Netcom Africa: 20 Years of Connecting Nigeria’s Digital Future

Netcom Africa: 20 Years of Connecting Nigeria’s Digital Future

 

Two decades ago, a small internet service provider (ISP) began its journey in Lagos with a simple mission: to ensure businesses stayed connected. Today, Netcom Africa stands as a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Nigeria, helping organizations navigate the complex world of digital transformation. As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, it looks back on its remarkable growth and the impact it has had on Nigeria’s technology landscape.

A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Netcom Africa was founded in 2004 as an ISP, offering reliable communication services using satellite, fiber, and radio technologies. Over the years, as businesses grew and technology advanced, Netcom expanded its offerings, becoming much more than just an internet provider. It has now evolved into a trusted partner for Nigerian businesses, providing a range of digital solutions that help organizations grow, secure their operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies.

“When we started, the internet was just the beginning,” said a senior executive at Netcom. “Over time, we saw that businesses needed more than just connectivity. They needed secure, reliable, and scalable solutions to keep up with the rapidly changing digital world. And that’s where we stepped in – offering more than just a service, but a partnership for growth.”

Today, Netcom’s services are designed to empower Nigerian businesses to thrive in the digital age. From small startups to large enterprises, Netcom offers solutions that cater to every aspect of digital transformation. These include:

Managed IT Services: Whether it’s remote support, on-site troubleshooting, or expert IT consultancy, Netcom’s team is always ready to help businesses overcome any technical hurdle. The company ensures that businesses can focus on what they do best, while Netcom takes care of the technology.

Enterprise Technology & Performance: Netcom provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and productivity applications that help businesses stay organized, improve collaboration, and streamline operations. These solutions enable businesses to work smarter, not harder.

Infrastructure Services: With smart building solutions and data center services, Netcom helps businesses optimize both their physical and digital infrastructures. These services support the smooth running of business operations, no matter the scale.

Enterprise Security: As cyber threats continue to evolve, Netcom offers managed cybersecurity services to keep businesses protected. From real-time monitoring to disaster recovery and backup, Netcom ensures businesses are always prepared for any unexpected event.

Business Strategy & Analytics: With powerful business intelligence tools, Netcom helps companies make data-driven decisions that lead to growth. The company empowers businesses with the insights they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

In today’s fast-paced business world, many organizations don’t have the internal resources to manage their IT needs effectively. That’s where a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Netcom comes in. By outsourcing their IT services, businesses can focus on what matters most—growing their brand and serving their customers—while leaving the technology to experts.

Netcom’s managed services offer several key benefits for businesses, including:

Cost Predictability: Businesses can budget more effectively, knowing their IT costs are predictable and fixed.

Access to Experts: With a team of experienced IT professionals, businesses can trust that their systems are in good hands.

Scalability: As businesses grow, Netcom’s services can easily scale with them, providing the right support at every stage of development.

Reliability: Netcom’s round-the-clock support ensures that businesses can keep running smoothly, without interruptions.

By offering these services, Netcom allows businesses to operate efficiently and securely, with the peace of mind that comes from having a trusted partner by their side.

A Commitment to Core Values

Netcom’s growth has been guided by a set of core values that shape its every decision. These values have helped the company earn the trust and loyalty of its clients over the years:

Innovation: Netcom is always looking for new ways to improve and integrate the latest technologies into its solutions.

Integrity: The company is committed to ethical business practices, always putting the needs of its customers first.

Customer Focus: Netcom listens to its clients and tailors its solutions to meet their unique needs.

Continuous Improvement: The company strives to improve every day, learning from both successes and challenges.

These principles have allowed Netcom to stay at the forefront of Nigeria’s rapidly changing digital landscape, ensuring it remains the go-to MSP for businesses across the country.

Looking Ahead to the Future

As Netcom celebrates 20 years of success, the company is looking forward to an even brighter future. With technology continuing to evolve, Netcom remains committed to helping businesses navigate this ever-changing landscape. Its vision for the future is simple: to continue leading the way as Nigeria’s top technology consultancy and MSP, empowering businesses to achieve their goals through smart, secure, and scalable digital solutions.

“Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen how technology can transform businesses,” said the executive. “But we’re just getting started. The digital journey is ongoing, and we’re here to guide our clients every step of the way.”

 

President Tinubu Strengthens ICT Sector with Landmark Protection Order

President Tinubu Strengthens ICT Sector with Landmark Protection Order

 

The federal government has taken a decisive step toward securing Nigeria’s digital economy with the release of the *Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024*. The gazette, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was lauded by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as a transformative move to safeguard the nation’s technological assets and infrastructure.

