Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Cameroon Imposes Significant Penalties on Multinational Companies

Africa

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July 8, 2025

Cameroon Imposes Significant Penalties on Multinational Companies

The Cameroonian telecommunications regulatory agency (ART) has imposed a fine of nearly 4 million euros on the local subsidiaries of multinational companies Orange and MTN for violations.

The Cameroonian Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) has imposed fines totalling nearly 4 million euros on the local subsidiaries of multinational companies Orange and MTN due to failures related to service quality, as announced by ART in a statement.

According to ART, inspections conducted in April and May 2024 revealed serious deficiencies, including “coverage rates below the thresholds required in the specifications of both operators.”

The agency also criticized Orange Cameroon for “malfunctions” in the process of unsubscribing from certain services, which result in a “clear violation of consumer rights.”

As a result, Orange Cameroon faces a fine of approximately 2.44 million euros “for failing to meet coverage and service quality obligations” and about 304,898 euros “for non-compliance with pricing rules.”

MTN Cameroon is penalized with a fine of 1 billion FCFA (around 1.52 million euros) “for shortcomings in coverage and service quality.”

Both groups, with Orange being French and MTN being South African, together control over 80% of the telecommunications market in Cameroon.

They are frequently criticized for the quality of their services in a country where access to digital technology has become a major economic and social issue.

In May 2023, the four operators active in the Cameroonian market had already been fined approximately 9.15 million euros for similar violations.

Despite this penalty and significant investments announced by the operators, the overall quality of the network remains unsatisfactory for many consumers.

The regulator hopes that these enforceable sanctions will serve as “a strong signal to operators who are also called to continue their efforts to improve service quality.”

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Infrastructure, Rule of Law, Governance: Nigerian Minister Honoured

Nigeria

Lateefat Ibrahim

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July 8, 2025

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Infrastructure, Rule of Law, Governance: Nigerian Minister Honoured

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo has received the prestigious “Supportive Member Award” from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Sokoto Branch.

This underscores Nigeria’s push for governance reforms and infrastructural development

Presented by the National President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, during the association’s Annual Bar Dinner and Award Night, the award highlights the Minister’s sustained contributions to national development, dedication to infrastructure, and unflinching support for justice and the rule of law.

The recognition also honours his longstanding commitment to the growth and resilience of the Caliphate Bar – a key institution within Nigeria’s legal landscape.

In his acceptance speech, Goronyo expressed deep appreciation, saying the award would inspire him to “redouble efforts in the service of the nation.”
He lauded the NBA for being “a strong advocate for the people” and for its role in upholding justice.

The event drew a broad cross-section of dignitaries, including legal luminaries, government officials, and development partners, reflecting the growing synergy between law, governance, and public service delivery.

Minister Goronyo reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Works’ dedication to executing critical infrastructural projects aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving national connectivity, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

This recognition comes at a time when Nigeria’s infrastructure drive and commitment to legal reforms remain central to regional development efforts, making Goronyo’s award both a national honour and a beacon of international relevance.

Lateefah Ibrahim

NCC To Lead Discussion On MVNOs’ Sustainable Growth In Nigeria

Tech World

Jide Ibitoye

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July 8, 2025

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NCC To Lead Discussion On MVNOs’ Sustainable Growth In Nigeria

By Othniel Canice, Abuja

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming 6th edition of the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 6.0), where it will lead a critical discussion on the sustainable growth of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria.

Set against a backdrop of innovation and opportunity, this forum, organized by Business Remarks, aptly themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s MVNO Potential: Status, Trends, Investment, and Future Prospects,” is scheduled for August 26, 2025. This event reinforces the nation’s commitment to fostering a robust, competitive, and inclusive telecommunications landscape.

The forum will bring together a diverse array of key stakeholders from across the telecom ecosystem to deliberate on strategies for integrating MVNOs effectively into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

With the recent advancements in technology and the issuance of 43 MVNO licenses to new players, MVNOs are poised to significantly enhance service delivery, drive digital transformation, penetrate underserved markets, and stimulate healthy competition across the sector.

Having been proactive in introducing a five-tier MVNO licensing classification, each with distinct services and a 10-year validity period, signaling a clear path for new entrants, the telecom regulator (NCC) will deliver a keynote address outlining the Commission’s regulatory framework, interventions, and commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for MVNO operations.

Mrs. Bukola Olanrewaju, Convener of the forum and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “TSSF 6.0 is designed to be a melting pot of ideas, bringing together Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), MVNOs, telecoms infrastructure providers, Internet Service Providers, industry associations, and technology experts,” she said. “Our goal is to ignite discussions that will shape the future of MVNOs in Nigeria, ensuring their sustainablegrowth and their critical role in extending digital prosperity across the nation.”

