E-Business
Kano Makes History with eCommerce Project
Kano state has begun an eCommerce project; seen as a turning point in the history of commerce in the state and the Northern region of Nigeria and the state government and leading lights in the state are happy about it.
At the launch at Government house, Kano, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano state governor, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano State, and other Northern leaders, hailed the initiative.
Launched in collaboration with eTranzact International Plc, Africa’s leading provider of mobile banking and payments services; and Bizi Mobile; the Kano State eCommerce business improvement and empowerment project will kick off with a comprehensive registration of all the traders in Kano state at all levels, identifying their type of business, products and so on.
eTranzact International Plc, will be providing technology and business services that will provide an avenue for active participation of the private sector in economic development, create new job opportunities, empower the citizens and alleviate poverty in Kano state and northern Nigeria.
In the next phase, the project will see a gradual migration of traders to e-commerce in line with State Government’s drive to be the leading electronic payment/transaction State, to align with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cashless Policy initiatives.
In order to ensure that this project continues after the exit of the present administration, the governor announced that an edict of law in the state; Law No. 4 of 2014, mandates every trader to register his/her business in Kano State.
An electronic trader’s ID Card from the eTranzact team was also unveiled and certified by the Governor at the ceremony.
The ID Card will be compulsory for all traders and businesses in the state, and will also serve as a transaction card duly accepted on POS, ATM and the internet, and a companion for a Kano state customized version of eTranzact’s mobile money solution, PocketMoni.
In his remarks, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, executive governor of the State, explained that the biometric identity card was introduced for all business operators in Kano to enhance security, provide government with a database on business operators and enable traders to migrate to e-commerce, in line with best practices in the global business environment.
In this regard, he appealed to business enterprises and individuals operating in the state to cooperate with the state government on the project, in view of its importance to trade, investment and financial inclusion objectives of the state government.
Speaking at the unveiling of the project, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, said; “Education and health are the key areas that every responsible government should pay attention to, and inadequate focus on these sectors is responsible for the current security and economic challenges facing the country”.
The Emir, therefore, lauded the Kwankwaso-led administration for embarking on employment generation and infrastructural development programmes, assuring that the Kano Emirate Council will continue to work hand-in-hand with the government to achieve the set goals.
Also speaking about the project, Mr Sullivan Akala, executive director, Business Development, eTranzact International PLC said, “eTranzact is at the forefront of technological innovation in commerce and business, and we are proud to be able to offer our expertise and solutions to the government and good people of Kano state.
“Our key value proposition is the provision of a robust e-payment platform/service that cuts across the Web, POS, Cards and Mobile payments.
“We have been working on this unique solution for all level of government and businesses for a while, and we congratulate the Kano state government for being among the first set of states to come on board the initiative, setting the pace for other states that will be rolling out customized versions of the solution”.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
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, 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.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
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.
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.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
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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