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  • WhatsApp Begins Rollout of Usernames Feature to Boost User Privacy

    WhatsApp has begun rolling out its long-awaited usernames feature, giving users the option to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers in one of the platform’s biggest privacy updates in recent years.

    The feature is being released gradually and allows users to create a unique username that can be used to start conversations, join groups and connect with other people on the messaging platform. Phone numbers will still be linked to accounts but can remain hidden from users who are not saved as contacts.

    Privacy takes centre stage

    WhatsApp said the feature is designed to give users greater control over their personal information while making it easier to communicate safely with new contacts.

    Usernames can be created through the profile section in the app’s settings. Each username must meet specific requirements, including being between three and 35 characters long and using only lowercase letters, numbers, periods and underscores. The company also introduced measures to reduce impersonation and abuse.

    Rollout will happen in phases

    The update is currently available to a limited number of Android and iPhone users, with wider access expected in the coming months.

    Users who do not see the feature immediately have been advised to keep updating the app, as WhatsApp is releasing it in stages while monitoring performance and stability.

    Some users have already been able to reserve their preferred usernames ahead of the broader rollout. Meta has also advised businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform to update their systems ahead of changes linked to the new username feature.

    What changes for users

    Since its launch, WhatsApp has relied on phone numbers as the primary identity for every account. The introduction of usernames brings the platform closer to other messaging services that allow users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers.

    Privacy experts say the feature could help reduce unwanted contact from strangers while giving users more flexibility over who can see their personal information.

    To check if the feature is available, users should update WhatsApp to the latest version and look for the Username option under their profile settings.

    The rollout is expected to continue throughout 2026 as WhatsApp expands access to more users worldwide.

     

  • FCCPC Denies Approving 48 New Loan Apps, Warns Against False Reports

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports claiming it approved 48 additional digital loan applications, describing the information as false and misleading.

    The commission said it has not expanded the list of approved digital lenders to 505, contrary to reports that circulated over the weekend. It added that no new approvals have been granted because it remains bound by a Federal High Court order suspending the implementation of its 2025 Digital Lending Regulations.

    Court order blocks fresh approvals

    According to the FCCPC, it cannot issue new approvals under the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, because the framework is currently under judicial review.

    The commission said it will continue to comply with the court order until the case is determined and will not take any action under the suspended regulations.

    Why the clarification matters

    The FCCPC noted that its approval has become a key benchmark for Nigerians seeking to identify legitimate digital loan platforms.

    Since the agency began its crackdown on abusive loan apps in 2022, it has repeatedly warned consumers against borrowing from unregistered operators accused of illegal debt recovery practices, privacy breaches and harassment. It said false reports about new approvals could expose borrowers to unlicensed platforms and create confusion within the industry.

    Background to the legal dispute

    The FCCPC introduced an interim registration framework for digital lenders in 2022 following widespread complaints about unethical practices in the sector.

    In July 2025, the agency replaced the interim framework with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, giving operators until January 5, 2026, to comply.

    However, on April 15, 2026, the Federal High Court granted an interim order restraining the implementation of the regulations after a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN). The substantive hearing has been fixed for July 20, 2026.

    The commission also recalled that earlier in June it debunked similar reports linking it to fresh approvals involving fintech firms in Nigeria’s airtime credit market. It advised the public to rely only on its official communications for updates on digital lender approvals while the court case is pending.

     

  • NCC Moves to Review Call and SMS Interconnection Rates, Nigerians Brace for Possible Tariff Hike

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a review of interconnection rates for voice calls and SMS services across telecom networks, a development that could lead to higher charges for mobile subscribers in Nigeria. The review comes as regulators assess the Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) regime introduced eight years ago.

    The move was discussed at a stakeholders’ consultative forum held in Lagos on Tuesday, where industry experts highlighted rising operational costs and economic pressures affecting telecom operators.

    Rising Costs Drive Regulatory Review

    According to KPMG partner, Wole Adenekan, the review has become necessary due to major economic changes since 2018.

    He cited inflation, naira depreciation, rising energy costs and higher equipment expenses as key factors increasing operators’ cost structures.

