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NCC engages telecom operators, stakeholders on combating climate change, improve earnings

by Ada Okafor

March 15, 2023

in Business

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Striving hard to combat challenges posed by climate change as a result of Telecommunications operations, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecom operators and stakeholders to transition from fossil-based operations to renewable energy sources such as solar power.

The call was made by the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, at the commemoration of the 2023 World Consumer Rights Day held in Abuja on March 15.

Danbatta said that embracing renewable energy sources would significantly reduce noise pollution from diesel generators in base transmission stations (BTS) and minimise the environmental impact of carbon emissions.

He also stated that implementing energy efficiency measures could potentially reduce telecom operators’ operating costs by up to 20 per cent.

According to him, “with the energy challenges facing Nigeria, the 54,000 BTS scattered across the country currently depend on diesel generators, causing noise and environmental pollution.

“Some of these BTS operate on diesel generators for 24 hours a day (seven days a week in some locations). Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power will reduce pollution and minimise carbon emissions”.

The EVC called on mobile network operators (MNOs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to innovate in sustainable energy in line with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Recommendation ITU-T L.1380 on smart energy solutions for telecom sites’ performance, safety, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.

He also revealed that NCC was working on a policy to encourage telecom operators to adopt renewable energy sources.

In his welcome address, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management), Mr. Adeleke Adewolu, explained that the theme of the 2023 World Consumer Rights Day, “Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transition,” provided an opportunity to examine the unintended side-effects of the telecoms industry on the environment.

Adewolu noted that the Nigerian telecoms industry serves over 226 million voice customers and over 156 million internet customers, who rely on communication infrastructure for various services.

Adewolu called on consumers to “leverage on communications infrastructure for social interaction, health service, access to education, banking, etc”.

He added that “as consumer volumes and service diversity continue to grow, network operators have to roll-out more infrastructure for coverage in new, mostly rural areas, and for network expansion in already saturated urban markets. “Emerging technologies like 5th Generation (5G) mobile services will also require more infrastructure.

“These infrastructure components are mostly powered by fossil fuels to ensure 100% availability. Without pre-empting the planned discussions about the environmental impacts of these activities, it is important that we ask ourselves some pertinent questions”.

He also called on stakeholders “to find a balance between environmentally-friendly network operations and cheaper services”.

The celebration also witnessed the launch of the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) desk at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The TELCARE desk is a pilot project aimed at providing information and resolving consumer complaints while advocating for thematic consumer issues or concerns.

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2027: NDC fixes October 20 for Campaign Council inauguration, Presentation of Certificates of Return

by Myke Uzendu

October 10, 2026

By Myke Uzendu, Abuja The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has fixed October 20, 2026, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), presentation of Certificates of Return to its candidates for the 2027 general elections and a strategic dinner for candidates contesting various elective positions. The party also disclosed that its presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, respectively, would participate in consultations to determine key appointments in the campaign council. National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, announced this on Saturday at a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He said the campaign council’s organisational structure and timetable had been ready since the end of August, but its inauguration was being delayed to allow Obi and Kwankwaso to conclude consultations and recommend nominees for strategic positions. According to him, the activities scheduled for October 20 would follow a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), where key decisions concerning preparations for the 2027 elections are expected to be considered and ratified. Cleopas said the delay did not indicate inactivity or internal division, explaining that the party was committed to establishing a properly constituted campaign structure capable of coordinating its nationwide electoral activities. He added that appointments would reflect national spread, competence, capacity and the ability of nominees to contribute meaningfully to the campaign. The NDC chairman disclosed that Obi and Kwankwaso were expected to recommend nominees for several strategic positions in the Presidential Campaign Council, including Director-General, Deputy Director-General, campaign spokesperson, Director of Social Media and Financial Controller. The candidates are also expected to nominate two additional officers who, alongside the party’s National Treasurer, will oversee the campaign council’s separate and dedicated bank account. Cleopas said the arrangement was intended to ensure that the presidential and vice-presidential candidates were actively involved in decisions affecting the organisation, financing and direction of their campaign. He maintained that the party leadership, the candidates and the National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, were united in their preparations for the 2027 elections. The chairman said the campaign council would be formally announced after the national leadership received the candidates’ nominations and recommendations. He argued that constituting the council without the active participation of the presidential candidate and his running mate would be inappropriate, given their central roles in the presidential contest. Cleopas also dismissed reports suggesting that the party was divided or struggling to organise itself ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the press conference was partly convened to address concerns raised by party members, supporters and Nigerians over the apparent delay in establishing the presidential campaign structure. The chairman maintained that the National Working Committee (NWC), NEC, National Leader and party structures at the state, local government and ward levels remained committed to the party’s candidates. He equally rejected suggestions that Dickson was working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the NDC presidential ticket. Questioning the basis of the allegation, Cleopas said it would have been easier for Dickson to join the APC than to undertake the more demanding process of establishing and registering a political party if his objective had been to work for the ruling party. He urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting political allegations and speculation, warning that misinformation could create unnecessary distrust and mislead the electorate. ...