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Johnson Says Nigeria is Conquering Broadband Infrastructure Deficit
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication Technology yesterday at Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) conference holding in Abuja, said that by the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to address infrastructural deficits, as related to broadband deployment, issues of accessibility and affordability are been attended to.
The Minister in a keynote address titled: “Driving Broadband and Technology Innovation as a Policy Maker”, said that the paradigm shift in expressed in the national broadband policy is aimed at creating and maintaining an environment where supply can meet (increasing) demand, thus strengthening the emergence of a New Economy; “one that will have economic/livelihood as well as social benefits. The more ‘prosperous’ the society becomes, the more it will demand for infrastructure, connectivity … and the cycle continues”.
The examples I will give will show how we are enabling (much needed) investment to come into the ICT sector so that we can build the infrastructure required to provide connectivity throughout the country; and at the same time increasing the likelihood that this connectivity will translate into more than the economic gain of service providers – but the advancement of Nigerians as a whole.
According to her, the Ministry is articulate in addressing issues on connectivity as the primary challenge; making access a reality to those that will benefit the most from ICTS and creating a pipeline of content and facilitates “innovative” delivery.
She said: “A significant (communications) infrastructure gap exists in Nigeria and perhaps the most pressing priority of the Nation’s Broadband Strategy/Plan is how to fill it.
“Meeting the connectivity challenge is only one half of the task. Policies also need to be implemented that will help to ensure that the products and services over the communications infrastructure are accessible, relevant and affordable.
“Our policies are aimed at making access to devices (PCs and handsets) easier and more affordable. Whilst promoting ownership of internet-enabled mobile phones (in recognition of research suggesting that the majority of people in Africa will access the Internet via their mobile phones) the Nigerian Government is also promoting a more streamlined deployment of Public Access Venues.
“Policies that increase access to ICTs invariably result in greater demand for content. In some cases, the Government is engaged in the production and distribution of this content (i.e. e-Governance) whilst in others Government policy facilitates the creation and delivery of content by other stakeholders (e.g. Open Data).
“The added advantage of such policies is that its output relate directly to job creation”.
Johnson also told delegates at the CTO conference that Government has developed and implemented an IT Incubation Programme that will help Nigerian ICT entrepreneurs create successful businesses.
“Often when people have a good idea for a technology product or service they do not have the resources to build prototypes, nor the business acumen to sell their innovations. In the past year, the Government has launch two centres where people can develop and test their ideas and get the support that they need to turn these ideas into a commercial success. The two centres – known as “Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator” (iDEA) – are in Lagos (Yaba) and Cross River (Tinapa) States”.
She added that the Government has also provided a platform through which competent software developers get to meet and develop products for major Nigerian and International companies. “The Tech Launch Pad Initiative matches key players in pre-defined industry sectors (and the specific problems they are trying to solve) with local software companies.
“By addressing the infrastructure deficit we aim to bring much needed connectivity to Nigerians in an affordable manner,” she said.
The Minister had earlier acknowledged that in the future, people who do not have access to ICTs, and who do not have the capabilities to utilise them, will have significantly limited experiences and lifestyles to people with access and the capacities to make use of technology.
Thus, she said that the mobile phone and the Internet have literally transformed the lives of billions of people across the World; and they have done so in a relatively short space of time, however, this transformative power will grow in influence particularly as the meaning of connectedness expands in application, beyond describing human interaction, to include communications between machines.
Google and UpSkill Universe, Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading AI and business skills training partner, have announced a major redesign of the Google Hustle Academy programme.
For the first time, the free training initiative is open to everyone, not just business owners. The new curriculum is focused on equipping individuals and entrepreneurs with practical AI skills.
Small businesses are the engine of Africa’s economy, creating over 80% of jobs on the continent. To help them grow, the Hustle Academy was launched in 2022, providing bootcamp-style training on business strategy, digital skills, AI, and leadership. The program has since trained over 18,000 SMEs, with many reporting increased revenue and job creation.
