NatCom Development & Investment Limited (trading as ntel) today confirmed the appointment of a new board of directors replacing the previous board: Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Dr. Ayodeji Joshua Richards, Maryam Mutallab, Olaide Aremu and Soji Maurice-Diya, who will serve as the MD/CEO of Ntel.

These new directors will continue to be led under the chairmanship of Gen. T.Y Danjuma and legacy director and leading minority shareholder Dr. Tunde Ayeni. The change reflects ntel’s renewed focus on serving the Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem at large, reenergizing finances and unlocking value from its existing infrastructure.

Under its new leadership, ntel is implementing a turnaround plan that emphasizes cash-flow stability, monetization of its nationwide assets, and a swift return to commercial service through broadband and roaming services. In a recent overview of the strategy, the company noted it is “monetizing its nationwide portfolio of telecommunication assets and real estate” as it seeks new revenue streams in the short term.

In a joint statement by the board, it said the new appointments come at a “defining moment” in the company’s recovery. “It is a rare privilege to steward ntel at such a defining moment,” it said. “We are energized by the opportunities ahead and look forward to working closely with the management to unlock greater value from our infrastructure and shape a future-focused, sustainable business. Our goal is clear: to position ntel as a robust, investor-friendly enterprise that delivers on Nigeria’s digital aspirations”.

It should be noted that bringing seasoned professionals onto the board strengthens governance and accelerates execution of the turnaround strategy. The new board members each bring complementary expertise aligned with Ntel’s priorities:

• Adeleke Alex-Adedipe

  – Managing Partner at law firm Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe. A corporate and commercial lawyer with nearly 20 years’ experience, he leads the firm’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice and its M&A, banking and finance groups. His background in telecom transactions and finance documentation will support Ntel’s asset monetization and deal-making needs.

• Dr. Ayodeji Joshua Richards

  – A veteran banking executive with deep experience in financial oversight and corporate restructuring. He will strengthen the board’s capacity for fiscal governance and help ensure disciplined cash management during Ntel’s turnaround.

• Maryam Mutallab

  – Entrepreneur and education advocate. Founder of the Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls, she has led initiatives in youth development and built networks in telecom distribution for MTN as well as community projects. Her entrepreneurial perspective and telecom distribution experience will aid Ntel’s commercial strategy and community engagement efforts.

• Olaide Aremu

  – An ACCA-qualified finance executive and Group Chief Financial Officer, Ancestral Holdings. With extensive experience in corporate finance, treasury management and internal controls, she adds critical oversight of financial planning and reporting as Ntel restores profitability.

Maurice-Diya emphasized that the composition of the board “aligns the skills we need with the tasks ahead,” noting that the collective directors’ vast track record in law, finance, industry, public service and entrepreneurship will help ntel deliver on its commitments.

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Ntel has officially commissioned its pioneering Fusion Site at Rumens Street, Ikoyi—an innovative development that sets a new benchmark for sustainable telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.

The Rumens Fusion Site is the first in Nigeria to be powered by a hybrid of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and solar energy, ensuring a stable, eco-friendly power supply while eliminating reliance on diesel during outages which will connectivity at the site and provide power to surrounding businesses and homes, enhancing resilience and industry collaboration.

The site was declared open by Dr. Ayodeji Richards, Ntel Board Member, while the Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, served as the Special Guest of Honour. The ceremony attracted notable dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic community, senior Lagos State officials, and industry leaders.

Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Ayodeji Richards stated:

“The Rumens Fusion Site represents ntel’s bold step in redefining telecom infrastructure with sustainability at its core. By leveraging CNG, LNG, and solar power, we are not only improving reliability but also supporting Nigeria’s energy transition. This project demonstrates our commitment to rebuilding our network with innovation while delivering greater value to our customers, partners, and communities.”

Key Highlights of the Rumens Fusion Site:

Nigeria’s first multi-gas powered telecom site (CNG + LNG + Solar)

Solar integration for clean energy efficiency

Full telecoms connectivity support

Power provision to neighboring businesses and homes

Reduced environmental footprint with enhanced reliability

Notable Attendees

The milestone event was attended by:

HE Manuel Innocencio De Lacerda Santos Jnr, Consul General of Brazil to Nigeria

HE Frank Eggmann, Consul General of Switzerland

HE Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner

Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission

Hon. Folajimi Mohammed

Mr. Sumeet Singh, MD, Powergas

Mr. Olayinka Rufai, Technical Adviser, Strategic Projects, Lagos State

Mr. Omoh Imoukhuede, Technical Adviser, Special Duties, Lagos State

Alongside ntel’s management team and partners.

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ntel successfully launched its innovative Fusion Sites on September 19, 2025, strategically deployed in key metropolitan and underserved areas. These sites were designed to enhance network capacity, reduce latency, and ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

The Fusion Site marked a major step forward in sustainable telecom infrastructure. Designed with a unique blend of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), and solar power, these innovative cell sites were built to deliver near-zero operational expenditure (OPEX), ensuring efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

This initiative was a significant milestone in NTEL's mission to build a more resilient and sustainable digital backbone for Nigeria, supporting the growth of smart cities and the expansion of 5G services.

Launch Date: September 19, 2025

Milestone: First of its kind in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.

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The company is now actively laying new fiber lines and upgrading its existing infrastructure to provide businesses with dedicated, ultra-fast connectivity.

This initiative is critical for a third-party applications, including cloud computing, data centers, and advanced IoT solutions, further cementing NTEL's role as a key enabler of enterprise digital transformation.

NTEL’s partnerships with enterprises ensure that businesses across Nigeria can leverage cutting-edge connectivity to drive innovation and growth.

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NatCom Development and Investment Limited, the privatized legacy national telecommunications carrier, has announced the appointment of Mr. Soji Maurice-Diya as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Maurice-Diya assumes leadership at a pivotal time in NatCom’s evolution, bringing over 20 years of international experience across the telecommunications, infrastructure, logistics and technology sectors. A globally recognized business leader, he is known for his strategic foresight, financial expertise, and a strong track record of guiding organizations through periods of growth and transformation.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Saint Louis University (summa cum laude), a master’s in architecture from the University of Florida, and an MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Yale School of Management. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Directors and the Nigerian Institute of Architects and served on the Yale School of Management Alumni Advisory Council—reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and global best practices.

Through the course of his career, Mr. Maurice-Diya has held senior roles at leading global firms, including Etisalat, ExxonMobil, IBM, American Tower, and EY LLP. He has led major business transformation initiatives, fostered innovation, and built high-performing teams in complex and competitive markets. In his most recent role as CEO of a global digital infrastructure subsidiary, he spearheaded an ambitious expansion of the company’s footprint—doubling its points of presence—and forged strategic partnerships focused on digital inclusion, especially in underserved communities. His impact-driven leadership style has earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking executive with a deep understanding of evolving market dynamics.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Maurice-Diya said, “It is a rare privilege to lead NatCom at such a defining moment. I am energized by the opportunities ahead and look forward to working closely with the Board and management to unlock greater value from our infrastructure and shape a future-focused, sustainable business. Our goal is clear: to position NatCom as a robust, investor-friendly enterprise that delivers on Nigeria’s digital aspirations.”

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