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NCC approves harmonized short codes, directs implementation

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In line with its consumer-centric approach to telecoms regulation, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to commence implementation of approved harmonised short codes (HSC) for providing certain services to telecom consumers in Nigeria.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Commission has already set a deadline of May 17, 2023, for all mobile networks to fully migrate from hitherto diverse short codes to the harmonised codes.

A statement issued by the commission’s Director Public Affairs Reuben Muoka said the use of harmonised short codes is aimed at achieving uniformity in common short codes across networks. This means that the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function, irrespective of the network a consumer uses.

“With the new codes, the telecom consumers using the over 226 million active mobile lines in the country, can now use the same codes to access services across the networks.

“Consequently, under the new harmonised short codes regime, 13 common short codes have been approved by the Commission. They include the following codes: 300 to be used as the harmonised code for Call Centre/Help Desk on all mobile networks; 301 for voice Mail Deposit; 302 for Voice Mail Retrieval; 303 for Borrow Services; 305 for STOP Service; 310 for Check Balance, and 311 for Credit Recharge.

“Also, the common code for Data Plan across networks is now 312. In line with the new direction, 321 is for Share Services, while 323 is for Data Plan Balance. The code, 996, is now for Verification of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage. The code, 2442, is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint management, while the common code, 3232, is also retained for Porting Services, otherwise called Mobile Number Portability.

“The old and new harmonised short codes will run concurrently up until the May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes.  The period between now and May 17, 2023 is provided by the NCC to enable telecom consumers to familiarise themselves with the new codes for various services.

“The initiative, which is in line with NCC’s regulatory modernisation programme, is essentially to make life much easier for telecom consumers, as it is now easier for Nigerians to memorise single codes for various services across all mobile networks they may be using, thereby improving consumer quality of experience (QoE).

“In addition, the new policy will provide opportunity for licensees in the Value-Added Services (VAS) segment of the telecoms sector to be able to use freed-up/old codes for other services, as well as enhance cohesive regulatory framework in keeping with world-class practices.”

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FG commissions National Cybersecurity Centre in BUK  

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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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Kwankwaso denies taking position on rumoured defection to APC

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The 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has debunked reaching a resolution with any individual on the trending defection rumoured to the ruling party or any other political party.

KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, who considered the recent statement credited to have suggested a particular position as an imagination of falsehood and fragmentation of political mischief against him.

A statement posted on his official X handle @KwankwasoRM, the ex-Governor insisted he has since refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and will continue to do so for the time being.

In the said false information that went viral, Kwankwaso was quoted to have revealed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on multiple occasions, urging him to return to the APC fold.

Responding to a statement purportedly signed by one Ibrahim Rabiu, Sen. Kwankwaso insisted he had never signed or authorised any statement to be issued on his behalf.

“My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments. I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief.

“I have refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and I will continue to do so for the time being.”

” I urge the public to only engage statements that come from my public handles and other official sources”. Kwankwaso RM.”

In a releted development, the author of the purported false statement Ibrahim Rabiu has issued a self counter, denouncing the statement as a work of devil.

“I Ibrahim Rabiu, wish to inform the general public that I was never authorised by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso to issue and release a statement on his belhalf”

“I therefore wish to tender a public apology to his person with a promise that such childish act will never be repeated in the future, please find a space in your heart to forgive me, I was misled by fake news and agents of misinformation”

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Emir Sanusi commends AGILE for renovating over 1,300 schools in Kano

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The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sunusi II, commended the Adolescent Girls Initiatives for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project for reenrolling over 30,000 adolescent girls and renovating more than 1,300 schools across the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Emir made the commendation while reeiving AGILE State Project Implementation Unit (SIPU) who paid him an advocacy visit recently.

Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi ll

He emphasized the Kano Emirate Council’s commitment to advocating for education and pledged continued support to ensure the enrollment, retention, transition, and completion of girls’ education in Kano.

The Emir also emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy in implementing policies and programs that foster the development of the state and the nation at large.

AGILE Project Coordinator presenting gift to Emir of Kano

He expressed satisfaction with the AGILE project’s strong monitoring and evaluation framework, particularly in tracking the use of grants and conditional cash transfers.

In his remarks, the Kano State AGILE Coordinator, Malam Mujtapha Aminu said more than 100,000 students are currently enrolled in learning centers across 23 local government areas under the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) second chance education in Kano.

AGILE PC and Emir of Kano

He said this initiative provides out-of-school adolescent girls an opportunity to complete their secondary education, gain entrepreneurship and life skills.

According to him, the second chance education students undergo literacy, numeracy, and entrepreneurship training across 5,000 learning centers.

Athletes who participated in AGILE WEEK Games

He further explained that after nine months of instruction, the students sit for examinations and are awarded certificates equivalent to the Junior Secondary School Certificate.

“Those who enroll in the advanced literacy program also have the opportunity to sit for national examinations such as NECO and WAEC,” he added.

He said they visited the Emir’andalace to seek blessings and advocate for support to achieve their goals.

AGILE Communications Officer and games officials

The AGILE Project is a World Bank-assisted initiative implemented through Federal and State Ministries of Education, aimed at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls in Nigeria.

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