Don’t assent to IT bill – JACITAD urges Obj

Swearing in ... L-r JACITAD president, Mr. Sola Fanawopo with his vice, Mr. Don Pedro Aganbi during their recent swearing in ceremony held in Lagos. Photo: itrealms online
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Another controversy may be looming in the industry as a non-government organisation (NGO) focusing on Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), has urged President Olusegun Obasanjo to withhold his assent to the passed Information Technology (IT) Commission Bill, over an alleged sabotage.

The NGO alleged that what was passed by the National Assembly is at variance with what is before Mr. President.

The NGO known as the Joint Action Committee on ICT Awareness and Development (JACITAD) said, it has discovered some anomalies in the bill before the president and which is capable of undermining the management of the nation’s Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD).

It would be recalled that in the last six years, there have been lots of controversies surrounding the management of .ng, the nation’s ccTLD, which is the Internet address used for identification of Nigeria on the World Wide Web (www), just as United Kingdom is .uk, South Africa is .za, among others.

In a letter to President Obasanjo dated Monday, January 15, 2007, cornered by ITRealms Online, JACITAD through its President, Mr. Sola Fanawopo, said that there exist some inclusions in the passed IT law that may subvert the aspiration of the Nigerian internet community.

JACITAD, he said, would like to bring to the urgent attention of Mr President that the Bill seeking to establish the National Information Technology Commission, empowering it to plan, develop and promote the use of IT in the country, includes provision that “threatens to undermine Internet growth in Nigeria."

He recalled that consequent upon the intervention of President Obasanjo who brokered peace among those contending for the ownership and management of the national resource, he gave directive that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) should take over supervision of setting up of a ccTLD manager.

This, in the guidelines of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) should be in the form of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that represents the common interest of the nation’s Internet community.

Mr Fanawopo, noted that though this NGO, came on stream as the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), certain provisions smuggled into the final Bill are capable of “hijacking the smooth running of this body if the law goes into effect.”

He said that currently final bill before Mr. President is totally a different version of what the National Assembly passed and thus there is a looming controversy in the ICT sector that could last for a long time to come.

"Significantly, the version that was passed by the National Assembly is at variance with proposals forwarded by the Nigerian internet community during series of extensive public hearings of which various stakeholders including JACITAD participated", he stated in the letter co-signed by the Secretary-General of JACITAD, Mr. Prince Osuagwu.

"We would also like to place on record that certain provisions were not included in the draft Bill that was presented to stakeholders during the review and subsequent public hearing undertaken at the National Assembly on the matter", they alleged.

He also recalled that in accordance with the directive of Mr. President, NITDA, an agency of the Federal Ministry Science and Technology (FMST) was appointed 'Technical Contact' to ensure the successful berthing of NIRA.

Confirming the looming controversy, founder of Technology Times and member Board of Trustees (BoT) of NIRA, Mr Shina Badaru, told our correspondent that other stakeholders, through their representatives on NIRA have also expressed concern over the disclosure that the final version of the Bill that was passed, "was not the version that was presented for review by stakeholders."

He said, "We were surprised to see that some supplementary provisions have made their way into the final version of the Bill that was passed which grant broad powers to NITDA or any other agency created by the proposed law over what should ordinarily, reflect the diversity of the Nigerian internet community."

Mr. Badaru emphasised that JACITAD aligns its position to that of industry stakeholders who condemned the sabotage and demanded for its immediate review.

"We align our position with that of other ICT industry stakeholders who believe that the passed law calls for urgent review as the foundation of the domain name management is quite pivotal to the growth and development of a virile Internet community in Nigeria," he said.

He emphasised that provisions in the passed IT bill, according unimaginable powers to NITDA or any other government agency formed thereof, definitely negates the purpose of directive for the conciliatory stance of Mr President and that of ICANN, the global Internet coordinating agency.Efforts to reach the Head, Public Affairs at NITDA, Mr. Inye Kemabonta, proved were not successful.

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Tougher competition awaits Nigerian telcos

As this year’s business takes of after the Yuletide and Sallah seasons in Nigeria, tougher competition awaits telecommunications companies.

This prediction was made by the Executive Director of a Unified Licensed Operator, MultiLinks Telecommunications Limited, Chief Ezekiel Fatoye in Lagos.

