General News
ICT Stakeholders Highlight Need for Sectoral Collaboration to Harness Benefits of AI
Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) and other stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have underscored the need for collaborative efforts by opinion moulders in the sector to harness the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic growth.
A cross section of participants at NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 with the theme: “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria” held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The stakeholders stated this at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 4.0 with the theme: “Impact of AI on National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria” held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Akinsanya who was represented by Peter Oluka, member, Executive Board of Directors, NiRA emphasized that AI has the potential to drive economic growth, improve businesses and public services, as well as enhance the quality of life in Nigeria.
He hinted that realizing these benefits requires careful consideration of the prospects, the formulation of sound policies, and addressing the accompanying challenges.
According to him, “As AI continues to evolve, it’s potential to drive economic growth and improve businesses and public services, and also enhance the quality of life in Nigeria is immense”.
Adding that the complex challenges associated with AI cannot be solved by any single entity rather it requires partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective action that can drive the kind of growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.
Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder and chief visionary officer, CVO, Digital Encode, emphasized the need for Nigeria to understand the threat landscape and the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting against these threats.
Prof. Obadare represented by Mr. Oluwakayode O. Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of InfoSec & GRC Advisory, Digital Encode, underscored the importance of driving sub-sectoral digital growth through Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also decrying that many African countries lag behind in cybersecurity.
He further highlighted the potential of AI across various sectors, including finance, health, energy, transportation, defense, medical, and agriculture.
He underscored AI’s ability to predict productivity and its diverse benefits but quickly cautioned against the dangers of AI misuse, stemming from issues such as bias and fairness, security vulnerabilities, data privacy concerns, and ethical and moral dilemmas.
The cybersecurity expert discussed the use of AI in threat landscape profiling, crime detection and prevention, and reporting capabilities.
He stressed the importance of responsible AI usage and the need for continued investment in AI and cybersecurity.
Earlier, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) was displeased with the abysmally low adaptation trend by Nigerians to new technologies.
He urged stakeholders in the sector to lay more emphasizes on technology adaptation, adding that the country is number one in the usage of internet in Africa but lags in connectivity and internet penetration.
According to him, “There has been a known trend in Nigerians’ adaptation of new technology, where usage is higher than implementation.
“For instance, we are number one in the usage of internet in Africa but lags in connectivity and internet penetration.
“Artificial Intelligence has followed the same trend, Google search trends reported recently that searches for artificial intelligence (AI) have continued to rise around the world, with Nigeria experiencing a 130% increase in 2024.
He called on relevant ICT stakeholders in the sector to collaborate with government agencies to fashion out / design a curriculum for school to ensure that the study of AI is included in secondary schools.
He also warned that we should avoid the ugly trend / situation where for instance most students of computer science in our higher institutions do not have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with a physical Computer throughout their duration in school.
Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, founder of Hyperspace and NeuRal AI, highlighted AI’s challenges and opportunities, reassuring that AI will enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
He showcased AI applications in transcription, translation, and education, demonstrating its potential to drive innovation and inclusive development.
A panel discussion composed of representatives from the NCC, private sector, and media and moderated by Mr. Hillary Damissah, explored how to navigate AI’s dangers in a developing economy.
They emphasized the need for policy frameworks, regulation, and collaboration to mitigate AI’s negative effects and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed.
The conference underscored AI’s significance in Nigeria’s development, urging stakeholders to work together to create an environment conducive to innovation, research, and tech adoption.
As AI continues to evolve, Nigeria must prioritize strategic planning, ethical considerations, and inclusive growth to harness its full potential.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has explained why kidnappers and terrorists are not always traceable despite the country’s expanding digital identity infrastructure.
NIMC explanation pointed to a simple but significant gap in the system.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the agency said that: “A lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted, which means how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
Coker-Odusote spoke during an appearance on Channels Television, where she was asked to explain why criminals remain difficult to trace despite the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage policy.
She said criminals frequently frustrate investigations by using mobile phones belonging to their victims, instead of their own registered lines.
“We already know the NIN is the foundational identity for the security architecture, but a lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted. Which means, how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
She also suggested that some criminal elements involved in kidnapping operations may not even be captured in Nigeria’s identity database.
“There is a theory that it may be possible that these kidnappers are not Nigerians and are brought into the country 48 or 72 hours before a kidnapping takes place specifically for that purpose. I’m not insinuating anything, but if that were the case, they naturally would not be captured in our database,” she added.