The forum will feature interactive sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions, insightful paper presentations, and abundant networking opportunities. This event aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights, address challenges, and explore collaborative pathways for sustainable growth.

The Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF), organized by Business Remarks, is a dialogue platform and annual gathering where industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders unite. The platform is dedicated to addressing pressing issues and fostering sustainable development within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. TSSF serves as a beacon for knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships that shape the future of the industry.

Jide Johnson.

Committee Recommend Hybrid Power as Tertiary institutions’ Energy Solution

Nigeria

Lateefat Ibrahim

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July 8, 2025

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Committee Recommend Hybrid Power as Tertiary institutions’ Energy Solution

A high-powered Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, has recommended the adoption of hybrid solar photovoltaic, PV, battery storage, grid integration, and gas-fed backup power systems as the most cost effective energy solution for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The recommendation followed a nationwide energy audit and technical assessment conducted in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, covering universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education grappling with suffocating energy costs and unreliable supply.

While presenting the report before the TETFund Board of Trustees in Abuja, the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Alternative Energy Solutions Initiative, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, stressed that conventional grid power remains unreliable and cost-ineffective, while diesel generators are no longer sustainable for long-term use.

“Institutional energy demands must be met through resilient and cost-efficient solutions. Gas-fired generators offer cleaner backup where natural gas is available, while diesel units should be phased out or retrofitted for cleaner alternatives,” he said.

The committee was inaugurated on March 12, 2025, by the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, in response to the alarming rise in power costs across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

With a clear mandate to explore and implement sustainable alternative energy solutions, the committee was tasked with assessing existing energy consumption and gaps in tertiary institutions, identifying scalable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternatives.

Proposing policy

Other terms of reference for the committee were evaluating institution-specific proposals, recommending appropriate plant sizing and technologies and proposing policies to promote long-term adoption of clean energy.

The committee comprised energy experts, engineers, architects, and regulatory officials from key education and power sector agencies, including representatives from the Federal Ministries of Power and Education, Energy Commission of Nigeria, REA, National Universities Commission, NBTE, NCCE, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Between April 13 and 17, 2025, the committee conducted comprehensive site visits to alternative energy installations across the country, including: Solar Plants at University of Abuja, Bayero University Kano, Michael Okpara University, and others

Gas Power Facilities at Greenfield Industries’ LNG Plant at Julius Berger, CNG plant at NFPC as well as Hybrid Projects in UI, OAU, LASU, UNILAG, and Abia State University were also visited.

Institution selected for the pilot phase of the project include: North-Central: Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa; North-East: Nigerian Army University, Biu; Federal Polytechnic, Mubi; North-West: Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano; and Federal Polytechnic, Daura.

Others are South-East: Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri; Federal Polytechnic, Oko, South-South, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; and Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, while in South-West: Lagos State University; Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro were selected.

Adekoju explained that to pilot the initiative, institutions were selected based on geographical representation, student population, infrastructure readiness, and absence from REA’s existing Electrified Education Programme.

Scalable option

According to him, following the audit, the committee reached the conclusion that hybrid energy systems, comprising solar PV, battery storage, grid, and gas-powered backup, present the most resilient and scalable option for Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Other key recommendations include to adopt region-specific hybrid systems, with configurations tailored to local solar irradiation levels.

The Committee also recommended that institutions prioritise critical loads such as hospitals, ICT centres, and laboratories for solar and gas power integration.

They call on the institutions to phase out diesel generators, replacing or retrofitting 80 per cent of them with gas-powered units

Other recommendations include to integrate solar, battery, grid, and gas systems for seamless power supply during outages and scale systems to accommodate future institutional growth and changing energy needs

A detailed implementation framework, was also submitted by the committee, including estimated plant capacities and cost projections per institution, as contained in its Executive Summary.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, praised the committee’s diligence, technical depth, and patriotic commitment.

It is expected that that the recommendations would guide TETFund’s investments in clean, reliable energy infrastructure in tertiary institutions across the country.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Rainy Season Malaria: Expert Advises Net Use

Health

Manomsi Mallum

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July 8, 2025

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Rainy Season Malaria: Expert Advises Net Use

Dr Chukwudi Njelita, Chief Medical Director of Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, has advised Nigerians to sleep under insecticide-treated nets to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the increased risk of malaria during the rainy season.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday in Awka, Dr Njelita noted that malaria is caused by the “Plasmodium parasite,” which is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

“With the rainy season now upon us in many parts of the country, there will be a higher incidence of malaria due to an increase in mosquito activity,” he said.

“I advise everyone to sleep under treated mosquito nets. Those who do not have should endeavour to acquire them, and those who have should ensure they use them.”

