Business
Nigeria Earned $1.2bn from Telecom Licenses, Says Obasanjo
The Federal Government generated around $1.2 billion from telecom license fees during the early stages of mobile technology in Nigeria, with major operators like MTN, Globacom, Econet (now Airtel), and Etisalat (now 9mobile) contributing to the sum.
These fees were instrumental in laying the foundation for the country’s telecom industry, which officially began in 2000.
The sector has since become a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted this achievement during a book launch held in Lagos on Tuesday.
He reflected on how the licensing of these operators marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s technological and economic development, allowing the country to leap into the era of mobile communication.
Obasanjo acknowledged the critical role these funds played in shaping the telecom industry, which has become one of the most significant sectors in the nation’s economy today.
The successful auction of these telecom licenses provided the capital necessary to build the infrastructure and networks that have connected millions of Nigerians, driving economic activity and fostering innovation across various industries.
MTN has moved closer to acquiring IHS Holding, following shareholder approval of the proposed takeover, marking another major milestone in the transaction.
The approval was secured during the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 4 August, allowing the deal to progress to the next stage.
If completed, the acquisition is expected to strengthen MTN’s infrastructure capabilities by giving the company greater control over its telecommunications tower assets. Industry analysts believe the move could improve network efficiency, reduce long-term operating costs, and support MTN’s continued expansion across its markets.
The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions before it can be officially completed.
Nigeria’s three biggest cement manufacturers—Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and HBM Nigeria—generated a combined ₦3.2 trillion in revenue during the first half of 2026.
The strong performance was driven by higher cement prices, increased demand from housing and infrastructure projects, and higher sales volumes across the country.
Compared to the same period in 2025, the companies recorded 26.5% revenue growth, showing that Nigeria’s construction sector continues to expand despite economic challenges. The companies also reported stronger profits and are investing further to increase production capacity to meet future demands.
Nigerian fintech company OPay has introduced new security features to improve the safety of its application.
The company unveiled the Emergency Lock and Safety PIN features to give customers better control over their funds and provide added protection against fraud and unauthorized transactions.
The Emergency Lock feature allows customers to instantly freeze their OPay account with a single tap whenever they sense a threat or believe their account may be at risk.
The newly launched Safety PIN introduces an additional layer of security, helping customers protect themselves in situations where they may be forced to make a transfer or payment against their will.
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