Dr. Tijani emphasized the order’s pivotal role in reducing disruptions and intentional damage to critical ICT systems and infrastructure. “This is a significant step that will strengthen and protect investments in the ICT sector by reducing incidences capable of damaging the operations and functionality of our technological systems, infrastructure, and networks,” he stated.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also commended the initiative, describing it as a critical milestone for the telecom sector. The Commission highlighted that the order would help mitigate recurring threats to telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring seamless service delivery across the nation.

The gazette designates critical national information infrastructure (CNII) as protected assets, making it a criminal offense to willfully damage key facilities such as telecommunications towers, switch stations, data centers, satellite systems, submarine and fiber optic cables, transmission equipment, e-government platforms, and databases.

Dr. Tijani underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of these assets, noting that their protection is essential for improving the quality of telecommunications services often disrupted by vandalism and other threats.

“This administration prioritizes the security and protection of these critical infrastructures, recognizing their importance in fostering a thriving digital economy,” he added.

The NCC further noted that the gazette would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s ICT sector, assuring that telecommunications operators can now operate in a safer and more stable environment.

The government has pledged to continue creating supportive policies and an enabling environment for the digital economy to flourish, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in ICT innovation and investment in Africa.

This landmark order reflects the administration’s resolve to protect the backbone of the nation’s digital and technological advancements.

ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING CUTTING-EDGE IT SOLUTIONS FOR NIGERIAN CORPORATES

ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING CUTTING-EDGE IT SOLUTIONS FOR NIGERIAN CORPORATES

 

ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED, a prominent independent Information Technology and Telecommunications services firm, has renewed its dedication to delivering robust IT solutions to Nigerian corporates. With extensive expertise in telecommunication infrastructure and strategic world-class partnerships, ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES is poised to elevate its contributions to the Nigerian ecosystem.

Rotimi Toluhi, the Chief Executive Officer of ATORJ, highlighted the company’s mission, stating, “Our purpose is to assist clients in seamlessly integrating their Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Human Resources to consistently achieve profitable returns.”

Toluhi emphasized ATORJ’s specialization in optical cable installation, support, and maintenance, positioning the company as a leading provider of end-to-end fiber optics project solutions. The services span design, installation, testing, and commissioning of fiber optic cable network infrastructure for Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).Board of Directors - Atorj Technology Limited

One of ATORJ’s notable accomplishments is the creation of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for companies with multiple branches, enabling seamless connectivity for efficient, secure, and rapid information access. Through a strategic partnership with Sentinelone, ATORJ ensures enhanced protection of endpoints, fostering secure remote access to files and documents.

Addressing additional solutions, Toluhi highlighted ATORJ’s proficiency in Access Control systems. “Our Access Control system integrates locked gates, doors, or barriers, employing identity authentication methods such as RFID access cards, pin codes, face recognition, fingerprints, or smartphones to grant entry,” he explained. The company’s Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) installations in private and commercial properties across the country underscore its commitment to ensuring the security and confidentiality of clients.

Furthermore, ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES offers comprehensive services in Record Administration, Document Control, Project Documentation, Record Management, SharePoint support, and Tagging. Recognizing the critical role of information and data management in the 21st century, the company assists organizations in preserving, managing, and accessing vital information for future reference.

In conclusion, Rotimi Toluhi reiterated ATORJ’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the Information Technology and Telecommunications sector, positioning the company as a reliable partner for Nigerian corporates seeking advanced and secure IT solutions.

ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED is a leading independent integrated Information Technology and Telecommunications services firm, offering a wide range of solutions to enhance the technological capabilities of Nigerian corporates. With a focus on innovation, expertise, and strategic partnerships, ATORJ TECHNOLOGIES continues to be at the forefront of the IT and Telecommunications landscape.

Africa Data Centres breaks ground on new Sameer facility in Nairobi

Africa Data Centres breaks ground on new Sameer facility in Nairobi

Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com) has broken ground on its new facility in Nairobi; The new build will expand its existing data centre by up to 15MW of IT load; The facility will be built in the company’s leading-edge modular design.

 

Africa Data Centres, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, is pleased to announce it has officially broken ground on an additional data centre facility in Nairobi. The new build will see the existing facility on the adjacent piece of land expanded up to an extra 15MW of IT load.

