Flip to 2023, NCC carried out its mandate in a manner that further strengthened consumer protection while safeguarding the interest of telecom consumers.

In that period, in addition to continuing to implement the policy that ensured improved access to broadband connectivity, the Commission, through Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) constantly alerted consumers to cyber threats that could have led to the compromise of their financial profile through the execution of malicious codes by threat actors, Prof. Danbatta reminded stakeholders as the Commission marked this year’s World Consumer Rights Day.

Here are eight key takeaways from the EVC’s speech on the occasion of WCRD 2023:

1. Telecom Infrastructures are Able to Absorb the Surge in Cashless Transactions

“By the time cashless banking fully took off in late 2023, the connectivity platforms on which electronic transactions ride have become robust to the extent of being able to absorb the surge in demand for cashless transactions.

“Arising from the successes in implementing initiatives to realize last year’s theme, the Commission is poised to realize the theme for this year, which is “Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transition”.

The theme is geared towards delivering a smooth transition for consumers experiencing a high cost of living as the globe responds to the ongoing energy crisis caused by supply and climate issues.

He added that this theme is very relevant given Nigeria’s recent licensing of the 5G spectrum networks, which consume twice as much energy as 4Gs, although they are more energy-efficient per gigabyte.

2. Increased Demand for Energy Consumption

“With the recent licensing of the Fifth Generation (5G) spectrum, Nigeria will witness an increased deployment of telecom infrastructure to satisfy the wireless service coverage requirement for 5G services.

“This anticipated growth in the number of 5G coverage will trigger high demand for data services which will result in increased energy consumption for the network infrastructure especially the Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), Internet of Things (IoT), 5G Customer Premise Equipment (CPEs) and mobile devices for example. This requires the industry to look for green and sustainable power solutions required for the connectivity of IoT devices and network optimisation.

“All over the globe, telecom companies are among the biggest energy users, as a result of the stiff industry competition which causes them to try to satisfy their consumers by providing higher-speed networks”.

The EVC said that with the rising utility costs, it is critical for companies to reconsider the sustainability of their operations by lowering the operational impact on the environment.

“This is more so because it has been found that implementing energy efficiency measures could potentially reduce the operating costs of telcos by up to 20%.

“Some of these energy-efficiency measures include the redesign of the Radio Access Networks (RAN) of Base Stations which were initially built to maximise connectivity, not energy efficiency.

“More than 75% of the time, the radio base station resources remain unused because of the hardware components activated at all times to transmit system information and synchronisation and reference signals. Therefore, to avoid waste heat, some of 5G’s newest RAN is equipped with an energy-saving measure allowing for the automatic switching of components. Some other energy efficiency measures can also include the use of renewable energy sources (hydrogen, wind, solar etc.) to supply the energy needed.

3. Renewable Energy Option

“The Commission, as a responsive world-class organization, has been proactive in responding to the realities and challenges posed by the impact of using fossil fuel as a power source in the telecommunications industry.

In this regard, the situation in Nigeria is peculiar. Owing to the overall energy challenges of the nation, the fifty-four (54) thousand BTS scattered across the country depend on diesel generators with the attendant noise and environmental pollution.

Some of these BTS operate on diesel generators for 24 hours across seven days of the week in some locations. Therefore, transitioning to a renewable energy source like solar power will significantly reduce the menace of pollution from individually-powered generators.

This will be zero carbon emission from the BTS just as noise pollution would be a thing of the past.

4. MNOs and the need for energy-efficient networks

“Consequently, to minimize the environmental impacts of climate change caused by carbon emissions, telecom network providers need to come up with a modern and more energy-efficient network. This includes the use of Solar-powered Cells, wireless electricity or a hybrid system to replace higher energy-consuming equipment that will lead to a reduction in capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) and by implication, a reduction in service costs to consumers.

“Transitioning to renewable energy is predicted to result in a lower cost of operation as operators will be able to save on the cost of diesel, which accounts for a large chunk of the costs incurred by these licensees. The competition that the Commission consistently promotes among industry players has a natural consequence of the savings on the cost of diesel passed on to consumers, which would potentially result in lower prices for services.

“Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to call on MNOs and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to come up with innovations in sustainable energy in line with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Recommendation ITU-T L.1380 on smart energy solutions for telecom sites’ performance, safety, energy efficiency and environmental impact. This is vital to address the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.

“In this regard and for the industry stakeholders, especially consumers, to benefit from the advantages of renewable energy, the Commission is working on a policy to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources by operators.

