By Naomi Sharang/Jessica Dogo

Mr Bright Echefu, the Managing Director, TStv, an indigenous digital service television has said that the company was not “threatened” by the presence of other digital TV operators in the country.

Echefu who said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday added that the Pay TV had a national spread across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He said that with its modern facilities, TStv was well-equipped to compete with other Pay TV operators in the country.

Echefu said competition in the industry would improv quality of services offered to Nigerians.

“So it creates market for improvement for us where it gives us the urge to improve on what we have to just get an edge over what other people have.

“So competition has created some kind of zeal in us to get what we are doing and we don’t see our competitors as a threat at all.

“The landscape is big for everybody. So there is large market. TStv comes handy for those who want value for money in such situation. So the competition is not in any way a threat to us.

“It has created a standard for us that we must carry at any point in time,” he said.

The managing director added that one of the benefits of owning a TStv decoder was that it was “a Pay Per View model for subscribers.

“Subscribers can pay as low as N2 per day. What we have done is to put those channels; put some figures around them. Some channels are N1, some channels are N2 per day.

“The maximum on our bouquets is 2 naira per day. If u pick some channels, at the end of the day you are practically spending N50 a day.

“So if you put it up together for a month you are spending just about N450 and you able to satisfy a heavy need of yours.

“That is what Nigeria needs and that is what we have offered our people,” Echefu said.

Also speaking, Director Engineering and Technology, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mrs Victoria Eke said that Nigeria was glad to have an indigenous Pay TV.

“It has been our yearnings to have such a service; the Pay As You View.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the packages offered to subscribers by the company include Cinemachi Comedy and Cinemachi Romance among others. (NAN)

By Jessica Dogo
The Federal Government has extended the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) integration by eight weeks with a new deadline of April 6.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde on Tuesday.

He said the extension was ordered by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, after the meeting of the Ministerial Task force on NIN-SIM registration.

Pantami stated that the extension was to give Nigerians and legal residents more time to integrate their NIN with the SIM.

“It was reported that a total of 56.18 million NINs have been collected by the mobile network operators. Each NIN is usually tied to an average of 3 to 4 SIMs and this infers that the current figure accounts for a significant portion of the existing SIMs.

“This number of NINs collected represents a significant increase when compared with the 47.8 million reported by the Technical Committee on Jan. 18.

“Furthermore, over 1,060 registration centres for NIN have been activated and made operational by NIMC across the country.

“Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have opened hundreds of centres and are rapidly deploying resources to open thousands of other NIN enrolment centres across states of the country.

“This is in line with the policy of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to enhance security and make the process of obtaining NINs easier for Nigerians,” he said.

The minister reiterated the need for Nigerians and legal residents who were yet to register for the NIN to be diligent and take advantage of the extension to enroll for their NIN and link with their SIMs.

He encouraged citizens to take advantage of the extension to fully participate in the process and follow the safety guidelines at all the NIN enrolment centers and ensure compliance with the booking system in place.

“This protocol is in line with the executive order on COVID-19 2020, signed by President Buhari on Jan. 27, 2021, in keeping with the provisions of the quarantine Act 2004.

“It will be recalled that Feb. 4, 2020 was the initial date of the commencement of the National NIN-SIM Registration Policy.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria applauds all Nigerians and persons of other nationalities for their understanding, cooperation and for enthusiastically participating in the exercise,” he said.

The minister also commended efforts of NIMC, NCC, MNOs and all other relevant government and private sector organisations for their unflinching support toward the success of the exercise.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta and Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz.

Other members in attendance are the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo.

By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says GSM operators have collected 47.8 million National Identification Number (NINs) from subscribers as at Jan. 18.

This is contained in a statement by Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC Director, Public Affairs on Tuesday in Lagos.

Adinde quoted Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami as saying that the figure showed that many Nigerian subscribers would be linked to their NINs before the Feb. 9, deadline.

Pantami said that the collection of NIN was at an average of three to four SIMs per subscriber.

