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NCC announces review of Mobile Virtual Network Operators business rules in Nigeria’s telecom sector

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EVC NCC, Aminu Maida

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a review of the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) Business Rules as part of efforts to deepen competition, strengthen regulation and expand access to telecommunications services across the country.

 

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Thursday during a one-day MVNO Business Rules Stakeholders Forum in Abuja.

 

Represented by the Commission’s Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Usman Mamman, Maida said the review is designed to promote innovation and improve the regulatory framework guiding MVNO operations, creating a more competitive and inclusive telecommunications ecosystem.

 

He said the MVNO business rules were developed to provide clarity on licensing requirements, operational responsibilities and the relationship between MVNOs and host Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), while safeguarding consumer interests and preserving market integrity.

 

“The MVNO business rules are intended to clarify licensing, operational responsibilities, and relationships with host network operators while protecting consumer interests and maintaining market integrity.

 

“At the same time, we expect full compliance, and the Commission will continue to exercise its regulatory powers to ensure all operators adhere strictly to the established guidelines,” he said.

 

Mamman explained that the introduction of MVNOs into Nigeria’s telecom industry followed years of consultations with stakeholders and was designed to accommodate different business models and varying technical and operational capabilities.

 

According to him, the framework allows qualified operators to provide mobile communication services using the infrastructure of existing MNOs without owning radio spectrum or deploying nationwide radio access networks.

 

He revealed that the NCC has so far issued 46 MVNO licences across five operational tiers, comprising one Tier 1 licence, 11 Tier 2 licences, 16 Tier 3 licences, seven Tier 4 licences and 11 Tier 5 licences.

 

Earlier, the NCC’s Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Chizua Whyte, said the draft business rules were developed to establish a clear operational framework for MVNOs within Nigeria’s communications sector.

 

She noted that the emergence of MVNOs presents significant opportunities to enhance competition, drive innovation, encourage service differentiation and expand consumer choice.

 

Whyte added that the stakeholders’ forum was convened to obtain industry input that would strengthen the regulatory framework before its final approval.

 

Also speaking, President of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators of Nigeria (AMVON), Ken Nwabueze, urged the Commission to address concerns surrounding revenue-sharing arrangements and ensure effective enforcement of the proposed business rules.

‘I don’t know what it means to be broke’ — Eniola Badmus sparks reaction amid hardship in Nigeria

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Nollywood actress and Special Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Social Events and Public Hearings, Eniola Badmus, has stirred reactions on social media after declaring that she does not know what it means to be broke.

Badmus made the remark while speaking on the red carpet at the premiere of The Return of Omotara Johnson, where she was asked about how she copes with financial hardship.

 

Responding to the question, “What does being broke mean to you?” the actress said, “I do not even know the meaning of being broke.”

 

She was also asked what being rich means to her.

 

According to Badmus, wealth is about living comfortably, having access to whatever one desires and using one’s resources to positively impact others.

 

“To have all the things that you want at your beck and call. When you are comfortable and able to buy whatever you want and also, most importantly, impact on other people’s lives,” she said.

 

The actress further stated that having money is a sign of success, adding, “When you have money, it means you are successful.”

 

Her comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with many social media users weighing in on her views about wealth and financial status.

BREAKING: Atiku’s running mate, Rotimi Amaechi’s mother is dead

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2027 Presidential election running mate of Atiku Abubakar and Former Minister of Transportation, ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has lost his mother, Mary Amaechi, who died at the age of 89.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Amaechi’s Media Office on Thursday.

According to the statement, the family matriarch passed away peacefully on Thursday.

The statement described the late Mary Amaechi as a devoted Christian and respected community leader who dedicated her life to promoting peace, unity and selfless service.

It noted that she was a cherished matriarch who kept her family united through love, peace and harmony, while also serving as a women’s leader in her community and a Christian leader whose faith in God remained steadfast throughout her life.

