nigeria briefing

COUNTRY REPORT -NIGERIA

BEING PAPER PRESENTED

BY

R. O. RAHEEM & K.OBIDIGBO AWGU

AT

(FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS – NIGERIA)

THE TELECOMMUNICATION NEW TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP

ORGANIZED BY WRI (WUHAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF P & T,) CHINA.

APRIL 15TH – JUNE 13TH 2008

Table of ContentTable of Content

1.1. Nigeria BriefingNigeria Briefing

2.2. Present State of Info-Communication in Present State of Info-Communication in NigeriaNigeria

3.3. Trend of Info-Communication in NigeriaTrend of Info-Communication in Nigeria

4.4. Conclusion Conclusion

5.5. BIBLIOGRAPHYBIBLIOGRAPHY

1.0 Nigeria Briefing

Country NameCountry NameIn 1914 the Protectorates of Southern In 1914 the Protectorates of Southern

Federal Republic of NigeriaFederal Republic of Nigeria and and Northern Nigeria were amalgamated Northern Nigeria were amalgamated

with the Colony (Lagos) by Lord Lugard with the Colony (Lagos) by Lord Lugard to form what is now known as Nigeria.to form what is now known as Nigeria.officially named the officially named the Federal Republic Federal Republic

of Nigeriaof Nigeria

Federal Republic of NigeriaFederal Republic of Nigeria

• Independence from the United Kingdom Independence from the United Kingdom 

- Declared and recognized October 1, - Declared and recognized October 1, 1960  1960  

- Republic declared October 1, 1963- Republic declared October 1, 1963

• federal constitutional republic comprising of:federal constitutional republic comprising of:

-thirty-six states and one Federal Capital -thirty-six states and one Federal Capital TerritoryTerritory

-Local Government Areas: 774 -Local Government Areas: 774

Thirty-sixThirty-six States and one States and one Federal Capital TerritoryFederal Capital Territory

LocationLocation• Nigeria is situated in the West African sub region and Nigeria is situated in the West African sub region and

lies between longitudes 30lies between longitudes 3000 and 140 and 14000 and latitudes 40 and latitudes 4000 and 140and 14000. .

• It is bounded on the West by theIt is bounded on the West by the Republic of Benin Republic of Benin on on the North by the the North by the Republic of NigerRepublic of Niger and on the East by and on the East by thethe Federal Republic of Cameroun Federal Republic of Cameroun. On the North-East . On the North-East border is lake Chad while also extends into the border is lake Chad while also extends into the Republic of Niger and Chad Republic of Niger and Chad and touches the and touches the Northernmost part of the Republic of Cameroun. On the Northernmost part of the Republic of Cameroun. On the South, the Nigerian coast- line is bathed by the Atlantic South, the Nigerian coast- line is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean.

Location of Nigeria in AfricaLocation of Nigeria in Africa

Nigeria' Land AreaNigeria' Land Area

It has a landmass of 923,768 sq. km. It is bordered to It has a landmass of 923,768 sq. km. It is bordered to the north by the Republics of Niger and Chad and to the north by the Republics of Niger and Chad and to the west with the Republic of Benin. It shares the the west with the Republic of Benin. It shares the eastern borders with the Republic of Cameroon right eastern borders with the Republic of Cameroon right down to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean forming the down to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean forming the southern limits of the Nigerian Territory . About southern limits of the Nigerian Territory . About 800km of coastline confers on the country the 800km of coastline confers on the country the potentials of a maritime power. Arable land is in potentials of a maritime power. Arable land is in abundance in Nigeria for agricultural, industrial and abundance in Nigeria for agricultural, industrial and commercial activities. commercial activities.

International Boundary

PopulationPopulation

• - Nigeria is famous for her huge population of about - Nigeria is famous for her huge population of about 140 million people140 million people

•   Density: 145/km² Density: 145/km²  374/sq mi374/sq mi

• GDPGDP(PPP) (PPP) 2006 estimate 2006 estimate - Total- Total $191.4 billion$191.4 billion- Per Capita  Per Capita  $1,500 $1,500 - GiniGini   (2003)43.7 (2003)43.7 - HDIHDI   (2007)▲ 0.470  (2007)▲ 0.470  

Population density in NigeriaPopulation density in Nigeria

ClimateClimate

• Although Nigeria is wholly within the tropics, its Although Nigeria is wholly within the tropics, its climate varies from the tropical at the coast to sub-climate varies from the tropical at the coast to sub-tropical further inland. There are two marked seasons: tropical further inland. There are two marked seasons: The rainy season lasting from April to October and The rainy season lasting from April to October and the dry season from November to March. The the dry season from November to March. The maximum temperature in the coastal areas of the maximum temperature in the coastal areas of the south can go up to 37°c while the absolute minimum south can go up to 37°c while the absolute minimum temperature is 10°. The climate is drier further north temperature is 10°. The climate is drier further north where extremes of temperature range from 45° to 06° where extremes of temperature range from 45° to 06° are common. are common.