When operational, the Policy will ensure that using clean energy sources for power has the potential to resolve the three key needs of the telecom industry, namely: reduction in diesel usage; expansion of telecom infrastructure to off-grid areas; and reduction in carbon emissions.

5. Collocation and Infrastructure Sharing Framework

The Policy on renewable energy in the telecom sector is an additional layer of other policies that contribute to protecting the environment. In recent years, the Commission introduced a regulatory framework on infrastructure sharing and collocation among the licensees which has encouraged operators to fully maximize their already-deployment infrastructure.

“By sharing infrastructure, some operators do not need to entirely build a telecoms site in an area where another operator had deployed one. With the challenge of inadequate public electricity supply in Nigeria, telecom companies rely on diesel-powered generators to keep their telecom sites live round-the-clock. A regulatory framework such as infrastructure sharing, and collocation is helping in this regard and the Commission has recorded appreciable adoption of this regulation.

6. Factoring in energy efficiency in Type Approval

“Another regulatory initiative in this regard is NCC’s Type Approval Regulations. For the sake of educating our media stakeholders, Type Approval is an official authorisation by the Commission prior to the use or supply of an Equipment Type in Nigeria.

Our Type Approval of devices factors in energy efficiency, among others, which ensures a reduction of power consumption. It also ensures that Radio Frequency devices used in Nigeria operate effectively, without causing harmful interference and otherwise comply with the Commission’s technical requirement prior to importation or marketing.

7. ICT competitions focusing on renewable energy

“The annual tech innovation competitions we organize for young innovators in Nigeria also make considerations for inventions that address the challenges of renewable energy. Some of the entries submitted in this regard are in the process of being commercialized as the innovators are seeking investors to make their discoveries available to the public. The Commission will continue to support research and innovations that contribute to transitioning to renewable energy sources.

8. Regulations on e-Waste

“Also connected to NCC’s regulatory efforts in dealing with issues of sanitizing our environment is its efforts in 2019 to commence activities that will result in the formulation of a Regulation on E-Waste in Nigeria. Today, the global concern for the regulation of e-waste is two-pronged. First, is the acute awareness of the hazardous properties and the potential risk to human health, as well as their capacity to degrade the environment. Secondly, is the business case and vast Potential for wealth creation in recycling e-waste into more benign and productive uses”.

The EVC further explained in his WCRD 2023 speech that in line with its regulatory mandate and to keep pace with efforts at managing e-waste-related issues, in a manner that reduces cases of indiscriminate burning of electronic devices with the potential for increased carbon emission in the environment, the Commission has been working, with other relevant agencies, to develop a Regulations on E-waste.

The Regulations, he said, will represent a holistic intervention aimed at providing clarity and delimiting the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the e-waste value chain within the Telecommunications industry.

While the proposed Regulations are industry-specific, they, nonetheless, key into other initiatives at national and international levels.

He added that the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) will sensitize telecom consumers about these interventions aimed at making the environment better for all of humanity.

As part of activities marking 2023 World Consumer Rights Day, the Commission on Thursday, March 16 2023 launched its Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk, in the Arrival Lounge of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja.

“The TELCARE Desk in Abuja will be a pilot as we plan to set up the desk at strategic locations across the country to provide information to telecom consumers”, the EVC said.

Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), announced the plan to redesign the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes in October 2022.

Since the notes’ release, Nigerians in various parts of the country have been unable to obtain them from banks and ATMs in time for the recently concluded election.

At the height of the crisis, the CBN had advised Nigerians to turn to alternatives such as eNaira and digital channels. Many transactions have failed or been delayed as a result of using these channels.

Consequently, a crisis between some Governors and President Muhammadu Buhari ensued, leading to a filing at the court. The Supreme court had restrained the Federal Government from going ahead with the implementation of the policy.

But the President, in a nationwide broadcast, ignored the apex court order by extending the validity of the old N200 notes while insisting that the old N500 and N1,000 remained illegal.

Buhari further stated that the old N200 note would be legal tender till April 10, 2023, while urging Nigerians to deposit their old N500 and 1000 notes with the central bank.

However, before the presidential election on the 25th of February, analysts believed that the CBN’s new Naira redesign policy was targeted at some politicians who were contesting for public office.

However, the election is over while the quagmire persists.

Temitope Alabi, a POS operator told TechEconomy on Friday that access to the new Naira notes remains a big issue, as there are limited notes available.