 

ADC’s expansion at the new site will be completed in the first half of 2024 and will bring five times more capacity than is currently installed.

 

“We believe that data centres will play a significant role in digital transformation and economic growth on our continent. Without them, the push towards a digital economy in Africa will be missing a key pillar. Our decision to increase our investment in our data centres in Kenya is in recognition of the position the country now occupies as a leader in the adoption of digital technologies in Africa” says Hardy Pemhiwa, Group President & CEO of Cassava Technologies.

 

During the ground-breaking ceremony today, Tesh Durvasula, CEO of Africa Data Centres, said, “The expansion will enable Africa Data Centre clients to grow and scale depending on their requirements. They can start small, increase to a medium capacity, and even benefit from a hyperscale type of deployment in a few years if they choose to. This will enable customers to operate multiple deployments across our sites with a single operations team, campus, and infrastructure they are familiar with”.

 

We believe that data centres will play a significant role in digital transformation and economic growth on our continent

Kenya is the country that pioneered mobile money, and today boasts of a wide range of incubators and tech startups, a clear sign of an innovative tech culture. The focus on Kenya as a key region aims to take the region further into the digital era and uplift the country’s profile globally as an attractive investment destination for international cloud providers, hyperscalers, and other ICT companies.

 

The new data facility will begin with 5MW of IT load and will be built in Africa Data Centres’ leading-edge modular design – an innovative approach that sees the entire facility, including all critical plant rooms, prefabricated off-site. This ensures the highest possible quality, whilst local contractors will still benefit from contracts to lay foundations, assemble, and complete the build.

 

He stresses that sustainability is at the heart of everything Africa Data Centres does. In terms of cooling, even as the largest network of interconnected, carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre facilities on the continent, ADC has a strict policy of not using adiabatic systems. “We do not use water in any of our cooling systems and are one of the few colocation providers who have taken this step,” said Durvasula.

 

While the common belief might be that water and adiabatic systems are more efficient than air cooling systems, this simply is not the case. “With the newest technology, if free-cooling capacity is maximised, it becomes far more efficient and saves water which is becoming a critical commodity, particularly in Africa.”

 

He added that Africa Data Centre is fortunate in Kenya as almost 70% of grid power is from green energy sources. “This helps us to meet our sustainability objectives because we understand no organisation can achieve zero carbon emissions by itself. We understand that sustainability is about ensuring that we conduct ourselves in a manner that minimises our impact on the environment. We extend this ethos to all of our partners, and constantly look for ways to ensure that all elements of the business contribute positively to the sustainability of the planet”.

 

Today’s event is a step forward in the company’s expansion plans announced in 2021, which will see Africa Data Centres investing $500m into building hyperscale data centres across Africa with the support of the US Development Finance Corporation.

NCC Committed to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit – Danbatta

NCC Committed to Tackling Telecom Infrastructure Deficit – Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is irrevocably committed to the implementation of various regulatory initiatives and programmes, in collaboration with all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem, towards bridging identified gaps and shortages in critical telecom infrastructure in the country. The overarching objective is to fulfil Commission’s mandate and support extant and emergent policies and strategies of the Federal Government focused on providing ubiquitous, accessible and affordable broadband services in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this during an in-house interview which took place at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently. The EVC emphasized the centrality of infrastructure to telecom service provisioning by asserting that availability of broadband in sufficiency was non-negotiable and irreducible in the nation’s strategy towards delivering pervasive telecom services.

Danbatta also put the efforts of Government in context towards addressing infrastructure gaps, and commended both state and non-state actors for the vision, diligence and continued dedication to the implementation of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025, an initiative of the Federal Government, being driven by NCC and conceived to address infrastructure gaps in the telecom and ICT sector. The EVC said he was gratified that the new plan particularly took into consideration, the identified gaps and challenges in its precursor, the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, which implementation the NCC was equally central to.


According to Danbatta, one of the identified gaps to robust connectivity was the fact that inadequate infrastructure remained a bane to achieving desired broadband penetration to boost access to services that will enhance economic growth and development. He emphasised that the Commission recognises the importance of infrastructure expansion and this explains its unequivocal commitment and desire to see the licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) work speedily and with precision to cascade fibre to the hinterland, in order to enhance robust telecom service provision. He said the InfraCo licensees, expectedly, also prioritize stipulated licensing conditions to ensure expected milestones set by the Commission are achieved.

