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Concerns as States Operate at Outskirts of ICT4D

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The federal government has waxed worriedly at the lethargy state governments to the Information and Communications Technology 4 Development (ICT4D) project, the so-called specialized information technology initiative of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) expected to earn some $900 before 2020, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.

As at last count, only three states: Enugu, Niger and Osun states have indicated their interests to use the ICT4D blue print on how to use IT to drive every sector of the economy in order to achieve the nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The ICT4D document is aimed at encouraging investment in ICT and it is used as a tool in a wide range of applications and infrastructural planning, fight illiteracy, improve health care delivery, enhance quality of education, boost human capital development, agriculture, national security and law enforcement, governance and the private sector.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, deputy director, Corporate Services and Research for NITDA, speaking during National IT Forum organized by the Agency at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) annual conference held in Enugu recently, said that NITDA views an establishment of ICT Agencies in States as the best approach to solve related challenges in those areas.

He said, “We have the national IT Policy, which NITDA is implementing, but what we are trying to do is to drive whatever we have achieved with the national IT policy at the federal level and bring it down to the state level. Over 60 per cent of Nigerians live in the rural area, and our plan is to drive IT policy from the federal level to state level and local government level.”

According to NITDA, building ICT infrastructure by States without relevant agencies on ground is a step in the wrong direction, hence sustaining and inundating of the gestures will become unattainable.

For instance, the slow pace in the implementation of the National IT Policy at the State level forced NITDA, in 2013, to write the 36 States of the federation, informing them of its intention to further drive the IT policy across states and local government.

“We have decided to work with three states for our pilot scheme, Enugu, Osun and Niger States, because they showed interests to collaborate with NITDA in driving the National IT Policy beyond the federal level.

On his part, Pius Bakare, NITDA policy consultant, said that, establishing such agency forms part of strategies States should adopt to get their focus right.

He said, States Government must not shy away from defining their ICT drive as an enabler or as a sector.

Bakare said, “States need to make a basic decision with respect to their ICT policies: do they try to grow their own ICT sector to manufacture and market ICT products; which offers economic benefit that in the long term can be used for social development? Or do they use ICTs to help progress on their development goals (poverty reduction, education, health etc.) in the short term.


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NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.

NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities

l-r: Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote,  Director General of NIMC, during the meeting at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja..

NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,

During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.

This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.

To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.

This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.

 

 


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Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes

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Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.

Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes

Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.

Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,

“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.

According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.

“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’

Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.

“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’

Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.

“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.

“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).

“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.

According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.

Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.

Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.


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Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals

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Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.

Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.

Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.

“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”

To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.


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