The Commission led by Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, said the approval was in pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators

NCC said it “will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.”

The adjustment, according to a statement by Reuben Muoka, the director, Public Affairs at NCC, said the tariff increase capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024. 

“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.

“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage. 

“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. 

“The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.

“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.

“Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector. Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. 

“As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation”.

The NCC, in a statement dated Friday, 27th December 2024, and signed by Reuben Muoka, director of Public Affairs, highlighted that Exchange was duly notified of the application for disconnection and provided with an opportunity to present its case. 

However, after a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the unpaid charges, the Commission concluded that Exchange failed to provide sufficient justification for its non-payment.

The notice, which aligns with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012, states:

“At the expiration of 5 (Five) days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.”

With this decision, the Commission is focused on enforcing financial accountability and operational compliance within the sector. The NCC noted that the disconnection will remain in effect until otherwise determined by the Commission.

“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission,” the notice read.

The NCC reiterated its focus on ensuring a fair and competitive environment, urging all stakeholders to adhere to their financial and operational obligations to avoid similar sanctions.

Speaking through Mr. Reuben Muoka, director, Public Affairs at the Commission, during NCC Special Day at the 45^th Kaduna International Trade Fair, Dr. Maida said that NCC recognizes the importance of deepening the local content value chain as a critical driver for economic sustainability and growth.

In his words,

“Robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.

“The NCC remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for telecommunications industry, where local content and innovation can thrive as this is one of the most critical thrust of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

“We cannot overemphasize the fact that robust local content value chain will not only create economic opportunities but also contribute to technological advancement, job creation, and skills development within the country.

The EVC said that in line with the Commission’s commitment to supporting local content, it has implemented various initiatives to promote indigenous participation in the telecommunications sector.

“The Nigerian Office for Development of Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NODITS), a critical unit in our Digital Economy Department and our Research and Development Department, encourages local manufacturing and assembly of telecommunications equipment, promotes local software development, and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth.

“The Commission has sponsored a number of Hackathons to encourage and promote Nigerian innovator expanding the frontiers of the Digital Economy”, he said.

In 2023, three winners emerged in three critical thematic areas of innovations; Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance; Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.

Dr. Maida added that NCC has continued to prioritize consumer protection and empowerment, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality telecommunications services and are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.

“We believe that an empowered consumer base is essential for driving demand and sustaining the growth of the local content value chain.

“As we participate in this trade fair, we urge all stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, software developers, and consumers, to embrace the ethos of promoting local content. By working together, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth.

Fact:

As at Q3 of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% (Source – Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics).

According to the stakeholders, despite playing host to many data centers, Nigeria has not been reaping the expected benefits because a lot of the country’s data is still being hosted abroad.

NIICT is even as they noted that the strong growth of Africa’s digital economy would drive more demands for data centers in the continent.

Presenting a paper on the theme of the conference, ‘National Challenges and the Imperative of Relevant and Timely Data, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Reality, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani examined the Data Centers Services in Nigeria as a case study.

He observed that while Nigeria appears to be doing well in telephony, around facilities that drive the digital economy, of which data center is one, Nigeria is way behind other countries.

He added that while the country has the largest potential from data centers, the country is currently lagging the smallest countries in Africa in terms of economic benefits.

According to him, as of 2020, data centers contributed an estimated 5.6% to Nigeria’s GDP, while in Kenya, it contributed 7.7% to the country’s GDP the same year.

He said data center contribution to GDP has also been forecast to contribute 9.2% to Kenya’s GDP in by 2025, while in Nigeria it is expected to contribute 6.9%.

He said the country would have to change the current trend of hosting abroad and embrace local hosting to reap the economic benefits of investments in data centers in Nigeria.

In his Lead paper at the forum, the Group Managing Director of VDT Communications, Mr. Abiodun Omoniyi, examined the importance of big data for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria.

According to him, in today’s digital landscape, Big Data plays a pivotal role in shaping the operations of ISPs.

He added that the intricate relationship between Big Data and the Internet has paved the way for ISPs to utilize analytics in unprecedented ways, transforming the customer experience and optimizing network efficiency.

He, however, noted that the use of Big Data raises concerns about privacy, hence, ISPs must implement robust privacy measures and transparent policies to address these concerns.

Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications (NCC) Aminu Maida presented the keynote at the forum with a focus on the telecom regulator’s efforts to deepen broadband penetration in the country.

Maida, who was represented by Reuben Muoka, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, said broadband or high-speed Internet access allows users to access the Internet and Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available through “dial-up” services.