The EVC stated that Commission’s target for licensing the infraCos was to ensure the deployment of fibre infrastructure needed for pervasive broadband penetration across the 774 local government areas (LGAs). This, he said, will ensure access to telecoms services in the hinterlands of the country, and by so doing address the challenges of access confronting the unserved and underserved areas of the country.
Danbatta also placed on record Commission’s desire for inclusiveness as seminal to erecting sustainable telecom architecture. This, according to him is critical in ensuring the achievement of Federal Government’s target on digital access and financial inclusion.

One visible area of beneficial financial service riding on telecom infrastructure is the provision of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) for financial transactions across various financial institutions’ platforms. This feat, Danbatta asserted, has brought ease to financial transactions, even as he recalled that NCC is providing support for e-payment initiatives and policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including the e-Naira project, which is the digital currency issued and regulated by the apex bank.

“So, the Commission is committed to ensuring inclusiveness by ensuring the provision of affordable and pervasive accessibility to the Internet as emphasised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN). We are aware that until commensurate infrastructure is deployed in the country, the country may not hit the required target necessary for the desired economic development,” the EVC added.

Additionally, Danbatta stated that the Commission has recorded remarkable progression with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is besides facilitating investment, enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) to enhance consumer quality of experience and stakeholder satisfaction in line with the expectations of the Strategic Management Plan 2020-2024. He assured that Commission will heightened efforts in all areas of the Plan as streamlined in new Strategic Vision Implementation Plan (SVIP) 2021-2025, including facilitating strategic collaboration and partnering through which it has forged quantifiable strategic alliances with its ever-expanding array of stakeholders.

Concerning NCC’s pioneering strides in the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network in Sub-Saharan Africa, Danbatta explained that the rollout of 5G network in Nigeria will require more infrastructure for the service to reach all parts of the country. He called for concerted efforts and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders for the nation to achieve steady, timely and accurate deployment of 5G services because of its benefits to individuals, businesses and the growth of the country.

Neni Community: An Example of Private Initiative leads to 24KM of Internal Roads Tarred, Set to Rebuild Schools

Neni Community: An Example of Private Initiative leads to 24KM of Internal Roads Tarred, Set to Rebuild Schools

On the 7th of January, I was at Neni at the invitation of the Martina Chinyere Enidom Foundation. The foundation, led by Paul Enidom, Chairman of Paul B Construction Ltd, organised its 3rd lecture series, and I chaired the occasion. The lecture titled Government and Community Partnership in Development Initiative: The Neni Example was eye-opening.

Neni community, like most communities in Anambra, boast of eminent business people, scholars and entrepreneurs. My back of the envelope calculation shows a combined net worth of between 700 million to 1 billion dollars of Neni indigenes. It is the town of the owner of the Young Shall Grow Transport and Rockview Hotels, the owner of Chelsea Hotels and the late owner of Tonimas Group, amongst others.

Some years ago, Paul B approached some of the town’s rich men and proposed an internal road drainage and asphalt construction at cost using his expertise. He started with a road paid for by him. After initial scepticism, Chief Anthony Enukeme (Tonimas) joined the initiative with others.

Today, Ndi Neni have constructed 24km, and the Anambra State government, in a rare show of support, constructed 2.7km of asphalt road. These are internal roads within Neni town. To understand the impact of 24km of asphalt road, consider that Anambra State is the second smallest state in Nigeria after Lagos; most towns in Anambra are no more than 25sq KM. Neni is probably the town with the best stock of internal roads in Nigeria.

To ensure sustainability, the Neni community, under the umbrella of the Neni Town Union, approved the setting up of its road maintenance agency; Neni Road maintenance Agency, NERMA. The Agency’s mandate is not limited to the roads constructed by the town but includes other state roads crossing the town.

In what I consider a significant departure from typical attitudes in our environment, the town documented a maintenance protocol articulating standards. The road maintenance handbook contains guidelines, which they plan to harmonise with State and LGA standards, if they exist.

Success begets success; now, the town is focused on rebuilding and retooling the schools in the community. There are 7 Primary schools and a secondary school in Neni. The state government had handed over six primary schools to both the Catholic and Anglican churches, with only one primary school and the secondary school under state control. Initial studies reveal a sad state of affairs at the schools. The schools are crying for upgrades, and the quality of instruction has declined progressively.

The Neni community, from its experience with the roads, is set to intervene. The community has set up the Neni Development Initiative Group(NDIG) to raise funds for the immediate reconstruction of all the schools. Already, about #25m was raised this Christmas towards this plan.