    “A mis-set MTR can enable dominant operators to foreclose smaller competitors through high termination barriers. A cost-reflective rate supports a level competitive playing field,” Adenekan said.

    He added that while cost-reflective pricing could improve efficiency and investment in the sector, consumers may ultimately bear the impact through higher retail charges.

    Telecom Sector Evolution Under Consideration

    Adenekan also pointed to technological shifts, including the rollout of 5G networks, increased use of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) services, as well as competition from Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, as reasons the current interconnection framework may no longer reflect industry realities.

    He noted that these changes have significantly altered how telecom services are delivered and consumed in Nigeria.

    NCC Explains Policy Direction

    The NCC, through its Head of Competition and Tariff Unit, Omotayo Mohammed, described the review as a necessary regulatory step aimed at aligning pricing structures with current economic and technological realities.

    She said the commission would also assess existing retail price controls and asymmetry arrangements to ensure consumer protection while maintaining sector stability.

    Concerns Over Possible Tariff Increase

    While the review is aimed at balancing operator sustainability and competition, there are growing concerns that any upward adjustment in interconnection rates could translate into higher call and SMS costs for consumers.

    The outcome of the review is expected to shape pricing trends in Nigeria’s telecom sector in the coming months.

     

  • MTN CEO Faces Backlash After Saying Unlimited Data Does Not Exist

    MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has come under criticism after stating that unlimited mobile data plans are virtually non-existent around the world unless consumers are willing to pay extremely high fees.

    Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where he addressed growing demands from subscribers for cheaper and unlimited internet services.

    MTN CEO Explains Data Pricing

    According to Toriola, the economics of mobile network infrastructure make truly unlimited data difficult to provide at the price levels many consumers expect.

    “The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever. There are high bundles and fair usage policies,” he said.

    He argued that network providers cannot build enough capacity to support unlimited usage for everyone while maintaining quality service.

    Drawing a comparison with the aviation industry, Toriola said subsidising high-capacity services beyond sustainable levels would damage the industry.

    “If you decide to give everybody in Nigeria unlimited local air tickets for N200,000 in a month, do you think the airline industry will survive? It won’t,” he stated.

    Nigerians Challenge MTN’s Claims

    The comments triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians disputing the CEO’s position and accusing telecom operators of overcharging customers.

    Several users pointed to countries such as Finland, the United Kingdom and France, where they claimed unlimited mobile data packages are available at lower costs relative to income levels.

    Others questioned why telecom companies advertise certain plans as unlimited if restrictions still apply.

    Some subscribers also compared MTN’s offerings to those of competing operators, arguing that better alternatives exist within the Nigerian market.

    Sowore Threatens Protest

    Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, also criticised Toriola’s comments.

    In a post on X, Sowore described the claims as misleading and insisted that consumers in many countries enjoy unlimited or near-unlimited data plans at affordable rates.

    “Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses,” he wrote.

    He further hinted at possible nationwide protests against the telecom operator, declaring that the time to “Occupy MTN” was approaching.

    Growing Debate Over Data Costs

    The controversy has renewed public debate over internet affordability, network quality and telecom pricing in Nigeria.

    While operators argue that infrastructure costs and capacity limitations affect service delivery, many subscribers continue to demand more affordable data plans amid rising living costs and increasing dependence on digital services.

     

  • NIBSS Drags Banks To Court Over ₦13.6bn Transfer Glitch Affecting 176 Accounts

    Nigeria’s digital payment system has come under fresh scrutiny after the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) approached the Federal High Court in Lagos over a ₦13.66 billion transfer error linked to a technical glitch on its payment platform.

    The incident, which reportedly occurred on September 6, 2024, affected 176 customer accounts across 19 commercial banks and microfinance institutions.

    How The ₦13.6bn Glitch Happened

    According to court filings, the issue originated from a fault on the Nigeria Instant Payment (NIP) platform, which powers instant interbank transfers across the country.

    The glitch reportedly triggered what industry operators describe as “dry posting,” where accounts received credit alerts without the corresponding debit transactions being completed.