The former director in the nation’s first carrier, the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), said that the prediction is based on the avalanche of telcos aspiring for the unified license in the country.

He recalled that as at date, about nine telcos have been issued license and more are still coming for unified license, noting that only last week, the regulator, approved the UL for a United Arab Emirate-based Mudabala Development Company (MDC) to the tune of $400 million.

“This year would be tougher as competition is expected to increase,” he asserted.

Additionally, he said, those that got licenses before MDC, are also warming up for the keen competition including the MultiLink.

He stressed that at the moment, competition in the nation’s telecommunications market place has been elevated from mere voice to data with special focus on Value Added Services (VAS).

“Value added is the future competition,” he said.

To this end, he disclosed that MultiLinks plans to be aggressive in its strategies, most especially on marketing.“We’re going to be very aggressive this year,” Chief Fatoye said, emphasising, for instance, that his telco began the year with the introduction of Per Second Billing (PSB) into the network.

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Nigerian networks are more stable now – Adebayo

Newly elected chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, has declared that telecommunications networks in the country have become more stable.

Reviewing the just ended year in a chat with correspondent in Lagos, Mr. Adebayo said that networks have improved considerably, especially towards the last quarter of 2006.

“One would like to say that towards the end of last year till now, the networks were a lot more stable than they were at the beginning of last year,” he said.

Mr. Adebayo also said that stakeholders in communications sub-sector of the economy, engendered growth by the determination of interconnect rate among network operators.

He stressed that was not the case at the beginning of last year, noting that the determination of interconnect rate was further strengthened by the appropriate rate proposal by the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“At the end of the day, generally, I think we had very stable telecom industry in 2006,” he said.

In addition, he said, that quality of service (QoS) formed top of discussions in early 2006, but has since been overcome following improved services visible today in the nation’s telecom sector.

He further assured that ALTON under his leadership would endeavour to consolidate on that in 2007.

“One would like to say that towards the end of last year till now, the networks were a lot more stable than they were at the beginning of last year,” he reassured.

He pointed out that such stories like problem of interconnection was fully addressed.

“And I think now the story of interconnectivity has become the story of the past,” he said.

Mr. Adebayo noted that the issue of interconnectivity, for instance, was an issue before last year, “but now more networks are seeing each other,” recalling that even some interconnect clearing houses also came on board. “Generally, 2006 was good for the industry but I expect that 2007 would be better,” he said.

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Mubadala gets unified license in Nigeria

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the award of another Unified License (UL) to the United Arab Emirates (UBA)-based Mubadala Development Company (MDC) for the tune of license for $400m, about N51.4 billion.

This brings the number of licensees to nine since the Unified Licensing Regime (ULR), began on March 1, 2006.

The first batch of Unified Licences were awarded to Multi-Links Telecommunications Limited, Prest Cable & Satellite TV Systems Limited, Intercellular Nigeria PLC and Starcomms Limited, while the second batch included VGC Communications Limited, MTN Nigeria, Dan Jay Telecoms Limited and Bourdex Telecoms.

MDC’s latest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) group has the former Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Akeem Bello-Osagie as its principal local person.

HANA recalls that on March 1, 2006, industry regulator, NCC, introduced the Unified Licensing Regime (ULR), terminating the five-year exclusivity on the licensing of Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) license, while the 15-year GSM license continue.

NCC, in a press statement made available to correspondent, said that ULR would open up the telecoms market for players who are in a position to offer multiple services without being limited to either fixed or mobile services.

Validating this development in a telephone chat, Head, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Dave Imoko, who also endorsed the press statement, said the steps taken so far by the commission witnessed a successful conclusion following the licensing of Mubadala as the latest entrant into the nation’s telecom market.

Mr. Imoko noted that on December 15, 2006, NCC’s board declared its intension to conduct auction of radio-spectrum in the 1800 MHz, 3G and 450 MHz, bands, which led to the new license to MDC.

The new license attracts 900 Mega Hertz (MHz) and 1800MHz spectrum offered to the consortium as the first of its kind in the history of telecom in the country. Previously, telcos mostly the four GSM operators, namely Glo mobile, MTN Nigeria, Celtel Nigeria and M-Tel operate, before the end of five-year exclusivity on 40 MHz spectrum package, consisting of 2x5 MHz in the 900MHz band and 2x15MHz in the 1800MHz band specifically for data delivery services, just as they have 15-year licenses.

