IHS Nigeria and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have partnered to enhance the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria.
The partnership is grounded in national policies that classify telecommunications assets, such as towers and fibre optic networks, as critical national information infrastructure, requiring legal protection and proactive security enforcement.
By addressing issues such as theft, vandalism, and sabotage, the partnership aims to strengthen the reliability and security of telecom services that millions of Nigerians rely on daily.
The NSCDC will provide critical support to IHS Nigeria in essential operational areas including site surveillance, emergency response, incident reporting, and tower decommissioning.
Additionally, the Corps will take an active role in investigating, apprehending, and prosecuting those who violate laws protecting telecommunications infrastructure.
Commenting on the partnership, IHS Nigeria CEO highlighted the importance of working closely with law enforcement to create a safer environment for operations and improve service quality.
He described the initiative as a major step toward enhancing the resilience and availability of connectivity in Nigeria. Similarly, NSCDC Commandant underscored the Corps’ responsibility to protect national infrastructure and described IHS Nigeria as a strategic partner in achieving that mission.
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The Nigerian government has taken decisive action to address the persistent problem of vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure by declaring telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). That designation aims to provide stronger legal protection and prioritise the security of telecom assets, which are vital to the country’s information and communication networks.
Building on this policy framework, IHS Nigeria has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to operationalise these protections and enhance the security of telecom infrastructure nationwide. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both organisations will collaborate to develop and implement strategies designed to safeguard IHS Nigeria’s extensive assets, including over 16,000 telecom towers and more than 15,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables.
Under the partnership, the NSCDC will provide support in areas such as site surveillance, emergency response, incident reporting, and assistance with tower decommissioning. The agency will also take on responsibilities to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in vandalism or theft of telecom infrastructure.
The collaboration is expected to create a safer environment for telecom operations, ultimately improving the resilience, reliability, and quality of connectivity services across Nigeria. Despite these efforts, vandalism remains a major challenge.
Airtel Nigeria and MTN Nigeria report 40 to 43 daily fibre cuts, many caused by theft and sabotage. The IHS Nigeria–NSCDC partnership is a crucial step to reduce these disruptions and protect critical telecom infrastructure.
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At the 2025 General Meeting, ATCON announced the formation of an Industry Think Tank Committee to coordinate advocacy and streamline policy engagement.
The association also highlighted internal industry issues such as fragmentation and price wars, which weaken the collective bargaining power of operators. Stakeholders stressed the importance of greater unity to strengthen the sector’s negotiating position and overall influence.
To tackle the sector’s talent shortage and reduce reliance on foreign expertise, ATCON launched the ATCON Academy, designed to train Nigerian youth in essential telecom technical skills.
Telecom companies committed to expanding internship programs and partnering with universities to enhance practical training and update ICT curricula.
Despite these efforts, institutions like the Digital Bridge Institute have underperformed, prompting calls for stronger government investment in human capital and the creation of a national ICT Think Tank, inspired by successful models from India and Singapore.
ATCON prioritizes protecting telecom infrastructure and will push for full CNII enforcement. President Emoekpere aims to strengthen regulation, talent, and infrastructure for sustainable sector growth.
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A Nigerian court has adjourned a major tax evasion case against cryptocurrency exchange Binance to 30 April. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was granted additional time to respond to a legal motion filed by the company.
Binance is challenging a previous court order that allowed the FIRS to serve legal papers via email. The exchange claims Nigerian authorities lacked court approval to serve documents abroad. Binance’s counsel has called for the substituted service order to be invalidated.
The FIRS alleges Binance owes $2 billion in taxes and $79.5 billion in damages for its role in economic losses. It argues Binance’s strong presence in Nigeria makes it liable for 2022–2023 corporate taxes and related penalties.
The case forms part of Nigeria’s broader crackdown on crypto activity. Binance remains widely used by Nigerians seeking access to stablecoins and digital assets.
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Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency giant Binance, demanding $79.5 billion in damages for alleged economic losses and $2 billion in unpaid taxes. The case, brought by Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), claims that Binance’s unregistered operations in the country have negatively impacted its currency and evaded significant tax obligations.
The lawsuit also seeks penalties and interest on the unpaid taxes, pushing the total amount even higher.
Authorities allege that Binance played a role in destabilising Nigeria‘s naira by becoming a primary platform for local currency trading. In 2024, two Binance executives were detained as part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency platforms.
The FIRS argues that Binance holds a “significant economic presence” in Nigeria, making it liable for corporate income tax for 2022 and 2023, plus a 10% penalty and a 26.75% interest rate on unpaid sums.
Binance, which has stopped trading in the naira and is contesting the charges, is also facing four counts of tax evasion, including non-payment of value-added tax and aiding users in tax avoidance. Separate money laundering charges have been filed by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, which Binance has denied.
The exchange previously stated that it is working with Nigerian authorities to address potential historic tax issues.
