General News
‘Converging’ ICT Policy Should Toe Existing Guidelines-Asor
Dr. Vincent Asor is the chairman, Education and Manpower Services, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), is the umbrella organization of all Information Technology Professionals, Interest Groups and Stakeholders in Nigeria.
Asor specializes in Solid Dynamics, Mathematical Modeling and Simulation. After 21 years in the oil and gas industry, Shell International, in particular, he retired on February 29, to focus on IT practice covering systems design, development- support and planning.
The dogged IT expert has spent 23 years in the industry.
On the wake of drafting a national ICT policy for the country, spurred by the birth of the Ministry of Communications Technology, he has been vocal on what should form the basics of the process. He spoke with peter ugwu.
National ICT Policy Thrust: Panacea to End Nigeria’s ICT Consumerism
If the policy is clearly stated right from the beginning, it is capital YES!!! That is, the policy document should be used by the government to set goals and to declare government’s intentions.
Your Focus Addressing challenges of Key Terms Like Computer Penetration
I spoke on this during the public forum drawing from the work of Lanre Ajayi. Penetration, Governance and Outsourcing wasn’t obvious and the following submission was made: On Computer Penetration, this must be seen as the measurement index for the nation’s e-Readiness. Every Nigerian can own a computer in the long term. But within the time frame of this policy, let there be a realistic Computer penetration goal. Again, like Lanre Ajayi suggested in his submission which I am drawing largely from, we can set a penetration of say 20 in 100 people which is still less than half of the telephone penetration (telephone density) of about 50 in 100 that we have achieved. To achieve this target, we can then begin to say things like: Government shall ensure that all students from primary to University own a computer and so on using related funding organs like NITDEF, USPF, ETF and PTDF.
Broadband
The policy should be sacrosanct on broadband penetration and a set target made. The set target is realizable as a function of the set goal of computer penetration.
Internet Governance
There was no mention of Internet governance. This should be clearly addressed. By internet governance or e-government is a general term describing the use of technologies to facilitate the operation of government and the disbursement of government information and services. It deals heavily with Internet applications to aid in governments, but also covers a number of non-Internet concerns. In the general sense, e-government can refer to such mundane uses of electronics in government as large-scale use of telephones and fax machines, surveillance systems, tracking systems such as RFID tags, and even the use of television and radios to spread government-related information. In this sense, e-government is not a new phenomenon by any means. The use of radio waves to spread disaster warnings, or to give information on voting, is a facet of e-government that has been in use for many years. In many countries with state-operated media, the entire media becomes a form of e-government, helping to spread pro-government messages. However, internet governance helps in government tracking systems of citizens, omnipresent surveillance and biometric identification are some e-government applications that have many privacy advocates concerned about the growing role of e-government. So, with the growing pervasiveness of the Internet, new opportunities are becoming available for managing the business of government online. The disbursement of social security, the handling of government works projects, and providing information on representatives online are all examples of e-government in action. In essence, internet governance should be perceived as a human right platform in governance; channel of informing the people on the activities of the government, but not without checkmating abuses.
On Outsourcing
On outsourcing, the submission is that there is no outsourcing policy in Nigeria. The opportunity is here and we should create one in this document so that both local and foreign investors can be attracted into this segment with the objective of creating jobs for our people and increasing Information Technology (IT) contribution to our GDP. In fact, is quite expedient that the policy, at its incubating stage addresses the aspect of making the ICT sector become viable for the academia and investors; that is the panacea to ensure we migrate from a consuming nation in terms of ICT products and services to become a manufacturing nation.