Imoko further said that the new licence would attract more investment into the communications market and encourage the deployment of advanced technology to continue the development of telecommunications in Nigeria.

The allocation of more spectrums, he said, would provide an opportunity to attract new operators intending to invest and launch telecommunications services in the country.

He explained that the availability of more spectrums is in support of the federal government’s policy of improving access to communication services and extending coverage, especially into rural areas.

Pointing out that it would also afford subscribers to receive an increased range of services, quality of service and better value for money.

Founded in 2002, the UAE-based Mubadala Development Company is an investment conglomerate owned wholly by the government of Abu Dhabi.

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ALTON, NIG, ATCON task Nigerians on 2007

In the spirit of New Year, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) and Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have tasked both the populace and government on how to move the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector forward.

Whereas ALTON called on the government to reduce the tax payable on importation of telecommunications equipment, NIG stressed on adaptation of technologies especially the Internet into daily activities in the country, even as ATCON offered advice to Nigerians on the forthcoming general election, saying only candidates with ICT at heart should be considered.

The three groups spoke through their leaders including ALTON chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, NIG president, Mr. Lanre Ajayi and ATCON president, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

For Mr. Adebayo, while wishing Nigerians a blissful 2007, noted it is a critical year that requires immense support for the leadership of the government given that it is an election year.

This, he said, would boost their moral to improve upon what has been achieved in recent times.

He also urged the government to reduce the duties on telecom equipment coming into the country, even as he described the duties as being too stringent.

In addition, he called on government to encourage indigenous manufacturers of telecom equipment in Nigeria.

He said that by December 31, 2007, ALTON expects the country should have a minimum of assembling plant for telecommunications terminals’ equipment.

NIG President, Mr. Ajayi, in his New Year message enjoined Nigerians to get used to applying ICT in their daily lives. He said ICT has the potential of changing their lives mostly for creating jobs for youths.

He cited the instance of using the Internet profitably, saying it would go a long way in advancing the laundering of Nigeria’s image globally.

According to him, the nation witnessed improved infrastructure deployment, NIG thus called for steady change of the environment for the better and growth of the ICT industry in Nigeria.

ATCON President, Dr. Ekuwem, on his part counseled Nigerians to make sure their votes are met for those who have ICT at the bottom of their political hearts.

Further, he called on the in-coming government after the 2007 election to be ICT compliant, thereby positioning the nation appropriately among ICT nations.

He declared, “Whoever that has no digital message or its component in their programme, should not be voted for.”

ITRealms Online also join the nation’s ICT community in wishing our readers a joyful 2007.

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IT firms to incorporate via NCS

NCS awards nite-06: L-R CPN president, Prof. (Mrs) Adenike Osofisan, NCS president, Dr. Chris Nwannenna and chairman of the occasion and Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe at the event. Photo: Remmy Nweke
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Hard times await new entrants into the nation’s Information Technology (IT) market, as they now have to first join the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) before proceeding to incorporate their companies at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

CAC is the federal government’s agency in charge of company registrations and allied matters. What this entails is that CAC would probably request NCS’ endorsement before incorporating computer related companies in the country, be it hardware or software.

President, Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN) and associate professor at the University of Ibadan, (Mrs) Adenike Osofisan, gave this signal at this year’s annual Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) award held in Lagos.

Prof. Osofisan in her goodwill message to the event urged IT companies in the country to ensure that they belong to NCS in order to optimise their presence not only in the country, but also in the industry.

She said that they should be wary of the new guideline that makes it compulsory for them to register with NCS before they could be registered as a computer firm in the country.

She also enjoined members of the society to remain steadfast in their contributions to the growth of the country.

According to her CPN and NCS has grown to become inseparable and promised that they would continue in that stead for the benefit of the nation and the industry specifically.

Noting that for anybody to aspire to be a member of CPN, “you have to first of all belong to NCS.”

She pointed out that while NCS is the umbrella body of Nigerian IT professionals, CPN is the regulatory body of its members’ and related activities.

