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Digital Economy Will Make Nigeria Globally Competitive – NITDA DG

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Kasheem Inuwa, Director General of the National Information and Technology Development Agency, NITDA says the digital economy when implemented will make Nigeria globally competitive.

Inuwa made the remark at the opening ceremony of the Information Assurance Workshop organized by the national Information Technology and Development Agency, NITDA in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

He said the digital economy is estimated at 22.5% of the world’s economy and yet has not been fully exploited, even as the Digital investments have growth multiplier effect in national GDP, where it increases the national economic output.

He however, added that the growth and potential of the digital economy depends on the trust on the Internet and in cyberspace

The NITDA boss, who was represented by the Director of Information Technology and Infrastructure Solutions Department, ITIS, Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullahi noted that the increasing use of digital technologies is continually exposing sensitive information and critical systems to risks and threats in the cyberspace.

And for this reason, Cyber criminals not only try to gain control over our infrastructure, they also try to steal personal information, official data and mislead citizens with fake news.

‘‘Government and industries migrate online and find effective ways of reaching out to citizens and finding efficient ways of carrying out their businesses. These activities are majorly dependent on use of data; it’s either data is created, collected, stored or analyzed. Data is a critical asset to the digital economy as such a critical target for cyber criminals.

‘‘The boom in digital economy is delicately balanced with equivalent threats that could bring organisations and nations to their knees with colossal damage arising from financial and reputational losses to cybercriminals; hence government and industries need to enhance their cybersecurity in the wake of these evolving threats to online activities.

‘‘The Nigerian digital economy is known to account for up to 13.8% of the nation’s GDP. It is therefore obvious that the digital economy is a platform to increase the growth of the national economy. Little wonder the Federal Government in its proactive nature repositioned the Federal Ministry of Communications to tap into this growth possibility with the expansion of its portfolio to cover all activities that would harness the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.

‘‘The digital economy leverages on cyberspace, characterized with evolving cyber threats. Thus, cybersecurity is key to enable the growth and progress of the digital economy .Security privacy and trust are critical issues for a thriving digital economy. Government and industries need to employ measures enlist the trust and confidence or all stakeholders: the government, private sector and Individuals.

“This is one of the platforms for ensuring that everybody puts in the required amount of effort and commitment to ensuring trust building and dissuading the negatives of the criminals in a digital economy.’’

He said the workshop was planned to bring together efforts of all Government organisations to combat one of the growing threats to economies, personal and national security globally.

To address the growing cybersecurity threat, he said NITDA is using a multi-faceted approach: implementing new regulations, inspecting and examining regulated entities, providing support to its Constituents, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, sensitizing and educating both the industry and the public, conducting research and leveraging on collaborations to issue guidance on trending cybersecurity matters and mitigation strategies. In terms of collaboration,

Inuwa said the agency has established MOUs with national and international stakeholders including; Seoul National University and Cybersecurity Malaysia, KPMG and British High Commission, to mention a few.

Also, a multi-stakeholder collaborative initiative for the implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy, Plan and Act in MDAS is being embarked upon, at the instance of the Minister, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

He called on all MDAs to commit to comply with the circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on the implementation of one of the regulations by MDAS; the National Information Systems and Network Security Standards, all in a bid to ensure the security of data and technology systems in line with global best practices, and also to ensure a thriving digital economy where all stakeholders would have confidence and trust on.

In his presentation, Cybersecurity Expert, Dr. Kenneth Okereafor called for the establishment of a single Coordinating Unit of all Cybersecurity activities in Nigeria such that this body can help in the operationalization and be held accountable when necessary.

‘‘This programme is a proposal to government to implement policies that will make our cyber space more secure. The reason is because in other climes, it is very easy to detect when attacks are coming in. We are looking at a situation where Nigeria as a country has a framework in place to detect cyber security breaches. Beyond that to also respond proactively.

‘‘One of the ways to do that is to have a single coordinating unit. Though, we may be having an agency regulating IT and Cybersecurity, it is also important to have people we can hold accountable such that these bodies can help in the operationalization around him. People are not aware of the various exposures that we have in terms of cybersecurity. And the only way to do that is to have constant training and retraining in cyber security,’’ said Okereafor.

‘‘Agencies of government need now to take cybersecurity education and awareness more seriously and because of the complexity of the data space that we operate in and enlargement and embrace of technology in so many areas, it now becomes imperative for agencies of government to be aware of the exposures and then take proper actions.

‘‘Legislation and for supporting cybersecurity can never be too much. We also as a country need to look into legislation to legitimize all the regulations that need to be applied in cybersecurity. To that extent, it is necessary for government to consider having more legal frameworks to backup other areas of cybersecurity.

‘‘We as a country need to define, develop and institutionalize frameworks to protect data each of these areas. We have a lot of frameworks, but we can harmonize them and begin to use them as a people. The Cybersecurity law though is in place needs to be strengthened,’’ he added.

In his own remarks, the Head of CyberSecurity Unit at NITDA, Dr. Wariowei Dimie explained that the Information Assurance Workshop was jointly organized by SGF and NITDA to educate heads of public institutions on the need to keep the confidentiality and integrity of all public information whenever and whoever that intends to have access to it.

