NCC’s Head, Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, made this known on Friday in a statement she issued.

The challenges, she pointed out, were largely caused by disruption to diesel supply affecting IHS Nigeria Limited, the colocation provider responsible for powering Airtel and MTN base stations in the affected areas.

She explained that the challenges were a result of the activities of the National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association, NOGASA, which disrupted diesel supplies to sites with the attendant telecommunications services outages in Abuja.

She, however, said the NCC was committed to ensuring seamless communication services for all Nigerians and recognized the importance of reliable power supply for the provision of optimal telecommunication services.

Ukoha said NCC was actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to address the diesel supply issues and explore sustainable solutions.

“The Commission urges all parties to work together to collaboratively resolve these challenges swiftly by removing the diesel supply bottlenecks affecting critical telecommunications infrastructure, arising from NOGASA’s actions,” she added.

Ukoha stressed the commitment of the NCC to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

“We are taking proactive steps to facilitate dialogues between the impacted service providers and other stakeholders to promptly resolve the diesel supply concerns that have negatively impacted service quality.

“The Commission remains dedicated to effectively managing the situation and will keep the public updated on progress towards restoring full telecommunication services in Abuja. We thank telecommunications subscribers for their understanding and patience during this period and reaffirm our commitment to delivering high-quality telecommunications services nationwide,” Ukoha said.

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The ISP business is good, but running it is a challenge.

Technology promotes disruption. Look at the banking industry. Fintech has threatened to half the pie. That is the power of technology. It allows business owners to reimagine an existing process. To leverage innovation and meet evolving customer demands. But it is a double-edged sword. It challenges established businesses. It creates opportunities for innovation and growth. It kills some businesses. It resurrects others. What has technology done to your business?

On the one hand

If I were the technology, I would become a behemoth. I would acquire all the struggling Internet Service Providers (ISPs). I would become a megamouth shark. I would consume everything in my line of sight. I would merge all the mushroom bloggers. Put them under my wings. I would buy out all the distressed broadcast stations. Small fries cannot survive in a shark-infested water. There is no gain in playing the leader of the little league. If I were the internet, I would become God.

On the other hand

Technology has helped the telecom sector. Contributed significantly to the country’s GDP. But the little cousin of the telecom sector is struggling. You may not understand what some businesses are experiencing if your business is not internet-dependent. Meaning: If you have not experienced discomfort occasioned by service outage from one ISP, if your livelihood is not dependent on the internet, you would not comprehend the severity of internet network disruption for 14 days.

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In the long term

The ISPs are experiencing tough times. They are running against time. It is a race they cannot win. They cannot win the race. Unless the unthinkable happens, that is, unless one of the telcos acquires a majority of the ISPs. There are 756 licensed ISPs. About 568 ISPs are out of business as of March 2022. About 188 are active or in a comatose state. The Nigerian ISPs sub-sector is struggling to stay afloat.

Before we go further, here is an experience: I visited one of the ISPs in the heart of Lagos. The company is a service provider of the highest ranking. But the office environment proved otherwise. The office was bare. No staff. From the reception, you could smell the despondency in the air. The reception area was empty. One employee attended to our 2-man team. Two women. Why women? To keep the lights on? To serve the remaining few customers until the bulbs burn out? To keep the brand ambling?

Anyway, the women did not smile. There was no time for that luxury. It was in the middle of the month. Do you understand? They were surprised that any customer could locate their office. It was tucked in the belly of Lekki. From Lekki, we stopped over at another address. Hidden in the bowels of Yaba. That was where we met these two unsmiling women. There was palpable distress on their faces. They made a call to one person somewhere. We spoke over the phone. We agreed. We left. The following day, we got a refund.

The ISPs are running under a harsh operating environment. They are contending with several factors. One of these factors is competitors. The telecommunications sector in Nigeria is a billion-dollar business. How can these tadpoles compete with the likes of MTN, Airtel, Glo, and T2?

Another hurdle is a lack of adequate funding. Without that, it is difficult to keep the lights on. No funding means no diesel. Some of the ISPs have to purchase from the black market to get electricity. No technological improvement. The ISP business is good. But running it is a challenge.