LanguageLanguage

• The official language is English. There are 3 The official language is English. There are 3 main indigenous languages spoken by the 3 main indigenous languages spoken by the 3 predominant ethnic groups in Nigeria. These predominant ethnic groups in Nigeria. These are are

• Yorubas in the west, Yorubas in the west,

• Hausa-Fulani in the North Hausa-Fulani in the North

• and the Igbos in the East. and the Igbos in the East.

The ResourcesThe Resources • Nigeria , in addition to her huge population, is endowed with significant Nigeria , in addition to her huge population, is endowed with significant

agricultural, mineral, marine and forest resources. Her multiple vegetation agricultural, mineral, marine and forest resources. Her multiple vegetation zones, plentiful rain, surface and underground water resources and zones, plentiful rain, surface and underground water resources and moderate climatic extremes, allow for production of diverse food and cash moderate climatic extremes, allow for production of diverse food and cash crops. Over 60 per cent of the population is involved in the production of crops. Over 60 per cent of the population is involved in the production of the food crops such as cassava, maize, rice, yams, various beans and the food crops such as cassava, maize, rice, yams, various beans and legumes, soya, sorghum, ginger, onions, tomatoes, melons and vegetable. legumes, soya, sorghum, ginger, onions, tomatoes, melons and vegetable. The main cash crops are cocoa, cotton, groundnuts, oil palm and rubber. The main cash crops are cocoa, cotton, groundnuts, oil palm and rubber. Extractions from these for export and local industrial use include cocoa Extractions from these for export and local industrial use include cocoa flour and butter, rubber crumb, vegetable oil, cotton fibre and yarn. The flour and butter, rubber crumb, vegetable oil, cotton fibre and yarn. The rain forests have been well exploited for timber and wood products of rain forests have been well exploited for timber and wood products of exotic and popular species. exotic and popular species. Oil and Gas, by value, are the most important minerals. They are exploited Oil and Gas, by value, are the most important minerals. They are exploited and produced in the Niger Delta basin and offshore on the continental shelf and produced in the Niger Delta basin and offshore on the continental shelf and in the deep-sea of the territorial waters. Nevertheless, there are and in the deep-sea of the territorial waters. Nevertheless, there are significant non-oil mineral deposits on land many of which have been significant non-oil mineral deposits on land many of which have been identified and evaluated: coal, bitumen, iron ore, gypsum, kaolin, identified and evaluated: coal, bitumen, iron ore, gypsum, kaolin, phosphates, limestone, marble, columbite, baryte and gold. phosphates, limestone, marble, columbite, baryte and gold.

The Nigerian CurrencyThe Nigerian Currency

• The currency is expressed in Naira (N) and The currency is expressed in Naira (N) and kobo (K). kobo (K).

• 100K equal One Naira (N1). 100K equal One Naira (N1).

• The currency denominations are in N5, N10, The currency denominations are in N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1000.N20, N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1000.

National IdentityNational Identity

• The National Anthem The National Anthem

• The National Pledge The National Pledge

• Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress

THE NIGERIAN COAT OF ARMSTHE NIGERIAN COAT OF ARMS

THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL FLAGTHE NIGERIAN NATIONAL FLAG

GovernmentGovernment -Presidential Federal -Presidential Federal RepublicRepublic

Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President

Umaru Yar’AduaNigeria President

Economy of NigeriaEconomy of Nigeria

• The country is listed among the "Next Eleven" The country is listed among the "Next Eleven" economies, and is one of the fastest growing in economies, and is one of the fastest growing in the world with the International Monetary the world with the International Monetary Fund projecting growth of 9% in 2008 and Fund projecting growth of 9% in 2008 and 8.3% in 2009.8.3% in 2009.

Foreign Trade

• Exports are dominated by oil: the trade Exports are dominated by oil: the trade surplus is estimated at US$23.6bn in 2007. surplus is estimated at US$23.6bn in 2007. Since oil prices are forecast to remain Since oil prices are forecast to remain relatively high against a background of rising relatively high against a background of rising production, substantial trade surpluses are production, substantial trade surpluses are forecast for 2007-11. forecast for 2007-11.

Nigerian Oil and Gas InfrastructureNigerian Oil and Gas Infrastructure

2.0 Present State of Info-Communication in Nigeria

National CarrierNational Carrier

• The Incumbent National Carrier – NITELThe Incumbent National Carrier – NITEL

NITEL is the premier telecommunications company NITEL is the premier telecommunications company in Nigeria.in Nigeria.

Incorporated in 1985 after it was broken out of the Incorporated in 1985 after it was broken out of the Postal & Telegraph department (P & T)Postal & Telegraph department (P & T)

It was sole national phone provider until It was sole national phone provider until deregulation began in 1992.deregulation began in 1992.

