News
FG seeks greater impact from Telecom expansion as USPF board is inaugurated
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, has described the inauguration of the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund as a major step toward closing Nigeria’s persistent connectivity gaps.
KANO FOCUS reports that Maida, who spoke on Friday in Abuja, noted that while data usage has surged in recent years, the growth has largely been concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural communities underserved.
He stressed that the focus must go beyond expanding network coverage to ensuring that connectivity drives economic growth and development in disadvantaged areas.
“The task ahead is not only to extend coverage but also to ensure that connectivity supports economic activity and development in underserved areas,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria’s increasing investment in telecommunications infrastructure must translate into real benefits for citizens.
According to him, expanding network coverage alone is no longer sufficient, as greater attention must be paid to how connectivity improves livelihoods, supports businesses and promotes inclusion.
Tijani observed that despite steady progress since the introduction of GSM services in Nigeria, access to telecom services has not consistently translated into economic opportunities for many citizens, particularly in rural communities.
“It is not enough to connect a community. We must ensure that schools are able to teach with digital tools and that small businesses can access opportunities in the market,” he said.
The minister emphasised that digital technology now lies at the heart of modern economies, making it essential for connectivity initiatives to deliver measurable outcomes rather than just basic access.
He cited a pilot project in a rural community near Abuja where the deployment of telecom infrastructure significantly improved communication and business activities. Before the intervention, residents relied on occasional trips to urban areas for network access, but now enjoy improved daily communication and market access.
“This simply shows that when properly deployed, telecom infrastructure can directly impact local economies and quality of life,” Tijani added.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, including plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network and nearly 4,000 telecom towers nationwide, with a strong focus on underserved areas.
However, Tijani warned that infrastructure expansion must be complemented by efforts to ensure effective usage, stressing the need for sustainability in project implementation.
“Some past interventions have not delivered lasting value, largely due to weak sustainability plans. We must adopt approaches that ensure projects remain functional and relevant over time,” he said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