“Late Mrs Mary Amaechi was a cherished matriarch who held her family together in love, peace and unity. She was a community women’s leader and Christian leader, whose beliefs and faith in God were firm and resolute,” the statement read.

The family said details of her funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

It also expressed appreciation to friends, supporters and well-wishers for their prayers and condolences during the period of mourning.

US House commences move to block all aides to Nigeria

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The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment to increase the withholding of certain US assistance to Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent until the Nigerian government demonstrates effective action to tackle insecurity and better protect its citizens.

 

The amendment, sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District, was adopted through a voice vote on Wednesday.

 

The House had initially proposed withholding 50 percent of funds appropriated for Nigeria until the US Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

 

However, the newly approved amendment raises the withholding to 100 percent while maintaining the same conditions for the release of the assistance.

 

Speaking in support of the proposal, Steube argued that withholding only half of the aid effectively rewards the Nigerian government despite what he described as its failure to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting its citizens.

 

“I rise in strong support of my amendment to increase the withholding threshold for assistance to Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent, while keeping in place benchmarks that require Nigeria to take effective steps to address the violence and persecution that continue to devastate the country,” he said.

 

The Republican lawmaker accused the Nigerian government of failing to confront escalating violence and terrorism, alleging that Christians and other religious minorities have continued to suffer attacks by extremist groups.

 

According to him, Christian women and girls have been abducted, assaulted, tortured and killed, while churches have been destroyed and entire communities wiped out.

 

Steube maintained that if the conditions attached to the aid package are significant enough to justify withholding half of the funding, they should also warrant withholding all of it until Nigeria meets the required benchmarks.

 

“The generosity of American taxpayers reflects our values. Their hard-earned tax dollars should not be funnelled to corrupt regimes that fail to uphold religious freedom, fail to confront terrorism adequately, and fail to protect innocent people from persecution,” he said.

 

Questioning continued US assistance to Nigeria amid worsening insecurity, Steube added that it was unjustifiable to spend American foreign aid in the country while the United States faces a national debt approaching $40 trillion.

2026 World Cup: Messi sets two historic records as Argentina stun England

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Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi etched his name further into FIFA World Cup history on Wednesday after producing a record-breaking display in his side’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals.

 

England looked on course for a place in the final after Anthony Gordon fired the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute from a Morgan Rogers assist.

 

However, the defending champions responded late in the game, with Enzo Fernandez restoring parity in the 85th minute after being set up by Messi.

 

Moments later, Lautaro Martinez completed Argentina’s remarkable turnaround, heading home the winner from another pinpoint delivery by Messi to send Lionel Scaloni’s men into the World Cup final.

 

The victory also saw Messi rewrite the record books.

 

According to Opta, the Argentina captain became the first player since records began in 1966 to complete nine dribbles and provide two assists in a single FIFA World Cup knockout match.

 

The 39-year-old also extended his remarkable World Cup assist tally to 12, with 10 of those coming in knockout matches. No other player on record since 1966 has registered more than eight assists across all World Cup finals.

2026 World Cup: Messi inspires Argentina comeback as England eliminated 

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Argentina staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday night and book their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The defending champions looked destined for elimination after Anthony Gordon handed England the lead early in the second half, putting Thomas Tuchel’s side on course for a famous victory.

 

However, Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Argentina fought back to turn the game around.

 

The veteran captain first slipped a precise pass to Enzo Fernandez, who fired home the equaliser, before delivering a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winning goal.

 

The victory sends Argentina into the World Cup final, where they will face Spain in a blockbuster showdown for the title.

 

For England, the defeat extends their 60-year wait for another World Cup triumph. The Three Lions will now take on France in the third-place playoff.

2026 World Cup: Tuchel reacts as FIFA approves Argentina’s special request ahead of  semi-final match with England 

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England manager Thomas Tuchel has played down FIFA’s approval of Argentina’s special request to wear their navy blue kit in Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, insisting he has no concerns over the decision.