The Second National Carrier - The Second National Carrier - Globacom Globacom LimitedLimited

This wholly-owned Nigerian company was named This wholly-owned Nigerian company was named as the second national operator with basket of as the second national operator with basket of licences, among which are:licences, among which are:

Fixed line phone;Fixed line phone;

Mobile;Mobile;

International gateway servicesInternational gateway services

GlobacomGlobacom - Network size & Installations - Network size & Installations

In August 2004, Globacom deployed a 2.5G GPRS In August 2004, Globacom deployed a 2.5G GPRS network supporting both voice and high-speed data network supporting both voice and high-speed data transmission.transmission.

GlobacomGlobacom has lay a 2,800 fiber optic national has lay a 2,800 fiber optic national backbone to provide broadband access and reliable backbone to provide broadband access and reliable voice and data transmissionvoice and data transmission

• The operation is backed by four state-of-the-art The operation is backed by four state-of-the-art gateways in Nigeria located in Lagos, Abuja and gateways in Nigeria located in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt.

• in line with its commitment to avail Nigerians in line with its commitment to avail Nigerians the benefits of advances made in the benefits of advances made in telecommunications technology, Globacom telecommunications technology, Globacom has launched the 3G Plus network has launched the 3G Plus network

• This followed a successful test-run of the This followed a successful test-run of the platform by telecom vendors Alcatel.platform by telecom vendors Alcatel.

Glo Mobile subscriber figureGlo Mobile subscriber figure

• The subscriber figure at the moment stands at The subscriber figure at the moment stands at over 13 million with coverage extending to over over 13 million with coverage extending to over 40,000 cities, towns, communities and major 40,000 cities, towns, communities and major roads, thus making the company the second largest roads, thus making the company the second largest operator in Nigeria. operator in Nigeria.

Other Mobile Telephone OperatorsOther Mobile Telephone Operators

MTN Nigeria Communication LimitedMTN Nigeria Communication LimitedNetwork InformationNetwork Information • Operator Name: MTN Nigeria Operator Name: MTN Nigeria

Communications Limited Communications Limited • Network Name: MTN Nigeria Network Name: MTN Nigeria • Technology: GSM 900/1800 Technology: GSM 900/1800 • Network Status: Live August 2001 Network Status: Live August 2001 • Web Site: Web Site: www.mtnonline.comwww.mtnonline.com

Coverage quality (high/variable):

      GSM 900/1800

Coverage Map 

MTN Coverage Map 

MTN Transmission BackboneMTN Transmission Backbone

• MTN commission its own backbone network MTN commission its own backbone network in January 2003, was called Y’hellobahnin January 2003, was called Y’hellobahn

• The $120m microwave transmission backbone The $120m microwave transmission backbone spans some 3,400km, and traverses 120 towns.spans some 3,400km, and traverses 120 towns.

Celtel Nigeria LtdCeltel Nigeria Ltd

Network InformationNetwork Information

• Operator Name: Celtel Nigeria Ltd Operator Name: Celtel Nigeria Ltd

• Network Name: Celtel Nigeria Network Name: Celtel Nigeria

• Technology: GSM 900/1800 Technology: GSM 900/1800

• Network Status: Live August 2001 Network Status: Live August 2001

• Web Site: Web Site: www.ng.celtel.comwww.ng.celtel.com

Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (M-TEL)(M-TEL)

Network InformationNetwork Information

• Operator Name: Nigerian Mobile Operator Name: Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (M-TEL) Telecommunications Limited (M-TEL)

• Network Name: Mtel Network Name: Mtel

• Technology: GSM 900/1800 Technology: GSM 900/1800

• Network Status: Live October 2001 Network Status: Live October 2001

• Web Site: Web Site: www.mtelnigeria.comwww.mtelnigeria.com

M-TEL Coverage Map 

Coverage quality (high/variable):

      GSM 900/1800

Resolving the Telecommunications Resolving the Telecommunications

Interconnectivity Battle in NigeriaInterconnectivity Battle in Nigeria

Intercellular Nigeria LimitedIntercellular Nigeria Limited

• Intercllular was incorporated inDecember Intercllular was incorporated inDecember 1992. 1992.

• It began operations in January 1998 rendering It began operations in January 1998 rendering limited Mobile and fixed wireless services.limited Mobile and fixed wireless services.

