News
NCC to Balance Competition with Disruptive Technologies for Sustainable Telecoms Growth
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasised that in light of disruption in the technology world, it is keen on balancing healthy competition with entry of disruptive technologies to ensure sustainable telecoms industry growth and development in Nigeria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this during a presentation to the Commission by a delegation from SpaceX, an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportations services company, in Abuja on Thursday.
A statement sent to KANO FOCUS by commission’s spokesperson Ikechukwu Adinde on Friday explained that SpaceX is in the process of launching a low-earth orbiting (LOE) constellation of satellites to provide low latency, high bandwidths Internet to all corners of the globe and has identified Nigeria as a critical market.
It recalled that SpaceX has been in discussion with NCC virtually over the past several months to begin the process of pursuing all necessary licenses to bring Starlink, its satellite-based broadband services to Nigeria.
“Having made substantial progress in the discussion, the Commission granted SpaceX’s request for a face-to-face discussion to gain better insights on the prospects of their proposal.
“Led by SpaceX’s Starlink Market Access Director for Africa, Ryan Goodnight and supported by the company’s consultant, Levin Born, the company provided an overview of its plans, expectations, licensing requests and deployment phases during the meeting,” the statement said.
After the presentation by SpaceX team, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Ubale Maska, who stood in for the EVC, said NCC will work on necessary modalities to ensure that it balances the need for healthy competition vis-a-vis the entry of new technologies, in order to protect all industry stakeholders.
“As the regulator of a highly dynamic sector in Nigeria, the Commission is conscious of the need to ensure that our regulatory actions are anchored on national interest. We have listened to your presentation and we will review it vis-à-vis our regulatory direction of ensuring effective and a sustainable telecoms ecosystem where a licensee’s operational model does not dampen healthy competition among other licensees,” Maska told the SpaceX delegation.
Maska further stated that the Commission is interested in making necessary regulatory efforts to drive the coverage of rural, unserved and underserved areas of the country through the accomplishments of the lofty targets contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025. He noted that the plan’s target of 70 per cent broadband penetration target, covering 90 per cent of the population by 2025 is also in line with government expectations in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2010-2030.
Other Senior Management staff of the Commission, at the briefing include the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu; Director, Licensing and Authorisation, Mohammed Babajika; Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil; Director, New Media and Information Security, Dr. Haru Alhassan and Director, Spectrum Administration, Oluwatoyin Asaju, among others.
The statement added that “Section 70 (2) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, empowers the Commission to regulate the provision and use of all satellite communications services and networks, in whole or in part within Nigeria or on a ship or aircraft registered in Nigeria.
“This is for the purpose of ensuring a well-developed and organised satellite communications market with appropriate legal framework that meets international best practices, encourages innovation, promotes competition and guarantees public safety in the rendering of commercial satellite services.”
L-R: Consultant to SpaceX, Levin Born; Director, Spectrum Administration, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Oluwatoyin Asaju; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Ubale Maska; SpaceX’s Starlink Market Access Director for Africa, Ryan Goodnight and Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu, during the SpaceX’s presentation to the Commission in Abuja.
Aminu Abdullahi
In a major stride toward strengthening agricultural development and economic growth in Kano State, the state government has formally participated in the commissioning of Ajrena Foods Limited, a peanut-processing company built to meet international standards while creating lasting economic benefits for local farmers and communities.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, marked the official launch of the company’s operations.
The facility was established with the support of Propcom+, an initiative funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking at the occasion, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Danjuma Mahmud represented by Coordinator special agro processing zone SAPZ Kano Aminu Iliyasu described the factory as a catalyst for further industrial investment in the state.
He noted that the facility would play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural value chain through modern technology and innovation, with significant potential for job creation, increased revenue generation, and expanded market access for local products.
Iliyasu urged all stakeholders to ensure the factory operates at full capacity and consistently produces high-quality products that can compete globally.
He further revealed that under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abba K. Yusuf, the state is reviving its groundnut processing industry through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. As part of the initiative, a dedicated Agricultural Transformation Center (ATC) is set to be developed in Dawanau, Dawakin Tofa LGA, for the aggregation and primary processing of groundnuts.
Additionally, a state-of-the-art Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) is proposed for Bagauda in Bebeji LGA, which will handle final processing of crops such as groundnuts, rice, tomatoes, and sesame.
Dr. Adiya Ode, Political Director and Team Lead at Propcom Plus, stated that the organization partnered with Ajrena Foods by providing both financial support and technical assistance in building the facility and establishing a robust local supply chain. She emphasized the company’s impact in creating opportunities for local farmers to benefit directly from the facility.
Ajrena Foods Executive Director Ajay Ramnani shared that the company’s first outgrower scheme, launched in 2024, trained over 1,000 farmers primarily women and youth in best agricultural practices, with inputs provided and product traceability established from farm to factory. This, he said, ensures the company exceeds global standards and helps rebuild rural prosperity, aiming to restore Kano’s historic reputation for its iconic “groundnut pyramids.”
Mr. Ramnani added that the facility will focus on peanut cleaning and the production of Nutzy-coated peanut snacks.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from the industrial, federal, and state sectors, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agro-industrial advancement.
The Management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has paid a benchmarking visit to its Ghana counterpart (the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana in Ghana.
KANO FOCUS reports that the NCC team under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida were received by the Ag. Director General, National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana, Edmund Fianko, during a benchmarking visit of the NCC to the NCA in Ghana recently.
Aminu Abdullahi
In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 commissioned a state-of-the-art National Cybersecurity Centre at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
KANO FOCUS reports that the facility, unveiled, is poised to become a national hub for digital defense, innovation and talent development.
Dr. Jide Ajayi cutting the tape during the opening ceremony
Speaking during the commissioning, NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the center as more than just a physical structure—“a national asset”.
Represented by Dr. Jide Ajayi from the Zonal Coordination Department, Abdullahi noted that the Centre represents a strategic intervention to enhance cybersecurity education, research and cross-sector collaboration across Nigeria.
“This is not just the unveiling of a facility, it is the activation of a knowledge-driven platform designed to equip our nation with the tools, talent and infrastructure required to safeguard our digital space and empower the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” he stated.
He added that the center aligns with the objectives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint, serving as a springboard for collaboration among government, academia and industry stakeholders. It will support research, hands-on training, and act as a resource hub for regional and national partners working to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA’s leadership for what he described as a visionary and transformative investment in Nigeria’s higher education and national development.
Group picture taken during opening ceremony
“This Centre is more than just a building—it is a symbol of foresight, partnership and the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping our universities with critical infrastructure for 21st-century education,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
“Indeed, the entire Bayero University community is agog with happiness,” he added.
The event was well attended by a distinguished audience, including the Principal Officers of Bayero University, senior management staff from BUK, NITDA, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and a large number of academic and administrative staff, along with enthusiastic participation from students..
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