Bonjour,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here's what I've got for you today:
- The Nigerian government wants to track your mobile phone
- Nigeria's gaming scene levels up
- Telecoms workers in Nigeria go on indefinite strike
The Nigerian government wants to track your mobile phones
With the NIN-SIM linkage deadline approaching (hopefully September 14 is the final one), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) now wants to track your mobile phones.
The telecoms regulator has introduced a Device Management System (NCC-DMS) to monitor all phones connected to networks in Nigeria. All major operators like GLO, MTN, and Airtel are required to connect to this platform.
The system acts as a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) that tracks phones using their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers.
By syncing these IMEIs with international databases, the NCC will ensure that only registered and approved devices can work in Nigeria. If your device isn’t registered, it will be blacklisted and unusable.
This move is part of the NCC’s effort to reduce the use of unapproved devices and tackle phone theft and fraud. Blacklisted stolen or illegal phones will be rendered useless, discouraging theft by making stolen phones worthless.
Network operators will also need to sync their Equipment Identity Registers (EIRs) with the DMS to follow uniform standards across the country. On top of that, device suppliers and consumers will have to register approved devices, and there’s a limit on how many devices each person can register.
Let the best of tech news come to you
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
There’s also a fee for each device registration, applying to both consumers and suppliers.
The NCC first proposed the DMS in 2021, aiming to boost national security, reduce phone crimes, and generate more revenue through device registration.
Nigeria's gaming scene levels up
Gaming in Nigeria is booming! In 2023, Nigerians spent $14.7 million on gaming, making them the second-highest spenders in Africa after Egypt.
But it’s not just about spending money — some Nigerians are turning gaming into a career, which was almost unthinkable a few years ago.
Gamers like KingPlays, Odunwire, MalayYT, KingofDeath, OBM, and Kingnee are proving that you can make serious money from gaming.
They compete in Call of Duty Mobile tournaments that offer impressive payouts, with the biggest one being a $10,000 one hosted by Aussie pro player iFerg. Even though no Nigerian team won, their participation is a huge milestone for the local gaming scene.
The Nigerian players who competed in the $10,000 CODM tournament are considered pros in their own right, blending gaming skills with content creation. Players like KingPlays focus on storytelling rather than just gameplay, showing the diverse ways gamers can engage with their audience.
For more details on Nigeria's growing gaming scene and the players making waves, read Bolu's latest article.
Telecoms workers in Nigeria go on indefinite strike
Telecom workers in Nigeria, under the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), kicked off an indefinite strike yesterday, Monday, September 9, 2024.
Their decision stems from unresolved issues, including unjust dismissals, poor working conditions, and inadequate benefits.
This strike could disrupt telecom services nationwide, with key personnel like engineers and customer service staff participating.
PTECSSAN's demands include the right to unionise, proper pension deductions, better health insurance, and fair wages that match Nigeria’s current economic situation.
They are also pushing for improved working conditions, like safer job environments, regulated work hours, and fair compensation for overtime. There’s also a call for operational vehicles or a review of self-drive allowances to match the economy.
The union had issued a seven-day ultimatum to 39 telecom companies, but after little progress, they felt compelled to strike. Despite the disruption, they have asked for public understanding and remain open to further talks with the employers and government to resolve the matter quickly.
This is the second strike PTECSSAN has called this year, following an earlier one set for April 4, 2024. The union previously protested the poor working conditions faced by field engineers working for subcontractors like Reime Group and Uppercrest Limited, who were working under projects awarded by Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited.
Although that strike was suspended after some agreements were reached, it appears the issues weren't fully resolved, leading to the current industrial action. PTECSSAN hopes this time, their concerns will be addressed properly to avoid further disruptions.
In case you missed them
- Student-focused co-working startup hits profitability 4 months after launch
- Hacking distribution: Lessons from FMCGs
- Elon Musk hints at Starlink’s expansion to South Africa amid licensing challenges
What I'm watching
- 9 Questions Atheists CANNOT Answer - With @unsolicitedadvice9198
Opportunities
- Pitch Friday is this Friday, September 13, 2024. Register here.
- Techpoint is hiring a Managing Editor. Apply here.
- Follow Techpoint Africa's WhatsApp channel to stay on top of the latest trends and news in the African tech space here.
Have a lovely Tuesday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