Starcomms LimitedStarcomms Limited

• The firm commenced network operations in The firm commenced network operations in 19981998

• Starcomms provides pre-paid voice and data Starcomms provides pre-paid voice and data servicesservices

• The company uses CDMA technology which The company uses CDMA technology which provides high quality voice and 3G-type provides high quality voice and 3G-type telecoms services to its customerstelecoms services to its customers

2121stst Century Technologies Limited Century Technologies Limited

• 2121stst Century is a pioneer fibre optic based Century is a pioneer fibre optic based private telephone companyprivate telephone company

• The company’s main services are high-speed The company’s main services are high-speed internet access as well as voice provisioninginternet access as well as voice provisioning

VGC Communications LimitedVGC Communications Limited

• Its servies include:Its servies include:

-FWA-FWA

-ISP-ISP

-DSL-DSL

MTS First WirelessMTS First Wireless

• On 8 August 2004, MTS 1st Wireless officially On 8 August 2004, MTS 1st Wireless officially launched commercial services following the launched commercial services following the deployment of its state-of-the-art infrastructure for deployment of its state-of-the-art infrastructure for nationwide wireless telephony services, national long nationwide wireless telephony services, national long distance communication carrier services, international distance communication carrier services, international data gateway services and Internet services provisiondata gateway services and Internet services provision

• MTS is using CDMA 2000 1X technology MTS is using CDMA 2000 1X technology

PrestelPrestel

• It is one of PTOs licensed by NCC to Provide It is one of PTOs licensed by NCC to Provide Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in 3.5GHz bandFixed Wireless Access (FWA) in 3.5GHz band

• In 2004, the company deployed CDMA 2000 In 2004, the company deployed CDMA 2000 1x 1x

Peace Global Satellite Peace Global Satellite Communications LimitedCommunications Limited

• The company provides wireline telephone servicesThe company provides wireline telephone services

• Peace Globa Satellite offers:Peace Globa Satellite offers:

-Peace talk;-Peace talk;

-Peace connect;-Peace connect;

-And peace Access-And peace Access

The edge that peace talk wireline has over other The edge that peace talk wireline has over other services hinges on the fact that all the cabinets or services hinges on the fact that all the cabinets or cross connection points (CCP) are linked to the cross connection points (CCP) are linked to the telephone exchange via the concrete underground telephone exchange via the concrete underground duct. duct.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) OperatorsOperators

• Below is a run-down of some of operators that Below is a run-down of some of operators that commenced operations in 2003 and 2004, using the commenced operations in 2003 and 2004, using the 3.5GHz frequency3.5GHz frequency

-RainBownet-RainBownet

Rainbownet deployed a Synchronouses code Division Rainbownet deployed a Synchronouses code Division Multiple Access (S-CDMA)Multiple Access (S-CDMA)

-Odua Telecom Limited (Oduatel)-Odua Telecom Limited (Oduatel)

-Startech Connections Limited-Startech Connections Limited

-Xs Broadband-Xs Broadband

-Swift Networks-Swift Networks

VSAT Service ProvidersVSAT Service Providers

• Accelon (Nigeria) LimitedAccelon (Nigeria) Limited

• Koochi CommunicationsKoochi Communications

• MWeb Nigeria LtDMWeb Nigeria LtD

• LinkserveLinkserve

• VDT Communication LimitedVDT Communication Limited

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

• In 2002, census showed 420,000 Internet users with over In 2002, census showed 420,000 Internet users with over 1,030 ISPs. As a result of the Nigerian governments haste to 1,030 ISPs. As a result of the Nigerian governments haste to provide a computer-for-all and technology education, the provide a computer-for-all and technology education, the community at-large is aware of the Internet. The Internet community at-large is aware of the Internet. The Internet Service Providers are as follows:Service Providers are as follows:

• Trumpet Internet Television (TITVTrumpet Internet Television (TITV):):The company commenced operations in September 2004, by The company commenced operations in September 2004, by

launch of direct-to-home high speed Internet services as well launch of direct-to-home high speed Internet services as well as a bouquet of television channels via satellite.as a bouquet of television channels via satellite.

(ISPs)(ISPs)

• Frontage Satellite Services (FSTV):Frontage Satellite Services (FSTV):

FSTV launched mid-2004, offers 20 satellite FSTV launched mid-2004, offers 20 satellite channels accessible by prepaid subscriptions channels accessible by prepaid subscriptions using a novel pay-as-you go scratch card using a novel pay-as-you go scratch card system.system.

• And othersAnd others

Mobile / Cellular / Wireless Phone Network(s) in NigeriaNetwork name Name of operator Technology

Celtel Nigeria (formerly Vmobile Nigeria)

Celtel InternationalGSM 900/ 1800 / GPRS

glo mobile (glomobile nigeria)

Globacom Nigeria Limited (not Globalcom)

GSM 900 / 1800/ GPRS

Intercellular Intercellular Nigeria Ltd. CDMA2000 1X

MTN Nigeria (mtn4u)MTN Communications Nigeria Limited

GSM 900 / 1800/ GPRS

MTS 1st Wireless MTS First Wireless CDMA2000 1x

Multi-LinksMulti-links Telecommunications Ltd

CDMA2000 1X

MTel NigeriaNigerian Telecommunications Limited

GSM 900 / 1800/ GPRS

Reltel NigeriaReliance Telecommunications Limited

CDMA2000 1

Starcomms Starcomms Nigeria LtdCDMA2000 1x RTT

Equipment Suppliers & VendorsEquipment Suppliers & Vendors

• Ericsson Nigeria;Ericsson Nigeria;