    NIBSS said the funds were mistakenly credited into customer accounts that were never meant to receive the money.

    The settlement company reportedly informed affected financial institutions immediately after detecting the problem and requested restrictions on the impacted accounts.

    However, the banks allegedly refused to freeze the accounts without a valid court order.

    NIBSS Seeks Recovery After Nearly Two Years

    Almost 20 months after the incident, NIBSS is now asking the court to approve account freezes, Post No Debit restrictions, BVN-linked liens and the reversal of traceable funds.

    The organisation is also seeking legal backing to recover whatever remains of the ₦13.66 billion mistakenly transferred.

    The development has raised concerns over how much of the money may still be recoverable after such a long delay.

    Fresh Questions Over Nigeria’s Banking Infrastructure

    The case has reignited conversations about the stability of Nigeria’s financial technology and banking infrastructure as digital transactions continue to rise rapidly.

    Electronic transactions in Nigeria reportedly surpassed ₦1.07 quadrillion in 2024, with the NIP platform processing trillions of naira monthly.

    As the central switch for most bank transfers, fintech payouts and PoS payments, NIBSS plays a major role in Nigeria’s digital economy.

    Industry observers say even minor technical failures within such a system can lead to billions of naira moving wrongly within seconds.

    Series Of Banking Glitches Raise Concerns

    The latest controversy adds to a growing list of major banking and fintech system failures recorded in recent years.

    In 2023, a NIBSS-related issue reportedly contributed to a ₦21 billion payment incident involving Flutterwave.

    Several banks, including Wema Bank, Keystone Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank, have also experienced unauthorised transfer glitches involving billions of naira.

    Analysts say many of the failures are linked to rushed upgrades, weak third-party integrations and infrastructure struggling to cope with Nigeria’s expanding digital payment ecosystem.

    The NIBSS lawsuit is expected to further test confidence in Nigeria’s banking technology systems as regulators and financial institutions face increasing pressure to strengthen payment security and system reliability.

  • Vitel Wireless Partners OPay, Moniepoint for Airtime and Data Purchases

    Vitel Wireless has announced a partnership with fintech companies OPay and Moniepoint to enable millions of Nigerians purchase airtime and data directly through their digital wallets and banking platforms.

    The collaboration gives users of both fintech platforms direct access to Vitel Wireless telecom services for easier airtime top-ups and data bundle purchases.

    Vitel Expands Telecom Access Through Fintech Platforms

    According to the company, the partnership is aimed at improving access to mobile connectivity across Nigeria, especially in rural and underserved communities where telecom distribution channels remain limited.

    The integration allows OPay and Moniepoint users to buy airtime and subscribe to data plans directly from their existing wallets without needing extra platforms or agents.

    The Vitel Wireless partnership has already attracted attention in latest Nigerian business news as telecom and fintech services continue merging across the country.

    Company Speaks on Partnership With OPay, Moniepoint

    Vitel Wireless Chief Operating Officer, Chudi Nwabueze, said the collaboration extends the company’s existing partnership structure beyond traditional banks into Nigeria’s fast-growing fintech ecosystem.

    “Vitel Wireless continues to showcase the close collaboration between financial services and telecom services by extending its partnership model with traditional banks to fintech giants such as OPay and Moniepoint,” Nwabueze said.

    The company noted that the move would simplify access to telecom services while improving convenience for users nationwide.

    Fintech, Telecom Collaboration Grows in Nigeria

    The latest development further highlights the growing relationship between Nigeria’s telecom and fintech industries.

    With millions of active users, platforms like OPay and Moniepoint have expanded beyond payments and transfers into broader digital service ecosystems.

    Industry observers say the growing fintech customer base now makes such platforms attractive distribution channels for telecom providers seeking wider reach.

    The Vitel Wireless telecom partnership has continued trending in breaking business news Nigeria today due to increasing interest in digital financial services and mobile connectivity.

    Vitel Targets Rural Connectivity Expansion

    Vitel Wireless Product Marketing Manager, Odera Ben-Chiobi, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s mission of expanding affordable connectivity across Nigeria.