‘’I expect all that to clear off towards the middle of the second quarter. Once that clears, I think we are going to be fine, and business expectations will be good. Once the election is over, the Nigerian economy is going to boom,’’ one ISP operator shared his optimism. I do not share the same optimism. Do not ask me why. The why is staring at you. The ISPs are running against Starlink and others. How can they win the race? Help me if you can.

In the short term

The ISPs are competing against behemoths whose balance sheets are as big as the ocean. To win, take advantage of niche areas. Run fast. Go deep. Technology can solve the problems

*Olaegbe (psalmsonolaegbe@gmail.com)

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The data from the streets is ugly. What does the data say about the internet data? The telcos have become another pain. Subscribe to an internet data plan today. Tomorrow, the data is gone. It is as if you are dealing with a ghost. You are unsure where it is lurking. Now, suddenly, talking has become very expensive. Browsing the internet or video streaming has become a luxury.

On the one hand

The telcos have jacked up the prices of data plans. No more handouts. The years of plenty are gone. That was when a thousand naira data plan could last you a month. Not anymore. Not anymore. The data plans have surged by 50 per cent. Meaning: You have to rethink your internet budget. Otherwise, you are walking on the precipice of bankruptcy!

On the other hand

Welcome to the other half of plenty. It is not a lack. It is contentment. You have to be content with the internet data plan your budget can afford. If your budget can only move you for a week, live with it. Otherwise, you might be spending more on internet data than you do on feeding. You would not do that, would you?

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In the long term    

Many issues have conspired to push the telcos to increase the internet data tariffs. One of them is not your fault. Or is it? Anyway, the telcos, in case you do not remember their names, MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile, have adjusted their prices. One particular network priced its large data plan as high as seventy thousand. For a month! That is the minimum wage of an average Nigerian worker. Does it mean this particular worker will not enjoy the internet?

There is no cheap internet data plan anymore. Even the entry-level data plan is not for an average Nigerian worker. At one thousand naira for a week – that is the lowest for 3.9 GB – the network quality is awful. If an average Nigerian worker uses one thousand naira a week, in a month, he would have spent four thousand naira on internet data. Seventy thousand minus four thousand. Hmm. From experience, none of these telcos offers the best network quality. It is relative. The internet connections oscillate between good and bad. Nothing in between.

Had a negative experience with a video streaming service. The video buffered forever. Changed the network. The same experience. All right. Switched to one of the popular ISPs. Aha. The video would buffer and come on. Then blank. It was a horrible experience. Do you know why your internet slows down after a certain threshold? FUP! Fair. Usage. Policy. What does it mean? FUP reduces the speed of your internet. This allows other users to enjoy the ride too. We are stuck with these telcos because we do not have alternatives. Yet.

Aside from video streaming and conferencing for remote workers, funds transfer is another hiccup. Funds transfer via online banking is a different curveball. I sent some funds to friends. The transfers reversed after 48 hours. After the fact of the matter. Well, we are stuck with these poor telecom offerings because we do not have alternatives. Yet. Various negative experiences abound. Recounting them would not remedy the bad situations. Life throws one of these lemons at you. If you are not a lemonade producer, you can consider changing your trade.

In the short term

An internet data plan is not cheap. If it were so, I would not have cancelled a video streaming! Like a ghost, you cannot tell where the internet data lurks.

*Olaegbe (psalmsonolaegbe@gmail.com)

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They argued that as much as the effective implementation of the Executive Order on the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure, CNII, is important, the Order cannot solely guarantee infrastructure safety except certain internal and standardisation issues are first resolved by operators.

Speaking at the 7th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum, PIAFo, Summit on CNII implementation held last week in Lagos, the industry leaders highlighted pressing issues such as infrastructure vandalism, unauthorized installations, and cable theft, while proposing actionable solutions to safeguard the country’s critical national infrastructure.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and installation to prevent vandalism and theft.

He highlighted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers and poles, attributing the problem to poor maintenance practices.

“When properly installed, these components are difficult to remove. However, due to negligence, they are often left unsecured, making them easy targets for theft,” he said.

Adebayo also pointed out that community resistance to infrastructure projects had significantly hindered progress.

He recounted instances where local communities prevented trucks from accessing sites due to previous unaddressed damages caused by contractors.