• Siemens Nigeria;Siemens Nigeria;

• Accat Nigeria;Accat Nigeria;

• ZTE Corporation;ZTE Corporation;

• Huawei Technologies;Huawei Technologies;

• Motorola Nigeria Limited;Motorola Nigeria Limited;

• Alcatel Shangai Bell (ASB/CMEC);Alcatel Shangai Bell (ASB/CMEC);

• FiberHome; FiberHome;

3.0 Trend of Info-Communication In Nigeria

--By mid 2001, Nigeria had only about 400,000 connected telephone lines and just 25,000 analogue mobile lines. Total teledensity stood at a paltry 0.4 lines per 100 inhabitants. Connection costs were prohibitively high and waiting time for fixed lines ran into years. Mobile phone usage was only available and affordable to just a privileged few

• Today, owing to several factors including: government sector reform policy, a stable regulatory regime, the worldwide trend of rapid development in

telecommunications and information technologyand the huge potential of the Nigerian market,

the story is now very different. Over the years, the NCC has licensed Digital mobile operators, Fixed wireless Access Operators, Long Distance Operators, Internet Service Providers, a National Carrier and Unified services operators; to promote competition in all segments of the market.

• This open market approach has promoted rapid deployment of ICT services nationwide, resulting in exponential growth in the number of telephone lines

• Open market approach has promoted rapid deployment of ICT services nationwide,

resulting in exponential growth in the number of telephone lines

• In the four decades between independence in 1960 and end of 2000, connected lines only grew at an average of 10,000 lines per annum, seven years from 2001 to 2008, an average growth rate of 6 million lines per annum was attained.

• As of end of March 2008, Nigeria had attained 45.9 million of (fixed & mobile) active subscriber base. Total teledensity which was less than 0.4% (0.4 lines per 100

inhabitants) in 2000 soared to 32.8% by end of March 2007 (using the current population figure of 140 million). The active-subscriber figure is estimated to exceed 55 million by

end of December 2008.

TABLE 1: TELECOMS SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION (YEAR 2001-MARCH,  2008)

 OPERATOR

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Jan-08 Feb-08 Mar-08

Connected Lines

Mobile (GSM)

266,461

1,569,050

3,149,472

9,174,209

18,295,896

32,184,861

54,413,784

56,492,255

57,720,782

57,622,901

Mobile (CDMA)

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 824,741 621,604 702,146 780,938

Fixed Wired/ Wireless

600,321

702,000

872,473

1,027,519

1,223,258

1,673,161

2,449,019

2,454,443

2,417,705

2,537,504

Total866,782

2,271,050

4,021,945

10,201,728

19,519,154

33,858,022

57,687,544

59,568,302

60,840,633

60,941,343

Active Lines

Mobile (GSM)

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A40,011,2

9641,049,1

0342,483,0

9143,786,5

42

Mobile (CDMA)

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 384,315 413,198 424,325 567,185

Fixed Wired/ Wireless

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A1,579,66

41,453,56

61,430,61

61,545,98

4

Total N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A41,975,

27542,915,

86744,338,

03245,899,

711

Installed Capacity

Mobile (GSM)

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A76,545,3

0877,545,3

0877,545,3

0879,625,3

08

Mobile (CDMA)

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A1,540,00

01,520,00

03,720,00

03,170,00

0

Fixed Wired/ Wireless

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A6,578,30

35,633,25

15,576,48

15,676,48

1

Total N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A84,663,

61184,698,

55986,841,

78988,471,

789

 [1]

Teledensity

0.73 1.89 3.35 8.50 16.27 24.18 [2]29.98 30.65 31.67 32.79[1] Teledensity was calculated based on population estimate of 126million people up till Dec 2005; from Dec 2006, Teledensity was based on a      population estimate of 140m.[2] Teledensity from  December 2007 was based on active subscribers  

Destination and Basic Policy

• Nigeria can say with all sense of humility that Nigeria can say with all sense of humility that much progress has been achieved in the ICT much progress has been achieved in the ICT industry since the World Radio industry since the World Radio communication Conference 2003(WRC-03) communication Conference 2003(WRC-03) held in this very same place.  Nigeria’s held in this very same place.  Nigeria’s achievements have been acknowledged achievements have been acknowledged globally within the industry. Briefly:globally within the industry. Briefly:

Basic PolicyBasic Policy• Nigeria has put in place a National Communications Nigeria has put in place a National Communications

Act 2003 that has given legal backing for a strong, Act 2003 that has given legal backing for a strong, Independent Regulator for the Telecommunication Independent Regulator for the Telecommunication Industry;Industry;