    “By partnering with leading fintech platforms like OPay and Moniepoint, we are bringing telecom services closer to millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas where access has traditionally been limited,” she said.

    She added that the partnership would also contribute to financial inclusion by combining telecom services with digital financial tools within one ecosystem.

    Vitel Wireless currently operates nationwide through an infrastructure-sharing agreement with MTN Nigeria, allowing the company to leverage MTN’s existing radio infrastructure.

  • Kled AI Exits Nigeria, Imposes IP Ban Over Alleged 95% Fraud Rate

    A United States-based data marketplace, Kled AI, has withdrawn its app from Nigeria and imposed a nationwide IP ban following what it described as widespread and organised fraud among users.

    The company said the decision came after internal reviews revealed high levels of abuse that disrupted its operations.

    Company cites ‘95% fraudulent activity’

    Kled AI founder Avi Patel disclosed that about 95 per cent of user activity from Nigeria was found to be fraudulent.

    “We have removed Kled from the Nigerian app store and IP banned the entire region,” he said.

    The platform, launched in 2025, pays users to upload digital content such as photos and videos used to train artificial intelligence systems.

    Abuse of platform raises concerns

    According to the company, many users allegedly submitted black screens, duplicate files, internet-sourced images and AI-generated content instead of original data.

    The abuse, Patel said, made the platform ineffective for its intended purpose.

    He also alleged that some users bypassed identity checks by submitting fake documents, including altered foreign passports during verification processes.

    Comparison with other countries

    Kled AI noted that fraud rates in other markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines remained below 10 per cent despite larger user bases.

    The company said the contrast influenced its decision to suspend operations in Nigeria.

    Possible return not ruled out

    Despite the withdrawal, Patel indicated that the decision may not be permanent.

    He said the company could reconsider Nigeria if stronger fraud detection systems are developed to manage abuse at scale.

    Mixed reactions trail move

    The development has sparked reactions online, with some Nigerians acknowledging abuse of digital earning platforms, while others questioned the credibility of the claims.

    The incident adds to ongoing concerns about trust and credibility in Nigeria’s participation in the global digital economy.

  • MTN Nigeria Transfers MoMo Control to Parent in ₦95.5bn Fintech Deal

    MTN Nigeria has confirmed a major restructuring of its fintech operations, with its parent company, MTN Group, set to acquire majority stakes in its mobile money businesses in a deal valued at ₦95.5 billion.

    MTN Group takes control of fintech units

    The update, disclosed ahead of the company’s April 30, 2026 Annual General Meeting, shows that MTN Group will acquire 60 per cent stakes in MoMo Payment Service Bank and Y’ello Digital Financial Services.

    The transaction effectively shifts control of both entities to the group level, while MTN Nigeria retains a 40 per cent minority interest.

    This marks a strategic pivot in how the telecom giant manages its fast-growing but capital-intensive fintech segment.

    New structure to centralise operations

    Under the new arrangement, both fintech businesses will be housed within a newly created holding entity known as Fintech HoldCo.

    The structure will be owned 60 per cent by MTN Group and 40 per cent by MTN Nigeria, allowing the parent company to consolidate fintech operations across multiple markets.

    The move is designed to streamline decision-making and align operations under a unified continental strategy.

    Losses drive strategic shift

    The restructuring follows mounting financial pressure from MTN Nigeria’s fintech investments, which recorded a ₦62.56 billion impairment in 2025.

    The impairment reflects ongoing losses within the fintech units, despite years of expansion and market penetration.

    By transferring majority ownership, MTN Nigeria reduces its financial exposure while freeing up capital to strengthen its core telecommunications business.

    Part of wider continental plan

    The move aligns with MTN Group’s long-term ambition to build a unified fintech platform across Africa.

    The company has been gradually restructuring similar operations in other markets, including Ghana and Uganda, as part of a broader consolidation strategy.

    Nigeria’s scale and complexity made it a key piece in this transition, with the latest development marking a significant milestone.

    Future growth and possible listing

    The restructuring also positions MTN Group for future partnerships and potential capital market opportunities.