The NDIG is also handling the upgrade of the three health care centres in Neni. The plan is to provide quality health care for residents at affordable rates while sustaining infrastructure and operations cost through the NDIG.

Last December, Dr Christopher & Mrs Victoria Anago, under their NGO, Lifecare Coalition Outreach in California, deployed over 100 medical personnel to Neni for free medical outreach valued at over 500 million Naira. Dr and Mrs Anago plan to intervene in their community Neni to provide health care services to the underprivileged and people from neighbouring communities.

The story of the Neni community is a profound expression of the idea of Unlock Naija. It is an example of community-based governance that Igbo communities and Nigeria should emulate.

The idea of coming together to delink from the moribund Nigerian state where the government has become the obstacle to unlocking our potentials is the path to the future.

For Ndi Igbo and Nigerians in general, I have preached the message of applying Uche, Uchu na Egwu Chukwu as the triple virtues that will unlock our capabilities and lead us on a sustainable path to development.

Speaking at Neni, I called on those who want to move to Naija Nation, that space where we do not wait for restructuring, secession or constitutional amendment to unlock our potentials, to come together now. We, in Unlock Naija Movement, believe in the fierce urgency of now, like the Neni community.

To achieve this pivoting from the gridlock of Nigeria, we must eschew the triple evil rearing its head in our society. The first is Nkali, the superiority syndrome where we all want to display our superiority over others through flaunting our wealth and the emerging income discrimination in our society.

The second is Nkpali, a disrespectful and abusive disorder growing like a stage four cancerous tumour. To disrespect and abuse elders and those we consider beneath us is now described as courage; we must excise it now.

The last is Mmegbu, that urge to oppress and suppress. Oppressing the poor and those beneath us is now a sign of success. The powerful and noveau rich identified by our convoys and retinue of hangers-on do not obey traffic or any rules. We have figured how to use state apparatus for our personal end. I will describe these vices in another post soon.

For our communities to thrive and our society renewed, we must eschew Nkali, Nkpali na Mmegbu. To shun these vices is critical in the effort to make the wealthy come together and deploy their resources for communal benefit and not impose their will on the community using their unfettered powers made possible by a corrupt and moribund Nigerian state.

Neni is an example to follow.

Osita Chidoka
January, 2022

Map of tarred Roads in Neni

USSD: Banks owe Telcos N17bn, says Danbatta

USSD: Banks owe Telcos N17bn, says Danbatta

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has said that commercial banks in the country are owing telecommunications companies over N17 billion following the regulator’s suspension of its Determination on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Pricing last year.

The NCC, in furtherance of its mandate to protect the interests of consumers and support a robust telecommunications sector, recently announced that it had revised the Determination on the USSD.
Speaking at ATCON’s virtual forum on “Meeting the Interests of Government, Consumers and Telecoms Companies in the Era of Covid-19 and Post Covid-19 Pandemic for Digital Economy Development”, Danbatta noted that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami had already been briefed on the development with a view to ensuring a quick settlement of the debt.

Explaining the Commission’s efforts at resolving consumer-related issues, he noted that when the Commission introduced the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) code in 2015, less than 500,000 people activated the code, but there are now 22,722,366 lines on the DND.

Danbatta further stated that ninety-eight per cent (98%) of the total service-related complaints received from telecoms consumers within a 15-month period, spanning January 2019 to April 2020, have been successfully resolved by the Commission.  

On quality of service, Danbatta said “the Commission has monthly engagements with operators as well as quarterly industry working group on Quality of Service and Short Codes, and is currently monitoring 2G Key Performance Indicators, while the KPIs for 4G are being prepared.”

It should be recalled that the NCC, in a statement released to the media recently, observed that the amendment to its USSD Determination was necessitated by a protracted dispute between Mobile Network Operators and Financial Institutions on the applicable charges for USSD services and the method of billing. As a responsive and effective regulatory authority, the Commission recognises that its policies are not static and may be modified from time to time as circumstances demand.

According to Danbatta, in the interest of the consumers and other stakeholders, the Commission revised the Determination previously issued by removing the Price Floor and the Cap to allow Mobile Network Operators and the banks negotiate rates that will be mutually beneficial to all parties concerned.

The NCC also determined that Mobile Network Operators must not charge the consumers directly for the use of USSD channels for financial services in the form of end-user-billing, but revert to corporate billing. The transaction should be between the MNOs and the entity to which the service is provided (i.e. Banks and Financial Institutions).

NCC