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Blockchain Can Fix Supply Chain Failures Exposed by COVID-19 – WEF

Blockchain technology has the ability to tackle supply chain failures exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and boost economic recovery.
This is according to the World Economic Forum, which launched the Redesigning Trust: Blockchain Deployment Toolkit, which enables leaders to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of the technology and help organisations improve future pandemic preparedness and accelerate an economic rebound post-COVID-19.
WEF notes the pressure created by the COVID-19 outbreak on global trade systems highlights an urgent need for global cooperation to maintain and strengthen the resilience of international supply chains.
It explains that over the past four decades, much of manufacturing production world-wide has been organised in what has become known as global value chains (GVCs).
Raw materials and intermediate goods are shipped around the globe multiple times and then assembled in yet another location, says WEF, noting the final output is re-exported to final consumers located in both developed and developing markets.
For many goods, China is at the heart of such GVCs – for example, as a primary producer of high-value products and components, as a large customer of global commodities and industrial products, and as a major consumer marketplace.
China, where the pandemic can be traced back from, is also producing many intermediate inputs and is responsible for processing and assembly operations.
WEF says Foxconn, an electronics contract manufacturer, is a well-known example. Its assembly plants, located in mainland China, produce for many world-leading electronics companies, among them Apple, Intel and Sony.
It says China’s position at the heart of many GVCs is illustrated by the fact that the production decline is also associated with major contractions in international trade flows.
“COVID-19 has shown the vulnerabilities of our supply chains and the opportunity for technologies such as blockchain to boost efficiencies and strengthen trust across a range of stakeholders,” says WEF.
“However, as organisations pivot quickly to put these new technologies into place, the crisis has highlighted the need for both speed and clarity in implementations.”
WEF spent more than a year working with more than 100 organisations and 50 countries across six continents. It also dug deep into 40 blockchain use cases ranging from provenance and traceability, to automation and streamlined operations.
The toolkit’s 14 different modules represent key success and risk factors for the deployment of a blockchain solution within the supply chain context.
According to WEF, organisations can use the toolkit to support more responsible blockchain deployments, de-risk early adoption, and ensure careful consideration of unintended consequences.
It points out that resilience in supply chains depends on trust, transparency and integrity, which can be improved through the responsible deployment of blockchain technologies that offer a “shared truth”.
“The current pandemic underscores the need for businesses and governments to improve the integrity and provenance of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, as well as food, goods, and industrial and consumer products.
“The first of its kind toolkit is the culmination of more than a year of efforts to capture best practices from blockchain deployment across industries,” says WEF.
“The blockchain deployment toolkit is essential for designing solutions that work for a multitude of actors, including smaller players who may not have access to the resources required to unlock the value of blockchain technology,” says Nadia Hewett, blockchain and digital currency project lead for WEF in the US.
“For this reason, the toolkit can level the playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises. There are many lessons to learn from the current pandemic and this toolkit is a starting point for improving long-term pandemic preparedness and accelerating an economic recovery led by public-private cooperation.”
The toolkit has been piloted in a variety of different contexts by organisations developing blockchain solutions within their supply chains, including the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Hitachi, Saudi Aramco, as well as a number of SMEs.
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Lagos Plastic Ban: MAN Warns of Job Losses, Closure of Businesses

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over the impending ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment.
It warned that it could lead to job losses and and lead to economic, operational, and social consequences for manufacturers, traders, recyclers, and end users.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director general, MAN, in a statement called on the Lagos State government to reconsider the ban, citing a lack of credible data and stakeholder engagement.
According to Ajayi-Kadir, a recent study revealed that 100% of manufacturers surveyed expressed fears of job losses and workforce restructuring if the ban is implemented.
He said, “A recent MAN-supported study evaluating the possible impacts of the Lagos State SUPs ban revealed significant adverse economic, operational, and social implications across the value chain, from manufacturers to wholesalers, traders, and end users. It has been noted that only poor and developing countries often tilt towards plastic ban as a strategy to combat environmental problems.
“A hundred percent of the manufacturers consulted expressed concern over a ban-induced workforce restructuring. Thus, several jobs will be lost in the industry if this ban were to be implemented.
“It is noteworthy to mention that there is no form of arrangement for social protection for the employees who will lose their livelihoods as a result of this ban.
“Also, there has been no form of social dialogue on the part of the government with these workers or the industry on the potential job losses.”
According to him, findings showed that 89% of operators in the plastic value chain rely on SUPs as their primary source of income with no alternative source of livelihoods, over 75% of end users, including SMEs, depend on plastic packaging with no affordable or practical alternatives, and 93% of dealers, many of whom are women, reported no prior information or social support mechanisms to cushion the impact.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that banning SUPs would not resolve pollution issues but merely substitute one problem for another, especially without scalable alternatives or infrastructure to support the transition.
He urged the government to focus on improving waste management infrastructure and promoting recycling, rather than imposing bans.
News
Court Hands 23 Chinese Nationals 1 Year Jail Term Each for Cyberterrorism, Fraud