Now, as AI reshapes the job market, the program is evolving. The 2026 edition is built for anyone in Sub-Saharan Africa, including employees, students, and jobseekers, who wants to use AI to advance their career.
To meet the needs of a diverse audience, the new format includes short, 60-minute webinars and more immersive, high-impact bootcamps. These sessions are laser-focused on putting AI to work immediately in areas like digital commerce, marketing, and growth strategy.
Speaking about the academy, Gori Yahaya, Founder & CEO UpSkill Universe said “The 2026 Hustle Academy is designed to close the AI Skills gap with hands-on training that is short, focused, and immediately useful. AI is reshaping how businesses win and how careers are built, right across this continent.
“We’re excited to renew our partnership, now in its fifth year with Google, combining their global AI leadership with our deep regional AI expertise. The next wave of AI leaders will come from this continent. We are making sure they are ready.”
The Hustle Academy initiative has strengthened digital competitiveness across emerging African economies by enabling SMEs to move beyond AI awareness to practical implementation, positioning them for sustained growth in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.
“We believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques,” said a Google representative.
Lagos State has dragged 45 individuals and firms, including Bi-Courtney Aviation, DAAR Communications and Leaders & Company, to revenue court for tax debts running into billions of naira.
Lagos Govt
Bi-Courtney, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, faces N38.7 million claim; DAAR, behind Africa Independent Television, owes N22.4 million; ThisDay publishers Leaders & Company allegedly skip N67.1 million.
GMT Energy Resources tops corporates at N145.8 million, followed by Sheriff Deputies at N132.1 million; others like Heyden Petroleum, AA Rescue, BRT operator Primero also listed.
Individuals owe N13.5 million to N35 million each.
Attorney-General Lawal Pedro said suits followed ignored notices, aiming to enforce laws and fund infrastructure.
More defendants: IENG Nigeria, James Fisher, V Care Diagnostics, Venture Garden, Saro Africa, Barry Callebaut, Native Media, First Consulting, Eyowo Payments.
Compliant taxpayers post-notice escaped prosecution; defaulters risk penalties, interest, jail.
Pedro urged prompt filings and payments.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians on counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat products being sold in Lagos.
NAFDAC said Nestle Nigeria, the genuine Marketing Authorisation Holder of the product, received a complaint of suspected counterfeit purportedly manufactured by Nestlé Spain, bearing Batch Code 308002910.
It said that Nestle Nigeria reported that the complainant described that the counterfeit product emitted an odour suggestive of possible contact with fuel.
NAFDAC said that preliminary review of the product by Nestle Nigeria indicated that it had expired, in spite of the container displaying an expiry date of 10-2026, which suggested that the date coding had been tampered with (revalidated).
Nestle Cerelac Mixed Fruits and Wheat is a nutritious infant cereal, designed to be a delicious first food for infants.
NAFDAC said that its post-marketing surveillance’s directorate officers in Lagos conducted a surveillance visit to Maxland Shopping Centre, 193 Ago Palace, Okota, where the product was purchased by the complainant.
It added that the suspected counterfeit and unregistered Cerelac were found on sale at the premises and subsequently mopped up, while Nestle assisted in identifying the distinguishing features between registered and unregistered product.
According to the regulatory agency, Nestle revealed that the unregistered product used a hyphen (-) to separate the day from the year, while the registered product used a slash (/) to separate the day from the year.
“It is important to note that Nestle Nigeria is not aware of the channels through which the products are supplied into the country.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to [email protected],” NAFDAC said.
The agency warned that counterfeit formula often lacked essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, leading to stunted growth or developmental issues.
It said that such formula might also contain contaminants that might lead to severe health consequences to infants or even death.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health adding that it would continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of all NAFDAC-regulated products circulating in Nigeria.
It said that all zonal directors of the agency and state coordinators had been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the revalidated product, if found within the zones and states.
The agency urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain, to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of fake products.
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