He said, ‘‘We discovered that in public service the world over, cyber criminals are working very hard to steal information because there is value attached to data. Because the value of data is so importance, we are putting up this workshop to make sure that whatever data generated and made available in public service is kept safe from hackers.

‘‘We would make sure that there are certain regulations put in place are adhered to by MDAs, as stated in the circular circulated by the SGF.’’ On implementation, he said, ‘‘there is plan for monitoring and evaluations. ‘Circulars generated by SGF and HOS are usually structured in such a way that compliance can be monitored from the end of the organization and as well as the generating agency.’’


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LG Electronics Showcases Advanced HVAC Solutions at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026

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LG Electronics reaffirmed its position as a leading innovator in climate control and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions with its participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026, the 9th International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Exhibition recognized as the largest HVAC+R sector show in West Africa.

Held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, the three-day exhibition brought together global manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and industry stakeholders to explore the future of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies across the region.

As one of the featured exhibitors at the event, LG leveraged the platform to showcase a range of advanced HVAC solutions designed to address the growing demand for smarter, more energy-efficient, and scalable cooling systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

With West Africa’s HVAC sector continuing to evolve alongside rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and increasing attention to sustainability, Mega Clima has become a strategic meeting point for conversations around innovation, efficiency, and climate-responsive technologies. The 2026 edition featured over 100 global brands, thousands of professional visitors, technical workshops, and networking opportunities, further positioning the exhibition as a key industry platform within the region.

Showcasing Smart Climate Solutions for Residential and Industrial Needs

At the LG exhibition booth, visitors and stakeholders engaged directly with a range of the company’s advanced HVAC technologies, including the LG Multi V.5 and Multi VS systems, both designed to deliver high-performance cooling while optimising energy consumption.

Speaking during the exhibition, Business Development Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Ifeoluwa Babarinsa, highlighted the adaptability and efficiency of the showcased systems, particularly their ability to support multiple indoor units while maintaining low energy consumption.

According to him, the LG Multi V.5 system is designed primarily for industrial and large-scale commercial applications, while the Multi VS system is tailored toward residential use cases, providing flexible solutions for varying environmental and operational demands.

A major highlight of the systems is their scalability, with both solutions capable of connecting to as many as 64 indoor units, offering increased operational flexibility across different building types and installation requirements.

The exhibition also featured several indoor HVAC solutions compatible with the VRF systems, including the Round Cassette, Ceiling Concealed Type Units, and Four-Way Cassette Units.

Particular attention was drawn to the Round Cassette unit, which was presented as an innovative cooling solution suitable for spaces without conventional ceiling structures. The unit also demonstrated enhanced airflow performance through its round-flow air distribution system and faster cooling capabilities.

Through live demonstrations and product engagement sessions, LG provided visitors with practical insight into how modern HVAC technologies can improve comfort, operational efficiency, and energy management across residential and commercial spaces.

Reinforcing LG’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Innovation

LG’s participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 reflects the company’s broader commitment to delivering technologies that align with evolving consumer and industry needs, particularly in markets where energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.

As conversations around environmental sustainability and smart infrastructure continue to shape the future of the HVAC industry, the exhibition provided an opportunity for LG to reinforce the role of intelligent climate solutions in supporting long-term energy optimisation and building performance.

The company’s showcased systems emphasised not only cooling performance, but also operational efficiency, adaptability, and user-focused design, qualities that continue to define LG’s approach to innovation across both consumer and commercial categories.

“This year, we showcased our inverter product range alongside advanced HVAC solutions that reflect LG’s continued commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and smarter climate control technologies. One of the key highlights was our AI-powered VRF solution, the Multi V i, which represents the next phase of intelligent cooling systems we are introducing into the Nigerian market. As the headquarters of LG Electronics West Africa, Nigeria remains a strategic hub for us, and we remain committed to expanding access to innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and businesses across the region.”

LG’s presence at the exhibition also reflected its continued investment in engaging industry professionals, technical experts, and business stakeholders through platforms that encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement within the HVAC sector.

Positioning Technology as a Driver of Smarter Living and Infrastructure

Beyond product displays, Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 created a broader conversation around the future of climate control technologies within rapidly developing urban environments. From commercial buildings and hospitality spaces to residential infrastructure, the demand for efficient and intelligent cooling systems continues to grow across the region.

By participating in one of West Africa’s most influential HVAC exhibitions, LG demonstrated its readiness to support this growth through solutions that combine advanced engineering, smart functionality, and energy-conscious performance.

The exhibition further reinforced LG’s philosophy of creating technologies that improve everyday experiences while supporting the broader goals of efficiency, sustainability, and modern living.

As the HVAC industry continues to evolve across Africa, LG remains committed to delivering solutions that not only respond to present demands, but also anticipate the future needs of businesses, homes, and infrastructure across the continent.