Call for Environmental Sanitation

The medical expert also emphasised the importance of environmental hygiene, especially during the rainy season, when stagnant water often collects in gutters and open spaces.

“Such conditions promote the breeding of mosquitoes. We must take proactive measures to clear blocked drains and eliminate stagnant water pools to prevent mosquito proliferation,” he said.

He explained that mosquito bites serve as the medium for transmitting malaria parasites from person to person, thereby escalating the incidence and prevalence of the disease during this season.

Malaria Risk in Vulnerable Groups

Dr Njelita raised concerns over the heightened vulnerability of pregnant women and children under five, who typically have lower immunity.

“Malaria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because the parasite can attack the placenta, where nutrients are exchanged between mother and baby,” he warned.

He urged expectant mothers to begin antenatal care early and to start intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) from the 16th week of pregnancy as part of their protection.

Recognising Malaria Symptoms

He encouraged the public to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as general weakness, headache, bitter taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, and muscle pain.

Dr Njelita stressed that while food and fruits can help boost immunity, they do not cure malaria. Prevention remains the most effective strategy, especially through the use of treated nets and avoiding mosquito bites.

“Malaria prevention is better, cheaper, and safer than cure,” he concluded.

Over hundred migrants arrive in Greece from Libya

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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July 8, 2025

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Over hundred migrants arrive in Greece from Libya

At least 1,200 migrants have been detained in the Greek islands of Crete and the nearby islet of Gavdos over the past three days following a surge in arrivals from Libya.

Multiple boats were intercepted off Crete’s southern coast from Saturday through Monday, prompting regional officials to request additional government assistance.

Migrants typically make the 350-kilometer (220-mile) journey to Crete in unseaworthy boats, often hastily constructed to survive a single voyage or in abandoned vessels modified in scrapyards.

Gavdos, a tiny island south of Crete, has been overwhelmed by arrivals. Boats and dinghies remain washed up on its pebble beaches, many of them accessible only on foot.

For years, the European Union has been funding, training and equipping the Libyan coast guard to prevent smugglers from transporting migrants and refugees to Europe in makeshift boats.

However, the Coast Guard has faced repeated accusations of mistreatment of asylum seekers, leading many NGOs to denounce the policy.

Under international maritime law, people rescued at sea should be disembarked at a safe port.

And the UN does not consider Libya a secure port.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

UNFPA Delivers Healthcare Services to Makurdi IDPs

Health

Manomsi Mallum

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July 8, 2025

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided critical healthcare and humanitarian services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi, Benue State.

The agency has supported 10 safe deliveries and provided antenatal care for over 368 pregnant women, according to Dr Matthew Onoja, UNFPA’s Humanitarian and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Analyst. He disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday in Makurdi.

Onoja explained that UNFPA’s interventions include sexual and reproductive health services, maternal healthcare, family planning, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, mental health, and psychosocial support.

He noted that 187 pregnant women had accessed antenatal care through the agency’s women and girls’ safe space and clinic, with each visibly pregnant woman receiving a mama kit—a delivery kit designed to support labor and delivery.

Swift Response to Crisis

“With the crisis in Yelwata, there was an urgent call for UN agencies to assist the state. In response, the government established the Yelwata IDP camp at the New International Market, and UNFPA promptly deployed its support team within the first week,” Onoja said.

Since then, the agency has distributed over 1,000 dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls. These kits include essential daily-use items such as reusable sanitary pads, underwear, bathing soap, detergent, wrappers, towels, slippers, and a whistle—used to call for help in cases of sexual harassment.

UNFPA has also treated 35 women and girls for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and delivered key messages on GBV prevention and response. The agency has so far sensitised over 2,036 individuals on the importance of reporting GBV cases and seeking support.

Holistic Health Support

“We are offering mental health and psychosocial support to those affected by the trauma of displacement,” Onoja added.

“Our multidisciplinary team comprises doctors, nurses, midwives, and social workers who are actively engaged with the community to promote awareness and deliver care.”

UNFPA has also reached out to adolescents to provide hope and encourage continued education. Medicines have been provided for common conditions such as malaria in pregnancy and urinary tract infections, while severe cases are referred to higher-level healthcare facilities to ensure safe delivery outcomes.

The agency deployed interagency reproductive health kits for its interventions and shared resources with partners to ensure consistent service delivery.

Family Planning and Women’s Health

Onoja highlighted the importance of family planning, particularly for young women with multiple births. He stated that family planning services support recovery from previous pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality risks, aid infant development, and help women prepare physically and emotionally for future pregnancies.

“These services are essential not only for health and survival but also for the long-term well-being and empowerment of displaced women and girls,” he concluded.

