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Mobile subscriptions shrink by three million

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Nigeria’s mobile subscriptions shrank by 3.49 million mobile subscriptions in the last three months, leaving a dent in the country’s march toward mobile inclusion for all.

Since mobile subscriptions hit an all-time high of 226.84 million in February of this year, it has been on a steady decline.

It first fell to 225.82 million in March, before slumping further to 223.34 million, according to new industry data from the Nigerian Communications Commission. This is also the first time since June 2021 that mobile subscriptions have fallen consistently.

In 2020 and 2021, a Federal Government policy to link SIMs to National Identification Numbers affected the mobile industry and caused a steep decline in mobile subscriptions. Since then, subscriptions have improved, and risen to record highs.

MTN Nigeria is the only telecommunication firm to have lost mobile subscriptions in the period under review, losing 4.03 million (from 92.71 million to 88.68 million), while retaining its spot as the largest mobile network operator in the country.

Other telcos had better fortunes, with Globacom marginally growing by 172,867 from 60.76 million to 60.93 million; Airtel added 31,705 new subscriptions and grew from 60.30 million to 60.33 million; and 9mobile witnessed the largest growth, adding 330,003 new subscriptions to hit 13.40 million from 13.07 million in the period under review.

Within the three months, teledensity (the number of active telephone connections per one hundred (100) inhabitants living within an area) fell to 117.17 per cent in April from 119.01 per cent in February.

In MTN’s first quarter report, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, noted that global macroeconomic factors, inflation, and cash shortages, among others, were affecting its consumers.

He said, “We continued to experience headwinds in our operating environment in the first quarter of 2023. The impacts of the ongoing global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments on energy, food, and general inflation were exacerbated locally by petrol and cash shortages experienced during the period. This placed additional pressure on economic activity, consumers, and businesses.”

Nigeria’s mobile population is the largest in Africa and the prior steady growth in the number of mobile subscriptions had been attributed to increased productivity and efficiency in other sectors

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Who is the new CBN Governor? Unveiling Yemi Cardoso: The Citibank Prodigy And Financial Genius Behind Lagos’ Tax Revolution!

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In the buzzing financial district of Lagos, Yemi Cardoso’s name is whispered with a mix of respect, admiration, and perhaps a dash of envy. Today, as the entire country turns its eyes towards the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the question on everyone’s lips is, “Who is the new CBN Governor?” We delve into the life and legacy of Yemi Cardoso, the man now at the helm of Nigeria’s financial future.

Born to a modest family, Yemi’s early life gave little indication of the powerhouse he would become. However, a relentless pursuit of education and an intrinsic passion for finance would set him on a meteoric rise. Starting his illustrious banking career with Citibank, Cardoso swiftly climbed the corporate ladder. His innate understanding of banking intricacies and a knack for strategic planning saw him rise to the esteemed position of Vice President. But the ambitious Cardoso didn’t stop there. He took a bold leap, co-founding Citizens International Bank, and for eight defining years, played a pivotal role as an Executive Director.

Yet, banking wasn’t the only domain where Cardoso left an indelible mark. He answered the call of public service, becoming the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State. It was under his visionary leadership that Lagos underwent a pivotal financial reform, developing its own robust independent tax revenues. This wasn’t just a bureaucratic change – it was a revolution that altered the fiscal landscape of Lagos forever.

But who is Yemi Cardoso, the man behind the accolades and achievements? Beyond the corporate meetings and policy discussions, Cardoso has been a vital consultant and policy expert, aligning with major global development giants like the World Bank, UN Habitat, and even the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. His expertise has shaped policies and development strategies, making him a revered name on global platforms.

Yet, for all his achievements, Cardoso remains grounded. A recipient of several awards, including a coveted honorary Doctorate Degree from Aston University, his alma mater, and the Global Distinguished Alumni award from Citi, he remains deeply connected to his roots. His Masters in Public Administration from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a celebrated Mason Fellow, is a testament to his commitment to public service and excellence.

As Nigeria stands on the cusp of a new financial era, the appointment of Yemi Cardoso as the CBN Governor isn’t just a political move; it’s a statement. A statement that Nigeria is ready to merge global financial strategies with homegrown expertise. With Cardoso steering the ship, the future of Nigeria’s financial landscape certainly seems promising

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BREAKING: Tinubu Nominates Cardoso As CBN Governor

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

This directive is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four (4) Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as listed below:

(1) Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro

(2) Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo

(3) Mr. Philip Ikeazor

(4) Dr. Bala M. Bello

In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the above listed nominees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 15, 2023

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EPL: Everton Announce Full Take Over By 777 Partners

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Premier League club, Everton has been sold to US private equity firm 777 Partners for over £550 million (€641 million), succeeding Farhad Moshiri.

The Miami-based investment fund said it had signed an agreement with British-Iranian billionaire, Moshiri to acquire his 94.1 per cent stake in the club.

“We are truly humbled by the opportunity to become part of the Everton family as custodians of the club, and consider it a privilege to be able to build on its proud heritage and values,” said Josh Wander, founder and managing partner of 777 Partners.

The firm 777 Partners has a number of clubs in its portfolio, including Italian side Genoa and Belgian team Standard Liege, while they also have stakes in LaLiga club Sevilla and Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory.

Moshiri, a former Arsenal shareholder, first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton in 2016.

By January 2022, he had increased his stake to 94.1 per cent with a £100 million capital injection.

But despite investing nearly €750 million in transfers to build the squad since Moshiri’s arrival, Everton have slipped out of the top half of the table to fight relegation battles in recent seasons.

Everton narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight in each of the last two seasons and are currently 18th in the standings without a win in four games this season

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