cost-saving measure. This strategy involves reducing the number of operational base stations, particularly in low-revenue areas, to cut costs. 

This has inevitably led to poor service quality in these regions, as the remaining infrastructure struggles to cope with the demand.

The NCC has not issued an official response to the operators’ demands, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty. The regulatory body’s silence has increased fears of continuous service disruptions becoming large if a resolution is not reached soon.

This was remarked at the Telecoms Industry Townhall, themed ‘Two Decades After: What Next for the Telecoms Industry’, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The hybrid event, organized by the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), took place at Four Points Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Aside from Mr Cruz, the panel also featured Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria; Kazeem Oladepo, chief operations officer, IHS Towers; Funke Opeke, chief executive officer, MainOne; and Olatunji Bello, chief executive officer, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

During the event, Carl Cruz discussed challenges and ways forward for the telecoms industry, highlighting the need for an atmosphere that would encourage investors to help telecom operators thrive.

Telecom, he explained, is an enabler for digital inclusion and economic growth.

Mr. Cruz said,

“One of the major challenges faced by the telecoms industry is the issue of security. The cases of sabotage and fiber theft on a monthly basis are over a thousand.  Now, capital being invested in Nigeria is being compared to capital being invested in other countries due to some of the impacts of these challenges. However, At Airtel, we understand that investing in infrastructure can be challenging, so we adopt a forward-looking approach as we believe that a country’s growth is significantly boosted by substantial investments. To illustrate this, I’m pleased to share that Airtel has established a digital lab here in Nigeria, serving our operations across the 13 other countries where we have a presence.”

Mr. Cruz further underscored the necessity of a strong regulatory collaboration to support industry growth.

“Industry collaboration with regulators is also very essential for the country to progress. It is therefore imperative for players in the telecoms industry to engage in constant communication with our regulators, especially to address the limiting factors affecting the telecoms business.  On this note, I can say that Airtel and other operators in the telecoms industry are currently doing this and are optimistic about favourable deliberations and outcomes that will boost the success of the telecoms industry,” he said.

Other industry leaders also contributed their perspectives on the telecoms industry as it relates to the financial sector and other business areas such as aviation and banking.

Some of these speakers include Temi Popoola, chief executive office, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment, John Uwajumogu; and Dr. Armstrong Katang, special adviser to the minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Carl Cruz, the CEO of Airtel Nigeria, has brought to light the pressing issue that threatens the stability and efficiency of the telecoms infrastructure. This is the alarming rate of fibre optic cable cuts, with approximately 1,000 incidents reported monthly.

“Not many of you know, but the number of cuts that we have on our fibre optic cables, and I’m speaking for Airtel, on a monthly basis is over 1000,” Carl Cruz said at the Telecoms Industry 2.0: The Next Investment Frontier in Nigeria, organised by Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) in Lagos today.

Noting the gravity of the situation, Cruz pointed out that these fibre optic cable cuts go beyond disrupting services to also escalating operational costs, ultimately impacting the quality of service delivery across the country, limiting seamless and reliable connectivity to customers. 

“This challenge is not just a technical issue but a financial burden on the industry,” Cruz stated.

The fibre optic cables cut issue is compounded by Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, where inflation and currency devaluation have made it difficult for telecom companies to maintain stable operations. Cruz highlighted that these infrastructure challenges are pushing the industry towards an urgent point, where sustained investments are necessary to avoid further decline.

The Nigerian telecoms industry has steadily seen commendable success, driving connectivity and digital growth across the nation. However, as Cruz pointed out, the industry is now at a crossroads where the need for investment in infrastructure, particularly in securing and expanding fibre networks, is paramount.

“Without a secure and resilient infrastructure, the gains of the past two decades could be affected, and the possibility for future growth limited,” he cautioned.

The telecoms industry is at a point where it’s looking to explore new investment opportunities, particularly in 5G deployment and expanding broadband access to underserved areas. However, the tough issue of fibre optic cable cuts is a huge barrier to these advancements. 

“If we don’t invest in growing capacity in this industry, it’s not just the companies that will suffer—the entire country will be affected in the near future. Therefore, investment must continue, and ideally, at the pace we saw in previous years.” Cruz said.

With the increasing demand for data and the growing reliance on digital services, the pressure on telecom infrastructure has never been greater. Cruz called for a joint effort from both the private sector and government to address these challenges, noting that collaboration is key to ensuring the industry’s long-term viability.

The next phase of growth for the telecoms sector will hinge on how effectively these issues are addressed, projecting how Telecoms Industry 2.0 in Nigeria will come along.

The handover took place on Tuesday this week at the Green Fingers Center in Lagos, as part of the World Environment Week activities organized by Airtel Nigeria across the business.

Following Green Fingers mission to promote awareness on sustainable practices, the sustainability facility constructed by Airtel Nigeria will serve as a hub for learning, enabling children to engage and understand the importance of recycling, waste management and the circular economy.

Speaking during the event, Carl Cruz, the chief executive officer, Airtel Nigeria, stated that the project embodies the telecom giant’s belief and commitment to sustainability practices, expressing confidence in the positive impact of the company’s support for Green Fingers Foundation on global environmental protection objectives.

“Airtel’s donation to the Green Fingers initiative is a demonstration of our dedication to nurturing youth, the young minds, and encouraging innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Through the sustainability facility, we hope to drive positive change and foster a sustainable future for all of us, most especially for the future of the world,” he said.

Mr Cruz also encouraged members and students of Green Fingers Conservation Learning Center to put the new facility into productive use.

He said,

“We firmly believe that by equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills to manage waste effectively, we are investing in a brighter and cleaner future for Nigeria and the world at large, and we believe that the Green Fingers team and students benefitting from the project will put the facility to good use.”

