Telecom
Experts harp on need to balance innovation with regulation in fintech space
At the recently held 10th edition of the Information Communications and Telecommunication Exhibition (ICTEL Expo), industry experts have emphasized the critical need to strike a balance between innovation and regulation in the fintech sector. The flagship event, organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), with the theme, ‘New Tech: Threats and Opportunities’, brought together key players in the technology and telecommunications and financial services industries.
Panelists at the 10th edition of the LCCI ICTEL Expo on the impact of regulations on fintech operations and innovation.
This year’s edition reflects Nigeria’s present journey towards a self-sustaining and productive digital economy; highlighting the transformative power of emerging technologies, mitigating the associated risks and exploring the endless possibilities they present.
The focus on fintech and telecoms sectors, evaluating their operations, challenges, yearnings and how to improve their services and productivity derives from the critical way in which they are deeply embedded in our lives today.
During a panel discussion on the impact of regulations on fintech operations and innovation, Partnerships Specialist Moniepoint Inc, Emmanuel Abadi, alongside other industry leaders, made a compelling case for increased collaboration across the fintech ecosystem.
Abadi stressed the importance of finding equilibrium between fostering innovation and implementing necessary regulations to ensure stability and consumer protection in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
“The regulatory landscape in Nigeria is evolving in a good way especially to the extent that we have hundreds of fintechs that are driving some of the mandates of the CBN today.
“At Moniepoint, we are very passionate about powering the dreams of millions of business owners and the individuals that they support and we have seen that financial inclusion has grown and thrived on the strength of existing regulation.
“We understand the imperative of using regulation as the lynchpin for driving stability in the nation’s economy at large, as well as the need to deepen consumer protection by building systems that will increase the public and regulator’s trust in the services that we as fintechs provide.
“Thankfully, there are channels in place that facilitate information exchange between the regulators and the players, and this has helped us a great deal,” Abadi noted.
Abadi also took the opportunity to showcase Moniepoint’s significant contributions to advancing the government’s socio-economic agenda, as evidenced by the launch of a definitive report around the informal economy, partnerships with the CAC, SMEDAN and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment whilst underscoring the potential of fintech solutions to drive positive change in Nigeria’s financial services landscape.
The discussants also called on the need to have targeted guidelines that cater to the nuances and peculiarities of the fintechs and other innovative players, as against the current practice where majority of the rules in place are the same ones developed and applicable to the traditional financial institutions.
They maintained that regular and collaborative engagement between the fintechs and the regulators can fast track the formulation of regulatory guidelines that will be proactive and grow the industry.
The session which was moderated by Hakeem Olajide, CEO, Ascentree Services Ltd also had Ochanya Dan-Ugo, Director /Group Chief Risk Officer, Unified Payments and Seun Folorunso, AGM Projects & Relationships, FintechNGR as co-panelists.
The two-day expo featured a diverse array of activities, including special presentations, masterclasses, product demonstrations, exhibitions, and pitch sessions. These events provided attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the information and communication technology sector.
Special guests at the event included President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA; Engr Leye Kupoluyi, Deputy President, LCCI; VP and Chairperson, Trade Promotion Board, Abimbola Olashore and Director-General, Chinyere Almona.
The ICTEL Expo, now in its tenth year, continues to serve as a crucial platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the ICT and fintech sectors in Nigeria.
As the fintech industry continues to evolve rapidly, the insights shared at this event underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue between innovators, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure a thriving and responsible fintech ecosystem in Nigeria.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a stern warning to content creators filming and sharing videos of unsuspecting citizens on social media, describing such practices as direct violations of citizens’ rights to informational self-determination.
NDPC
The Commission drew attention to individuals capturing pictures and footage of the general public without consent, breaching Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act).
NDPC specifically flagged a content creator in Lagos State who films unsuspecting passersby at roadsides for a “reality show”. The Commission stressed that processing personal images in this manner demands explicit consent or a justifiable lawful basis under the NDP Act.
