Telecom
Ovations as Ndukwe Completes Tenure at NCC
Engr. Ernest Ndukwe,former executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has handed over to Engr. Stephen Bello, executive commissioner and most senior staff of the regulatory agency after completion of his two-term tenure.
Engr. Bello is to hold forth until the appointment of the substantive EVC of the Commission for five year tenure.
Later at an impromptu farewell organized by the Commission, Engr. Ndukwe announced that the latest statistics has shown that as at March 25, 2010, the number of active subscriber lines in the network has grown to 78.5 Million, something to cheer about the performance of the Commission.
On a day that two different organizations visited Engr. Ndukwe to confer him with awards for his superlative performance at the Commission, he told a management meeting which he convened for the purpose of announcing his glorious exit from the Commission, that he had a meeting with the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who did not quite realize that his departure will be that soon. He said that at that meeting, it was agreed that he hands over to the most senior officer of the Commission, hence Engr Bello who joined the Commission in 2000 and rose to become an Executive Commissioner.
While recounting his efforts at making the commission a professional and humane organization, Ndukwe told those whom he must have offended to forgive. “I also want to say that during my term in the NCC it is possible that I might have offended some people, I don’t think I have offended anybody as such, but if I did just know that it is because of the course of my duty.
But later in the day at a farewell cocktail, attended by the Board members, management and staff of the Commission, including the officials of the Digital Bridge Institute, DBI, Engr Ndukwe told his audience amidst prayers, ovations and failing emotions that every staff of the Commission must be proud of the contributions they have made to the success of the organization.
“In year 2000, the number of telephone lines in this country was 400,000 and 25,000 analogue mobile lines. As at 25th of March 2010, we have 78.5 Million lines. So as far as we are concerned as a Commission, we have everything to be proud about.
“People say that we have a larger number of lines because of our population. I wish to remind them that we have always had a large population since 1960, and that after 40 years of independence we had only 400,000 lines to boast about.
So, all of you, one by one, have made great contributions to what has happened in the industry and I think you should all be very proud of yourselves”, he said.
He advised them be mindful of certain realities. “You should not forget the operating companies because we have not installed a single line. The only thing that has made the difference is that we created the right environment to make it happen.
“And, that is what I am leaving behind with you – That one statement by the regulator can actually drive all the investments out of this country. Any regulator must have this at the back of his mind because once you don’t do the right thing, or you don’t say the right thing and you don’t perform the right way, the industry can be affected and if negatively, you would have lost all the gains you have made.
“So, it is very important that you still maintain the high level of professionalism that this organization is known for. And you maintain high level of integrity which this organization is known for so that the Nigerian Communications Commission will still be regarded as the flagship organization and as a pride to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he said.
He said his prayer is that the Commission continues to grow from strength to strength. “My prayer is that all of you will continue to grow from strength to strength and this organization will continue to tower higher and higher and I wish all of you well and God will bless all of you”.
He also commended the Board of the Commission for the support he received in the course of his duty. “I would not have asked for a better Board. These people have sacrificed all without counting the cost and I think they are worthy of the trust reposed on them and I can only wish them well.
“Luckily, our board does not get dissolved. While the three of us are leaving, another three will come in, but they will meet six people here and will continue in the tradition of the Commission”, he said while commending management and the officials of the DBI who he advised to still consider the continuation of a programmes for training of lower and medium manpower in the current move to make the institute a university.
While responding, Engr Bello told Engr. Ndukwe that the Commission is very appreciative of his efforts and will wish to “thank God for your service in the Commission, the dedication you have put into your job”. .
“The industry is just a proof, it is a result of your activities and your efforts and your input is very obvious. It can be seen by virtually every Nigerian one way or the other either with telephone in their hands or access to service and the difference that the telecom industry has made to the lives of Nigerians”, he said.
“And so it is with a lot of emotion literally that we have to say goodbye to you because definitely anything that has a beginning has an end but at least one thing we have joy with is that it is ending well, it is ending on a note of joy”, he said.
“We want to thank God that He kept you alive throughout the ten years, it’s been a great one and just as you have said everybody here has in one way had an influence on you. I believe that we also want to say that if we also have unknowingly offended you that you should also forgive us because nobody is perfect. You yourself are not perfect and that is why we make errors, we too are not perfect and we might have also made errors”, he said.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation, digital skills, and emerging technologies to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a globally competitive digital economy.
NITDA
This commitment was reaffirmed at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the EUI Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NITDA participated as a key stakeholder in discussions aimed at advancing technology-driven economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.
Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, who is represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, delivered the Opening Keynote Address at the two-day event themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies.”
Addressing policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners, and young innovators, Kashifu emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s prosperity would increasingly be determined by its ability to harness technology, innovation, and human capital rather than reliance on natural resources.
According to him, the global digital economy presents unprecedented opportunities for Africa and Nigeria to create jobs, attract investments, and improve productivity through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he stated.
He noted that AI and digital technologies are rapidly transforming industries across the world and urged stakeholders to embrace innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development.
He further highlighted NITDA’s ongoing implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The keynote also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, development partners, and the startup ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
The Port Harcourt Tech Expo brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to deliberate on issues relating to Artificial Intelligence, startup development, digital skills, innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem growth.
Participants explored opportunities for positioning the Niger Delta as a major hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship while discussing strategies for addressing challenges related to skills development, startup financing, infrastructure, and technology commercialization.
During the event, NITDA engaged with technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on potential areas of collaboration aimed at advancing digital inclusion and innovation-led development.
The Agency also used the platform to amplify the several of its flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
Observers at the event commended NITDA’s leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and noted the growing impact of the Agency’s interventions in supporting startups, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The Expo concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, support innovation, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships, developing talent, enabling innovation, and creating a technology-driven economy that delivers sustainable prosperity for all citizens.
Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sovereignty through local manufacturing of medical diagnostic technologies.
L-R: CEO/Co-Founder, NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies Limited, Dr. Selim Hani; Team Lead, Science of Defeating Malaria initiative, Professor Dyann F. Wirth; EVC/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Dr. Sami Hani, Board Member, NASENI-Troment Biotecnnologies during the dinner organized for the delegates of the initiative in Abuja at the weekend.
Halilu made the remark while hosting participants of the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria programme at a closing dinner in Abuja at the weekend, following their visit to the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, where they commended the facility’s role in advancing disease control and healthcare innovation in Africa.
The delegation, led by Professor Dyann F. Wirth of Harvard University and comprising about 85 global health professionals, scientists and policymakers, toured the state-of-the-art facility and described it as a significant step towards combating malaria and other infectious diseases across the continent.
Speaking at the dinner, Halilu noted that the commendation further validated the vision behind the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, a strategic project initiated 18 months ago to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported diagnostic kits and strengthen local healthcare manufacturing capacity.
He explained that the facility is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, enough to meet about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s diagnostic testing needs while creating opportunities for export to other African countries and global markets.
The factory manufactures rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products under the N-CheckUP brand for diseases and conditions including malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19, pregnancy and blood glucose monitoring.
According to Halilu, the project aligns with NASENI’s broader mandate of deploying science, technology and innovation to address national challenges, create jobs and build industrial capacity.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Wirth and members of the Harvard delegation for their recognition of the progress made at the facility and reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa.
The Science of Defeating Malaria programme, which was held in Abuja from June 7 to 13, brought together global experts committed to advancing strategies for malaria elimination and strengthening public health systems worldwide.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development, and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
Director General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General DAWN Commission Dr Seye Oyeleye alongside representatives of both organisations, display signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) upon its signing at NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a significant step toward leveraging human capital and fostering regional collaboration to drive sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest region for its longstanding culture of cooperation, noting that collective action remains essential for national progress.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation.
“For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them,” he said.
Inuwa emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, stressing that investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology are critical to creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities.
According to him, the partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to develop local solutions with national and global impact.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation nationwide, he said the Agency is scaling digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology development across the country.
He noted that innovation flourishes where talent, infrastructure, and supportive policies intersect, making it important for every region to identify and strengthen its comparative advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors.
“Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he stated.
The NITDA boss expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of the Agency’s strategic initiatives throughout the Southwest.
He added that both organisations had already begun working together prior to the formalisation of the agreement and called for swift action following the signing.
“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes. While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, highlighted the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring meaningful participation in the digital economy.
He noted that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, views the partnership as a strategic vehicle for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Oyeleye highlighted Nigeria’s target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest has a pivotal role to play in achieving the national objective.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
He explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
He added that the Commission would leverage its extensive network and partnerships across the six Southwest states to bridge federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” he stated.
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, noting that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create rather than the agreements they sign.
The MoU reflects the shared determination of both organisations to advance digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities for citizens across Southwest Nigeria, further supporting the country’s journey toward a robust and inclusive digital economy.
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