News
2011: Laptops, Others to Cost Inec N18Bn

The Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) will spend only N18 billion instead of N54.9 billion allocated for the ICT-Voter Registration System and solution in the commission’s budget, but it must stick to prudence, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can now reveal.
ICT-Voter Registration System and solution is the largest purchase item in the budget for the 2011 elections but were found to be cheaper if sourced directly and from experienced solution providers.
The sum is for the software and the hardware as well as the integration of these technologies.
The major component of the ICT-Voter Registration System and solution is the Direct Data Capture Machines (DDCMs) that will be used for registering voters and conducting the elections.
Unless otherwise stated by Inec, a typical DDCM (Inec wants a total of 120,000) is made up of a laptop, finger print reader, and a web camera of 3 to 5 mega pixel, a backup power pack and an integrated printer.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations showed that a laptop with the configuration suitable to carry out the processing of information from the web cam and finger print reader cost N85, 000 and 120,000 pieces of it would amount to N10.2 billion.
A biometric finger print machine required for the same function costs N25, 000 each, meaning that the commission will spend N3 billion for 120,000 pieces, while a web cam of 3 to 5 mega pixel costs N8, 000 each, 120,000 of it will cost N960 million. More so, the machine requires a printer to print out registration slip which comes at the cost of N26, 000 each and for the 120,000 it amounts to N3.1 billion. There is also a provision for power back-up with uninterrupted power system at cost of N720 million for the 120, 000.
However, this figure does not include the cost of integrating the different hardware into one machine.
The integration will enable the laptop read and interpret information from both finger print reader and web camera.
But a standard system built with all the features would cost even less at around N115, 000 each.
Apart from N54.9 billion for ICT-Voter Registration System and solution; other items in the Inec’s N88 billion budget for the 2011 election are: 150,000 units of Transparent Collapsible Boxes allocated N3 billion and Utility Vehicles that will gulp N4 billion.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek also gathered that the review of voters register, was allocated N5.44 billion, logistics requirement for 2011 elections; N2 billion, voter registry requirement for 2011 election; N268.2 million, operation requirement for 2011 elections N470 million, finance and accounts for 2011 elections N1.246 billion, year 2010 bye-elections N700 million, servicom/R C S and GD N155million, electoral hazard allowance N64million and hotel accommodation for political appointees N222.8million.
Analysts said that the election year could have afforded the government the opportunity to rebuild local IT assembly line battered by years of policies somersaults and mismanagement.
Local companies also agree that the electoral commission can save huge sums of
money by looking inwards.
Ahmed Rufai, managing director, Nigerian communications satellite (NigComSat) Ltd said that “With our proposal, each voter’s card would have an in-built smart card which would hold all the information required for registration and voting.
“The machines they want to import are nothing more than metal boxes. Instead of sending out all that money to develop other economies, why not explore local solutions that can offer the same or better value?” Rufai added that aside initial meetings, there has been no further contact from the commission.
“We are working with a consortium of local hardware manufacturers. We made our proposal over two weeks ago and the chairman vowed to come and visit our premises. So far, that has not happened.”
News
Africa Prudential Unveils Digital Growth Strategy

Africa Prudential Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth and digital transformation after posting another strong half-year financial performance, driven by robust growth in its core registrar business, technology-driven solutions and increased activity in Nigeria’s capital market.

Speaking during the company’s H1 2026 Investor Call on Tuesday, the management outlined plans to deepen revenue diversification and accelerate innovation as part of efforts to reduce reliance on interest income and strengthen long-term profitability.
The company reported gross earnings of ₦4.28 billion for the first half of 2026, representing a 27 per cent increase from ₦3.34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Profit before tax rose by 22 per cent to ₦2.41 billion, while profit after tax climbed 18 per cent to ₦1.59 billion.
Net operating income also increased by 27 per cent to ₦4.21 billion, while total assets grew by 13 per cent to ₦46.53 billion. Shareholders’ funds similarly rose by 13 per cent to ₦12.52 billion.
According to the company, the impressive performance was driven by sustained growth in its registrar business, increased corporate actions across the Nigerian capital market, stronger treasury earnings supported by the prevailing interest rate environment and rising adoption of its technology-enabled products and services.African Mineral Wealth
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Catherine Nwosu, said Africa Prudential is steadily evolving from a traditional share registrar into a diversified technology and business solutions provider serving the broader capital market ecosystem.
Addressing concerns from investors about the sustainability of earnings if interest rates decline, Nwosu said the company was deliberately expanding its non-interest income sources.
“Interest rates influence our treasury income positively, but that is why we are deliberately diversifying our revenue streams. Our strategy is to grow recurring fee-based business lines such as our digital solutions, Know Your Customer (KYC) services, AGM technology, probate services and the SabiVest mobile app. Over time, this will reduce our reliance on interest income and create a more balanced and resilient earnings mix,” she said.
She noted that increasing activity in the Nigerian capital market presents fresh opportunities for technology-driven solutions.
“With capital market activity nearly doubling over the past year, demand for seamless digital investor experiences, improved market efficiency and stronger compliance standards continues to grow. We are investing in technology-enabled solutions that position us to capitalise on these opportunities while delivering sustainable value to our shareholders,” she added.
Looking ahead, the company identified five strategic priorities for the second half of 2026, including driving sustainable growth through its core registrar business and new revenue streams, accelerating technology-led product innovation, strengthening brand leadership, investing in talent development and reinforcing corporate governance.
The investor call attracted institutional investors, shareholders, analysts, regulators and other capital market stakeholders, reflecting strong interest in Africa Prudential’s earnings outlook, revenue diversification strategy and long-term growth plans.
News
IHS Nigeria Donates Business-Support Equipment to Empower People with Disabilities in Abuja Community