Highlighting the efforts of the regulator in this regard, Maida said:

“As the regulator of the nation’s highly dynamic telecommunication industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has, over the years, put several regulatory frameworks in place towards ensuring incremental broadband deployment for available, accessible, and affordable connectivity to telecoms consumer.

Post-pandemic, the NCC, working with various stakeholders has continued to explore ways to sustain the growth of broadband networks to address identified digital gaps (demand and supply sides) highlighted by the pandemic and consider steps to overcome these challenges, especially in terms of addressing the digital divide.

“Through various policy directions, especially the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, the Nigerian government has set out ambitious targets accompanied by timelines that aim towards making broadband an enabler of economic growth across all sectors in Nigeria.

“Although limited access to high-speed service, lack of advanced IT skills, funding, inadequate infrastructure among several other factors have been identified as the major constraints slowing Nigeria’s internet economy, Nigeria has demonstrated commitment and passion, through various policy and regulatory frameworks, to ensure wider broadband coverage for the country. This is because the data revolution presents great potential and opportunity for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”

He reiterated the commitment of the Commission to supporting the strategic blueprint of the supervising Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration by stimulating stronger broadband infrastructure that extends beyond connecting people but also focuses on economic empowerment and creating opportunities for inclusion.

The high point of the NIICT 2023 was the presentation of the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) to outstanding corporate organizations and individuals that are positively impacting the ICT industry.

In a statement signed by Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, the Commission expressed concerned with the inability of the online publication to accurately interpret the contents of its 2021 Annual Reports which have been made public.

The Commission went ahead to argue that it remitted an Operating Surplus/Spectrum Fees of estimated N197.7bn to the Federal Government, under the same Financial Performance Reporting period, and had a bank balance of about N46.97bn, erasing any doubt that there was any deficit spending.

The Statement reads:

“The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has been drawn to an online publication with a headline titled: “NCC Incurs a Deficit of N17bn, Spending N35.2bn on Personnel, Consultancy Fees”.

“The Commission is concerned with the inability of the online publication to accurately interpret the contents of its 2021 Annual Reports which have been made public.

“As a result, the publication gave a wrong impression that the Commission incurred a N17bn deficit because of expenditures on personnel and consultancy fees. This is far from the truth.

“Though the Statement of the Financial Performance of the Commission for the period ended December 2021, clearly indicates that the sum of N17.3bn was a “Surplus/(Deficit) retained for the period)”, this does not imply that the Commission incurred a cash deficit as the expenditure in its financials were both in cash and accruals applicable to the year.

“If the publication had inquired of the constituents of our expenditure, it would have learnt that the expenditures for the year 2021 included accruals for items undergoing procurement at the end of the year, like the State Accelerated Broadband Initiative, SABI, being implemented by the Commission, which was standing in the sum of about N24bn in the financial report.

“The Commission also remitted an Operating Surplus/Spectrum Fees of estimated N197.7bn to the Federal Government, under the same Financial Performance Reporting period, and had a bank balance of about N46.97bn, erasing any doubt that there was any deficit spending.

“The Commission, therefore, disclaims the wrong impression created by the above headline, and subsequent misinterpretation of our financial report in the publication may have had in the minds of the public, and stakeholders.

“The Commission reiterates its commitment to effective and transparent processes in all its regulatory, management and financial activities.

Professor Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission (EVC), represented by Reuben Muoka, Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of Food Basket Foundation International (FBFI), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Funmi Akinyele, during a courtesy visit to NCC Headquarters in Abuja, affirming that the Commission is committed to strengthening its regulation of the telecommunication sector, particularly providing the solid infrastructure and general industry regulations.

While commending the Commission’s regulatory excellence, highlighting its effort in ensuring there are regulations, frameworks and guidelines to guard the telecoms sector and online civic space, Akinyele expressed concerns about the state of the social media with uncontrolled content.

She said the visit to the regulator was to explore areas of collaboration in its programme to protect the digital civic space by combating misinformation and disinformation while mitigating risks to the digital civic space to ensure electoral integrity before, during and after the 2023 General Elections.

This initiative, she explained, comes under one of FBFI’s projects, dubbed, Safeguarding Digital Civic Space for Electoral Integrity (SDSEI).

Speaking further, Muoka informed the team that the Commission is not responsible for the content of the social media as there are other government agencies that are responsible for that.

However, the Commission has engaged in several aspects of protection of the users of the Internet, such as initiatives towards Child Online Protection, COP, deployment of the Computer Security Incident Response Team, NCC-CSIRT, set up to monitor cyber-attacks in the Nigerian cyberspace, in addition to the activities of the Commission’s department of New Media and Information Security set up to address issued of cybersecurity.

