Tag: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

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News

Protest: Give Peace A Chance; Akande Admonishes Protesters

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC),Professor Adeolu Akande, has called on Nigerians to give peace a chance and abort the planned protests scheduled for August 1 to 10th this year.

In a statement personally signed by him and released in Abuja, Professor Akande said the country would gain nothing in the destruction of property that would characterise a protest and worsen the economic situation in the country.

Professor Akande noted that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proved to be a listening government with the many actions it has taken to address the economic situation in the country and matters affecting the youth.

Akande,who is a professor of Political Science noted that violence has never solved any problem in any part of the world. He counselled the the Tinubu government has taken many actions and embarked on initiatives to prove that it listens to the yearnings of the people and deserves to be given the opportunity to execute the policies designed to address the demands of the people and take the country out of its economic crisis.

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News

NCC Order MTN, Others To Reactivate All Blocked Lines

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has ordered telecommunications operators, telcos, to immediately restore all phone lines blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers, NIN, to SIM cards.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Media and Public Affairs disclosed this on Monday.

Recall that many Nigerians were agitated over what they perceived as restrictions by the NCC, which they felt were attempts to frustrate the August planned protest.

In a statement released by the NCC and sighted by Vanguard, Muoka stated that many telecom subscribers/consumers were unable to access their phone lines because of the inability of many telecom consumers to verify their NINs with their SIMs.

The statement read, “Over the weekend, many telecom subscribers/consumers were unable to access their phone lines due to their inability to verify their NINs with their SIMs.

“This resulted in their numbers being blocked by their telecom service providers in compliance with the laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.

“Telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM, which began in December 2020, when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.

“Since December 2023, the Commission has reviewed the deadline a few times; April 15, 2024, was set as the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.

“This deadline was then reviewed to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified. Despite these extensions, many phone lines have yet to be linked with verified NINs.

“The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate. The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.

“The consumer is our priority. Therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend, given the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs. Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

“Members of the public who have yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.”

 

Credit: Vanguard

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Opinion

Championing Excellence: A Resounding Call for the Reappointment of Professor Adeolu Akande Esq for Government Leadership

If we are to uphold performance as the paramount criterion for government appointments, there exists no individual more deserving of eminent recognition and reappointment than Professor Adeolu Akande. His track record as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) speaks volumes to both the discerning and those with less acute senses.

Moreover, Professor Akande’s academic and professional trajectory is a testament to his unparalleled excellence and untarnished integrity. He embodies the essence of technocrats who ardently champion the welfare of the masses, epitomizing true selflessness in service.

Under his adept stewardship during his tenures at both the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and NCC, government revenues surged while the meticulous adherence to due processes fostered a culture of transparency and accountability.

Professor Adeolu Akande, without doubt, stands as a national treasure. His extensive reservoir of experience and expertise illuminates the path toward enhanced governance and astute leadership.

He encompasses the quintessential attributes of a committed party member, an esteemed technocrat, and an individual whose exceptional education and network are exemplary. His demeanor radiates with impeccable conduct, unwavering empathy, and fidelity to his core principles.

In a world where these qualities are a rarity, Professor Akande radiates as a paragon of excellence, a beacon that guides our nation towards progress.

This tribute is a heartfelt dedication to Professor Adeolu Akande Esq. He is a leader who commands my utmost admiration, and I earnestly write with the aspiration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu profoundly considers reappointing him to his former esteemed position or an even more influential role.

Hassan Popoola hails from Kishi in Oyo State.

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News

NCC Confirms Airtel As Sole Bidder For New 5G Licence

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed Airtel Nigeria as the only telecom operator ready to bid for the 3.5GHz spectrum licence for 5G deployment.

This comes after the telco became the first to pay the $27.36 million intention to bid deposit ahead of the auction slated for December 19.

A statement by the NCC, seen by Nairametrics, also noted that only two telecom companies expressed interest in the auction as of the stipulated deadline which was Monday, December 5, 2022. The telcos are Airtel and Standard Network & Connections Limited.

Note that the $27.36 million deposit is 10% of the reserve price for the spectrum fixed at $273.6 million. 

Plea for extension: The statement by the NCC further disclosed that Standard Network had pleaded for an extension of the deadline for paying the deposit. However, the regulator turned it down. 

“Only Airtel paid the Intention to Bid Deposit (IBD) as stipulated in the Information Memorandum (IM) whereas, Standard Network sent an email appeal for the deadline to be extended by twelve (12) working days which was not acceptable given the auction timetable,” the NCC said.

No more auction: Given the emergence of Airtel as the sole bidder, NCC said it won’t continue with the auction. Instead, it will assign one lot of the spectrum to Airtel. 

The implication of this is that Airtel will pay the reserve price of $273.6 million, the same amount paid by MTN and Mafab Communications in December last year.  

“Having met all the provisions in the IM, Airtel has, therefore, emerged as the sole Bidder. Consequently, there shall be no further bidding and the Commission will proceed to the Assignment Stage in line with the published Information Memorandum guiding the licensing process,” the Commission stated.