The reigning world champions sought permission from FIFA to ditch their traditional light blue and white stripes in favour of their navy blue strip for the last-four encounter against England, and the request was granted.

 

Argentina have worn their iconic home colours in five of their six matches at the tournament, with the only exception being their group-stage victory over Jordan, when they appeared in the navy blue kit.

 

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Tuchel suggested he would have made the same decision if he believed the jersey brought good fortune.

 

“Argentina plays in blue? And we play in white? And that is because Argentina is superstitious or it is a lucky shirt? They chose this?” Tuchel said.

 

“I would have done the same. If there was any superstition combined with it, I would have done the same.”

 

England will be aiming to book a place in the World Cup final by ending Argentina’s title defence in what promises to be one of the tournament’s biggest matches.

2026 World Cup: Spain defeat France 2-0 to book place in final

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Spain secured a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday night’s semi-final.

The reigning European champions produced a dominant display, controlling proceedings from start to finish to move within one win of lifting the World Cup trophy.

 

La Roja took the lead before halftime after Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and confidently converted the resulting spot-kick to put Spain ahead.

 

Spain doubled their advantage in the second half when Pedro Porro raced onto a clever flick from Dani Olmo before calmly finishing past the French goalkeeper to seal the victory.

 

Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between England and Argentina in the World Cup final.

2027: Nafiu Gombe faction of ADC gives Atiku 7-day ultimatum to stop parading as presidential candidate 

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A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop presenting himself as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Bala insisted that Atiku was neither the ADC’s presidential candidate nor had he ever been adopted by the party for the 2027 general election.

 

According to him, “Atiku Abubakar is not and has never been the Presidential Candidate of the ADC for the 2027 General Elections.”

 

The faction also demanded that the former vice president publicly apologise to members and stakeholders of the party within seven days over what it described as unauthorized statements made on behalf of the ADC.

 

“We also give him a seven-day ultimatum to come out and tender a public apology to the members and stakeholders of the ADC for making unauthorized statements on behalf of the Party.

 

“Failure to comply with the above demand within the stipulated period, we shall seek appropriate legal redress,” Bala stated.

 

He further urged Atiku to immediately stop using the party’s name, logo and emblem to, according to him, spread falsehoods and misinformation about the ADC.

 

The factional chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Senate President David Mark from the commission’s portal.

 

Bala urged INEC to recognise and upload what he described as the authentic members of the ADC’s National Working Committee, claiming the move would be in compliance with a recent court judgment.

 

According to him, the judgment directed INEC to withdraw recognition from the David Mark-led NWC and invalidated all decisions, resolutions and actions taken by the committee.

PFIPC: Court orders arrest of fake agency Director General Adeniyi Adeyemi

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The Federal High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the alleged Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, after he failed to appear for his arraignment.

Justice Mohammed Umar granted the order following an oral application by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Wisdom Madaki, who argued that the defendant had repeatedly failed to honour court summons.

 

Adeyemi is expected to take his plea on an eight-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

 

Although the case was listed as number 12 on the court’s cause list, the defendant was absent when the matter was called. His counsel, Mr. Genesis Francis, however, announced his appearance before the court.

 

Addressing the court, the prosecution counsel said the defendant had consistently failed to appear since the case commenced.

 

“My lord, this is the fifth time this case is coming up, and all the adjournments have been at the instance of the defendant,” Madaki said.

 

Relying on Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecutor urged the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance.

 

The application was opposed by the defence counsel, who attributed his client’s absence to alleged threats to his life.

 

The defence lawyer told the court that Adeyemi had attended proceedings on May 16, when the case was adjourned for arraignment.

 

In his ruling, Justice Umar observed that the defendant had appeared before the court only once since the charge was filed and had failed to attend four consecutive sittings thereafter.

 

The judge subsequently issued a bench warrant directing security agencies to arrest Adeyemi and produce him before the court on September 30 for his arraignment.

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