Fears and Optimisms of Collapsing Regulatory Bodies Like NCC, Nipost
We must get it right first time, otherwise, we will be messed up big time. A regulatory body is a regulatory body. It is set up by an act of parliament. You cannot for instance say the Computer Professions registration council of Nigeria (CPN) which is the regulatory body for all IT practice is now department of what? No, no. That is like saying the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is now a department in the Ministry of Works, you know. There is something we are not getting right and we must be properly tutored in this thing. Look at two simple cases: Firstly, Convergence is emphasized in so many parts of the document. The draft policy appears to posit that having a converged regulatory structure implies industry convergence. While the enabling environment might be an influencer, convergence as an industry trend is the outcome of the inherent logic of technology innovation and free market dynamics. Convergence in the ministry does not mean convergence in the industry. Secondly, the other case is that of National information Technology Development Agency (Nitda). Sufficient attention must be given to Nitda in our Policy document. It must be recognized that Nitda is the hub for IT Development in Nigeria. Roles must therefore be rationalized and properly defined to strengthen her role for the diffusion of Information Technology in Nigeria. As long as these knotty issues are addressed once and for all, there are no fears. This regulator talk is laughable and people don’t want to be sincere. There is already a regulator. It is Computer Professions registration council of Nigeria (CPN). All we need to do is to rally round the Minister, support her and help her to perform her roles as established by the Act that created the new Ministry. CPN is to the Computer Profession what COREN is to the Engineering Profession. So, what regulator are we discussing again?
Impact of Existing IT Policy Document on the Current Reform
Prior to the creation of the new Ministry, there existed an IT policy document. The ‘converged’ new Policy should start from there and then incorporate others like Communications, Postal, etc. It can also of course be the other way round too. Take the policies from the other arms, remove redundancies and produce a sweet policy document. We shall get there!!!
ICT Ministry Redirecting Mindsets in the Industry
IT rules the world. I have not thought of what can beat this dominance. The Honorable Minister is already telling everyone who cares to listen. Her outreach program is unbeatable. See how she started – open forum; and she has continued in this stead. We are on the right track. Mindsets will change accordingly. She has my unalloyed support and loyalty.
Recommended ICT Benchmark set for the Nation
There is nothing new in benchmarking. Unless you are saying we should create a Nigerian benchmarking which will be absurd. These sectors are global and the acceptable benchmark should be International. We can take redress from UNESCO.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over the backlash trailing her recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State
The controversy followed a viral video in which the First Lady urged unemployed Nigerians, particularly women, to consider starting businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little start-up capital.
Her remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that government officials should focus on creating jobs rather than encouraging citizens to take up petty trading.
Reacting to the criticism in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Ossai said he was surprised that many people looked down on the akara business, insisting it can generate more income than some white-collar jobs.
According to him, an akara seller operating in a strategic location can earn substantial profits with just a few hours of work daily.
“Akara business is better than a bank job sometimes. If you fry akara in a good location, after all costs, you make N20 per akara and sell 500 pieces every day,” he wrote.
Ossai estimated that such a business could generate about N10,000 daily, translating to approximately N60,000 weekly and N240,000 monthly, while noting that some operators earn well above N1 million every month.
“How much again is a bank job? Ask yourself,” he said.
The Delta governor’s aide also argued that the business is not as demanding as many people assume, saying it typically requires only a few hours of work each day.
“Before I forget, know that akara business is not a 6-to-6 job. It’s about three hours daily.
“I am disappointed in those looking down on akara business,” he added.
The remarks add to the growing debate sparked by the First Lady’s comments, with supporters describing entrepreneurship as a practical means of livelihood, while critics argue that the government should prioritise policies that create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
General News
EVC NCC, Aminu Maida, to Lead Speakers @ Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be the Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme of the Roundtable is: Fintech: Driving the Future of Digital Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu Maida was appointed the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Maida holds an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College, London in 2002 and in 2006, he bagged a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Between 2018 and 2019, Maida completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (FinTech Pathway) program at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Until his appointment by the President, Dr. Maida was the Executive Director, Technology and operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the country’s central switch company owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all licensed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria.
At NIBSS, Maida was responsible for holistically spearheading the technical and operational standardisation of all devices deployed in the financial system in Nigeria for interoperability.
Maida led a dynamic team that ensured that all terminals used in the e-payment industry and all devices deployed in Nigeria would accept all cards issued by banks and other licensed card schemes without discrimination.
Prior to his appointment at NIBSS, Maida was the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Nigerian-based FinTech Arca Payments Network and Senior Manager at Cisco Systems, United Kingdom.