“A diesel supplier was blocked from entering an estate because a previous contractor had damaged their property and failed to make repairs. This lack of accountability breeds distrust and delays crucial projects,” he explained.

He urged stakeholders to foster better relationships with communities to prevent such conflicts.

Another critical issue Adebayo identified was the unauthorized installation of infrastructure without government approval, leading to inadvertent damage during road construction projects.

“Government agencies often damage unregistered infrastructure simply because they were not documented in official records. Proper approvals and collaboration with authorities will ensure accountability and protection of critical infrastructure,” he noted.

He called for improved industry coordination to resolve these challenges internally before seeking external solutions that are promised by the CNII provisions.

Echoing these concerns, Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, emphasised the need for standardisation and better coordination among stakeholders.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges went beyond technical issues, extending into environmental and moral concerns.

“We are dealing with a moral challenge. An engineer who switched from diesel to gas generators encountered a new problem—workers began stealing engine oil instead, as they could no longer siphon diesel. These issues require both technical and ethical solutions,” he explained.

Emoekpere argued that standardisation is the key to long-term sustainability.

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“If infrastructure is deployed in a suboptimal manner, failure is inevitable. We need to establish proper standards that all stakeholders—government, private sector, and the public—can align with,” he stated.

He also emphasized that Nigeria had strong policies, such as local content policies, but implementation remained a major challenge.

“We must move beyond discussions and focus on actionable steps, follow-ups, and policy enforcement,” he added.

The importance of addressing cable theft and vandalism was further stressed by Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications Limited.

He described the alarming frequency of cable cuts, which disrupt network operations and drive up maintenance costs.

“Cable theft is a serious issue. Airtel representatives told me they experience a cable cut every six minutes. The assumption that all black cables contain valuable copper leads to reckless vandalism,” he explained.

To combat this growing problem, Owoeye proposed three key approaches, including reorientation, enforcement, and proactive measures.

“We need to engage local communities in their native languages, educating them on the consequences of vandalism. Strict legal penalties, including long-term imprisonment, should be enforced to deter offenders,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for preventive strategies rather than reactive responses.

“Prevention is always more effective and cost-efficient than restoration,” he noted.

As a proactive measure, Owoeye proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support advocacy and awareness campaigns across Nigeria.

To demonstrate his commitment, he pledged to contribute N500,000 quarterly as a seed fund and encouraged other industry players to follow suit.

“This is like planting a seed. With collective effort, we can grow it into a sustainable solution for protecting Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure,” he said.

The speakers collectively emphasised that addressing these challenges requires collaboration among industry players, government agencies, and local communities.

They called for a concerted effort to enforce policies, engage stakeholders, and implement practical solutions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure.

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President Tinubu spoke at a meeting with an Airtel delegation led by Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal at the State House.

“I am grateful for your openness, readiness, and confidence, which moved us very close to the Prime Minister of India. When he was here, we discussed things at length.

“The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are prepared to learn. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes.

“It is for the good of all of us, and Nigeria is so critically important that we must give attention to those revolutionary intentions that can make business work. I am pro-business, and I will continue to be that. I can give you that assurance,” he said.

The president noted that the tax reforms would create a more favourable climate for investors.

“We will find a way to work with tax administrators to ensure that whatever we have to do, we will encourage growth and opportunities. We are ready to do that.”

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The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, thanked the president for consistently supporting the telecoms sector’s growth.

Tijani said the approval by the president for the protection of fibre optic and undersea cables as critical national assets would further stimulate growth in the industry, assuring that the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, has started implementing and enforcing the law.

The chairman of Airtel commended the president for the two-pronged economic reforms that had transformed the economy for future growth.

“When you took office, you made some promises. Given the country’s situation, I was unsure how deep and far you could take your commitments.

“I am indeed reminded of 1991, when India was in a similar situation, and we were practically on our knees, having pledged 500,000 tons of gold to the Bank of England, and our vessel in Tokyo had been put up for sale.

“During that time, the Prime Minister and his team took similar reforms to what you are taking now in Nigeria, and India has never seen better times after that.