He expressed the Federal Government’s appreciation for the commitment shown by stakeholders and citizens and urged them to submit their NINs before the deadline.

Pantami called on the technical team to fast-track the processes so that the project would be delivered soonest.

“The Technical Implementation Committee, under the Ministerial Task Force reported significant progress in the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage,” he said.

The minister drew attention of Nigerians to the App developed by federal government which allowed subscribers to link up to a maximum of seven SIMs to their NINs.

He, however, urged Nigerians to secure and protect their NINs, urging subscribers to desist from selling their numbers or allowing others to use them for registration.

“For any action committed with the SIM, good or bad will be officially traced and attached to the NIN owner,” Pantami said. (NAN)

By Sylvester Thompson

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has urged  young  Nigerians to contribute to nation building by producing some of Nigeria’s imported products.

Onu made the call on Monday in Abuja at the unveiling and demonstration of a Made-in-Nigeria car invented by 30-year-old Auwal Hassan from Bauchi State.

He said the young people remained the treasure of the nation, constituting about 60 per cent of the entire population, urging them to take advantage of science and technology.

“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to all our young people all over the country, because there are so many things that we import into the country now.

“So every young person should be looking at all these things and find out how they can be produced locally,” the minister said.

According to him, Nigeria will benefit more if many of the products are made and used locally.

He described Nigeria as a large market, and the ability to satisfy the market would lead to exportation into 54 other African countries.

“Science and Technology holds the key to the greatness of Nigeria. No other key because using science and technology will solve virtually every other problems, whether food security or housing,” he said.

He said his ministry was ready to encourage and assist Nigerians with genuine intentions of contributing to nation building.

“As soon as we get evidence that there is any person in the country who has made progress, you don’t need to do everything, we are ready to assist,” he said.

The minister commended Mr Hassan the inventor of the Made-in-Nigeria vehicle over his ingenuity, telling him his invention was a product of investigation.

“We have seen evidence of your invention and from the technical analysis we have received, at least the chassis is completely your own, the body is also yours and some parts, so that’s important.

“The innovation is bringing in other parts and fitting them together. Though you did not pay attention to the safety, perhaps because resources may not have been available to you,” Onu said.

The minister directed that the inventor should be included in the grant to be paid to beneficiaries either in 2021 or 2022.

He said the money would assist him in research, adding that the National Agency of Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) would also assist the inventor in the technical aspect and design.

“What is really important is what NASENI will help you do and you will be in a position to further your research and developmental work to have a better product,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, Director-General of NASENI had read out the technical composition of the unveiled vehicle.

The inventor also said the car was not his only project, that since 2018 he had been trying to build ultra high helicopter, but the materials were expensive. (NAN)

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has approved the setting up of a National Identity Number (NIN), Enrolment Centre at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant on Information Technology to Pantami, who made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the desk would be set up on Jan. 19.

Adeluyi said that the centre, which would provide support for members of the Diplomatic Corps, would be managed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Identity Management Commission.

“The centre is being set up based on the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in order to simplify the process for diplomats.

“The NIN is mandatory for diplomats residing in Nigeria for a continuous period of two years or more.

“It is also mandatory for all other lawful residents in the country, as stated in Section 16 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007.

“The Law has made it mandatory for Nigerians and legal residents to obtain NIN since 2007. However, compliance has been low, until recently.

“The federal ministry of communications and digital economy remains committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their Digital Identity Number,” Adeluyi said in the statement. (NAN)

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isah Ali Pantami, has approved the activation of 20 NIN enrolment centres within the FCT, to make the process easier, beginning from Jan. 18.

Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications of NIMC, Abuja, said in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

Adegoke said the minister has also approved the closure of enrolment activities at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) office.

“Members of the public, residents and visitors to the FCT, wishing to enroll for the National Identification Number (NIN), should use the NIMC centers,” he said.

He identified the locations of the centres as: NIN State offices in Wuse, Abaji area council, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Kuje, alongside special centers at Dei-Dei, Dutse and Federal Housing Authority, Gwarinpa.

