News
Enabling Environment for Nigeria Content Development in the ICT Sector (2)
This summary of the enabling environment and government actions to support it reveals the breadth and complexity of factors that analysts and practitioners have identified as important to putting in place the conditions that can enhance productivity and support content development. However, the table also makes clear that government is not the only actor involved in contributing to an enabling environment. As the governance terminology reflects, societal problem-solving, the production of public goods and social capital formation are not the sole purview of government actors.
Factors that Affect Content Development
Businesses thrive when products and services are produced and finished products marketed profitably. This ensures stock movement, as more goods will be produced and hence healthy return on investment. When the volume of sales is large, then more profit could be made, and some of it ploughed back to research. The product of research into indigenous content, affects content development. Thus any factor that limits the production and profitable marketing of finished goods will impact content development not only in ICT industry but also in other industries. Some of these factors are very apparent while some are opaque. I shall try to list some of them here.
a. Inconsistent Policy
b. Lack of Continuity
c. Infrastructure Development
d. Staffing
e. Finance
f. Multiple Taxation
g. Dumping
h. Lack of Transparency in Government
: Nigeria is a largely a government driven economy, so any hiccup in government affects the ICT industry. A case in point is the ongoing tussle over the over the signing into law the 2008 budget. The country is in a state of economic standstill. This negatively affects all sectors of the economy. Also transparency and accountability in all dealings with government reduces the cost of doing business. : Dumping of subsidised and therefore cheap foreign ICT tools impacts the local ICT industry negatively as a level playing field is lacking. : Multiple taxation from all the tiers of government is stifling return on investment and scaring potential investors. The case of MR. BIGGS and Lagos State Government LAASA is a case in point. Collection of advertisement and Signage fees is constitutionally vested on the Local Governments, but LASG Assembly in her wisdom last year passed a new law vesting it on LAASA – presto the fee became convoluted and quadrupled. : Most financial institutions in Nigeria encourage trade financing instead of investing in the productive sector of the economy – hence they tend toward financing LPOs. Manufacturing industries have long gestation period and thus require long term financing which is rarely available. : We are yet to attain e-workforce hence skills of new employees need to be updated as our institutions do not produce products with requisite skills compatible with the knowledge economy. Considerable resource has to be ploughed into equipping them to be functional. : The decay in the infrastructure in the country is mind bugling. We have to sink our own borehole, generate our own power, bear the brunt of impassable roads with the attendant accelerated wear and tear to vehicles, provide our own security, etc. The list is enormous. Under such conditions our products cannot compete in pricing with products from countries where infrastructure is better. : We are all aware of the reversal of some policies of the previous administration. Though we applaud some of them, especially were some of the transactions were done fraudulently in the first place; but a wrong signal has been sent to both local and foreign investors – your investment in this country may not be safe. : A policy an investor considers favourable for particular industry may lead him to raise capital and invest resources into bringing such industry to fruition after a comprehensive feasibility studies. And in Nigeria, this could be expensive as he has to also invest in so many ancillary sectors that are not directly related to the industry. Any policy reversal may put all in the investment in jeopardy. Leading to great loss. Such an investor will need a lot of convincing to ever venture into any project again in the country.Negative Effects of Such Factors
a. Labour
: No need rehashing that the industry needs skilled force. Educational institutions as presently represented cannot produce the manpower needed in the knowledge economy. So resources are expended to skill these staff.We at Zinox are contributing our own quota in this direction. Zinox:
·
Has entered into partnership with Kansas State University in the US to streamline the curricula of two departments in the University of Lagos in line with what obtains in the knowledge economy. The partnership also involves the updating of lecturers skills so that they positively impact their students.
·
Has under the Computerise Nigeria Initiative, provided ICT tools to teachers and lecturers of institutions of learning at subsidised prices and favourable payment terms.
·
Under the Computerise Nigeria Initiative, the Zinox-Student Computer Ownership Project (Z-Scope) project was conceived to catch the work force young. Under it students are encouraged to own and use computers by providing them with subsidised ICT tools at favourable payment terms.
