News
NCC targets 23m offline Nigerians with satellite broadband support
Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has unveiled plans to deploy part of its Universal Service Provision Fund, USPF, to support satellite broadband operators.
The initiative aims to connect an estimated 23 million Nigerians who remain offline, as the country steps up efforts to close long-standing connectivity gaps in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
The Commission disclosed the strategy on Wednesday during its virtual presentation of the Q4 2025 Industry Performance Report, noting that satellite technologies, particularly Low Earth Orbit, LEO, systems, are becoming critical to achieving nationwide connectivity where traditional mobile networks face economic, geographic and security limitations.
Senior NCC officials said the commission intends to use the USPF to subsidise access in commercially unviable locations, ensuring that satellite broadband services remain affordable for rural and underserved populations, rather than being concentrated in urban centres.
“We encourage satellite operators to focus on areas where market forces alone cannot deliver affordable services,” the commission said, adding that USPF incentives would be tied strictly to coverage in unserved and underserved locations.
The move comes amid growing recognition of the limits of Nigeria’s terrestrial broadband expansion. While 4G and 5G deployments continue to increase, the NCC explained that the physics of spectrum, especially the mid-band frequencies used for 5G, results in smaller coverage footprints and significantly higher rollout costs outside densely populated urban areas.
In contrast, satellite broadband, particularly LEO systems, offers a complementary solution, enabling coverage across remote communities, highways and difficult terrain without the need for extensive ground infrastructure.
The NCC recently issued a landing permit to Amazon’s Project Kuiper and confirmed ongoing engagements with other satellite providers. These discussions also include consultations on Direct-to-Device, D2D, services, which could allow mobile phones to connect directly to satellites in areas without terrestrial network coverage.
According to the regulator, the consultations are focused on efficient spectrum use, preventing market distortion, and determining whether certain satellite services should prioritise rural deployment or nationwide coverage.
The Universal Service Provision Fund, established under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) No. 19 of 2003 and administered by the NCC, is a federal government initiative designed to promote universal access to information and communication technologies.
The fund aims to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide through subsidies, incentives and partnerships that support telecommunications and broadband deployment in rural, unserved and underserved communities. Its interventions span infrastructure projects such as base stations, fibre optics and community resource centres, as well as digital inclusion programmes including Digital Nigeria Centres, ICT skills training and initiatives targeting vulnerable groups.
By extending support to satellite broadband, the NCC is positioning the USPF as a critical tool for ensuring that Nigeria’s remaining offline population is not excluded from the digital economy.
NCC officials acknowledged that insecurity, vandalism and fibre cuts continue to undermine network expansion, particularly in rural areas. Telecom infrastructure has been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under a presidential order, with enforcement now underway in collaboration with security agencies to protect existing assets.
The commission said satellite solutions, combined with low-band spectrum refarming and stronger infrastructure protection, would help address persistent coverage gaps and improve service continuity nationwide.
The NCC also urged media organisations to rely on published performance data and official reports when assessing coverage and technology adoption, cautioning against misinterpretation of metrics such as limited 5G subscriber samples. Officials said the commission remains open to clarification and continued engagement as Nigeria pursues its long-term broadband and digital inclusion targets.
With data consumption projected to triple by the end of the decade and subscriptions expected to rise further, regulators say satellite broadband, backed by targeted public funding, could play a decisive role in connecting Nigeria’s final and most difficult-to-reach communities.
The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has denied allegations that it withheld funds disbursed under the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
The denial follows reports by an online news platform alleging that some graduates of the institution accused the university of failing to release student loan funds approved in their names.
In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, the university insisted that there was “no scandal of any kind” in its handling of the student loan programme.
“The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, wishes to categorically state that there is no scandal of any kind in our dealings with NELFUND and the benefitting students of our university,” the statement said.
The university explained that it first participated in the NELFUND loan programme during the 2024/2025 academic session, noting that the timing of the loan application process created complications for some students who were completing the previous academic year.
According to the management, when the loan application portal opened, the university was still concluding the 2023/2024 academic session.
“As at the time the application portal opened for the 2024/2025 loan scheme, our university was concluding the 2023/2024 academic session. Some final-year students applied for the loan, but by the time of disbursement, they had already graduated,” the statement explained.
The institution said the development created uncertainty regarding the eligibility of the affected applicants, prompting the university to seek clarification from the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“Due to this conflict, we sought clarification from NELFUND, and they indicated that the affected individuals were not eligible since they were no longer students at the time of disbursement,” the statement added.
AAU further maintained that it had complied with all the guidelines and procedures provided by the loan fund and assured that discussions with the agency were ongoing to resolve the issue.
“We complied with NELFUND’s guidelines. Engagement on this matter remains ongoing, and affected graduates will be kept informed of updates through established channels,” the university stated.