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Nigeria is set to amend its digital asset regulations to introduce taxes on cryptocurrency transactions, a move the government believes could generate significant revenue. A bill currently before the National Assembly aims to provide a legal framework for taxing transactions on regulated exchanges, with expectations for its adoption this quarter.
The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also working on expanding crypto licensing, allowing exchanges to be monitored for tax compliance. The SEC issued its first exchange licence in August 2024 and has since taken steps to regulate unlicensed platforms.
With Nigeria ranked second in global crypto adoption, many citizens have embraced cryptocurrencies, especially stablecoins like Tether and USD Coin, to protect their wealth against the country’s high inflation and depreciating currency. In the last year, Nigeria received $21.8 billion in stablecoin transactions, leading the Sub-Saharan region.
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The Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy signed a $10 million MoU with WIOCC to launch fibre-to-home internet connectivity targeting three million homes in the first phase of the project with plans to expand as the rollout progresses.
The government, led by Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasises the importance of digital technology in driving productivity and economic growth, with a goal of building a $1 trillion economy. However, balancing sustainable investment by telecom providers with affordable services for citizens remains a challenge, as highlighted by the recent approval of a tariff hike.
Currently, most Nigerians rely on mobile internet, which lacks the speed and reliability of true high-speed broadband. The fibre-to-home project seeks to address this gap, creating a more connected environment that supports individuals, businesses, and institutions. By improving internet infrastructure nationwide, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive digital economy, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from the opportunities offered by high-speed internet.
Why does it matter?
In the long term, the project is designed to scale up, with additional capital being raised and invested to connect more people across Nigeria. As the initiative evolves, it will re-evaluate its targets and expand its reach, ensuring that high-speed broadband becomes accessible to a larger portion of the population.
That effort aligns with the government’s vision of making connectivity a cornerstone of economic development, supporting small businesses and enabling Nigerians to stay connected both at home and on the go. Through this partnership, Nigeria is taking a critical step toward transforming its digital landscape and achieving its economic goals.
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) face significant challenges in gaining consumer acceptance, according to a new survey by GlobalData. The findings reveal that users in countries with active CBDC programmes, such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Nigeria, are hesitant to switch from traditional payment methods due to a lack of incentives, privacy concerns, and technical complexities.
Blandina Szalay, an analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the slow adoption rates, explaining that CBDCs often complicate payments without offering clear benefits. Convenience and established habits remain strong drivers for consumers, making it difficult for CBDCs to gain traction.
Despite these hurdles, the global push for CBDCs continues, with 134 countries representing 98% of the world’s economy actively exploring the technology. Over 65 countries, including India and Brazil, are advancing their projects, with many in pilot phases. Central banks hope CBDCs can improve cross-border payments, promote financial inclusion, and enhance monetary stability, but achieving widespread adoption remains a formidable task.
Tizeti, a prominent internet service provider in West Africa, has launched its FreeFiber broadband service in Nigeria and Ghana, offering speeds of over 1Gbps, significantly faster than the regional average of 28Mbps. Initially available in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Accra, the service will expand to more cities within the next year.
A key feature of FreeFiber is its focus on online gaming. Its dedicated fibre port provides ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and seamless performance even with multiple devices connected. New users can benefit from free installation, a complimentary first month, and a referral program that rewards customers with free setup and subscriptions for referring others.
The service also includes VoIP, free calls to several countries with African populations, and other digital services such as Teleport Services, which offer access to US IP addresses and digital wallets. Tizeti, which serves over four million subscribers and partners with global tech giants like Microsoft and Meta, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable, reliable internet across the region.
With over a decade of experience providing solar-powered, unlimited internet services, Tizeti has grown from a startup to a billion-naira business. Its mission remains focused on delivering accessible internet to millions across West Africa.
The company continues to innovate with new services and expand its network, demonstrating its commitment to improving digital infrastructure in the region. Through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with organisations like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tizeti is positioning itself as a leader in driving digital transformation across West Africa.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with TikTok under the ‘Safer Together’ initiative to enhance digital safety and literacy in Nigeria. That collaboration, announced at the TikTok Online Safety and Digital Awareness Programme in Abuja, reflects Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation, supported by a growing tech ecosystem and increasing connectivity.
The partnership addresses key challenges such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation while aligning with NITDA’s regulatory framework, emphasising awareness, innovation, and inclusivity. NITDA aims to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027, fostering digital inclusion and empowering youth to drive the country’s digital economy. TikTok’s safety features, including screen time management and anti-bullying tools, are integral to educating parents, teachers, and stakeholders on safe and responsible digital practices.
The programme highlights the importance of collective efforts in creating a secure digital environment, requiring collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. Through initiatives like this, the partnership aims to inspire creativity, build trust, and shape positive digital experiences for millions in Nigeria while addressing the risks associated with technological advancement.
