News
COVID-19: How NCC mitigates pandemic impact on telecoms operators, subscribers
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has taken actions to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the quality of service delivery by telecommunications networks.
Kano Focus reports that the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta disclosed this at the 1st Virtual Telecom Consumer Parliament hosted by the commission in Abuja.
Mr Danbatta said the pandemic has caused as much as 800% demand hike in data usage and volume of calls for some operators.
He said that underlines the importance of ensuring quality of service delivery and quality of experience for telecoms consumers.
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He said the NCC in conjunction with the supervising Ministry developed e-platforms to handle all requests from the licensees to ensure that regulatory services are provided to sustain service delivery to subscribers.
He said the NCC also approved and encouraged resource sharing among network operators and secured Right of Passage for all telecommunications companies and suppliers for easy movement during the lockdown.
These measures according to him enabled the operators to service their base stations and ensured seamless services for telecom consumers who increasingly relied on the networks during the pandemic.
The EVC added that the NCC, working with the ministry is resolving the problem of high cost of Right of Way (RoW) with the Nigerian Governors Forum.
“The Commission is hopeful that with the reduction in RoW, which will automatically result in reduction in capital expenditure by the network operators, telecom companies will sooner than later reciprocate the gesture by making their services more affordable to Nigerians,” he said.
Mr Danbatta said regulatory efforts have also resulted in Presidential approval directing security agencies to protect ICT and telecom facilities as critical national assets.
He said this has helped to safeguard telecom infrastructure for the greater role telecom has to play with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Danbatta has strongly charged the service providers to constantly upgrade and expand their network capacity in order to deliver high quality of service to their consumers.
Panel highlights challenges
In his presentation, the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu showed the various Quality of Service indicators for the second quarter of the year across the networks and how the consumer Quality of Experience compared with the parameters based on the voice of the consumer survey conducted by the Commission.
Mr Adewolu highlighted the challenges facing operators, which impact negatively on quality of service to include fibre cuts, vandalism and theft of telecommunications site equipment.
A panel session of telecoms operators, who participated virtually in the TCP, was held and moderated by the Director, Consumer Affairs, NCC, Efosa Idehen.
The panel session addressed issues of network capacity upgrade, change in consumer data consumption behavior, implementation of agreed Consumer Complaints and Service Level Agreement (CC/SLA), consumer education as well as general issues around quality of service and quality of experience by the over 192 million telecom consumers in the country.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has announced the reintroduction of remedial programme which was suspended over a decade ago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Vice Chancellor announced the plan at the 59th Congregation meeting of the university on Saturday.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the key factors that prompted the reintroduction including the decline in enrolment in Basic Science programmes.
He said the University has observed a noticeable decrease in student enrolments in these areas, and the remedial programme is expected to address this challenge by preparing students for science-based courses.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that many prospective students from the University’s catchment area struggle to meet entry requirements for science programmes.
The remedial programme will provide these candidates with the necessary academic support to address their deficiencies, thereby increasing their chances of gaining admission into the University.
“We appreciate your support as we work towards reinstating this vital programme, which promises to enhance the academic prospects of our students and contribute to the overall development of Bayero University, Kano,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
KANO FOCUS reports that the reintroduction of the remedial programme is seen as a strategic move to bolster academic performance and widen access to higher education for students within the University’s catchment area.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Tsakuwa Mufarka Development Association appealed to Kano state government to construct a library and renovate the science laboratory at Tsakuwa Senior Secondary School.
KANO FOCUS reports that the secretary of the association, Comrade Abdulrashid Salisu Babah made the request during 2025 budget public hearing held on Thursday.
State Assembly
According to the secretary of the association, Taskuwa Mufarka is calling on Kano state government to construct a road from Tsakuwa to Lahira, Tsakuwa to Sabon Garin Dalladi to Mazabar Gano, Tsakuwa to Mazabar Yargaya, as well as installation of two transformers.
“We are also appealing for the provision of solar-powered lights and sick bay at Tsangaya Islamiyya Boarding Primary School among others.
Kano State House of Assembly
“We pray that Allah will assist this government to make it beneficial to the community,” the association appealed.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano Pilllars will be without the services of eight key players as they prepare to face Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash.
KANO FOCUS reports that the encounter is scheduled for Saturday evening, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Technical Adviser Usman Shariff Abdallah has expressed concern over the absentees but remains hopeful for a strong performance.
In their previous match against Katsina United, the Sai Masu Gida missed seven first-team players, including Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Zulkifilu Muhammed, and Sudais Ali Baba, all sidelined by injuries.
Meanwhile, club legend Rabiu Ali, Nelson Abiam and Aminu Adam Sani were on national duty with the Super Eagles home-based squad preparing for the CHAN24 playoff against Ghana.
Adding to their woes, dependable center-back Habibu Yakubu will also miss Saturday’s game due to the accumulation of five yellow cards, further depleting the squad.
This situation has left Abdallah relying on younger players, with 75% of the traveling squad comprising players promoted from the club’s youth system.
The four-times Nigerian champions are currently sits 8th on the NPFL table with 22 points from 15 matches and a game in hand.
They will aim to build on their narrow 1-0 victory over Katsina United last weekend, hoping to climb further up the standings. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
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