The clarification comes amid allegations by 13 graduates of the institution who claimed that the university withheld loan funds disbursed in their names under the NELFUND scheme.
According to the affected graduates, they applied for the loan during their final year but were unable to access the funds before their final examinations, forcing them to rely on personal savings, family assistance and private loans to pay their tuition fees.
They alleged that months after graduating, they discovered that the loan had already been disbursed to the university, despite the fact that they had independently settled their school fees.
The graduates also expressed concern that the loan still appears under their names on the NELFUND portal, raising fears that they may be required to repay funds they never personally received.
They have therefore called on the university to provide a formal explanation, refund the loan amounts, and clarify how repayment obligations would be handled if the funds are not returned.
The controversy has sparked renewed debate about the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and the need for clear administrative processes to prevent disputes between institutions and beneficiaries.
The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a landmark law aimed at harmonizing taxes and levies across the state, a move intended to eliminate illegal roadblocks and unauthorized collections that have long burdened residents.
The bill, titled “Enugu State Harmonises Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law 2026,” underwent thorough readings and deliberations, including review by a committee of the whole house, before being passed into law.
Members of the Assembly emphasized that the legislation would curb multiple taxation, promote transparency, and ensure proper verification of taxes through the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue.
Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West State Constituency, highlighted the persistent menace of illegal roadblocks, particularly along federal roads, and urged residents to verify taxes directly with the Board of Internal Revenue to avoid undue payments.
“With this bill, we will put a stop to these roadblocks so that every collection of any state tax will be straight,” Aniagu said, stressing the importance of proper public awareness.
Hon. Malachy Onyechi of Nsukka West praised the law for fostering transparency and good governance, noting that harmonized taxes would strengthen government revenue and fund infrastructural development. He emphasized that educating citizens on tax structures is key to ensuring compliance and understanding of government operations.
Hon. Okey Mbah added that the law would boost investor confidence by providing a predictable and stable tax environment, while advocating for public sensitization to prevent misinformation.
However, some concerns were raised about enforcement and penalties for illegal levies. Hon. Raymond Ugwu suggested that proposed penalties may be too lenient and recommended the creation of a regulatory board to oversee enforcement and determine appropriate punishments.
Overall, the law marks a significant step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly taxation system in Enugu State, protecting residents from arbitrary levies while enhancing fiscal discipline and good governance.
MultiChoice is shutting down its streaming platform, Showmax, after eleven years of operation.
The decision taken by the company was communicated to Showmax subscribers on Thursday.
“We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax,” the streaming platform said in the mail sent to its subscribers.
“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”
MultiChoice said the move is a reflection of its bid to “focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.
“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time”.
While it did not provide a timeline for the discontinuation of the Showmax streaming service, MultiChoice said subscribers remain their “priority”.
“We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes.
“We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required,” the subscription video-on-demand, over-the-top streaming service said.
Showmax was launched in 2015 in South Africa but has, over the years, spread rapidly across the continent, operating in scores of countries.
Its operation began to compete with global streaming platforms and to respond to increasing demands for online entertainment on the continent.
Showmax offers sports, movies, documentaries, and series streamed over the internet.
Last year, South African authorities approved the takeover of MultiChoice by pay-TV powerhouse and StudioCanal parent company Canal+.
That move paved the way for the French media giant to acquire Africa’s largest pay-TV group, which includes DStv and GOtv.
Under the terms of the deal, Canal+ has made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR 125 ($7.11) per share to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of MultiChoice not already owned by the French media group.
The approved conditions include public interest commitments aimed at enhancing the participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s audiovisual sector. The commitments also guarantee sustained investment in local general entertainment and sports programming.
Canal+ and MultiChoice are now set to implement a structural arrangement, unveiled in February, which addresses local ownership regulations under South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act.
The plan includes the separation of MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licensee, MultiChoice, into an independent, HDP-majority-owned entity.
AAU denies withholding NELFUND student loans
Enugu Assembly passes law to harmonize taxes, ban illegal levies, roadblocks
MultiChoice To Shut Down Streaming Platform Showmax After 11 Years
-
News22 hours agoPresident Tinubu Reappoints Ayo Omotayo As NIPSS DG
-
News5 hours agoSecuring Credible Elections in 2027: What Nigerians Must Do.
-
News16 hours agoCourt quashes NDLEA’s non-declaration of assets case Kyari, brothers
-
News4 hours agoTinubu Govt Approves New Gratuity Package For Federal Workers
-
News22 hours agoUS Troops In Nigeria Only On Training Assistance -Defence minister, Musa
-
News21 hours agoArmy Chief, Shaibu deploys more troops to tackle insecurity in Benue
-
News16 hours agoWorld Cup: NFF says we’re still hopeful, no word from FIFA yet
-
News16 hours agoEx-Kano State Commissioner Dies