Chinedu Mogbo, founder, Green Fingers Initiative, expressed gratitude to Airtel, describing Airtel’s support as an advancement for the ongoing effort to educate youths on environmental issues.

“At Green Fingers Initiative, we teach youths about climate and our immediate environment. It’s been our tradition over the years to recycle plastic in creative ways, bringing it down to the level of young people working to be actively involved in raising their voices for a cleaner and safer environment. Having this new learning facility, students can now effectively learn more about climate and other environmental issues that affect our everyday lives within a more comfortable space,” he said.

Recall that in celebration of this year’s World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience”, Airtel Nigeria had earlier hosted an enlightening session for its employees, with a focus on strategies to combat plastic pollution.

Airtel remains unwavering in its dedication to environmental stewardship and reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG), and the handover to Green Fingers Initiative is a testament to this commitment.

The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating;

“Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavour to advance the field of public relations. The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”

According to NIPR, through Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.  Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.

With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event.

This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.

Airtel Nigeria also reiterated its commitment to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.

This was announced today during a press conference at the Airtel Nigeria headquarters in Lagos.

Scheduled to kickstart on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, this initiative is an annual event for Airtel Nigeria, reflecting the company’s employees’ commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.

Representing Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Airtel Nigeria, delved into the details of the initiative. 

“Being kind can only register properly if we preserve the dignity of showing up,” he said. “Of course, we have people who are struggling, we have people who need help, we have people who the tiniest form of kindness goes a very long way for them.”

He highlighted the regional approach, covering six regions: West, Northeast, Northwest, South, Southeast, and Lagos. Femi expressed the company’s dedication to reaching people on the streets, irrespective of whether they are Airtel customers, emphasising the importance of kindness and generosity.

This year’s edition will start in Lagos, followed by Rivers and Kano states on Thursday, December 14, and Imo state on Friday, December 15. The activity will continue in the coming week in Kwara and Abuja, on the 18th and 19th respectively.

Adeniran shared insights into Airtel’s broader CSR efforts, including the Airtel-UNICEF Partnership, aiming to cover over 1000 primary schools by the end of the next year. He spoke about the company’s commitment to impacting human lives beyond business objectives.

Chioma Okolie, Head of CSR, Airtel, addressing the audience, noted the essence of “Five Days of Love,” emphasising the gratitude for the blessings of the year and the opportunity to share with the communities and individuals who have been part of Airtel’s journey. 

Since the inception of the campaign in 2015, Airtel has supported over 40,000 individuals across multiple states in Nigeria, making it a tradition that will endure as long as Airtel exists in the country.

Adeniran further shed light on the significance of employee involvement in CSR activities. He emphasized that Airtel’s CSR is not just about financial contributions; it’s a way of life for the company and its employees. The Employee Volunteerism Scheme allows staff to dedicate their time to various community outreach programs, reinforcing Airtel’s holistic approach to social responsibility.

When asked about the impact of the economy on Airtel’s initiatives, Adeniran acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation but highlighted the company’s zeal to maintain the quality and quantity of its efforts, regardless of economic fluctuations.

Director of Distribution, Ifeoma Okafor-Obi, Airtel Nigeria, described Airtel as a people-focused organisation, adding that despite the difficult times being faced by families and organisations, Airtel will continue its long-standing tradition of ensuring that the vulnerable in the society also share in the experience the festive season.

“It is always our wish to extend 5 Days of Love to reach more Nigerians, hence our commitment to feed 6000 rather than the usual tradition of feeding 5000 underprivileged Nigerians. This is a testament to our deliberate effort to remain a company that cares,” Adeshina said.

The Airtel ‘5 Days of Love’ initiative, which began in 10 orphanages across Nigeria in 2015, has since expanded into several towns and cities across the country, with Airtel partnering with leading fast-food vendors to deliver food and drinks to the members of the public.

As the press conference concluded, Adeniran urged everyone to join Airtel on this journey of love and kindness. With the 5 Days of Love set to begin in Lagos and extend to other regions, Airtel anticipates providing material support and fostering a sense of community and togetherness during this festive season.

Mr. Cruz made this assertion in his presentation titled “Breaking Barriers: The Art of Living Outside Your Comfort Zone at TEDx PAU”, an independently organized TED event, which held at recently on the campus of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.

Illustrating his talk with cases from his over 3o years of business and corporate experience from multiple geographies across Africa and Asia, he discussed his inspiring transition from the FMCG industry into telecommunications, leading one of Africa’s largest telecoms companies.

He noted that his decision to embrace a new sector after decades of sustained successes in a different one was a significant step out of his comfort zone, inspired by the desire to help build the future with digital connectivity.

“From having no connectivity to being able to call loved ones all over the country and improving economic inclusion by giving Nigerians a platform to be part of the African and Global stage, telecom is what I always call ‘The New Economy Industry’. The ability to touch and transform lives inspired me,” he said.

Mr. Cruz’s talk was met with visible appreciation from the audience, as he highlighted the importance of taking risks, confronting challenges, and build a reliable support system towards achieving both professional and personal growth.

“In my three decades at Unilever, I moved in and out of comfort zones several times: when I made the shift from field sales to brand marketing in 1997, from brand marketing to Sales in 1999, and most recently, moving from FMCG to telecoms six months ago. Today, I have the privilege of not only leading one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s largest telecommunications companies, Airtel Nigeria; but also having the privilege of being like a child again on a great learning journey in a new industry,” he said.

He concluded that living outside comfort zones requires adaptability. “The boundaries that once defined industries and our personal lives are constantly shifting and evolving, hence embracing change, facing your fears, adapting, learning from failures, and building a support network are all essential components of this art,” he concluded.