JAMB Sets 150 as Cut Off Mark for Universities Admission

Lateefat Ibrahim

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July 8, 2025

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), alongside heads of tertiary institutions and other key stakeholders, has fixed the minimum admissible scores for the 2024/2025 academic session into Nigeria Universities at 150.

The board and the stakeholders also declared that polytechnics and colleges of education will admit candidates from a baseline of 100, while colleges of nursing sciences minimum score was set at 140.

The new benchmark represents an increase from last year’s cut-off mark of 140.

The Cut off marks were declared at the 2025 JAMB policy meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria

The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, was attended by Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and heads of regulatory agencies.

The policy marks serve as general benchmarks, although institutions still reserve the right to set higher standards based on their programmes’ competitiveness.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, emphasised that the approved scores are the minimum thresholds and no institution is allowed to go below them.

“The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders,” he said

He noted that the policy decision was aimed at ensuring fairness, access, and quality across the board.

“This policy reflects the reality of our education system and the need to align admission processes with merit, equity, and capacity,” he said.

The policy meeting also reaffirmed the centrality of institutional autonomy in admissions, but within a framework that promotes national standards.

Institutions are expected to conclude their admission processes in line with the approved schedule and report to JAMB for central processing.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Cairo Telecom Fire Injures 14, Disrupts Internet Nationwide

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

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July 8, 2025

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Cairo Telecom Fire Injures 14, Disrupts Internet Nationwide

A fire engulfed the main telecom company building in downtown Cairo on Monday, injuring at least 14 people and prompting a temporary outage of internet and mobile phone services, officials said.

The 14 injured were taken to nearby hospitals, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

A witness said Cairo 24 that two emergency responders suffered burns on their hands.

The fire started on the seventh floor of a landmark 10-story Telecom Egypt building in the Ramses area of Cairo, the governor’s office said in a statement.

Ambulances and fire trucks were on site as plumes of dark smoke rose in the downtown.

Firefighters put up ladders as fire trucks spewed water to contain the blaze, while security officials cordoned off the area.

The fire broke in an equipment room of Telecom Egypt and led to a temporary disruption of telecom services, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said in a statement.

Telecom services were expected to be restored within hours, the authority said.

Online payment services were also disrupted.

Net Blocks, a global internet monitor said on X that network data show national connectivity was at 62% of ordinary levels amid reports of the fire at the telecoms datacentre in Cairo.

The fire took place a few kilometres (miles) from where a deadly blaze at a train station in 2019 killed at least 25 people and injured at least 45 others after a collision caused a huge explosion.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Far-Right Lawmakers to Lead EU Negotiations on New Climate Target

World

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

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July 8, 2025

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Far-Right Lawmakers to Lead EU Negotiations on New Climate Target

The far-right Patriots for Europe group will lead the European Parliament’s work on the bloc’s new climate target, European Union lawmakers said on Tuesday, a role that could complicate a deal on the goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040.

The Patriots group, which has rejected EU policies to curb climate change, is the third-biggest in the parliament, and includes the political parties of France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Its appointment was confirmed by EU lawmakers including co-chair of the Green EU lawmaker group, Bas Eickhout, and Socialists and Democrats group chair Iratxe García Perez, during separate press conferences. A spokesperson for the Patriots did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Climate change has made Europe the world’s fastest-warming continent, and a severe heatwave last week caused disruption across the continent. But governments from Italy to Poland have pushed back this year on ambitious emissions-cutting goals, citing concerns over the costs for industries.

The new role puts the Patriots in an influential position for when EU countries and the European Parliament negotiate the EU’s 2040 climate target in the coming months – talks in which the Patriots will represent the European legislature.

The Patriots will be tasked with drafting an initial proposal for the parliament’s position in these negotiations – although lawmakers from some other groups noted they can still reject the Patriots’ draft and produce their own instead.

“It will force the pro-European groups to work together to carry this key proposal to an agreement before the COP30 in Belem,” said French liberal EU lawmaker Pascal Canfin, referring to this year’s U.N. climate summit in November.

The Patriots group holds eurosceptic positions including the accusation that the EU is seeking to replace national governments with a European “superstate”.

The Patriots secured the negotiating role in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday morning, by outbidding the parliament’s biggest group, the centre-right European People’s Party, EU officials told Reuters.

The 27-country EU and other major economies including China are due to submit new climate targets to the United Nations by September, ahead of the COP30 summit.

Brussels has struggled to generate political support for the 2040 climate target, which the European Commission last week proposed after months of delay.

Source: Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

Call for Environmental Sanitation

Malaria Risk in Vulnerable Groups

Recognising Malaria Symptoms

Swift Response to Crisis

Holistic Health Support

Family Planning and Women’s Health

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ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

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