• A Frequency Management Council, also legally backed A Frequency Management Council, also legally backed and which includes key stakeholders in frequency and which includes key stakeholders in frequency spectrum utilization has been put in place. This Council spectrum utilization has been put in place. This Council has developed a Frequency Spectrum Management has developed a Frequency Spectrum Management Policy with necessary Regulations for the country;Policy with necessary Regulations for the country;

• An Investor friendly environment has been established An Investor friendly environment has been established such that the investment to the industry has grown such that the investment to the industry has grown

Basic PolicyBasic Policy

• A disaster monitoring satellite as well as a A disaster monitoring satellite as well as a communication satellite have been launched;communication satellite have been launched;

• A National Information, Communication and A National Information, Communication and Education Project (NICEP) has also been Education Project (NICEP) has also been embarked upon;embarked upon;

• Nigeria has embarked on a  comprehensive Nigeria has embarked on a  comprehensive Rural Telephony Scheme to ensure that the Rural Telephony Scheme to ensure that the underserved and unreached areas are included in underserved and unreached areas are included in the information society; the information society;

Basic PolicyBasic Policy

key regulatory bodies of ICT in Nigeria key regulatory bodies of ICT in Nigeria

-Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)-Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

-National Information Technology Development -National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Agency (NITDA),

-National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). -National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Technology and Emerging Trends Technology and Emerging Trends In NigeriaIn Nigeria

• There are over 140 million people in Nigeria. There are over 140 million people in Nigeria. 70 to 80% of the Nigerian people reside in the 70 to 80% of the Nigerian people reside in the rural areas, where connected telephone lines rural areas, where connected telephone lines are limited and expensive to install. The are limited and expensive to install. The youths of Nigeria have no exposure to youths of Nigeria have no exposure to computers, video games and the Internet. computers, video games and the Internet.

Network SocietyNetwork Society

• In an effort to address the “Digital Divide” and In an effort to address the “Digital Divide” and the widespread technology issues, various the widespread technology issues, various organizations have been formed to address organizations have been formed to address these issues. Such organizations focus on these issues. Such organizations focus on technology, education, security, policies and technology, education, security, policies and many other technology related subjects. Some many other technology related subjects. Some of the online organizations are: of the online organizations are:

Network SocietyNetwork Society• Nigerian Information Technology Professionals in Nigerian Information Technology Professionals in

AmericaAmerica

• National Information Technology Development National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)Agency (NITDA)

• OAN - Computer Association of NigeriaOAN - Computer Association of Nigeria

• ITAN - IT Association of NigeriaITAN - IT Association of Nigeria

• TWB - Teachers Without BordersTWB - Teachers Without Borders

• NACOSS - Nigerian Association of Computer Science NACOSS - Nigerian Association of Computer Science Students Students

ICT Initiatives

• Broadband infrastructure:

One of the major constraints to the growth of rural telephony and internet connectivity has been the absence of roadband backbone infrastructure. This is one of the issues that is already being addressed through the setting up of Galaxy Backbone, a company owned by the Nigerian government. A deployment of 2,000 VSATs (satellite terminals) across Nigeria is planned. This will offer access to remote, underserved locations,

ICT Initiatives

• Computers for All Nigerians Initiative (CANI):

The aim of this initiative is to improve Nigerians’ access to computer hardware. It includes a funding mechanism whereby civil servants will be able to purchase computers and pay back the loan at a low rate of interest. Launched in July 2006, CANI is a typical example of a public-private partnership. It is being coordinated by NITDA and involves Microsoft, Zinox and Omatek

ICT Initiatives

• Universities Bandwidth Consortium:

This is a pilot programme in which six of the nation’s universities are able to bulk purchase bandwidth for academic purposes. The scheme holds promise

for the over 600 higher education facilities in Nigeria.

ICT Initiatives

• National Rural Telephony Project (NRTP):-The NRTP was expected to provide 500,000 connected

lines to 343 local governments in Nigeria within one year-In 2003, the federal government accessed credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), and a part of the funds obtained was to be set aside to improve national teledensity, as well as to stepup telecommunication penetration in rural areas.-The government also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Peoples’ Republic of China, supported by a concessionary loan

School's Access to ICTSchool's Access to ICT

• In the early 1960s, IBM introduced IT Education to In the early 1960s, IBM introduced IT Education to Nigeria by providing assistance in setting up Nigeria by providing assistance in setting up computer centers in the five Universities in Nigeria. computer centers in the five Universities in Nigeria. This introduction of IT Education led to the growth This introduction of IT Education led to the growth in ample research and development, grants and IT in ample research and development, grants and IT educated students. educated students.

• The IT Education initiative and growth spanned 20 The IT Education initiative and growth spanned 20 years, until Nigeria became under the military years, until Nigeria became under the military governance. As a result, funding resources declined governance. As a result, funding resources declined and as did the presence of IT Education within the and as did the presence of IT Education within the educational system. educational system.