As a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of multi-functional and international experience in FinTech & Telecoms & Enterprise Technology, Maida between 2010 and 2014, worked as a Network Design Consultant at EE, part of BT Group, and one of the largest mobile communications companies in the UK.
He was also at some point (2006-2010) a System Engineer at Ubiquisys, a leading company in intelligent 3G and LTE small cells, which is now part of Cisco.
Maida, a professional par excellence, combines a broad range of experiences, making him technically strong and commercially sound.
Reacting, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Prince Cookey said:
“Dr. Aminu Maida came to the NCC at a time Nigeria needed strategic repositioning of the digital economy landscape and telecom regulation in the country. He has positioned NCC as a leading voice in the digital space and telecom regulation in Africa and around the world.
Accordingly, stakeholders attending the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 would be looking forward to a robust conversation on the State of the digital economy, fintech market and the numbers on financial inclusion today and tomorrow.”
Cookey added that Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will also be on board as Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) will Chair the event.
Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga, Managing Director/CEO, PufferPay Limited will deliver the keynote paper at the Roundtable while Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council of NCRIB is Guest of Honour.
Distinguished members of the Panel include:
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
- Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, Group Managing Director/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc
- Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited
- Dr. Obioha Oti, President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN)
- Mr. Sarafadeen Fasasi, President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN)
The revolutionary success story of Moniepoint, Opay, PalmPay, Flutterwave and others in the digital payment system in Nigeria represents a positive expansion of the financial services sector in the country.
With millions of Nigerians and businesses lacking access to basic financial services, the importance of Fintechs remain sacrosanct in achieving substantial level of Financial Inclusion and expanding the frontiers of the industry.
According to AI Overview, Fintechs in Nigeria have revolutionised the financial landscape by dramatically increasing access to banking services, driving, for example, a 20% increase in financial inclusion and helping to bring the banked population to roughly 63%. These firms have introduced faster, affordable digital payments, lending, and investment services, forcing traditional banks to adopt digital transformation.
On investment, AI Overview stated: “Fintechs in Nigeria dominate the tech landscape, securing 35% of total tech funding ($2 billion total) in 2024, with over 430 companies attracting roughly 36% of all African fintech investment. Despite global challenges, the sector remains highly resilient, driven by high demand, with significant deals including Moniepoint’s $110 million series C.”
The 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 aims to underscore the positive contribution of Fintechs in deepening Financial Inclusion, expanding access to financial services and contributing to economic growth in the country.
Expected participants at the Roundtable include regulators, operators from key sectors of the economy, media and members of the public.
(LASTMA) has launched a new toll-free short-code hotline, 3367, to improve emergency response, enhance traffic managemestrengthen accountability across Lagos State.
The new platform replaces the agency’s previous long-service code and provides a simpler and more accessible channel for residents to report traffic-related incidents. The service is available at no cost to subscribers on MTN, Glo and Etisalat (T2) networks.
Motorists and other road users can use the hotline to report vehicle breakdowns, road crashes, disabled trucks, stranded tankers, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
The platform also allows members of the public to report the conduct and professionalism of LASTMA personnel, a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the agency.
To ensure wider accessibility, callers can communicate with hotline operators in English, Yoruba or Pidgin English, helping to eliminate language barriers and encourage greater public participation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager, LASTMA, described the launch as a major milestone in the agency’s efforts to build a safer, more efficient and technology-driven traffic management system.
He said the hotline reflects LASTMA’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to tackle transportation challenges while strengthening collaboration with residents.
According to Bakare-Oki, the 3367 hotline provides Lagos residents with a direct, convenient and free channel to report incidents requiring urgent attention, noting that the growing complexity of Lagos as a major African megacity demands a proactive and technology-enabled approach to traffic management.
He assured residents that all reports received through the platform would be handled professionally and confidentially before being forwarded to the appropriate operational units for prompt action
Bakare-Oki urged the public to make effective use of the hotline to support road safety, improve accountability and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system across the state.
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