Business
NCC Admits Service Challenges, Assures Nigerians of Faster Internet, Better Calls
The Nigerian Communications Commission has assured Nigerians that ongoing efforts to improve the quality of telecommunications services across the country are yielding results, even as it acknowledged persistent challenges affecting consumers in some areas.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnena Ukoha, the NCC said it was aware of public complaints over dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data services and other service disruptions.
The Commission noted that telecommunications services have become essential to daily life, stressing that consumers deserve reliable and efficient services for the money they pay.
According to the NCC, improving Quality of Service has remained a major regulatory focus over the past two years. It said the Commission had intensified oversight of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers and Tower Companies, while also engaging key stakeholders to tackle structural challenges affecting service delivery.
The regulator disclosed that the telecom sector is currently undergoing one of its largest network expansion and modernisation exercises in recent years following a long period of under-investment.
It revealed that Mobile Network Operators invested more than N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025, while Tower Companies added another N373.8 billion to support the expansion drive.
The investments, according to the Commission, led to the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecommunications sites nationwide to improve coverage and network capacity.
The NCC explained that the upgrades included the deployment of faster 4G and 5G technologies, expansion of fibre backhaul infrastructure, targeted improvements in high-demand urban centres, rollout of services to underserved communities and replacement of outdated equipment.
The Commission said the expansion drive had continued in 2026, with industry players committing to add or upgrade more than 12,000 sites this year. It added that nearly 3,000 sites had already been completed, while over 730 additional 5G sites had been deployed across 27 states.
The NCC also disclosed that it had facilitated the reallocation and restructuring of idle and underutilised radio spectrum among major network operators to improve network efficiency, capacity and service performance.
According to the Commission, recent Quality of Service assessments showed gradual improvements in network capacity, coverage and internet speeds in several parts of the country.
It stated that 4G penetration had increased from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while national median download speeds rose from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps within the same period.
The Commission further noted improvements in power availability at telecom tower sites, which increased from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent currently.
Despite the progress, the NCC admitted that many subscribers still experience poor call quality, congestion and unstable internet services in some locations, stressing that operators must accelerate improvements.
The Commission also identified major threats to network performance, including fibre cuts caused by road construction activities, vandalism, theft of telecom equipment, power disruptions and restricted access to network facilities.
It disclosed that more than 27,000 avoidable fibre-cut incidents were recorded nationwide in 2025 alone.
The NCC said it was working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and curb vandalism and theft affecting telecom facilities.
To improve transparency, the Commission said operators had been directed to promptly notify consumers whenever major network outages occur and restore services within specified timelines.
The regulator added that enforcement of the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024 commenced in November 2025, including measures for consumer compensation and sanctions against operators that fail to meet service standards.
The Commission warned that it would continue to take regulatory action against service providers that fail to deliver measurable improvements.
The NCC also called on federal, state and local governments, as well as host communities, to support efforts aimed at protecting telecommunications infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for sustained investment in the sector.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy reliable, affordable and high-quality telecommunications services across the country.
Business
CRMI Urges Strategic Repositioning After UAE’s OPEC Exit
The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has issued a Policy Advisory in response to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective May 1, 2026.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Registrar /CEO
Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Mr Victor Olannye.
According to him “ This landmark development signals a significant shift in global oil governance, potentially leading to increased market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and energy supply chain disruptions. CRMI advises corporate members, public sector institutions, financial institutions, and individual risk professionals to reassess their risk management strategies and strengthen institutional resilience.”
Mr Olannye, Ph.D., highlighted Key Risks to include
Structural breakdown of OPEC’s cohesion Oil price volatility
Geopolitical instability
Energy supply chain disruptions Macroeconomic uncertainty
Contagion risk of other member states exiting OPEC
Implications for Nigeria according to the Registrar include Increased production flexibility, potential market share expansion, and enhanced revenue prospects.
On Risks: Exposure to price volatility, reduced supply management protection, heightened competition, and fiscal instability.
He highlighted Policy Directives to Corporate Organizations to ensure they Implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify business portfolios while calling on Financial Institutions and Investors to Reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure
He called on Public Sector and Policymakers to Strengthen fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote renewable energy transition
For Individual Risk Professionals, the CRMI is advocating Upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics, develop expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.