“The duties went down, the rupee was floated, and it depreciated significantly. Relicensing happened, and it was the dawn of a new world in India. We just moved forward,” he said.

Mittal said the reforms turned India into one of the largest economies in the world.

“I feel that what you have done here is unprecedented in a challenging time. Only people of resolve and steel can endure this huge pressure, floating the naira, which moved from N450 to about N1900 and is now coming back to N1400 to N1500.

“It has been a remarkable achievement celebrated by the entire world. This was much required, and you delivered on your promises,” the Airtel chairman told President Tinubu.

He also commended the removal of the petrol subsidy.

“The second one was the removal of subsidy, which was a very tough decision for any politician. It was unpopular and difficult, but you held your position, knowing fully that not doing it would not help the country.

“You have taken a long-term position. It is my belief and hope that you have created a legacy for yourself. Your first term as President will mark a watershed in the development of your country.

“This will be a turning point, and I would like to commend you for having held a firm position and taken the country forward,” he added.

Mittal said more Nigerians should be encouraged to invest in the country, particularly those with huge financial portfolios abroad.

“I have been speaking to people in Nigeria, friends and business people, and they are all now feeling calm, and when they start to get back, they will move very fast. I have experienced this in India,” he stated.

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A check by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, using the *312# code and on the Airtel website showed the revised data prices.

According to the telco’s website, the revision, which affects various data bundles, is aimed at mitigating the impact of escalating operational costs on the company’s operations, amidst a challenging economic landscape.

The revised data plans, published on its website, include daily plans: N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day), N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day), N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days), and N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day).

On the other hand, weekly plans have become N350 for 350MB (valid for 7 days), N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for 7 days), N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials (valid for 7 days), and N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days).

Other changes for monthly plan include 3GB for N2,000 (from 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (formerly 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000).

Other adjustments include 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (replacing 18GB at N5,000).

Airtel’s call rates rose to 25 kobo per second from about 18 kobo per second.

Like MTN, Airtel has left some tariff plans untouched.

For instance, the 5GB plan/week for N1,500 remains unchanged.

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This development comes on the heels of a tariff hike of about 50 per cent by MTN Nigeria, which took effect almost a week ago, in a bid to cushion the impact of rising operational costs.

NAN reports that a look at the telco’s X page revealed bitter complaints by subscribers.

A Subscriber, Okikiola (@okikiola_Ayoade) said: “Return our data bundles back e no easy to dey get money, you people dey inconvenience us, data from 3000 for 20gb is now 3000 for 10gb, why are we suffering for what we are paying for, ogun dey kee una shey until when we no get clothes for neck again?

Also, Jessy Paul (@Firstjessy), another Subscriber, queried the telco for stopping its previous data offer, saying that the only reason he was using Airtel was because their plans were reasonable.

“Can you change it back to what it used to be or should I break my Airtel SIM and switch to another network?” Paul asked.

Another Subscriber, ShadeFX D BoiCrypt (@ShadeFx__) said: “Life is already hard for us and you decided to add more to it by being heartless, Why increase data plans and then exhaust it so fast.

“What did we do wrong by choosing to use your network? Does it sound fair to you now? Are you happy? This is Evil,” he said.

However, Airtel on its X page apologised for the inconveniences caused by the data increase to subscribers who complained.

“We extend our sincere understanding regarding your concerns, and wish to apprise you that comprehensive revisions have been effectuated across our voice and data plans,” Airtel said.

NAN reports that the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, the industry’s regulatory body, had approved a maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments to operators, citing the need to ensure the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.

The commission said its approval was in response to prevailing operational costs and was made pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA).

The NCC said that while recognising the concerns of the public, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

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Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, made this demand in a communiqué jointly signed with Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the NLC, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The communiqué was issued at the conclusion of the Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting of the NLC, held in Lokoja, Kogi State.

It is important to recall that the NLC’s National Administrative Council, NAC, had declared a one-day mass rally at all Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, offices across the country in response to the proposed 50 per cent tariff hike.

The federal government and the NLC had signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, which set up a 10-man committee to deliberate on the matter within two weeks and report back on the key concerns raised by the Congress.

However, the telecom companies went ahead and implemented the new tariff hike.

Ajaero condemned the action by the telecommunications companies, calling it a betrayal of trust.

