MTN introduces paper-based SIM cards

MTN Nigeria has introduced biodegradable, paper-based SIM cards as part of its broader efforts to support environmental sustainability under its Project Zero initiative.

The telecom giant announced the move on Friday, highlighting that the new SIMs aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help the company achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

The company emphasized that the paper-based SIM cards are more eco-friendly than traditional plastic SIMs, promoting waste reduction and circular product management throughout their lifecycle. MTN’s shift comes shortly after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed plans to update its corporate governance code, introducing mandatory sustainability reporting for telecom operators.

In a statement, MTN noted that phasing out plastic SIM cards will significantly contribute to reducing plastic pollution. “Our new eco-friendly SIM cards represent part of our continuous commitment to environmental responsibility, as well as our dedication to reducing waste, supporting local Nigerian vendors, and integrating sustainability into business operations as well as the daily lives of the people,” said Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer.

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The telecom company compared the environmental impact of the new biodegradable SIMs with that of traditional polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based SIMs, highlighting that paper-based SIMs naturally decompose and are recyclable, thus minimizing waste and lowering carbon emissions from production to disposal. This shift also eliminates the challenges of plastic waste, such as limited recycling options, landfill accumulation, and incineration.

Commenting on the initiative, Adekemi Adisa, MTN’s General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, said:
“Our people and the environment where they live drive the innovative measures we take. The launch of our recyclable SIM cards embodies our commitment to sustainability, encouraging our customers to make eco-friendly choices, reducing waste, and paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future for Nigerians.”

MTN reaffirmed that this initiative aligns with its “Doing for the Planet” promise, underscoring its commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations and minimizing environmental impact through responsible waste management.

MTN introduces paper-based SIM cards

How we got Chinese to build first W’African wagon assembly plant in Nigeria – Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, says the construction of West Africa’s first wagon assembly plant  in Nigeria inaugurated at Kajola, Ogun State in 2023, was not part of the Lagos-Ibadan railway project but was ‘smuggled’ in for the benefit of Nigerians.

He however lamented that the construction of the assembly plant had been abandoned.

He disclosed this in Lagos on Thursday as the keynote speaker at the Nigeria Transport Summit organised by the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) with the theme: ‘Internodal Transport: Prospects and Challenges’.

The two-time governor of Rivers State said the plant was conceived to ensure Nigeria produces wagons and other rolling stocks needed for railway development in the country.
He said, “There are so many things we had in the rail project that most other countries didn’t have.

“If you get to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Train Station in Kajola, there is a wagon rolling stock there. We launched that facility in 2023.
“The Kajola Locomotive and Wagon Rolling Stock was not part of the Lagos-Ibadan Rail project, but we insisted that the Chinese must build the facilitiy to enable us gain knowledge transfer in the area of wagon and rolling stock manufacturing.
“I told the Chinese contractors that I was going to give them a contract to supply Nigeria 200 rolling stock. I however told them that I won’t approve the contract if they don’t build a Wagon Assembly Plant in Nigeria.
“That after five years, they will start assembling and manufacturing Wagons and Rolling Stocks in Nigeria. The agreement was signed.
“The reason for doing this was to create employment and reduce foreign exchange expenditure because we will produce them here. Don’t forget that this was not part of the railway contract.
“I told the Chinese company that instead of giving me money, they should build a Transportation University, and they did.”
He said that the Kajola Locomotive and Wagon Assembly Plant was also one of the demands he made from the Chinese company, and it was also built.
Amaechi said, “I was in South Africa, and saw that they were producing locomotives. I asked them how they did it, and they said they awarded locomotive contract to the Chinese and asked them to build a plant for them so they will know how they did it.
“So, because I wanted Nigeria to also benefit the same way South Africa benefitted, I demanded that the Chinese build a wagon and rolling stock depot in Nigeria.
“This was done and was commissioned in 2023, but as I speak today, that facility has been abandoned. Nothing is happening there.
“Until we continue to invest in transportation, we might never get it right in this country.”

Updated: Exploded CNG car in Benin illegally converted, used fake parts – NIPCO, PCNGi 

The Presidential CNG Initiative has said the car explosion that occurred on Wednesday at a filling station in Benin City, Edo State, was caused by illegal conversion of a petrol vehicle to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The management of NIPCO Gas Limited also in a separate statement attributed the explosion at its CNG station in Benin to a fake and substandard CNG cylinder installed in the vehicle.

The newly retrofitted CNG-powered car exploded at the NIPCO filling station, causing panic in the area with many injured people rushed to the hospital.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the vehicle severely damaged and people in the area rushing to assist the injured.

Comparing the high cost of petrol to cheaper CNG, about 70% is said to be saved running a vehicle on the CNG.

Findings by newstrends also show that conversion from petrol to CNG will cost ₦1.5 million, depending on the engine size.

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PCNGi speaks

Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the Presidential CNG Initiative said on its X page, “The unfortunate incident involved an illegally modified vehicle at a NIPCO CNG Station at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

“The PCNGi commiserate with those injured in this avoidable incident, and is thankful that no lives were lost.”

NIPCO reacts

In a statement, NIPCO said, “The management of NIPCO Gas Ltd wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station located in Eyean, Benin City, Edo State.

“Our preliminary findings revealed that the explosion happened when a vehicle arrived for CNG refueling.

“Unfortunately, the cylinder installed in the vehicle was later identified as a fake, fabricated, substandard unit not designed for CNG.

“It exploded after being filled with just around 4 SCM of gas.

“The driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately following the explosion. “While no fatalities were recorded, two individuals sustained injuries — one with a leg injury and another with an eye injury.

“Both victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, and one of them is scheduled for surgery at another facility, based on medical advice. Our team is ensuring that they receive the necessary care and treatment.”