“We have tried not to be a closed organization. We give lots of premiums to consultations and collaborations, especially in the areas that will ensure that the consumers and stakeholders understand what is going on and to make input that enriches the quality of regulations, as well as being able to access information they may require to safeguard themselves and the society,” he noted.

Muoka also invited the group to join the NCC in carrying out enlightenment campaigns to educate telecom consumers on their roles and responsibilities in order to use the Internet and telecommunication platform safely to counter misuse and abuse.

This is the how Mr. Reuben Muoka described the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) where he is the Director Public Affairs (DPA).

Speaking during an exclusive chat in Lagos at the unveiling of Nigeria Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers on Tuesday, Mr. Muoka said that NCC’s regulatory excellences are influenced by the quest to maintain global standards.

He further said that Prof. Umar Danbatta as the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, has demonstrated high level of leadership competencies which have sparked the digital economy growth and ultimately the improved sectoral contributions to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Anything we are doing at NCC, we approach it from the global standards. What thing that has distinguished NCC; it is an institution built on a tradition of professionalism. Once you are a staff of NCC, you will imbibe that culture.

NCC has been the beautiful bride of the public sector. Professor Umar Danbattam, the Executive Vice the NCC has been recognized as the special ambassador by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and of course the Vanguard Newspaper 2022 Personality of the Year.

Reflecting on what these imply for the Commission and the EVC in particular, Mr. Mouka said, “Our EVC has a five-point agenda. One of the key points there is to facilitate collaborations and partnerships. If you look at that, you will discover that we are very collaborative with the industry; it is an industry that you need to predict the future to booster investors’ confidence. The investors need to be assured that you align with all the areas that are adding value in the eco-system.

“If you see from that light of partnership then, you will appreciate the various organisations whose activities or roles, in one way or the others, is influenced or impacted by ICT and telecommunications services, overall. From performance point of view, it is observable that Professor Danbatta has done great in discharging his responsibilities in leading the organization into the future. NCC is a forward looking organization.

“Today, it has a department of Digital Economy; that tells you about our focus. We also have an office focused on the promotion of indigenous technology and skills development which is critical to the entire gamut of digital economy. It is the way he has structured to run the Digital Economy to meet the demands of the stakeholders in many ways; you cannot, but appreciate Prof. Danbatta’s leadership in aggregating all the factors that will lead to the success of the Nigerian Digital Economy”, Mr. Reuben Muoka said.

According to a press statement by Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Muhammed Ajiya, Commander for Narcotics at the NDLEA Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who announced the Ambassadorial recognition by the agency during a courtesy visit to the Commission in Abuja last weekend, said the objective of the NDLEA’s visit was to partner with the Commission in order to reduce the number of drug addicts in the country through sensitization programmes.

He said one of the aims for this collaboration is to explore the use of telecom platforms to disseminate information about its activities to sensitize the citizens. He said this has become strategic as nearly all Nigerian youths are telecom subscribers who interface with telecom platforms from time to time.

Ajiya said NCC comes readily to mind as a good partner to the NDLEA to achieve the latter’s mandate of reducing cases of drug addicts among the Nigerian youths.

“The NDLEA has rehabilitation centres across the country. This shows that we do not only apprehend the drug addicts, but we have rehabilitation centres where we monitor and guide them until they are fully rehabilitated” he said as he expressed appreciation that the NCC boss considered and accepted this role in the fight against drug addiction in Nigeria.

Usman Malah, NCC’s Director, Human Capital and Administration, who received the NDLEA’s delegation on behalf of the EVC of NCC, assured the visiting team of the Commission’s commitment to supporting the drug agency in eradicating drug abuse and sensitizing the citizens especially the young generation, majority of whom are telecoms consumers, on the effect of drug.

“Strategic collaboration and partnership is one of the key pillars of the two regulatory roadmaps of the Commission – the Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024; and the Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVP) 2021-2025 – and we would convey the NDLEA’s message to the Commission’s management to see how we can explore the areas of collaboration being requested by your agency,” Malah said.

At the 6th edition of the annual awards, which took place in Lagos, the Commission was named The Innovative Telecom Regulator of the Year Award while its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, was honoured with the Telecom Industry Leader Award.

Speaking after receiving the awards on behalf of the Commission and the EVC, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said, the Prof. Danbatta’s leadership has committed to the implementation of progressive policies, plans, strategies, and regulatory initiatives to ensure continuous development of the Nigerian digital economy for the benefits of Nigerians.