·
Has also under the Computerise Nigeria Initiative been impacting the already employed workforce with by also extending ownership of ICT tools at subsidised rates and favourable payment terms.
·
All these initiatives of Zinox involves much expenditure of resources, but the most saddening thing is that we are not encouraged by people defaulting after the initial deposit.
to be continued
We are also encouraging professional associations like NBA, NMA, ICAN, etc to encourage their members to own ICT systems under the terms explained above.
Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned the $150 million dollars suit filed by Chianugo Peter, a Nigerian, against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC over shutdown of his YouTubeAudio.com domain name until April 22 for hearing.
The case, which was before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, could not proceed due to the absence of the judge in today’s proceedings.
Although Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Peter’s lawyer, and Mark Mordi, who is counsel to Google LLC, were in court, Justice Egwuatu was said to be in another official assignment.
The matter was consequently fixed for April 22 for hearing.
Peter had filed the suit over allegations bordering on the shutdown of his YouTubeAudio.com domain name after eight years of promotional and marketing efforts in breach of the contract.
Peter, through his lawyer, named GoDaddy.Com LLC and Google LLC as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit filed on April 14, 2023 and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/238/2023.
In his earlier originating summons filed by Ekpenyong of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, the Nigerian sought a $150 million in compensation from Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC for the alleged cyberspace contract breach.
The plaintiff alleged that the defendants shut down his domain and business name: YouTubeAudio.com and transferred the rights over the name to Google LLC, an American multinational technology company.
Google LLC, in its initial statement of defence dated Nov. 9, 2023, and filed Nov. 10, 2023, by its lawyer, Mr Mordi, SAN, of the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode, urged the court to dismiss Peter’s suit as being unmeritorious and lacking in merits.
Justice Egwuatu had, in April 2024, gave Chianugo Peter the go-ahead to amend his originating processes after his lawyer moved the application for same and it was not opposed by the defence counsel.
In his amended statement of claim dated April 29, 2024, Peter sought ten reliefs.
He sought a declaration that GoDaddy.com was wrong to shut down the YouTubeAudio.com domain name on Dec. 7, 2022 and that Google was wrong to remove “YTAudio” with its website youtubeaudio.com from its Google PlayStore on Dec. 25, 2023 without adequate compensation to him.
He said this is notwithstanding that YouTubeAudio.com domain and business name is different and distinct from YouTube trademarks.
Chianugo Peter wants the court to declare that he is entitled to compensation from the defendants for the loss of the YouTubeAudio.com brand and goodwill which has accrued on the brand and domain name for eight years of promotional and marketing works from July 2, 2015 to Dec. 7, 2022.
He sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of $50 million to him for promotional and marketing works on the YouTube Audio business name and YouTube Audio.com domain name for eight years from July 2, 2015 to Dec. 7, 2022.
He sought a $100 million in damages for loss of anticipated profits associated with the brand equity and goodwill of YouTube Audio and YouTube Audio.com domain name.
Peter also sought from the defendants, the sum of 50 million naira to enable him to carry out fresh registrations of its new name and secure an alternative domain name to host its application to attract users.
The Nigerian sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of 10 million naira to him for prosecution of the suit.
Alternatively, Peter prayed the court for an order for GoDaddy.com to reinstate and hoist the YouTubeAudio.com domain name which was shut down on Dec. 7, 2022 and for Goggle to also reinstate YouTubeAudio.com on its Google PlayStore platform which was unilaterally removed on Dec. 25, 2023.
Chianugo Peter submitted that he acquired rights over YouTubeAudio.com domain name from Go Daddy.com LLC who conducted a search before confirming that he could make use of the name.
The plaintiff averred that he promoted the domain and business name from 2014 to 2022 and even wrote to Google to introduce YouTubeAudio’s services and to partner with it in 2014 and 2021 but received no response from it on both occasions.
He said in February 2021, he applied for and YouTubeAudio.com was registered on Google Adsense platform for displaying advertisement on the website.
Besides, Peter said in August 2021, the domain and business name was registered on Google Playstore.
According to him, the plaintiff consistently paid GoDaddy.com LLC for registration and use of the domain name from 2015 to 2022.