Communications infrastructure company, IHS Nigeria, has donated business support equipment to empower people with disabilities within the Karonmajiji community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This is part of the company’s commitment to drive inclusive community development and sustainable livelihood support under its Project Empower initiative.

The equipment was distributed to beneficiaries during a ceremony held in the community on Monday, July 27. The initiative was conceived following a community needs assessment and is designed to empower active traders by providing them with business tools rather than cash grants, thereby strengthening their businesses and ensuring long-term economic impact and accountability.
Speaking at the event, Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, described the initiative as a reflection of the company’s commitment to advancing inclusive development by equipping persons with disabilities with the tools and opportunities needed to build resilient livelihoods.
She explained that rather than providing short-term financial assistance, IHS Nigeria adopted an asset-based approach by donating 50 pieces of business support equipment, including sewing machines, freezers, generators and hairdressing kits, to the selected beneficiaries.
According to her, the intervention is designed to create lasting value by supporting entrepreneurship, promoting self-reliance and strengthening household incomes, while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
In his opening remarks, the Chief of the Karonmajiji Disabled Community, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammed Katsina, represented by the Secretary of the Community, Alhaji Mohammed Dantani commended IHS Nigeria for its commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through practical and sustainable interventions.
He described the initiative as a demonstration of genuine partnership with the community and expressed appreciation for the company’s continued engagement with the Association, noting that the donation of the equipment was a significant investment in improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities and would create meaningful economic opportunities for the beneficiaries and their families.
The event brought together traditional rulers, government representatives, leaders and members of the Karonmajiji Disabled Community Association, implementing partners, including Field of Skills and Dreams Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship (FSD VTE) Training Institute and other community stakeholders, reaffirming a shared commitment to promoting inclusion and sustainable community development.
Project Empower reinforces IHS Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through strategic partnerships that promote economic inclusion, strengthen community resilience and create opportunities for underserved communities.
News
CIBN, ACAMB Push for Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment

The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) and the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) have enjoined banks to further deepen and prioritize financial inclusion, women’s empowerment and sustained growth through strategic mandates and frameworks, aimed at closing the financial gap and empowering more small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners.

Both organisations made this call during a courtesy visit to the newly invested 24th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Dele Alabi, Ph.D, FCIB, as part of plans to congratulate him on his investiture as well as seek a stronger alliance between both bodies.
The visit followed Alabi’s investiture where he unveiled his “IMPACT” Vision, themed “Consolidating Our Local Impact, Enhancing Our Global Relevance.”
The vision rests on six pillars: Inclusion across geographic, gender, and generational lines; Membership growth and quality; Professionalism and ethics; Accountability; Competencies and skills development; Technology, automation, and innovation. Other areas of shared interest, include women empowerment, financial inclusion and literacy, as well as MSME clinics, all of which are top on his agenda.
Alabi explained that under him, the institute will be prioritising financial inclusion and women empowerment, because of its realisation that women are often the primary financial managers and caregivers in families. Access to savings, micro-credit, and insurance acts as a safety net during crisis and allows them to significantly improve living conditions.
He added that CIBN would be happy to drive joint knowledge sharing and exchange sessions with CBN and ACAMB across various platforms. “Educating the public through public awareness programmes, with ACAMB as the rallying point, is central to what we do,” he noted.
ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, who led the delegation, spoke in unison with the CIBN president, as he noted that, closing the inbalances in financial access help economies grow faster, reduces inequality, and encourages greater civic participation by all.
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