News
NCC reaffirms commitment to regional digital integration
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and regional digital integration among telecommunications regulators in the West African sub-region.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, restated this commitment when the NCC hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja over the weekend.
Speaking during the visit, Maida, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management at the NCC, Dr Kelechi Nwankwo, said the Commission remains committed to continuous collaboration with sister regulatory institutions within the sub-region and beyond to drive the expansion of the digital economy and improve the living conditions of citizens.
He noted that the NCC’s long-standing engagement through platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) underscores its belief that the region becomes stronger and more prosperous when countries are effectively interconnected.
According to him, collaboration remains a core driver of the NCC Board, adding that sustained engagement with regional partners is essential to advancing the interests of telecommunications consumers and other stakeholders.
Maida also recalled the Commission’s advocacy for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as critical national infrastructure within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He pointed out that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure in order to give the sector the prominence required for sustainable growth.
He assured the Liberian delegation of the NCC’s readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to ensure that discussions translate into concrete and actionable outcomes across the sub-region.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the LTA, Hon. Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for its openness and leadership in promoting regional coordination and collaboration, describing the engagement as vital to strengthening regulatory responsibilities in West Africa.
Massaquoi noted that Nigeria remains the largest economy in the region and a key player in Africa’s communications, security, and economic landscape, adding that progress made by Nigeria often has far-reaching impacts on other West African countries.
He explained that since assuming office as Liberia’s chief telecommunications regulator, the LTA has prioritised strengthening ties with regional institutions in line with ECOWAS’ integration agenda, stressing that effective regional integration cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services, particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.
The LTA chairman disclosed that Liberia has signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire and is at an advanced stage of discussions with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry. He added that the Liberian regulator remains committed to active participation in WATRA.
Massaquoi also sought the NCC’s support in regulatory capacity building and the sharing of best practices, especially as Liberia reviews its licensing regime to accommodate emerging technologies and align with regional standards.
Both regulators underscored the importance of deepening collaboration, identifying priority areas for engagement, and advancing initiatives aimed at promoting seamless connectivity, regional integration, and socio-economic development across West Africa.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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