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NCC Unveils New Licensing Framework To Boost Tech Innovation
Published
3 weeks agoon
By
Editor
The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced a new licensing framework designed to foster innovation and expand opportunities for startups and technology-driven enterprises within the telecommunications sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, at a stakeholders’ forum on the Draft General Authorisation Framework held on Thursday in Abuja.
Maida said the General Authorisation Framework was designed to offer a more flexible and responsive approach to telecom licensing, one that recognises and accommodates emerging services not currently captured under the existing regime.
“We are now at a turning point where the nature of innovation demands a regulatory paradigm that is not only responsive but enabling,” Maida said.
READ ALSO:Reps Order NCC To Shut Down Porn Sites Nationwide
According to him, the new framework introduces three key regulatory instruments, including Proof-of-Concept pilots to test novel solutions in real-world conditions; a Regulatory Sandbox to allow controlled testing of ideas like Open RAN and spectrum sharing; and an Interim Service Authorisation for services that fall outside current licensing categories.
Maida explained that these tools will provide innovators—whether startups or large firms—a safe environment to demonstrate feasibility, assess risks, and validate ideas before going to market.
“This model encourages experimentation and responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer rights and public interest,” he said.
While calling for support from all industry players, the NCC boss emphasised that stakeholder collaboration will be critical to the framework’s success.
He urged mobile network operators, service providers, infrastructure companies, OEMs, academia, and civil society to contribute their insights toward refining the regulatory model.
READ ALSO:Finally, NCC Announces Deadline For NIN-SIM Linkage
“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is no longer distant. It is unfolding right before us. And at the heart of this future is the communications sector—our shared infrastructure for innovation, inclusion, and economic advancement,” he noted.
Maida concluded by expressing hope that the engagement would strengthen investor confidence, deepen the innovation value chain, and pave the way for sustainable growth across the communications ecosystem.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Licensing and Authorisation at the NCC, Usman Mamman, said the draft framework was developed through cross-departmental collaboration, internal reviews of recent service applications, and international benchmarking.
He said, “A Benchmark Study was carried out to learn how other Countries support innovation, including the UK’s Ofcom Sandbox model and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority testbeds. These examples helped us understand how to promote innovation in a way that still meets regulatory goals.
READ ALSO:BREAKING: NCC Approves 50% Tariff Hike For Telecoms
“The proposed framework aligns with national digital economy policies, such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the National Broadband Plan, and the wider goals of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”
Mamman explained that the Commission identified a growing number of novel service requests that could not be accommodated under existing categories, prompting the need for a more agile licensing structure.
He noted that the proposed framework incorporates safeguards such as data protection, cybersecurity measures, and customer information policies, all designed to ensure the responsible deployment of new technologies.
He noted that stakeholder feedback will be critical in refining the document.
The session drew participants from across the telecom industry, regulatory bodies, and the tech ecosystem, all of whom were encouraged to submit recommendations that could help align the framework with national development goals.
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NCAA Seeks K1 De Ultimate’s Arrest, Petitions AGF, IG
Published
9 hours agoon
August 7, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has formally petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, asking them to investigate and prosecute veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, over an incident that occurred aboard a domestic ValueJet flight.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and has raised serious concerns about passenger behaviour and compliance with aviation safety protocols.
According to preliminary reports, K1 De Ultimate was allegedly involved in conduct during ValueJet flight VK201 that contravenes the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
According to a statement signed by the agency on Thursday, it noted that in the petition, the NCAA urged the Attorney-General and the IGP to “launch a thorough investigation into the incident” and commence “appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.”
READ ALSO:[VIDEO] Kwam 1’s Airport Drama: FAAN Accuses Fuji Star Of Alcohol Violation
In a further move to reinforce compliance and accountability, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria recommending that K1 De Ultimate be placed on a No-Fly List for all commercial flights pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The advisory, according to the NCAA, is in line with international aviation best practices designed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft operations.
The statement read, “In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
READ ALSO:NCAA Stops Fuji Star K1 De Ultimate From Flying For Six Months
“Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, urging the immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate (on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.
“This advisory is in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and airline operations.
“The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry as passengers are held to the same standards of behavior and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.”
The Authority emphasised that aviation safety and discipline remain non-negotiable and that the industry cannot afford to tolerate acts that could endanger lives or compromise the integrity of flight operations.
News
FG Unveils Four Water Projects In Ogoni, Commits To Implementing UNEP Report
Published
9 hours agoon
August 7, 2025By
Editor
The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, with renewed commitment to addressing public health concerns and full implementation of the report of the United Nations Environment Programme.