Established by Decree No 49 of 1993, CPN has the mandate to advance the knowledge of computer science, use of computational machinery and techniques related thereof, including the responsibility to control and supervise the profession and determine what standards of knowledge and skills attainable by persons seeking to be members of the profession and improving those standards as at when due or deem appropriate.

Also, CPN is to secure in accordance with provisions establishing it and maintain a register of persons seeking to be registered to practice the profession and publicize the list intermittently.

The council equally has the power to accredit institutions for the purpose of offering courses approved by council as meeting standards and approve courses that meet its standards.

In addition, CPN, which was inaugurated since Friday, March 31, 1995, has the mandate to accredit institutions offering computer science courses and conduct professional examinations as well as award relevant certificates, among others.

However, the Decree makes it illegal for any person either acting as an individual or corporate, who is not registered by CPN and does not hold a valid current license to engage himself in the practice of computing and hold himself out to the public as a member of the profession.

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Microsoft, FG deal to boost local software

Microsoft Corporation has entered a strategic partnership deal with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) to give a boost to development of local software industry.

The partnership according to the Public Sector Lead at Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Okey Ikpe has several ways in which the agreement will help to deliver on the government’s goals, noting that one core area is the local development of software.

Speaking after the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the strategic partnership in Abuja recently, Mr. Ikpe explained that the corporation would establish a Microsoft Innovation Centre at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja before the end of next year.

“Primarily to help the Nigerian software industry develop its skills still further,” he said. Mr. Ikpe also said that the centre would provide Information Technology (IT) professionals with solid technical training, offer local partners an opportunity to collaborate with each other or their international counterparts, and help developers to showcase their ‘made in Nigeria’ software.


In addition, he said, the pact would enable the creation of a pool of Nigerians trained as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) in another way.

This, he noted, allows people to use development tools to create software applications that are locally relevant and in turn, stimulates the creation of a local software economy and economic growth of Nigeria.

Mr. Ikpe further said that the ability of government employees to communicate electronically, collaborate across departments and interact with citizens is yet another benefit of the MoU.

“Through the effective use of computer software, internal processes can be simplified, the time taken to meet public demands can be reduced and the public’s overall experience with government can be significantly enhanced,” he said.

Consequently, Microsoft will also be working to make ICT available, accessible, secure and relevant to the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria.

This includes continuing to support programmes such as the Computers for All Nigerians Initiative (CANi); to translating software into local languages such as Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba; and to protecting citizens from the threats of cybercrime.

“Given the importance of e-Government in Africa, we will be working closely with the Federal Government to transfer knowledge from projects implemented successfully in other parts of the world. This is just part of our overall support to help the Federal Government meet its clear commitment to improving accessibility and transparency,” he added.

As said by Ikpe, Microsoft through its subsidiary in Nigeria, would also be driving programmes that enable a broad spectrum in the country for the citizens to gain experience and expertise in ICT.“This includes continued investment in the Partners in Learning technology-in-education investments, as well as the sustainability of digital villages already established across the nation,” he said.

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Computer society honours 12 members

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has honoured 12 of its members for outstanding performance during the year under review.

They included Zinox Computers, Omatek computers, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Condata Systems Limited, Systemspecs Limited, Labyet Polaris Limited, Infographics Limited, Soft Solutions Limited, Shell Corporation, Adamawa and Bayelsa states government, SeedMark, AllTech Limited, AfriBank, and Accenture among others.

NCS president, Dr. Chris Nwannenna, in his address to the occasion, said that the awards were in three categories, namely for organisations that have distinguished themselves internationally,” those that have supported NCS immensely in the year 2006 and those that have paid their dues regularly.”

Nwannenna called on members to ensure regular payment of their annual dues and financial support to NCS, saying it is very important, stressing that NCS needs everybody’s support to complete its ultra-modern office complex whose construction has begun.

Chairman, Publicity committee of NCS, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu said that estimated four firms were recognised for winning international awards, eight others for supporting NCS’s events and activities as well as payment of levies regularly.

NCS is the umbrella body of Nigerian IT professionals globally, consisting of the Nigerian IT Professionals in the Americas (NITPA), Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Software Developers Group (SDG), Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), National Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS), and Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria (ISPAN) among others.