A Federal High Court in Ikeja, Lagos state has sentenced 23 Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each for their involvement in cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them before Justices D.E. Osiagor, D.I. Dipeolu, and A.O. Faji on a single count of cyberterrorism and online fraud.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, revealed that the convicted individuals were members of a cyber-fraud syndicate comprising 792 people.
He noted that the culprits were arrested on Thursday, December 19, 2024 in Lagos, during an operation known as ‘Eagle Flush.’
Oyewale stated that the individuals identified as Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, Wu Hao, Cong Bing, and Li Qiang alias Yang Huan Huan, Zheng Wei alias A. Hong, Cheng Jian, Da Tou, A Wen, Zhang Lei, Huang Zhi, Pan Jiong, Chen Wen Yuan, Jia You alias A. You, Wang Zheng Feng alias Feng, Liu San Hua, Liu Beixing, and Wen Zong Xu alias Li Long were all charged on one count of online fraud and cyber-terrorism.
One of the charges brought against Yu Hui (also known as A. Bin) claimed that he, along with others, unlawfully accessed computer systems in Lagos around December 2024 with the intent to destabilize and damage Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
According to the EFCC, this act violated Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and is punishable under that law.
Similarly, another charge filed against Jia You, accused him of accessing computer systems with the aim of undermining and harming Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
This action was said to be in breach of both the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Initially all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, during the court session, they pleaded guilty.
The EFCC prosecution team comprising of Nneemeka Omewa, Babatunde Sonoiki, U.S Kyari, and B.M Isah informed the court that the defendants had reached plea bargain agreements.
The defence team confirmed this and requested the court to adopt the terms of the agreements.
Justices Osiagor, Faji, and Dipeolu found each defendant guilty and sentenced them to one year in prison, with the sentence starting from their arrest date on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Each convict was also fined N1 million.
Additionally, the judges ordered the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to deport the convicts within seven days of completing their sentences.
All devices recovered during the operation including mobile phones, laptops, and routers were forfeited to the Nigerian government.
News
Galaxy Backbone Reaffirms Commitment to Support Security Agencies with Its Vast Digital Infrastructure

The Board, Management, and Staff of Galaxy Backbone (GBB) express profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Benue, Borno, Plateau, Anambra, and other states affected by recent waves of violent attacks and insecurity. We mourn with every family, community, and institution that has suffered the pain of loss, displacement, and trauma.
At Galaxy Backbone (GBB), we firmly believe that security is the bedrock of any thriving society. No nation can make meaningful progress when peace is threatened. These tragic incidents are not just national emergencies, they represent deep personal losses to every Nigerian, and they call for urgent, united, and technology-enabled solutions to support lasting peace.
As a Federal Government organization, entrusted with delivering secure digital infrastructure and smart technology solutions to public institutions across Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone remains resolute in its commitment to supporting state governments and security agencies through cutting-edge digital platforms that enable proactive and intelligent security management.
We also acknowledge and commend the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the concerted efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in responding decisively to the security challenges facing parts of the country. The President’s unwavering commitment to peace, safety, and national unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda is evident in the bold steps being taken to restore order and build a more secure Nigeria.
Through our Safe City Security Solutions, GBB offers an integrated suite of smart surveillance systems, real-time data analytics, emergency communication networks, and AI-enabled threat detection tools. These solutions are specifically designed to enhance operational capabilities, strengthen coordination across security agencies, and empower informed decision-making in high-risk environments.
GBB stands ready to partner with both state governments and security agencies that are committed to building safer, smarter, and more resilient communities. We believe that technology must lead the charge in safeguarding lives, and we are proud to serve as a trusted digital ally in Nigeria’s journey toward modern, tech-enabled public safety.
Together, we can bolster early warning systems, expand surveillance coverage, enable faster emergency responses, and ensure that every Nigerian lives in a country where peace and prosperity are not aspirations, but realities.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace. And may strength, healing, and hope return to the hearts and homes of all those affected.
Galaxy Backbone remains aligned with the vision of a secure, digitally connected, and inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen has the freedom to live, work, and dream in peace.
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