Preliminary investigations revealed no public or legitimate interest served by this “wilful invasion of privacy”. Data subjects, the Commission noted, have no reasonable expectation that their images would be captured and broadcast globally by an unknown individual.
National Commissioner/CEO Dr Vincent Olatunji has instructed social media platform owners—including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta—to intensify enforcement of community guidelines to prevent harm from unlawful and unfair personal data processing.
Platforms failing to act promptly face sanctions under the NDP Act. Individual creators remain personally liable for violations, potentially facing criminal prosecution for infringing citizens’ and data subjects’ privacy rights.
The advisory was signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq. CDPRP, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations.
NDPC emphasised that abuse of rights under the guise of entertainment will not be tolerated, urging compliance to safeguard Nigerians’ data privacy in the digital age.
In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Techeconomy, a leading business news platform in Nigeria, has unveiled its “100 Women Shaping the Future: Techeconomy Power List 2026,” recognizing exceptional women driving innovation, leadership, and impact across technology and the broader digital economy.
Techeconomy
The annual recognition spotlights women who are transforming industries through entrepreneurship, policy leadership, digital innovation, financial inclusion, media, education, and emerging technologies.
The initiative is part of Techeconomy’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and highlighting female leadership shaping Africa’s technology ecosystem.
The Techeconomy IWD Power List features a diverse group of women, from corporate executives and startup founders to policymakers, ecosystem builders, and social innovators, whose work continues to influence the future of technology, business, and digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking on the initiative, Joan Aimuengheuwa, the Managing Editor at Techeconomy, noted that the recognition goes beyond celebrating titles, focusing instead on impact, resilience, and the ability to shape the future through innovation and leadership.
According to her, “the women on the list represent different sectors including fintech, banking, healthcare, agriculture, education, communications, and the creative economy, demonstrating the growing role of women in advancing technology-driven development.
The unveiling aligns with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, which highlights the achievements of women and calls for accelerated progress toward gender equality. Across the world, the technology sector continues to push for greater female representation and leadership as part of efforts to build more inclusive digital economies.
Also speaking, Oluwatosin Aloba, the Brand Manager at Techeconomy, said: “Techeconomy IWD 2026 Power List is specially designed to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders by showcasing role models who are breaking barriers and redefining possibilities in the technology landscape.
“Techeconomy encouraged industry stakeholders, institutions, and the broader public to celebrate the achievements of these women while continuing to support policies, programs, and investments that expand opportunities for women in technology”, she added.
The full list of the “100 Women Shaping the Future: Techeconomy Power List 2026” is available on the Techeconomy website or visit: https://techeconomy.ng/techeconomy-iwd-2026-power-list-celebrates-100-women-shaping-the-future-of-tech/.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), via its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to launch applications for the fifth cohort of the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme, targeting 37 innovation hubs—one per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NITDA
The initiative selects hubs as state-level managers to run incubation programmes, addressing uneven support outside Lagos and Abuja. “Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, but access remains uneven,” said ONDI National Coordinator Victoria Fabunmi. “iHatch builds stronger hubs, standardises quality, and boosts investment readiness across all regions.”
Amid Africa’s $3.42 billion startup funding in 2025, Nigeria’s innovation clusters in major cities, sidelining rural founders. Selected hubs will incubate five startups each for at least one year, providing structured guidance for growth and funding. Hubs gain operational support, resources, and performance rewards—prioritizing ecosystem leadership over cash grants.
Eligibility and Timeline
Eligible hubs must:
Operate for at least one year with local engagement.
Possess infrastructure for incubation activities.
Applications close March 16 at ondi.nitda.gov.ng/#/ihatch.
Fabunmi emphasized: “By equipping hubs with tools, curriculum, and oversight, iHatch ensures consistent outcomes for founders everywhere,” tackling geographic gaps to scale local innovation.
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