The POS operator who charges N100 per thousand added that when there is cash, nobody takes more than N2,000.

“We don’t usually have cash but when we do, it’s usually a small amount and we don’t give more than N2,000. We had hoped that the situation was going to change after the election but it’s almost still the same.”

While the consequences of the policy continue to play out, Nigerians are making several calls on the apex bank to make cash available.

In a video seen by TechEconomy on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari apologized to Nigerians over the naira redesign policy, saying that it was not introduced to cause hardship.

“I apologize to you for the hardship caused by the change of the naira. It was done to boost the economy of the country, not to cause hardship to anybody,” the president said.

Danbatta who was represented by Engr. Ubale Maska, the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) of the NCC, re-echoed this at the third edition of the annual ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition, organized by the Research and Development Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

This year’s ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition theme is “Utilizing Indigenous Digital Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide,” which the EVC said is an incredibly important and timely theme.

“As we all know, the digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to and are able to use digital technologies and those who do not. This gap can be found not just between countries, but also within countries, and it has significant consequences for social and economic development. Bridging this divide is essential for achieving sustainable economic development and social advancement, as well as for achieving the goals of the Federal Government’s Digital Nigeria Agenda”.

ALSO READ: NCC Commends Collaboration among Government Agencies

Danbatta reminded the participants that the ICT sector has the potential to play a significant role in bridging the digital divide and driving economic development in Nigeria.

“It can do so by providing access to digital technologies and services, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating Jobs. However, to fully realize this potential, we need to ensure that the ICT sector is able to grow and develop in a sustainable way, and that it is able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

“That is where this competition comes in. It provides a platform for tech enthusiasts and other stakeholders with novel ideas and tech solutions to industry and societal challenges to showcase their creative innovations and forge collaborative partnerships that can stimulate productivity, sustainability, and continuous growth in the ICT sector”.

He said the ICT Innovation Competition and Exhibition is in line with the Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, specifically pillars 5, 7, and 8, which focus on digital service development and promotion, digital society and emerging technologies, and indigenous content development and adoption, respectively.

Competition Focus Areas:

This year’s competition will focus on three key areas:

1. Digital service development and promotion;
2. Indigenous content development and adoption, and
3. Funding digital skills building and innovation in Nigeria.

“These areas were chosen because they are critical for developing indigenous businesses into world-class service providers and creating conditions for iterative problem solving by indigenous digital technology and innovation service providers.

“In terms of digital service development and promotion, it is important that we support the growth and development of digital businesses in Nigeria.

“This includes not just tech startups, but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and even large corporations that are looking to adopt digital technologies and improve their operations. By providing a platform for these businesses to showcase their innovations and forge partnerships, we can help to stimulate productivity, sustainability, and continuous growth in the ICT sector”.

On indigenous content development and adoption, he said this is another important focus area for this year’s competition.

“One of the key challenges that we face in the ICT sector is the lack of locally produced content. This can be a barrier to the adoption of digital technologies, as it means that users often have to rely on foreign- produced content, which may not always be relevant or appropriate for the local context. By promoting the development and adoption of indigenous content, we can help to ensure that digital technologies are better able to meet the needs of local users and communities.

“Finally, funding digital skills building and innovation in Nigeria is critical for ensuring that we have the necessary human capital to drive the growth and development of the ICT sector.

“This includes not just technical skills, but also business and entrepreneurship skills, as well as a range of other skills that are necessary for success in the digital economy.

“By providing funding for skills building and innovation, we can help to ensure that the ICT sector has the talent it needs to thrive and grow.

On this note I will like to remind the participants that this competition is about more than just showcasing innovative ideas and tech solutions. It is also about supporting the growth and development of digital start-ups in Nigeria.

The EVC encouraged all participants in this year’s competition to take full advantage of this opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and tech solutions, and to make the most of the networking and collaboration opportunities that this event provides.

“I am confident that this year’s competition will be a great success, and I look forward to seeing all the amazing ideas and solutions that are showcased here today”.

The three-day competition which was flagged off today attracted top management staff of the NCC; Engr. Prof. Mohammed Ajiya is the President/CEO of Digital Bridge Institute who doubles as the Chairman, Panel of Judges; Dr. Abdullateef Bello, CEO Datstrat Consulting Limited, Chris Uwaje, Founder, Mobile Software Solutions Limited; Martha Alade, the founder of Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), and others.

A tour of the exhibition stands:

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