But Google LLC, in its amended statement of defence and counterclaim dated and filed May 31, 2024, averred that its registration of the YOUTUBE trademarks at the Trademarks Registry gives it the exclusive night to the use of the said trademarks.
It submitted that it has incurred expenses in the sum of 24,040 64 dollars in dealing with Peter’s “deliberate infringement of the counterclaimant’s YOUTUBE trademarks.”
The company, therefore, sought a declaration that Peter’s registration and use of the YouTubeAudio business name with BN 2395035 at the CAC is an infringement of its YOUTUBE registered trademarks.
It prayed the court for an order directing Peter to pay the company the total sum of $24,040.64 being the expenses incurred in dealing with his infringement of the YOUTUBE registered trademarks.
It equally sought an order directing the plaintiff to pay the company the cost of defending the suit.
In his amended reply to Google’s amended statement of defence dated 12th July 2024, Peter responded that it is not in doubt that Google LLC owns YouTube trademarks, however, YouTubeAudio is distinct and different from YouTube trademarks.
Chianugo Peter submitted that Google LLC, being a foremost search engine in the world, knew that he had earlier written to it, that he was making use of the YouTubeAudio domain name for the past eight years without any objection or caveat by either GoDaddy.com or Google.
“Hence, Google LLC is estopped from claiming any right over the YouTubeAudio domain name,” he said.
GoDaddy.com LLC had neither filed any process nor represented in court.
LG Electronics has announced the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at celebrating decades of customer loyalty and technological heritage by searching for the oldest still-functioning LG television sets across the country.
The initiative, themed “The Oldest LG TV”, seeks to honour long-time customers whose LG screens have stood the test of time, while introducing them to the future of home entertainment through LG’s advanced AI QNED TVs.
For generations, LG televisions have been more than an electronic device in Nigerian homes, they have been silent witnesses to family milestones, cultural moments and shared memories.
This campaign bridges nostalgia with innovation, acknowledging the emotional connection Nigerians have built with the brand while showcasing LG’s leadership in AI-powered display technology.
The campaign features a storytelling -driven narrative that highlights community, heritage and the evolution of viewing experiences. Participants are invited to share the stories behind their long-serving LG TVs, transforming everyday screens into symbols of trust, resilience and innovation.
In creative twist, the campaign also introduces LG’s AI-enabled televisions as responsive companions that understand viewer preferences, recommend content and enhance picture quality in real time. This shift from nostalgia to futuristic interactivity underscores LG’s continued commitment to delivering smarter, more personalized entertainment solutions.
To participate, simply visit https://lgsearchcampaign.vercel.app/ upload a photo or video of your old LG TV and share the story behind it – how long you’ve had it and the memories it holds.
The winner walks away with a brand-new LG AI QNED TV, effectively trading legacy for luxury.
At its core, this campaign reminds us that technology is not only about pixels and processors, but about people. It’s about the laughter in the living rooms, the silence during tense match moments and the comfort of family routines.
By celebrating the oldest TVs still standing strong, LG is celebrating the people who kept the on, families who trusted the brand through changing times and evolving technologies. In doing so, LG isn’t just upgrading television, it’s upgrading memories into the future.
According to Mr. Choongbae Seok, General Manager, Media Entertainment Solutions, LG Electronics Nigeria, “The journey from our classic CRT Televisions to today’s AI QNED technology reflects how far both our customers and our innovation have come. Those early sets were built to last, and many are still functioning today, a testament to durability and consumer trust. This initiative allows us to honour that legacy while introducing a new era of intelligent viewing, where the screen does more than show content; it adapts, learns and enhances every moment”.
LG Display 2026 TV Models at InnoFest
LG Electronics (LG), a leader in AI-powered solutions for the home, outlined plans to accelerate growth in emerging markets at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA. The event, held in Abu Dhabi, provided a forum to share LG’s strategic direction and market outlook with regional partners. At the exhibition, LG displayed its premium 2026 AI TV lineup focusing heavily on advanced processing power, smarter picture and sound technologies. The flagship OLED evo G6 and 100-inch Micro RGB evo TVs are powered by the new Alpha 11 AI processor Gen 3 enabling faster and more intelligent performance. The OLED evo W6 Wallpaper TV, an ultra-slim television designed to sit flush against the wall like artwork uses true wireless connectivity, reducing cable clutter and creating a cleaner, minimal setup.
