Nitel - to be transformed in 120 days

Nigeria: We Will Transform Nitel Within 120 Days - Iseghohi

GROUP Managing Director of Transcorp, Tom Iseghohi last week in Lagos reassured Nigerians that the ailing former government telecom monopoly, NiteI would be transformed within the next 120 days following the arrival of Kevin Caruso, as the substantive Managing Director & Chief Executive.

The Transcorp GMD who spoke to newsman during a press conference to introduce the new Mr. Caruso, noted with optimism that Nigerians will no longer see the old Nitel adding that Nigerians would see tangible impact this time around with the new management team.

"Within 120 days, Nigerians will see a difference in the new Nitel. This time around, Nitel will be taken to the next level. There will be a huge impact as from now. Nitel of yesterday will no longer exist. There will no more be labour strike. There will be broadband internet access that will allow many Nigerians to do online businesses. There will be more fixed lines across the country", said Iseghohi, who now assumes the new position of Chairman of Nitel.

Announcing the appointment of Caruso, as the substantive Managing Director of NITEL, Iseghohi, had earlier stated that the appointment of a renowned telecommunications transformation expert is in line with Transcorp's commitment to turning the telecom firm around prior to its impending sale to new core investors.

"We are excited to have Kevin to join us.

This is a man that has a track record of success. He has exhibited extraordinary talent in telecommunications management. We are certain that Caruso's proven expertise will re-position NITEL in readiness for sale to new investors", he added

According to him, his appointment was a deliberate decision by Transcorp in exercise of its legal rights to name a Chief Executive to NITEL as the current core investor.

It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, Transcorp embarked on the implementation of a strategic interim resuscitation plan for NITEL with the replacement of its representatives on the NITEL Board.

With over twenty six years telecom/mobile experience, and having worked and lived in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Caribbean, Caruso has a wide, knowledgeable and very versatile background.

The new NITEL helmsman has extensive strategic planning, marketing, and sales experience in a wide variety of organizations, including both incumbent carriers, as well as start-up competitors, in wireless and traditional wire line businesses. He also has worked in call centres, billing, process re-engineering/change management, international joint ventures and training.