He said among several government policies and strategies on the digital economy which the NCC has continued to vigorously drive, include the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025, through which Broadband penetration has hit 44.5 per cent; and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030, both of which have been streamlined in the NCC’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-2024, and the Strategic Vision Plan 2021-2025.

He dedicated the awards to the staff of the Commission who are working tirelessly to ensure that the internal processes for effective regulation run smoothly. He promised even deeper commitment to advancing the frontier of digital connectivity in all nooks and crannies of the country.

“Great leadership usually starts with a willing team, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference, and our team at NCC has been relentless to see that the Commission’s strategic objectives, as enshrined in the SMP 2020-2024, and other extant policies bring the benefits of a digitised economy to the citizens of Nigeria.

“These wonderful staff, who are my foot soldiers, are tirelessly working to improve stakeholder collaboration, promote innovative regulatory services, and improve communication’s resource and project management. These awards prove that our efforts are visible and appreciated,” he said.

Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of InstinctWave, organisers of the annual awards, Akin Naphtal, said the two awards went the way of the Commission owing to the recognition of its leadership finesse which has helped in innovatively fulfilling its brand promise to promote a connected environment of endless opportunities.

He said the annual awards, the Nigerian tech ecosystem’s equivalent of Oscar, sets the highest industry standard for honouring organizations and individuals in the telecom and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Africa; and recognises innovative individuals and organisations at the forefront of digitisation that is taking place in Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem and beyond.

The Fellowship investiture to the duo of Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, and Head, Media Relations in the Public Affairs Department, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, has been described as a call to duty, as it places them on the pedestal of being reference points to anyone ascribing to PR professionalism in Nigeria.

Speaking to the Fellowship award, the National Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi noted that the awards are very befitting as Mr. Muoka and Dr. Ibietan have shown immense professionalism in their PR roles both in their present capacities at the NCC and prior.

The NITRA Chairman, Mr. Onwuegbuchi however challenged them to remain an example of what PR professionals should be, both in conducts and duties.

He also advised that they, in their various capacities, should endeavor to mentor and train younger Nigerians in the act and art of public advocacy and situation management in order to keep their legacy alive in decades to come.

While acknowledging the teething display of PR qualities by Mr. Muoka during his years as a journalist with Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Onwuegbuchi noted that he was instrumental to the training of those that served under him and mostly stood as a liaison between his media house and the public.

Mr. Muoka, who is the Director of Public Affairs Department at the NCC, holds a M.Sc. and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos with M.Sc specialisation in Public Relations and Advertising.

He had earlier obtained a Bachelors degree in Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin. He is also an Associate of the Registered Practitioners of Advertising, (arpa).

Mr. Muoka was formerly the Communications Editor in Vanguard Newspapers during which he also chaired the League of Communications Correspondents. He also worked for MTS First Wireless, Nigeria’s first mobile network operator, where he rose to the position of Deputy General Manager. In 1999, Muoka received a fellowship involving a Pan-African training and tour, leading to the award of a Diploma in Journalism, at the instance of the Egyptian Ministry of Information, and the African Journalists Union (AJU), in Cairo, Egypt.

Dr. Ibietan earned a PhD in Communication from North-West University in South Africa. He had earlier obtained MA in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Uyo, and a Journalism Diploma from the Moscow-based International Institute of Journalism, Abuja Campus.

A noted advocate of freedom and democracy, he was Freedom House Nigeria Project’s Regional Media Researcher in the Niger Delta until his appointment in 2006 as Special Media Assistant to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication, during which he popularised the use of new media for public communication in Nigeria.

He is a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) and the International Institute of Communications (IIC).

Ibietan joined the NCC in 2008 and was deployed to Legislative and Government Relations (LGR) Department where he was frontline liaison staff of the Commission with the National Assembly.

He also served as Manager, Media and Public Relations and later, Senior Manager, Media Management until January 2017 when he was redeployed to the Public Affairs Department (PAD’s) emergent Online Media and Special Publication Unit, and subsequently designated as the head of the Unit. He also worked at the Consumer Information and Education Unit of the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) until his redeployment to PAD.

He became an Assistant Director in January 2021 and was appointed Head Media Relations in July 2022.

Their Fellowship status at the NIPR is seen as a boost to their career.

Established in 1963, The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), is the professional body of qualified Public Relations Practitioners.

The Law mandates NIPR to regulate the practice and direct the development of Public Relations as a profession in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) is an umbrella body formed in 2013 to harness the thoughts of ICT journalists in Nigeria, and contribute to the development of the industry and the economy at large.

It also has a primary objective of catering to the welfare of its members to ensure conducive and progressive ICT media industry. The association, which has its registered office in Lagos, has a Chapter in Abuja.