African leaders used the AU Summit in Addis Ababa over the weekend to sharpen the continent’s technology agenda, with Ethiopia positioning artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and connectivity as pillars of Africa’s economic future.
Opening the 39th African Union Summit, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed outlined an ambitious vision to place Africa at the forefront of the global AI race, anchored by Ethiopia’s plan to launch what he described as Africa’s first AI-focused university.
“In 2020, Ethiopia established Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute. Building on this foundation, we are preparing to launch an AI university anchored in the philosophy of Medemer, purposeful collaboration, to unite human values with machine intelligence and position Africa as a global leader in the age of intelligence,” Abiy told delegates. “
He framed AI not as a standalone sector, but as a cross-cutting enabler for governance, industry and social development. “Every river we manage, every city we design, and every digital platform we deploy must generate resilience, opportunity and dignity,” Abiy said. He further linked digital transformation to Agenda 2063’s long-term prosperity goals.
Beyond AI, the high-powered AU summit discussions highlighted digital identity, cross-border connectivity and telecom expansion as critical building blocks for an integrated African market. Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 roadmap, including its Faida digital ID ecosystem, was cited as a model for secure, interconnected public services.
Abiy pointed to aviation and telecom infrastructure as key accelerators for economic development across the continent. “Through Ethiopian Airlines, we connect people and markets. Ethio Telecom is expanding partnerships across Africa to bridge the digital divide,” he said.
The Ethiopian leader added that large-scale infrastructure projects are designed to anchor Africa deeper into global value chains.
The broader summit tech agenda also touched on regulatory harmonisation, digital trade and data governance, with leaders emphasizing that continental cooperation is essential to avoid fragmented digital markets.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the need for inclusive innovation, telling delegates that Africa’s digital rise must be “people-centered and opportunity-driven,” while African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed coordinated policy frameworks to accelerate adoption.
“AI capability, digital infrastructure and unified regulation are no longer optional ambitions, but strategic imperatives shaping the continent’s competitiveness in the intelligence era,” he said.
Danjuma, Taj Bank Staff Jailed for 5 Years over N22m Fraud
Chianugo, Nigerian $150m suit Against Google, GoDaddy.com Stalled due Judge’s Absence
FG to Review MTN’s $6.2Bn IHS Acquisition — Tijani
KPMG Outlook Reveals Financial Services CEOs Double down on AI, Resilience and Growth in 2026
Terra Moves to Expand in African Drone Sector, Secures $22m Funding
Firm Detected a Fivefold Surge in QR Code Phishing Attacks in the Second Half of 2025
Nigeria’s 9 Top FinTech Firms Valued at $10.6Bn in January 2026
DG NCC Tasks University Dons on Research Commercialization, IP Management to Build Global Competitive Ecosystems
Kaspersky Launches OT Calculator to Align Cybersecurity Investments with Business Goals
Firm Detected a Scam Exploiting OpenAI’s Teamwork Features
General News3 days agoJumia Targets Break-even in 2026 After Strong Q4 Surge
General News3 days agoNigeria’s Banks Race to Meet CBN Recapitalisation Deadline Amid Verification Push
General News3 days agoBOI, MTN Foundation Unveil N1Bn Fund for Women Entrepreneurs
E-Financial3 days agoNo VAT on Land, Buildings and Rent Under New Tax Law — Oyedele
General News2 days agoUBA Unveils Diaspora Platform to Connect Global Africans with Investment, Wealth Opportunities
News2 days agoAfrican Leaders Highlight Africa’s AI Ambitions
E-Financial3 days agoCBN Slams Up to N10m Fine on Banks and Cheque Printers for Security Breaches
General News2 days agoNDPC Orders Probe into Temu over Alleged Data Privacy Breaches