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“It is an affront to the principles of negotiation, a direct slap on the government and its institutions, and a disdain for the Nigerian people,” he said.

The CWC described the tariff hike as a further demonstration of regulatory capture and accusing the government of favouring the rich over the people.

The CWC also called for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect that day.

It insisted that the companies should revert to the previous tariff until the committee completed its deliberations and reached a conclusive agreement.

As a first step in resisting the arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC has directed Nigerian workers and other willing citizens to boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

This boycott will start on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and continue until the end of February 2025.

Ajaero also urged workers and citizens to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which he said had become tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.

He demanded the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these telecom companies.

He further warned that if the telecommunications companies failed to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide would commence on March 1, 2025.

“All NLC state councils are directed to begin immediate sensitisation and mobilisation of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.

“We also urge all NLC affiliate unions to mobilise their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours,” he added.

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A check by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, using the *312# code on the MTN network showed the revised MTN data prices.

For the monthly plans, MTN 1.8GB now goes for N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000; the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, a rise from N4,500.

The 20GB monthly plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, among others.

Text messaging on the network has also increased to N6.00 reflecting the 50 per cent hike, while hike in voice calls rates are yet to be ascertained.

Other mobile operators comprising Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile are yet to update their data prices as at the time of filing this report.

Some subscribers, who spoke with NAN, said they were surprised by MTN’s haste in implementing the tariff increase.

An educationist and MTN subscriber, Mrs Halima Balogun, lamented MTN’s haste in adjusting its tariff.

Balogun said that other networks were yet to implement the hike.

“We, the subscribers, are yet to come to terms with the announcement of proposed hike, only for the increase to be implemented.

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“I was about purchasing my 1.5GB at N1000, only to discover that it has been increased to N1,500, this left me stranded because I had planned on spending only N1000.

“It would have been ideal if we were given a week’s notification before the new prices were made public to enable one to be prepared,” she said.

A 200-level student of University of Lagos, Mr Edoziem Olunwa, described the increased MTN tariff as frustrating.

Olunwa said that the increase was coming at a time when things were becoming increasingly difficult, even as students.

“As a Computer Science student, I was struggling to help myself with the 20GB which was N5,500 but the additional N2000 is like a burden.

“Over the weekend, there was outage on the network, which was addressed but could still be better. These are the things we want the network to address,” he said.

Another subscriber, Mr Abdulwahab Fatoki, expressed optimism that the increase would herald effective and efficient service.

Fatoki said that from the day the announcement of the proposed tariff hike was made, it was obvious that there was no going back so the best bet was to be prepared.

All the subscribers, however, expressed optimism that with the increment there would also be increased quality of service.

All efforts to speak with MTN officials before filing the report failed.

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, the industry’s regulatory body had approved a maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments to operators.

The commission said its approval, though less than the 100 per cent hike demanded by operators, was in response to prevailing operational costs.

It said that its decision was 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.

The NCC said that while recognising the concerns of the public, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

“The NCC recognises the financial pressure faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments,” the NCC said in a statement.

It noted that the adjustments would support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity.

The NCC added that consumers would benefit from better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage within the country.

Source: NAN

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The latest report of the Top 50 Brands Nigeria rankings, an annual celebration of the most influential and valuable brands in the country, revealed this.

Dangote is immediately followed by MTN Nigeria, which not only ranks second overall but also emerged as the Most Popular Brand in the country for the year, according to the Top-of-Mind (TOM) survey.

MTN’s strong consumer connection and widespread recognition highlight its significant impact on the telecommunications sector and beyond.

At the third place this year is Globacom Nigeria, a leading Nigerian multinational telecommunications company known for its innovative solutions and commitment to progress.

Globacom’s consistent ranking among the top brands indicate its significant role in Nigeria’s digital and technological advancement.

Airtel Nigeria, another key player in the telecommunications sector, secured the fourth position. Access Bank ranked in the fifth position, topping the Banking & Financial Services sector.

The organisers stated that: “This year’s list is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and enduring relevance of brands that continue to shape Nigeria’s economic, particularly in challenging times.