Presided over by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the event was graced by the likes of Director-General, National IT Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Officer Angaye, represented by Director of Standards at the agency, Dr. Emeka Ezekwesili, Dr. Leo Stand Ekeh of Zinox, Managing director of Omatek, Mrs. Florence Seriki, and her counterpart at Systemspecs, Mr. John Obaro among others dignitaries.

While the awards were handed over to respective winners by the first Vice President, NCS and chief executive Labyet Polaris, Chief Anthony Ayodele and Dr. Ndukwe.

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Mohammed Jallo receives N15m Celtel prize

Presentation ... L-R chairman, Celtel Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gameliel Onosode, top prize winner of the first Win Your Dream Promo of N15m, Alhaji Hussein Mohammed Jallo, receive his prize, while chief executive, Celtel Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Ligali at the event. Photo: Remmy Nweke
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Penlultimate Tuesday was a date with fortune for a former Commissioner for Environment in Kaduna State, Alhaji Husseni Mohammed Jallo, when he received the N15 million ‘Big Dream prize’ in the Celtel Nigeria’s ‘Win Your Dream Promo.’

ITRealms Online recalls that Alhaji Jallo emerged top-prize winner at the first weekly draw of the promo and was promptly presented with the prize by Celtel’s Chairman, Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, at a presentation ceremony in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Alhaji Jallo was presented prize along side 30 other winners of mini dreams, who carted away N250,000 each.

Celtel’s Chairman, Mr. Onosode said that the promo was just the beginning of good things to come, stressing that Nigerians should watch out for more innovative projects from the telco.

Mr. Onosode, who was accompanied at the presentation of the top prize by the chief executive, Celtel Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Ligali, also said that winners in other regions of the country would equally receive their prizes at Celtel locations nationwide.

He reiterated that Celtel is committed to change the lives of Nigerian subscribers for the better.

In his remark, chief executive, Celtel Nigeria, Mr. Ligali, noted that the presentation was in fulfilment of Celtel’s promise to make the lives of Nigerians better on entrance into the nation’s telecommunications market.

“Win Your Dream Promo is an exciting and life-changing experience for customers,” he declared.

Mr. Ligali further said that with the telco fully on ground in the country, Nigerian subscribers should aim high by dreaming of a better life, saying that Celtel would assist them to ensure that such dreams are realised.

Pointing out that it is only a company that cares that can offer its subscribers such a helping hand to better their lives.

The promo, which began five weeks ago has so far witnessed over 120,087 winners cutting across two winners of N15million (Big Dream); 65 winners of the N250, 000 (Mini Dream); 20 winners of N5,000 monthly airtime; 20,000 winners of N500 airtime; 50,000 winners of N200 airtime and 50,000 winners of N100 airtime.

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e-Waste worries United Nations

Worried by the spate of increase rate of electronic waste (e-waste) especially to developing countries, member governments of United Nations-sponsored global pact on the transport and disposal of hazardous waste have agreed to accelerate their efforts to reduce the impact and damage.

Participants a the just ended week-long conference in Nairobi on the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, delegates reportedly pledged to introduce pilot projects to take back used electronic products and to strengthen collaborative efforts to fight illegal traffickers.

The participants at the confab held with the support of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), under whose auspices the Basel Convention was adopted, said it expected a formal declaration to be issued committing governments to work towards improving their policies and prodding industry to pursue “green design.”

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Communications department reports that the conference heard how a rising global tide of electronic waste, especially in developing countries, poses serious environmental risks because of the wide range of dangerous pollutants they can contain, from heavy metals to chlorine compounds.

UNEP also informed that about 50 million metric tones of electronic waste are currently being generated every year because of the growing demand for computers, televisions, radios, mobile phones among other consumer electronics.

It was further gathered that many of these products were discarded because they are deemed to be obsolete or defunct.

Addressing participants, Executive Director, UNEP, Mr. Achim Steiner said it is important that governments develop more effective regulatory regimes so that the market has incentives to respond more positively to the issue of electronic waste.

“By partnering with the private sector and with civil society, they can promote collection chains that channel obsolete goods back to their original manufacturers for recovery and recycling,” he declared.

Estimated 120 governments and members of UN took part in the eight Basel Convention held in Nairobi.

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