The water projects located in Bodo community (Gokana LGA), Eteo (in Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa communities (both in Khana LGA) now brings the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has said.
Also unveiled was a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, which aims to improve engagement with host communities.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bodo community on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, described the development as a major step in the federal government’s resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation from oil pollution.
READ ALSO:Ogoni Women Threaten Nude Protest Over Oil Exploration
Abbas stated, “The biggest victim of pollution is water. Water is what gets polluted first, and so the whole essence of HYPREP is to restore water, land, and a better environment. Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right.”
While noting that the projects are not just infrastructure, but “symbols of hope, equity, and justice” for communities that had long suffered the impacts of oil-related pollution.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.
“Today, as we commission these projects, we are not only laying a physical foundation but also upholding human rights. These commitments underscore our shared dedication to the health, dignity, and well-being of our people,” he stated.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Signs Bill To Establish Federal University In Ogoni
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to full delivery of UNEP’s report and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
“On behalf of the federal government, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP report. The Ogonis have suffered for too long. It is our duty to address their worries,” Abbas said.
In his address, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said progress is also being recorded across other UNEP-aligned thematic areas, including soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Zabbey stated, “We have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38% done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93% complete.”
READ ALSO:Panic As Nine Children Disappear In Ogoni Communities
He stated that over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women have been trained in 20 skill sets, while 7,000 direct jobs have been created through the programme, which he described as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.
He said, “Work on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90% and 40% complete respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98% and 86%.
“With the Ogoni Health Study now underway, HYPREP has reached the point of simultaneous implementation of key UNEP actions, remediation, water, health and livelihood, working together to transform Ogoni holistically.”
Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by the General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, praised the federal government and HYPREP for achieving a key milestone.
“This marks a significant moment in our journey to improve public health and the quality of life of Ogoni people. We also commend the resilience and commitment of the communities. Your support reflects a shared desire for progress,” Attah said.
News
FG Warns Of Flooding In Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, 26 Others
Published
9 hours agoon
August 7, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on Thursday warned of potential flooding in 198 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The alert, obtained by our correspondent, covers August 7 to August 21, 2025, a span of 15 days during which vulnerable communities are advised to take precautionary measures.
The alert categorised flood risk levels as very high, high and moderate, depending on local topography and rainfall intensity projections.
The affected states are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
According to NiHSA, very high-risk states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara.
READ ALSO:Floods: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti Map Risk Zones, Clear Waterways
While states categorised as facing high to moderate risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.
The agency also noted that 832 communities are at risk of varying degrees of flooding.
The alert also warned of the potential disruption of over 100 major transportation routes, particularly in flood-prone areas.
“High likelihood of displacement, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. NiHSA urges residents in affected regions to remain vigilant, adhere to early warning directives, and cooperate with emergency response agencies,” it stated.
To mitigate the potential impacts of flooding, NiHSA recommended that all emergency management stakeholders should get prepared for response protocols to ensure timely intervention.
READ ALSO:Flood Sweeps 12-year-old Pupil In Edo
It added, “Communities at risk should put evacuation plans in place.
“Follow up on NIHSA’s state-level weekly forecast for community-specific forecast, and monitor updates from NIHSA.”
The Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, said, “This alert is issued in line with our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We call on state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive measures to mitigate risk and ensure community safety.”
He emphasised that they will continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates as necessary.
On Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that in 2025, no fewer than 191 lives have been lost to the floods that have ravaged parts of the country, while 94 people remain missing.
READ ALSO:NiMet Forecasts Rain, Flash Floods Nationwide
The report by NEMA showed that Niger State recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa State, where 26 people lost their lives. One death each was reported in Borno and Gombe states.
The data further indicated that, so far this year, the floods have affected 134,435 people across 20 states and 47 local government areas.
Additionally, 48,056 people have been displaced, while 239 injuries have been reported. The floods have also damaged 9,499 houses and affected 9,450 farmlands.
NEMA’s dashboard also revealed that among those affected are 27,121 men, 41,539 women, 60,071 children, 5,704 elderly persons, and 1,874 persons with disabilities.
In 2024, the floods affected 5,264,097 individuals, displacing 1,243,638 people across 35 states and 401 local government areas. The disaster resulted in 1,237 deaths and left 16,469 individuals injured.
Also, 116,172 houses were destroyed, and 1,439,296 hectares of farmland were affected, further worsening the economic and humanitarian impact of the flooding across the country.
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