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NCC chairs broadband implementation committee

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Nasiru Yusuf

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been tasked to lead the team that will ensure effective monitoring and steering of the overall implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025.

Kano Focus reports that this followed the designation of NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services,  Ubale Maska, as the Chairman of the newly-inaugurated Broadband Implementation Steering Committee (BISC) by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.

Mr Pantami inaugurated the inter-agency and multi-sectoral committee in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister said the mandate of the Committee, which will have its secretariat in NCC, is to ensure “effective monitoring for implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP), 2020- 2025.”

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The Minister said the inauguration of the committee is part of the ongoing journey for a Digital Nigeria, which had received a boost since his assumption of office in August, 2019.

“The journey started with the approval for the transformation of the ministry and its parastatals in October, 2019 from mere ICT institutions to digital economy institutions by the President.

“This was followed by the unveiling of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) in November, 2019 and the development of a new NBP 2020-2025, which was launched by the President in March 19, 2020,” he said.

Mr Pantami added that all the efforts were meant to put Nigeria on the global digital economy map, supported by robust broadband infrastructure.

He noted that under the NDEPS, Solid Infrastructure component, which is the 3rd pillar, will provide the bedrock for the realization of the country’s digital economy vision.

“In the new National Broadband Plan, there are many targets, principal of which are to cover 90% of Nigerian population with broadband access and 70% broadband penetration by 2025.

“We also plan to achieve a broadband speed of 25 megabits per second (mbps) in urban areas and 10 mbps in rural areas by the end of implementation of the new Broadband plan,” Pantami said.

He said the implementation of the new NBP had started fully and is resulting in the increase in broadband penetration currently at 40.14%, up from 35.10% in August, 2019.

The Minister added the ICT industry contributed 14.07% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2020.

He noted that increased broadband penetration will help Nigeria to achieve increased GDP growth.

The Minister, however, explained that problems of Right of Way, protection for telecom infrastructure and multiple taxations, which are critical to fast-track broadband infrastructure deployment and penetration, are being addressed from all fronts.

He added that the efforts are already yielding positive results with the engagement of relevant stakeholders including state governments and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta commended the Minister inaugurating the committee and promised the support of the Commission towards realization of the mandate of the Committee.

The Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Maska, also assured the Minister of the Committee members’ readiness to deliver on the assignment.

The Committee draws membership from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and agencies under its supervision, Including the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), World Bank, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), among others.

 

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APC chairman reaffirms 60/40 leadership formula during visit to Gov. Yusuf

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s 60/40 leadership-sharing formula between new defectors and existing members in Kano State.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that Prof Yilwatda made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, where he expressed satisfaction with what he described as an impressive turnout of party supporters and leaders.

 

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

 

According to the APC National Chairman, the 60/40 arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness, unity, and effective participation of all stakeholders in party affairs and governance activities.

 

He said he was deeply impressed by the large number of party faithful who attended the meeting, noting that the turnout reflected a high level of enthusiasm, unity, and commitment among APC members in Kano State.

 

Yilwatda added that the strong gathering was a positive signal that would further strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu and boost his prospects in the forthcoming general elections.

 

He also commended Alhaji Yusuf Gawuna and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, for setting aside personal ambitions and aligning with the Governor’s vision for the party in Kano.

 

The APC Chairman further praised former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his leadership and contributions to the party’s growth and cohesion in the state.

 

In his response, Governor Yusuf thanked the APC leadership for the visit and for their continued support toward unity and peace in Kano State.

 

He reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with party members to ensure that the state remains united and prosperous, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

 

Governor Yusuf noted that the strong turnout and show of solidarity demonstrated that APC members in Kano are ready to work together for the progress of the party and the overall development of the state.

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Ex-FRSC officer calls for relocation of Singer Market after recurrent fires

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Bosede Olufemi

 

A retired Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Nadabo, has called for the relocation of Singer Market in Kano to the Dangwaro International Market following repeated fire incidents at the facility.

KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf-Nadabo, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Jigawa State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday.

He said the relocation had become necessary to address persistent fire outbreaks that have plagued the market over the past 15 years.

According to him, he was at the scene of the latest fire incident on February 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., where he observed serious challenges in accessing the area during rescue operations.

“It took about 12 hours to put out the fire. The current location of the market is not conducive for heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, posing serious safety risks,” he said.

He noted that the market’s environment makes it difficult for articulated vehicles and fire service trucks to move freely, especially during emergencies.

Yusuf-Nadabo added that nearly 100 trucks enter the market daily to offload goods, contributing to congestion. He said major adjoining roads, including Bello Road and Ibrahim Taiwo Road, are often blocked, compounding traffic problems and hindering emergency response.

“Based on my experience in traffic management and public safety, relocating the market to Dangwaro International Market will significantly reduce congestion and help put an end to recurring fire outbreaks,” he stated.

The retired FRSC officer urged the Kano State Government to act urgently in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development.

Meanwhile, KANO FOCUS reports that the recent fire destroyed goods and property worth over ₦5 billion, affecting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.

The Chairman of the market, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed the extent of the damage to NAN in Kano on Sunday.

Singer Market has witnessed several fire outbreaks in recent years. A massive blaze occurred at the market on February 2, 2026, affecting numerous shops before firefighters and emergency agencies brought it under control, with no reported loss of lives.

In November 2025, a dawn fire razed 44 shops, while in March 2023, over 100 shops were destroyed. Similarly, in November 2022, a warehouse and goods worth over ₦100 million were consumed by fire.

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Tinubu sympathises with Kano Traders, orders probe into Singer Market fire

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

President Bola Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano State following the devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market over the weekend.

 

KANO FOCUS reports that the fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, caused extensive damage to the popular food market, leaving many traders counting heavy losses.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as tragic and deeply concerning.

 

According to the statement, President Tinubu had earlier contacted the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to obtain a situation report on the extent of the damage and ongoing response efforts.

 

The President expressed particular concern that the latest fire occurred less than two weeks after another inferno destroyed dozens of shops and properties at the same market.

 

He consequently directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out to determine the causes of the recurring fires, which have repeatedly left traders in distress.

 

President Tinubu assured the affected traders of the Federal Government’s concern and emphasised the need for preventive measures to avert future occurrences.

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