E-Business
Alomo-Oluwa Seeks Intensification of IT Advocacy in Nigeria
Mrs. Funke Alomo-Oluwa, managing director, ChamsAccess Limited, has harped on the need for increased advocacy with regards to Information Technology in Nigeria, noting that the country could remain backwards if the sector is neglected.
Alomo-Oluwa made this known at the reception in honour of the newly inaugurated National President of the National Computer Society (NCS), Professor Sola Aderounmu, recently in Lagos.
Alomo-Oluwa who was the guest speaker and presented a paper entitled; “Nigeria Computer Society: The need for IT advocacy in Nigeria” said despite the growing presence, adoption, and influence of technology in the country, various factors still mitigate against the holistic development and advancement of the sector, a scenario which she declared is not helpful for the nation’s technological development and economic expansion.
According to her, “The development of Information Technology in Nigeria is hindered as a result of problems such as corruption and nepotism, poor procurement policies, and little or no IT governance. These issues negates the progress recorded and could further diminish them if not checked.”
The Managing Director, ChamsAccess Limited who identified a host of predicaments such as data mining by foreign countries, lack of knowledge and skill transfer, loss of national/military security intelligence to foreign forces, massive economic loss in international trade, lack of standardization, and low contribution of IT towards the nation’s GDP, as consequences of maintaining the status quo on ICT urged the relevant government regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to massively devise strategies aimed at encouraging the development of the sector in the country.
She also noted that the use of IT can help bring about the needed accountability and transparency in public expenditures as craved for by the present government advised them not to repeat the mistake of past administration who sparsely patronised Nigerian IT firms for major capital projects.
In addition, she implored the NCS to ensure they promote the importance and membership of the society, engage in the continuous education of its members and young people through periodic seminars and workshops, push for the review and update of ICT laws in Nigeria, and help campaign for funding of start-ups in the IT sector.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Peter Jack, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who was represented by Dr. Armstrong Takang, said the agency would continue to collaborate with the NCS to uphold the standardisation of the ICT sector as a means to further position the country as a frontline IT player globally.
In his words, “NITDA continues to demonstrate its commitment to standardising and promoting regulations for IT practise in Nigeria and is ready to support the Nigeria Computer Society in the cause to drive growth of our IT sector by promoting Local Content initiatives and programmes through support for start ups and indigenous technologies.”
On his part, Professor Sola Aderounmu, the new president of NCS, said the leadership Nigerian Computer Society will remain committed to its goals and statutes which include uplifting the standards of the profession, safeguarding the interest of our members, By doing so, NCS will find its tasks easier, relations improved, and achievements and contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria enhanced.
The event brought together prominent professionals in the IT sector such as the Chairman of Zinox, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Mrs Funke Opeke of Main One, Sir Demola Aladekomo, Founding Managing Director, Chams Plc, Ms Juliet Ehimuan Chiazor, Country Manager Google. and professionals from other sectors of the economy.
Nigeria has emerged as one of Africa’s most regulated online gambling markets, even as illegal operators continue to dominate the continent, according to a new report by Gaming Compliance International (GCI).
The report, the first comprehensive assessment of online gambling across all 54 African countries, showed that Africa’s online gambling Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached $23 billion in 2025.
However, only $5.2 billion (23 per cent) was generated by licensed operators, while $17.8 billion (77 per cent) remained in the unregulated market.
In West Africa, total online gambling revenue rose to $4.8 billion in 2025 from $4.3 billion in 2024. Of the 2025 figure, regulated operators accounted for $1.5 billion (31 per cent), while $3.3 billion (69 per cent) flowed to unlicensed platforms, highlighting the region’s persistent enforcement challenges.
Nigeria stood out as the region’s strongest performer, recording the lowest unregulated market share at 56 per cent, compared with the West African average of 69 per cent and the African average of 77 per cent.
The study also found that online gambling participation across Africa increased from 198 million people (13 per cent of the population) in 2024 to 215 million (14 per cent) in 2025.
Despite this growth, GCI estimated that illegal operators deprived African governments of about $3.55 billion in tax revenue in 2025. The number of unlicensed gambling platforms targeting African consumers also rose to 4,129, up from 3,644 in 2024.
Commenting on the findings, Matt Holt, chief executive officer, GCI, said the report provides regulators with the first continent-wide benchmark for strengthening oversight and consumer protection.
Ismail Vali, president, GCI, urged governments to develop competitive and well-regulated markets that encourage consumers to patronise licensed operators, boost public revenue and attract greater investment.