Other centres, he said, include: High Court, Lugbe, AEDC office Jiwa, Women Development Secretariat Karshi, Kenuj Angles Schools, Jikwoyi, Chief’s Palace, Kurudu, Nigerian Custom Service, Karu and NIPOST Kubwa.

The statement further identified other approved centres, run by licensed private agents, at NIN Enrolment Centres Ibro Hotel, Wuse 2, Afritech multi Concept, Gwandal plaza adjacent EFCC, Wuse 2, and NIN Enrolment Centre at No 8, Nairobi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

“Members of general public within the FCT are hereby advised to visit any of the above listed enrolment centers closest to them for NIN registration and issuance,” the statement said. (NAN)

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Dr Ismaila Adeleke, Lecturer, Department of Actuarial Science and Insurance, University of Lagos, has called on the Federal Government to create the office of the Actuarial General of the Federation, to enable Nigerians harness the rewarding opportunities in the field.

Adeleke, who was commenting at the end of a three-day postgraduate foundation course on Actuarial Science, organised by the National Mathematical Centre, (NMC) Abuja, said that creating the office would also help to promote the development of actuarial science in the country.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that there were a lot of benefits attached to the profession, as actuaries were useful in the areas of health insurance and other insurance sub-sectors for proper risk assessment.

“Actuaries make use of mathematics and statistical tools, including knowledge of finance and economics, to estimate financial consequences of risk.

“In Nigeria, we have very few qualified actuaries, as at today we have less than ten of them residing in the country and there is so much opportunity for whoever can get involved and qualified.

“We have identified that candidates or graduates with requisite skills in mathematics are potential actuaries. That is why the National Mathematical Centre is taking this initiative to encourage and promote actuarial science, among graduates of mathematics and statistics.

“We want to attract as many Nigerians as possible into that field so that in the next few years, we shall start having qualified actuaries, which is highly rewarding in terms of remuneration,” he said.

He said that traditionally, actuaries were also very useful in the area of healthcare, as they helped in determining the price for healthcare; the capitation that they pay to the National Health Insurance Scheme, for instance, is done by actuaries.

“They play a big role in the pension industry, they play a significant role in the area of life insurance, general insurance and enterprise risk management.

“If there is risk anywhere, and you want to know the financial consequences of those risks, you have to bring actuaries on board,’’ he added.

Also speaking to NAN, Prof. Funmilayo Saporu, the Coordinator, Statistics Programme of NMC, facilitators of the course, said it was targeted at Graduate Assistants, Master’s students and Masters degree holders, from tertiary institutions nationwide.

Saporu said that the course, on a branch of statistical mathematics, was done virtually, adding that the programme aimed to expose young Nigerians to the field and profession.

“They are actually called actuaries and there are very few of them in the country. So the National Mathematical Center, as one of its mandates is to train, decided to expose young Nigerians to the profession for the first time,’’ he said.

According to him, the number of actuaries in the country are very few and it is a lucrative profession, hence the need to expose young Nigerians to it for better job opportunities.

“So, we are now exposing the young Nigerians those with Masters, PHD and interested others, into training them on aspects of Actuarial Science. We sent out invitations to more than 300 participants and we had over 100 participants in the three-day training workshop,” Saporu said.

He also expressed satisfaction at the turnout of the participants which, he described, as very overwhelming while expressing his hope that some of them would become actuaries in the future.

Saporu further said that the centre partnered with some lecturers from the University of Lagos to train the participants, as it was the only university offering the course in Nigeria, urging other universities to establish their own department so as to promote the profession. (NAN)

By Jessica Dogo

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cleared the air on speculations of impending mass disconnection of telephone subscribers.

The NCC said the speculations arose as a result of numerous publications in both the print and electronic media on the ongoing linkage of SIM registration records with the National Identity Number (NIN).

NCC Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, made the clarification in a statement he issued late Wednesday in Abuja.

“Most of these publications are based on the erroneous assumption that for every network or SIM connection, there is one unique human subscriber.