School's Access to ICTSchool's Access to ICT

• By the mid 1980s, Nigeria appeared to be By the mid 1980s, Nigeria appeared to be stuck in perpetual state of IT literacy. stuck in perpetual state of IT literacy.

• In 2003, the ‘State of IT Education' in Nigeria In 2003, the ‘State of IT Education' in Nigeria was almost non-existent. Approximately 30 or was almost non-existent. Approximately 30 or less Nigerian Universities and Community less Nigerian Universities and Community College like schools have IT related College like schools have IT related curriculums. curriculums.

• Other educational levels, such as high school Other educational levels, such as high school and elementary IT Education do not exist. and elementary IT Education do not exist. Nigerian students have no exposure to the IT Nigerian students have no exposure to the IT related subjects. It is reported that the IT related subjects. It is reported that the IT literacy is below 20%. literacy is below 20%.

School's Access to ICTSchool's Access to ICT• Recognizing the deficiency in IT Education in Recognizing the deficiency in IT Education in

the Nigerian educational system, some of the the Nigerian educational system, some of the funding resources returned and private donors funding resources returned and private donors began to contribute funds for development of began to contribute funds for development of virtual libraries. As a result, a major virtual libraries. As a result, a major movement was pushed by the Nigerian movement was pushed by the Nigerian government to invest and incorporate IT government to invest and incorporate IT Education into the educational system Education into the educational system

School's Access to ICTSchool's Access to ICT

• A study of Internet usage was done at Obafemi A study of Internet usage was done at Obafemi Awolowu University. The study involved in Awolowu University. The study involved in taking a poll and survey of 100 students on the taking a poll and survey of 100 students on the availability and access to the Internet. The availability and access to the Internet. The survey netted 73 responses on Internet Access survey netted 73 responses on Internet Access within and surrounding community of the within and surrounding community of the University. The following table details the University. The following table details the number and percentage of accessibility in the number and percentage of accessibility in the various locations.: various locations.:

Group

Personal Office Departmental Office H.O. Library Computer Building Cyber cafés

  Count % Count % Count % Count % Count %

0 66 90.4% 57 78.1% 67 98.1% 62 84.9% 40 54.8%

1 7 9.6% 16 21.9% 6 8.2% 11 15.1% 33 45.2%

Total

73 100% 73 100% 73 100% 73 100% 73 100%

• Enhancing Education with Information Communication Enhancing Education with Information Communication TechnologyTechnologyEnhancing Education with ICT was introduced in the above Enhancing Education with ICT was introduced in the above section (Schools' Access to ICTs), because of the severe absence section (Schools' Access to ICTs), because of the severe absence of ICT in the educational system in Nigeria. The absences of IT of ICT in the educational system in Nigeria. The absences of IT Education also meant little or no computer equipment in the Education also meant little or no computer equipment in the classrooms. Supercomputers, mainframes and PCs were mostly classrooms. Supercomputers, mainframes and PCs were mostly present in corporations and universities. present in corporations and universities. In the later part of 2002, the Nigerian Jigawa Sate government In the later part of 2002, the Nigerian Jigawa Sate government appropriated “N18 million for the establishment of Internet cafes appropriated “N18 million for the establishment of Internet cafes and the improvement of its information institute to boost the and the improvement of its information institute to boost the study of computer science in the state.” study of computer science in the state.”

Digital Bridge InstituteNigeria

• DBI was Founded early in 2004 to train needed personnel, future leaders and innovators for Nigeria in the field of ICT, the DBI serves a diverse student body.

•  The DIGITAL BRIDGE INSTITUTE has been founded to drive the national effort in workforce capacity building in Telecommunication and ICT vertical marketplace or industry.  Pursuant to this mandate, the DIGITAL BRIDGE INSTITUTE has designed a broad range of cutting-edge academic...

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES (DBI)

The CyberschuulThe Cyberschuul • THE CYBERSCHUUL THE CYBERSCHUUL commenced professional training in commenced professional training in

telecommunications and IT on January 7, 2001 and by telecommunications and IT on January 7, 2001 and by December 2007 has certified 1,354 individual professionals in December 2007 has certified 1,354 individual professionals in various subjects various subjects

• It secured the endorsement of the Nigerian Society of It secured the endorsement of the Nigerian Society of Engineers for its certificates in 2005Engineers for its certificates in 2005

• CYBERSCHUUL’s Training Programs split into 2 major CYBERSCHUUL’s Training Programs split into 2 major areas, namely:areas, namely:-Telecommunications Training, -Telecommunications Training, -and Information and Communication Technology, ICT, -and Information and Communication Technology, ICT, TrainingTraining

A practical Case - National Rural A practical Case - National Rural Telephony Programme (NRTPTelephony Programme (NRTP))

• The Federal Government of Nigeria through the The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Communications (MOC) in year 2001 Ministry of Communications (MOC) in year 2001 embarked on a programme to extend embarked on a programme to extend telecommunications facilities and services to rural telecommunications facilities and services to rural communities in Nigeria . communities in Nigeria .