A significant highlight this year is that seven of the first 10 brands out of the 50 are Nigerian, emphasizing the resilience and global competitiveness of home-grown brands, most of which had spread abroad.

Additionally, it is impressive to note the consistency among the top brands, with seven of them maintaining their positions from last year. This stability reflects their continued relevance, strong market presence, and ability to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian business environment.

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Nigerian brands account for 24 spots on the top brands list this year, while international brands hold 26 positions, representing 52% of the total.

The 2024 list also witnessed the entry of two new brands, these are Opay Nigeria and Flutterwave, which made their debut in the annual Top 50 evaluation.

These new entrants highlight the growing influence of fintech and digital payment platforms in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

Notably, 14 brands maintained their positions from the previous year, reflecting their consistent performance and consumer trust.

Another set of notes in the presentation are the 10 Brands to Watch – These are vibrant and upcoming brands, who, though not among the 50 Top Brands yet, but with significant visibility and promises.

This year, nine of the 10 Brands to Watch are Nigerian.

During the public presentation, Taiwo Oluboyede, CEO of Top 50 Brands Nigeria, commended the brands for their exceptional performance resilience, particularly in the face of the present economic challenges.

“These brands deserve commendation, really, especially in times like this. The past year has been tough for many businesses, with some relocating out of Nigeria and others barely holding on. However, the majority of these brands have shown the resilient Naija spirit by weathering the storms and standing strong with positive projections into the future.”

He stated further: “As the saying goes, tough times never last, but tough people do. It’s in times like this that you differentiate between the boys and the men, as these brands have shown.

“The 2024 Top 50 Brands Nigeria list is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth. As these brands continue to innovate and adapt, they set the standard for what it means to be a top brand in Nigeria.

“We look forward to witnessing their continued success and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development in the years to come.”

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Sanwo-Olu spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of NXTRA by Airtel Data Centre, held on Tuesday at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said the event was not merely the construction of a facility, but the dawn of a new era in data control, security, and preservation throughout Africa.

The governor said the data centre, anticipated to  commence operations by the third quarter of 2025, would not only symbolise Nigeria’s progress but also serve as a crucial pillar in realising digital aspirations.

He said: “This initiative resonates with my administration’s goal of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, and I welcome this collaboration between Airtel Africa and the Lagos State government towards achieving a transformative digital leap for Nigeria.

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“This Data Centre, with its substantial capacity, will unlock vast potential across various sectors – from nurturing innovation in tech startups to enhancing government service efficiency. It will generate employment, attract investments, and position Lagos as a premier digital hub in Africa.

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks not just the commencement of construction but the initiation of a new narrative. It is a narrative propelled by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a prosperous digital future.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu while appreciating Airtel for building the Data Centre in Lagos, said: “Airtel Africa, through NXTRA, has emerged as a trailblazer in constructing cutting-edge data centre facilities across the continent. Their commitment to the highest standards in data management, technological innovation, and extensive network infrastructure is truly commendable.

“With a total capacity of 180 MW distributed across 13 major Data Centres and over 48 Edge Data Centres, NXTRA is poised to redefine data storage and accessibility in Africa.

“This Data Centre aims to establish a secure control hub for data storage and management within Africa, meet the escalating demand for cloud services and data consumption in Nigeria and beyond while contributing to the digital economy by providing scalable infrastructure for businesses and government services.

“I commend Airtel Africa and NXTRA for their dedication to Nigeria and Africa. The Lagos State Government stands steadfastly behind this project, offering unwavering support to ensure its successful realisation.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated the outgoing Group CEO, Airtel Africa, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, for his immeasurable contributions to the growth of Airtel’s digital infrastructure in Africa.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to using technology to deepen productivity in key sectors.

Tijani, who noted that the data centre is important for the future, said the federal government will continue to support the tech industry.

Also speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Ogunsanya, said he was proud of the excellent work Governor Sanwo-Olu was doing in Lagos State.

Ogunsanya said the data centre during construction would provide 1,000 jobs in 24 months and 250,000 jobs when completed.

He said the groundbreaking of the NXTRA by Airtel Data Centre marked the commencement of the construction of Nigeria’s largest data centre, symbolising a stride forward in enhancing data control, security, and preservation across Africa.

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