“However, with the advent of social media and App-driven digital environment, network subscription went beyond human subscribers to include machines like PoS, Routers, WiFi devices, electricity meters, CCTV, tracking devices etc,” he said.

Adinde recalled that a recent survey conducted in Nigeria showed that there were approximately four to five SIMs to every human subscriber.

“This explains the basis of allowing the linkage of up to seven SIMs to one unique NIN in the recently launched Federal Government Portal.

“Thus, if there are 43 million Nigerians with NINs, this could account for about 172 million SIMs already linked to NINs.

“It is very important to emphasise that the current exercise of linking NIN to SIMs is for the common good of all Nigerians, as it has far reaching benefits.

“Apart from enhancing our general safety, this will help in such vital exercises like national budgeting, policy planning, social intervention programmes and many more, the statement said.

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, had said that the Federal Government would continue to review the exercise in the light of experiences, to ensure its smooth implementation.   (NAN)

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government has approved a replacement policy for subscribers whose Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) may have been lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Mr Kayode Adegoke of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), jointly made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Adinde explained that the policy was part of the government’s efforts to reduce the burden on subscribers and simplify the exercise so as to enable telecommunications services to the public.

He said that the Ministerial Task Force, under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, had set up a Technical Committee, made up of representatives of the NCC, NIMC, The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), to facilitate the policy.

Adinde added that the committee was also charged with the operationalisation of the process, to ensure an expedited linkage of all SIM Registration Records with the NIN.

Similarly, the minister had approved some conditions, based on recommendations of the Technical Committee, that required the subscriber to present a NIN, an effective verification of the NIN by NIMC, and adherence with the relevant Guidelines and Regulations of NCC, concerning SIM replacement.

According to him, the government’s drive to ensure all subscriber registrations were linked with NINs was on course and all stakeholders in the industry are working together to ensure a seamless process.

He said that the government sincerely appreciated Nigerians for the understanding and the commitment demonstrated towards ensuring the overall success of the exercise. (NAN)

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has approved the development and release of an improved National Identity Number (NIN) slip and a mobile application that will help in securing NIN.

Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant, Information Technology to the ministry, made this known in a statement late Thursday in Abuja.

Adeluyi said this development was part of the Federal Government’s Policy to improve the process of obtaining NIN and linking it to Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) and also aligning with the national digital economy policy for a digital Nigeria.

He said that the mobile application has been sent to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for implementation.

“The N20 and N40 fees for NIN verification by individuals and mobile network operators, respectively, were also waived.

“These efforts are aimed at supporting the policy to link subscribers’ NIN to their SIM, which was approved by the government earlier in the year and communicated to the NCC on Feb. 4, 2020.

“The highly anticipated Web Service (MWS) application called the NIMC mobile app and the improved NIN slip are now available for public use,” the minister’s aide said.

Adeluyi explained that the application provided a secure channel for all Nigerians and legal residents to easily verify and authenticate their identities on-the-go using smartphones, adding that it also enables them to link the NIN to their phone numbers.

He also said that the application offered a built-in harmonisation process that allowed its use across other government services including the NCC, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Federal Road Safety Commission and National Health Insurance Scheme, among others.

According to him, the new improved NIN slip is pocket friendly and an easy to verify version.

“It can be accessed via a self-service portal where people who already have been issued the NIN can log in, download a PDF of the document in color, if preferred, print and laminate as desired.

“The current NIN slip will remain valid and will be gradually phased-out,” he said.

He said that the application was already available on the Google Play store for Android users and App Store for IOS users.

The minister’s aide said that details on how to download and install the application and download the improved NIN slip were available on the websites and social media platforms of the Ministry and NIMC.

He said that users could also download the improved NIN Slip at https://dashboard.nimc.gov.ng.

He said that the minister had directed NIMC to respond to enquiries and also provide multimedia guides to make it easy for users to obtain their improved NIN slips and install the application.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy remained committed to creating an enabling environment for all Nigerians and legal residents to obtain their digital identity number. (NAN)