• The aim is to accelerate socio-economic development The aim is to accelerate socio-economic development in all the 774 Local Government Areas and in all the 774 Local Government Areas and consequently, reduce the huge gap existing between consequently, reduce the huge gap existing between the rural and urban areas.the rural and urban areas.

Implementation/ Technology Implementation/ Technology AdoptedAdopted

• The NRTP is being implemented by three The NRTP is being implemented by three renowned equipment vendors namely:renowned equipment vendors namely:

Huawei Technologies Limited;Huawei Technologies Limited;ZTE Corporation;ZTE Corporation; Alcatel Shanghai Bell and China National Alcatel Shanghai Bell and China National

Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (ASB/CMEC)Corporation (ASB/CMEC)

• The project is being executed in three The project is being executed in three phases with details as follows:phases with details as follows:

Phase one of the NRTPPhase one of the NRTP- Alcatel Shaghai Bell (ASB/CMEC):- Alcatel Shaghai Bell (ASB/CMEC):Technology deployedTechnology deployed: Fixed Wireline;: Fixed Wireline;55,29655,296 Subscribers lines plus Subscribers lines plus 25,920 25,920

Trunk lines.Trunk lines.-- ZTE Corporation:ZTE Corporation:

Technology deployedTechnology deployed: Fixed Wireless;: Fixed Wireless;94,930 94,930 Voice plus Voice plus 47,300 47,300 Data and Data and 4,730PTT Subscribers.4,730PTT Subscribers.

Phase two of the NRTPPhase two of the NRTPAll three vendor deployed Fixed All three vendor deployed Fixed Wireless-CDMA2000-1x EVDOWireless-CDMA2000-1x EVDO

- Alcatel Shaghai Bell (ASB/CMEC):- Alcatel Shaghai Bell (ASB/CMEC):Network Capacity: Network Capacity: 200,000 Subscribers200,000 Subscribers

-- ZTE Corporation:ZTE Corporation: Network Capacity: Network Capacity: 238,000 Subscribers238,000 Subscribers

-- Huawei Technologies:Huawei Technologies: Network Capacity: Network Capacity: 200,000 Subscribers200,000 Subscribers

Phase Three of the NRTPPhase Three of the NRTP

This is yet to commence.This is yet to commence.

Funding of NRTP ProjectFunding of NRTP Project

• The project is being funded by the Federal The project is being funded by the Federal Government through a concessionary loan Government through a concessionary loan from the People’s Republic of China.from the People’s Republic of China.

Future OutlookFuture Outlook

• Upgrading Network to Support ICT for:Upgrading Network to Support ICT for:

E-Posting;E-Posting;

E-Medical;E-Medical;

E-Government;E-Government;

E-Banking; E-Banking;

E-Learning, etc E-Learning, etc

4.0 Conclusion

• The above are a few of the many programmes The above are a few of the many programmes that have been initiated by Nigerian that have been initiated by Nigerian government to demonstrate our commitment to government to demonstrate our commitment to the development of the industry the development of the industry

• Nigeria is committed to development of ICT, Nigeria is committed to development of ICT, continues to grow from strength to strength continues to grow from strength to strength and to provide an avenue for all. and to provide an avenue for all.

5.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Ernest C. A. Ndukwe, (2008): “Facilitate African Renaissances through Ernest C. A. Ndukwe, (2008): “Facilitate African Renaissances through communications Infrastructure Development”, from communications Infrastructure Development”, from www.ncc.gov.ngwww.ncc.gov.ng

• eShekels Limited, (2005): “Trends in Telecommunications Markets in eShekels Limited, (2005): “Trends in Telecommunications Markets in Nigeria 2003 – 2004”; from Nigeria 2003 – 2004”; from www.ncc.gov.ngwww.ncc.gov.ng

• NigeriaDirect, Available at NigeriaDirect, Available at www.nigeria.gov.ngwww.nigeria.gov.ng• Federal Ministry of Information & Communications,(2006): ‘Presidential Federal Ministry of Information & Communications,(2006): ‘Presidential

Initiative on the National Rural Telephony Programme(NRTP)Initiative on the National Rural Telephony Programme(NRTP)• Mobolaji E. AlukoMobolaji E. Aluko: ‘: ‘Resolving the Telecommunications Interconnectivity Resolving the Telecommunications Interconnectivity

Battle in Nigeria’ ; From Battle in Nigeria’ ; From http://www.jidaw.com/itsolutions/telecomm1http://www.jidaw.com/itsolutions/telecomm1