CRMI urged stakeholders to proactively reposition their strategies to navigate this evolving geo- economic environment.
“ The Institute anticipates possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased market-driven oil pricing mechanisms, and acceleration of global energy transition initiatives” he added
Business
UNLEASH 2026: Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich Puts African Enterprise on Global Agenda
Nigerian entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, Founder and CEO of Elin Group Limited, commanded global attention at the inaugural UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, held Friday at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected businesswomen and philanthropists, Dr. Jack-Rich featured as both a key panelist and a keynote speaker — further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices on the global stage.
She joined a high-level Fireside Chat titled _“Leadership in the Age of Disruption: Identity, Power, & Impact,”_ alongside Denise Fall, Senior Leader in Immunology at Johnson & Johnson, and Tolani Alli, Creative Campaign Director at the World Bank. The session brought together accomplished women leaders to examine how identity, power dynamics, and purposeful leadership intersect in today’s volatile global business environment.
Described as insightful, energizing, and highly relevant, the conversation resonated strongly with young professionals and emerging leaders navigating volatility, sustainability challenges, and opportunities across emerging markets.
Beyond the Fireside Chat, Dr. Jack-Rich delivered a powerful keynote address that anchored key discussions on building resilient enterprises and leading with impact amid disruption.
Dr. Jack-Rich leads Elin Group Limited, a diversified conglomerate with strategic interests spanning:
– Real Estate Development
– Power Generation and Gas Utilization
– Agriculture
– Mining
– Maritime and Aviation — notably through Elin Air, where she stands out as one of the few female operators of private jet charter services in Nigeria
– *Logistics and Infrastructure*
Beyond her corporate achievements, she is the driving force behind the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID), through which she has executed numerous high-impact philanthropic initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, women and youth empowerment, education, and community development across Nigeria.
Themed _“Building For What’s Next,”_ UNLEASH 2026 was a one-day strategic summit co-hosted by three prominent student organizations at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School: the Africa Business Club, Women in Business Graduate Club, and Net Impact Club. The conference drew MBA students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and policymakers for robust dialogue on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and strategies for thriving in an era of global disruption.
Her participation was widely applauded as a proud moment for Nigerian and African representation in global leadership conversations, with many attendees citing her journey as a blueprint for purpose-driven enterprise and impact.
Business
Dangote Sugar Seeks To Raise ₦500bn Capital Through Rights Issue
Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced plans to raise up to N500 billion through a Rights Issue.
The company said shareholders have approved the plan to raise capital through the issuance of ordinary shares.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Temitope Hassan, following the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.
Subject to regulatory approval, the move is part of efforts to strengthen its capital base and support future growth.
“The Directors of the Company be and are hereby authorised to raise capital of up to N500 billion by way of Rights Issue through the issuance of ordinary shares, on such terms and conditions and at such time as the Directors may deem fit.”
The Rights Issue may be underwritten, depending on terms approved by the Board and regulatory authorities, the company said, noting that any shares not taken up by existing shareholders may be offered to other interested investors.
The company stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening its financial capacity to support long-term growth objectives.
The capital raise move comes as Dangote Sugar’s financial performance reflects both growth and improvement.
In its 2025 audited results, revenue increased by 24.56% to N829.2 billion, driven largely by strong demand for 50kg sugar, which accounted for N807 billion of total revenue.
Retail sugar sales contributed N17.7 billion, while molasses and freight income added N4.02 billion and N66.4 million, respectively.
Cost of sales rose by 11.35% to N706.5 billion, largely due to raw material costs of N573.3 billion, resulting in a gross profit of N122.6 billion.
The company reported a pre-tax loss of N72.2 billion, an improvement from the N270.8 billion loss recorded in 2024.
Regional sales showed Lagos accounting for 55.82%, followed by the North at 35.35%, the West at 6.45%, and the East at 2.38%.
Dangote Sugar said its share capital will be increased to accommodate the new shares to be issued under the Rights Issue.
The Board has been authorised to allot shares and manage fractional holdings in line with regulatory requirements.
“Any unallotted shares after the exercise will be cancelled as permitted by law”, the notice added, stating that the capital raise ranks among the largest Rights Issues in Nigeria’s corporate history.
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