The comments have revived questions about whether expectations placed on the NIN-SIM linkage have exceeded what the system was designed to deliver.
The NIN-SIM linkage exercise was introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with NIMC to strengthen identity management, eliminate anonymous SIM ownership and support national security.
Over the years, the exercise resulted in millions of subscribers linking their SIM cards with their National Identification Numbers, while telecom operators also deactivated millions of lines that failed to comply with regulatory directives.
Earlier, the NCC maintained that the policy was aimed at improving the integrity of Nigeria’s SIM registration database, strengthening identity verification and supporting security agencies in criminal investigations.
The regulator also described the exercise as an important component of the country’s digital economy and national security framework.
Telecommunications operators have consistently maintained that while they play a critical role in implementing the NIN-SIM linkage policy, they are not responsible for tracking criminals.
Quest Merchant Bank recently hosted the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a high-performance workplace culture and advancing people-centric leadership practices.
The Study Mission serves as a collaborative learning platform that brings together Great Place to Work® Certified organizations to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen workplace cultures.
The event welcomed Human Resources leaders and representatives from FITC, Princeps Credit Systems, Tonic Technologies and Esentry Limited for an engaging and insightful session focused on building thriving workplace cultures, promoting continuous learning, and advancing employee-centric practices that drive organizational success.
Speaking at the event, Tolulope Dayo-Peters, Head of People Management, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in building sustainable workplace cultures.
“We are delighted to host the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission. At Quest Merchant Bank, we believe building a great workplace is an ongoing journey rooted in trust, purposeful leadership, and a genuine commitment to our people.
“We are pleased to share the practices that have shaped our culture and look forward to more opportunities to learn and collaborate with like-minded organizations.”
Also speaking at the event, Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director/CEO, Quest Merchant Bank Limited, highlighted the critical role workplace culture plays in driving long-term business success.
“We recognize that a strong workplace culture is fundamental to sustainable business success. Creating an environment where our people are empowered to grow, innovate, and perform at their best enables us to consistently deliver value to our clients and stakeholders. We are proud to support initiatives like the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission that encourage organizations to learn from one another and collectively raise the standard of workplace excellence in Nigeria.”
The Study Mission reinforced the importance of collaboration among organizations committed to creating exceptional employee experiences.
By providing a platform for open dialogue, peer learning, and the exchange of practical ideas, the initiative enabled participants to explore innovative approaches to employee engagement, organizational culture, leadership development, and talent management while strengthening a growing community of employers dedicated to workplace excellence.
Hosting the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission further strengthens Quest Merchant Bank’s position as a thought leader in workplace culture and talent management.
It also enhances the Bank’s employer brand and demonstrates its unwavering commitment to creating an environment where employees can grow, innovate, and achieve their full potential.
Quest Merchant Bank remains committed to championing initiatives that promote learning, innovation, and people-centric leadership. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, the Bank continues to contribute to the advancement of exceptional workplace cultures and the future of work across Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has warned of possible floods in parts of Adamawa, Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Borno states within the next seven days.
According to information posted on NIHSA X handle, the Agency announced medium flood advisory in force for the next 7 days across Adamawa, Bauchi, and 11 other States.
“Localised inundation is forecast along the main channel; named communities below sit on the projected footprint. Stations: Saminara on the Karam river, Waya Dam Site on the Waya river, Amber on the Amber river.
“Adamawa; Lemsa, Lamurde, Numan Exposure: 147 comm. 49 schis 40 hith 6 mkts17 relig. Bauchi-Bauchi, Ningi, Shira. Exposure: 4 comm. Kaduna; Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaura, Kauru, +6 more. Exposure: 1 comm.
“Borno-Gubio, Mobbar. Exposure: 680 comm. 8 schls 6 hith 5 mkts 21 relig. Edo-Akoko-Ed, EtsakoEa, EtsakoWe, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmw, OviaNort, OviaSo.. Exposure: 3 comm.
“Imo-Aboh-Mba, Oguta, Ohaji/Eg, Okigwe, Owerri North, Owerri West. Exposure: 3 comm. 7 more states affected and severity LGAs”.
NIHSA advised people in the affected areas to “do NOT cross flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water on foot or by vehicle.
“Clear drainage channels and river-mouth blockages; avoid building or living in the floodplain and move people, livestock and valuables from the floodplain to pre-identified higher ground,” NIHSA stated.
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