    With fintech operations now centralised, the group could explore expansion strategies, including collaborations with global payment players and a possible public listing in the future.

    The development signals a shift from fragmented operations to a more coordinated fintech ecosystem across the continent.

  • Amazon Moves Into Kenya’s Satellite Internet Market With Kuiper Licence Bid

    Amazon has taken a major step into East Africa’s connectivity space after applying for a licence to roll out its satellite internet service in Kenya.

    Kuiper application confirmed in Kenya

    Kenya’s Communications Authority confirmed on April 29, 2026, that Amazon, through its local arm Amazon Kuiper Kenya Limited, has submitted an application to deploy low-earth orbit broadband services in the country.

    If approved, the licence will allow the company to build and operate communications infrastructure, effectively enabling it to introduce its satellite internet service directly into the Kenyan market.

    The move positions Amazon to compete in a space already being shaped by existing satellite providers.

    Direct rivalry with Starlink takes shape

    Amazon’s entry sets up a direct contest with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has been operational in Kenya since 2023.

    Project Kuiper is expected to deliver speeds of up to 400 Mbps for standard users, with even higher capacity for enterprise customers, placing it in the same performance category as competing services.

    The expansion reflects Amazon’s broader ambition to capture a share of Africa’s underserved internet market.

    Strategic partnerships could boost rollout

    Part of Amazon’s advantage may come from its partnership ecosystem, particularly links tied to Vodafone and Safaricom, which could help integrate the service into existing telecom infrastructure.

    This approach may allow faster deployment and stronger local penetration compared to standalone satellite offerings.

    It also signals a hybrid strategy that combines satellite coverage with terrestrial network support.

    Rural connectivity remains key challenge

    Despite the promise of expanded coverage, affordability remains a major barrier to adoption in Kenya’s rural areas.

    Although satellite internet can reach locations beyond fibre and mobile networks, the cost of user equipment continues to limit access for many households.

    Industry data shows that while demand exists, uptake has remained relatively low due to pricing constraints.

    Part of wider Africa expansion plan

    Amazon’s move into Kenya follows earlier regulatory approval secured in Nigeria in 2026, suggesting a deliberate regional rollout strategy.

    Over the past year, the company has been building its presence across Africa through licensing efforts and infrastructure partnerships aimed at underserved markets.

    Kenya’s inclusion signals the next phase of that expansion, rather than a standalone deployment.

    High-stakes race for Africa’s digital future

    The development underscores a growing competition between global tech companies targeting Africa’s connectivity gap.

    Both Amazon and SpaceX are positioning satellite internet as a solution for millions of unconnected users across the continent.

    The outcome will likely depend on speed of deployment, pricing models, and how regulators manage the rapid evolution of satellite broadband services.

  • EU Slams Meta Over Child Safety Failures, Charges Firm for Allowing Under-13 Access

    Meta Platforms has been formally charged by European Union regulators for allegedly failing to prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram. The move follows a two-year investigation into the company’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).

    The European Commission said the charges relate to concerns that Meta has not adequately enforced its own age restrictions across its platforms.

    EU Findings Point to Weak Enforcement of Age Rules

    According to regulators, Meta’s systems for identifying and removing underage users remain ineffective despite clear policies banning children under 13. The Commission said enforcement gaps have allowed millions of minors to access the platforms.

    Estimates from the EU suggest that between 10 and 12 per cent of children under 13 in Europe are currently using Facebook and Instagram.

    Regulators Raise Concerns Over Child Safety Risks

    The Commission warned that the failure to restrict access exposes minors to harmful content and online risks. Officials said stronger safeguards are required under the Digital Services Act.

    EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen criticised the company’s approach, stating that existing rules must go beyond written policies and translate into real protection for users.

    Meta Asked to Strengthen Systems and Compliance Measures

    Regulators have directed Meta to overhaul its risk assessment processes and improve its ability to detect and remove underage users. The company is also expected to implement stricter enforcement mechanisms in line with DSA requirements.

    The charges mark one of the most significant enforcement actions under the EU’s new digital regulations targeting Big Tech firms.