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Kaspersky Warns that Scammers are Exploiting World Cup 2026 Travellers

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Kaspersky experts explain which online offers travellers should be cautious of when planning their trip, to avoid spoiling their experience ahead of the upcoming games.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the World Cup 2026, and many are already handling their travel logistics, purchasing their flights and other transport tickets, booking accommodation, and arranging everything they need to reach the host cities. As interest grows, so does the number of fraudulent schemes that exploit the fact that fans are actively preparing for their upcoming journey.

In late April 2026, Kaspersky experts detected a campaign exploiting the branding of a well-known transport app, targeting users in Mexico. The interface of a fake Spanish-language website, impersonating one of the services, prompts users to enter their phone number and password in order to “claim prizes.” In reality, the attackers are mimicking a trusted brand and attempting to steal users’ credentials from those lured by the promise of a reward.

Some cybercriminals go “a level lower” and post their offers on the dark web. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts discovered a thread advertising such services, published on a shadow forum in March 2026.

The listings included offers for discounted airline tickets, hotel bookings, and match tickets, allegedly at 20% off the original price. These offers are designed to lure users and can be highly dangerous, ultimately resulting in victims losing both their money and any services they expected to receive.

Entrepreneurs and property owners also in the crosshairs

Cybercriminals are also targeting businesses and entrepreneurs at the intersection of the travel industry, which is also involved in the event. Given the high demand for short-term rentals during the tournament, property owners have become an attractive target for scams.

For example, a fake website was discovered requesting account credentials for a well-known platform. In this way, scammers attempt to gain access to property owner accounts, potentially resulting in unauthorised withdrawals and financial losses.

Another common scheme involves fraudsters attempting to extract money from organisations by posing as representatives of well-known airlines and offering fictitious business partnerships. In these emails, they claim to be launching new projects or business expansion initiatives and state that they are actively seeking suppliers or contractors.

If a company representative responds to such an offer, the scammers typically escalate the deception in a subsequent stage. To enhance credibility, they send forged documents for completion and signature, including supplier registration forms and non-disclosure agreements.

The ultimate objective of the fraudsters in this scheme is to induce the organisation to pay a so-called “deposit,” ostensibly required to secure a priority position in a partner selection list.

According to the claims made in the fraudulent communications, this payment would later be fully refunded once the partnership is formally established. In reality, this promise is entirely deceptive. The perpetrators simply appropriate the funds, and no reimbursement is ever made to the victim organisation.

“The travel sector, particularly when it intersects with major events, is a persistent target for a wide range of scams and fraudulent schemes. For end users, it is often difficult to distinguish at first sight between a legitimate website and a spoofed one, or between genuine marketing communications from a reputable service and scam emails.

“We therefore advise treating overly attractive offers with a high degree of caution in order to protect your personal data and financial resources,” says Anna Lazaricheva, senior spam analyst at Kaspersky.


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Meta Platforms Contributed $820m to Nigeria’s Economy in 2025 – Report

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Meta’s family of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, contributed an estimated 820 million dollars in annual economic value to Nigeria in 2025, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

Meta platforms contributed $820m to Nigeria’s economy in 2025 - Report

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The report titled “Nigeria’s Digital Economy” was conducted by independent research firm, Public First, and commissioned by Meta.

It stated that 14 million Nigerian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) used Meta platforms in 2025 to start, run and grow their businesses.

According to the report, the platforms contributed about two billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while generating an estimated 640 million dollars in productivity gains through instant messaging services.

The report noted that 81 per cent of Nigerian businesses surveyed said Meta platforms had helped them expand their customer base beyond their local areas.

It added that the digital tools had reduced customer acquisition costs and enabled businesses in different parts of the country to access wider markets.

The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s economy, projecting that AI could contribute 22 billion dollars to the country’s GDP by 2035 under favourable conditions.

It stated that 87 per cent of online Nigerians surveyed believed AI products developed within Africa would play an important role in the continent’s economic growth.

Speaking on the findings, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Balkissa Ide Siddo, described Nigeria as one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and digitally engaged markets.

According to her, Meta platforms are helping to remove traditional barriers to business growth and enabling entrepreneurs to access broader economic opportunities.

“From a tailor in Lagos reaching customers across the country through Instagram, to a small business owner in Kano taking orders on WhatsApp, to a creator in Abuja building a global audience on Facebook, Meta’s platforms are unlocking real economic opportunity,” she said.

Siddo noted that WhatsApp had become a major gateway for AI adoption in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She added that 93 per cent of Meta AI prompts in the region were made through WhatsApp, indicating that many users were engaging with AI technologies through platforms they already use daily.

The report further stated that 93 per cent of online Nigerian adults surveyed said they felt more connected to wider communities through Meta’s applications.

Also speaking, Alison Neyle, Director at Public First, said the findings reflected the increasing role of digital platforms in supporting entrepreneurship and participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

“Nigeria’s digital transformation is creating new opportunities for businesses, creators and consumers alike.

“With the right combination of infrastructure, platform access and open-source AI, the upside for Nigeria is significant,” Neyle said.

The report projected that Meta’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy could rise to two billion dollars annually as digital adoption deepens and internet access improves across the country.


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