Online gambling in Nigeria is regulated by the Nation Lottery Regulatory Commission.
At the height of the Northern Hemisphere tourist season, demand for communications and mobile Internet services rises sharply. Kaspersky’s security experts have uncovered scams that target anyone purchasing mobile connections or SIM cards worldwide.
Fraudsters create counterfeit websites that look like the portals of major regional and international telecom providers to trick users into revealing their phone numbers, personal details or banking information.
Kaspersky is sharing several examples of these fake login pages that mimic legitimate telecom operator sites and giving recommendations on how not to be deceived.
In the first case, scammers exploit the brand name of an international telecommunications company operating services in Asia, Africa and Europe. Fake authentication pages encourage users to put in their phone number and credentials.
While the first example shows the different design, the second scam site closely mimics the original log in page, making it hard for users to tell the difference and spot a fake. Entering authentication or payment data on fraudulent web sites may result in money or data loss and become a reason for more frequent spam and fraudulent calls.
Another example is a scam page which poses as another international communications company, working in North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In this scheme scammers encourage users to top up their mobile data/Internet plans by entering their personal information and bank cards details.
Kaspersky experts have also identified a scam when cyber criminals suggest users enter their personal data to check and pay a bill inquiry. Such scam schemes are usually aimed at gaining victims’ personal data for further fraud or account hacking and stealing money.
“Because of the active use of AI, scammers can now create fake pages with ever increasing accuracy and speed, targeting the most popular user interest areas. We constantly see scams revolving around sports events, music concerts, seasonal sales and holidays. Unfortunately, the telecoms industry is no exception.
To keep your data and money safe, be vigilant when purchasing mobile or Internet plans online. Using an eSIM – purchased through an official app – is one way to avoid fake telecom sites, as it eliminates the need to enter personal details on questionable web pages.
If you’re unsure about a site’s legitimacy, search for the brand name directly in a search engine and enable a security solution that blocks phishing links for you,” comments Tatyana Kulikova, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.
In a strategic push to bridge the gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to advance women’s digital inclusion and drive the nation’s transformation agenda.
Dr Aristotle Onumo and some NITDA staff, pose for a group photograph with the President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, and members of the delegation following a strategic engagement at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The partnership was cemented during a courtesy visit to NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, by a NAWOJ delegation led by National President Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim, who introduced the agency to the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit & Awards 2026.
Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of the Stakeholders Management and Partnerships Department, assured the association that NITDA would not only participate in the conference, but also support the success of the conference.
Inuwa hailed the NAWOJ for creating a platform for peacebuilding, dialogue on security and women’s inclusion, which he described as one of the critical areas NITDA is focused on to ensure that more women obtain digital literacy and skills under the National Gender Inclusive Strategy.
Beyond NITDA’s plan to participate in the conference, the DG noted that a robust partnership between the organisations would engender meaningful opportunities and initiatives through which many more women can access digital literacy.
“Inclusivity is the key to everything we do at NITDA. We clearly defined that 40 per cent of our programmes must recognise the issue of gender. We ensure that women are adequately represented and positioned to benefit greatly from the programmes that we organise in the agency.
“We graciously accept to participate actively in that conference. Apart from acquiring skills among journalists themselves, partnership with NAWOJ will also serve as a platform through which we can also reach out to various women’s groups across the federation,” Inuwa said.
Earlier, Comrade Ibrahim commended the DG for his visionary and transformational leadership which has continued to position NITDA as the catalyst for Nigeria’s digital economy through its various programmes.
She explained that the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026 is an initiative of NAWOJ designed to promote collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, technology experts, the media, and other stakeholders to address contemporary security challenges.
According to Comrade Ibrahim, the association also aims to recognise outstanding individuals and institutions that have demonstrated excellence in security, governance, and innovation while fostering meaningful dialogue on the role of technology in building a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
“We deeply appreciate your exemplary leadership, passion for innovation, and unwavering commitment to building a digitally empowered Nigeria. We respectfully invite the agency to partner with NAWOJ in making this landmark initiative a success.
“We look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with NITDA that will empower women journalists with cutting-edge digital skills, support digital inclusion and contribute to innovation, digital literacy, and human capital development,” the NAWOJ president added.
Both organisations expressed optimism that the meeting would lay a solid foundation for a rewarding partnership agreement with specific and clearly defined objectives that will support digital inclusion and contribute to innovation, digital literacy, and human capital development.
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