Economy

100% of SIM cards used in Nigeria locally-made, says NCC

Published

6 months ago

June 24, 2024

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said 100 per cent of the SIM cards used in the country are manufactured locally.

Head of New Media and Information Security, Babagana Digima stated this at a training for media executives in Lagos, tagged ‘Upskilling Media Stakeholders on Trends in Telecommunications’.

Digima attributed the feat to the commission’s commitment to encouraging local content and indigenous participation in the industry through the Nigeria Office for Development in Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT).

He said: “The NCC, by Section 1D to F of our Act, has spelt out our function to encourage indigenous participation of telecom companies, as well as the national policy for promotion of indigenous content in the Telecommunications Sector which established NORDIT.

“Indigenous participation is one of the key areas NORDIT has played a major role.

“As recent as two years ago, almost 99 per cent of SIM cards used in Nigeria were imported. But when NORDIT came, we made it one of our key low-hanging fruits that in five to six months, SIM cards will be manufactured locally. We directed all the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to source their SIM cards locally. And this has been working since. As at now 100, per cent of the SIM cards used in Nigeria are manufactured locally, no more importation.”

Digima added the commission is also advocating to encourage indigenous participation in all aspects of telecoms. According to him, NORDIT has provided grants and incentives to some companies to ensure the industry develops.

“We are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Ordinal Duct, and the company that will be established will be the first in Africa to manufacture such kind of product.

“We also encourage tower manufacture, fibre manufacture, and have been in touch with Coleman Cables, which are currently manufacturing fibre cables. They have even overtaken the only company in Egypt in manufacturing capacity and they are expanding.

“I am sure a lot of companies are very happy with what we have done,” he added.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative to upskill senior media executives was borne out of the need to bridge the gap between the commission and how it is understood by the public.

Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) Abraham Oshadami, said the commission needs to develop a mechanism that would enable consumers and stakeholders understand how things work in the industry.

He said: “These have led to the birth of this beautiful initiative. If our industry must succeed, there must be proper enlightenment and education.

“So, your physical role cannot be over-emphasised, and that is why these are carefully selected executives from across all platforms. It is to enable you understand the commission and see the operational interventions that the commission has engaged in over the time, as well as our challenges.

“This will enable us work together to shape the landscape and also help consumers understand what is happening.”

Economy

SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Rate As Of December 18, 2024

Published

11 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Rate As Of December 18, 2024Wondering about the current Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the black market, also known as the parallel market? Here’s the latest update for December 17, 2024, along with the rates for buying and selling US dollars in the Nigerian black market.

How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

As of Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the exchange rate at the Lagos parallel market (Black Market) stands as follows:

•Buying Rate: N1665

•Selling Rate: N1675

These rates reflect what buyers and sellers are willing to trade US dollars for in the black market. However, please keep in mind that these rates are subject to change and can fluctuate based on supply and demand.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate – December 17, 2024

•Buying Rate: N1665

•Selling Rate: N1675

Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today

The official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rates differ from those in the black market. For today, the CBN exchange rate for the Dollar to Naira is:

•Highest Rate: N1555

•Lowest Rate: N1520

It’s important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not endorse the black market exchange rate. The CBN encourages individuals to conduct their foreign exchange transactions through approved channels, such as commercial banks and licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

Please be aware that the exchange rates for buying or selling foreign currency may differ from the values listed here, as they can vary throughout the day. Always confirm rates with your local dealers before making any transactions.

Economy

SEE Today’s Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate – 16th December 2024

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Naijablitznews

The exchange rate for the Dollar to Naira in the black market (parallel market), also known as the “Aboki FX” rate, is as follows for 15th December 2024:

•Buying Rate: ₦1,660

•Selling Rate: ₦1,670

This rate reflects the price at which traders in the Lagos parallel market (black market) are buying and selling dollars, as reported by sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market and encourages individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through authorized banks.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Rate for Dollar to Naira

•Highest Rate: ₦1,549

•Lowest Rate: ₦1,520

The rates you receive may vary slightly from those mentioned here, as forex prices fluctuate based on market conditions.

CBN Takes Tough Action on New Naira Notes

In another development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a ₦150 million fine on commercial banks found guilty of supplying newly minted naira notes to currency hawkers. This move is part of the CBN’s ongoing efforts to prevent the illegal trade of naira notes and ensure proper circulation to the public.

The penalty comes as the CBN reaffirmed the continued validity of the old ₦1,000, ₦500, and ₦200 notes following a Supreme Court ruling on November 29, 2023. The CBN also warned against the hoarding of cash, which disrupts the smooth flow of money in the economy.

Economy

NNPCL Crashes Petrol Price, See New Petrol Price

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) across its retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to a reporter from Dailypost who visited NNPCL retail outlets observed that the petrol pump price was reduced from N1,060 to N1,040 per litre. This represents a reduction of N20.

“The price was reduced to N1,040 per litre from N1,060 on Saturday morning,” a filling station attendant at the NNPCL retail outlet along Kubwa expressway said.

A motorist, Ezekiel Njoku, confirmed the development.

“The reduction of N20 is significant. We need further fuel price reductions in the coming days,” he said.

With the price cut, Nigerians will now buy petrol at N1,040 per litre at NNPCL filling stations, while prices remain within N1,115 per litre at other filling stations, depending on the location.

This development comes barely three weeks after the state-owned Port Harcourt refinery began producing petroleum products in November 2024.

The former Managing Director of NNPCL Retail, Prof. Billy Okoye, had earlier speculated that a fuel price reduction was imminent with the commencement of production at the Port Harcourt refinery.

Oil marketers, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, PETROAN, had also hinted that the deregulation of the sector—coupled with the operations of Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries—would lead to a drop in petrol prices.