News
NCS Bemoans Unproductive Consumption, Digital Exclusion
In reflections on 2014 and aspirations for 2015, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has decried the persisting climate of unproductive consumption and digital exclusion in the Nigerian society.
According to NCS, although the IT Industry and Profession, in 2014, witnessed increased presence of IT in various sectors of the economy and society, however, a significant challenge is the persisting climate of unproductive consumption and digital exclusion in rural/urban, gender, among other trajectories.
In this light, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the nation’s foremost network of IT practitioners and stakeholders, said that it will be organizing its 12th international conference in July, 2015 based on the theme “Information Technology for Inclusive Development”.
Speaking on ssing IT to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges and strengthening the local IT sector, Professor David Adewumi, president of NCS, said these are strategic initiatives for global competitiveness.
He declared that 2015 is the year of Innovative and Inclusive Development, “in line with NCS’s advocacy role of ensuring that the nation receives the very best in processes, technologies and people”.
The telecommunications industry, he continued, still witnessed tremendous growth, while attracting investment in 2014. “However, while teledensity has improved significantly, quality of service, affordability, broadband penetration and last mile connectivity to the consumer are barriers that need to be addressed in 2015. The National Broadband Plan, if faithfully implemented, appears promising. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in particular has a major role to play and needs to speed up process of licensing of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) that will rollout broadband infrastructure nationwide. Also there must be bite in the Smart States initiative”.
To address some of the challenges, he said that a solid foundation in education is required to lead the IT revolution.
Adewumi said, “Just as in previous years, quite a few private, social and governmental initiatives in capacity building for IT were undertaken in 2014 to close the IT skills gap.
“However, human capital in IT is still massively below requirements, especially in research. Though there is improved access in education, there is an urgent need to ensure the entire education system embraces the 21st century knowledge culture that promotes and supports innovation.
NCS also gave Analyses on issues bugging the sector in Nigeria:
Online Sphere:
“The online sphere is home to considerable progress – online stores, business and social networks. Most outstanding in terms of investments attracted, jobs created and societal changes have been the e-payment/e-commerce landscape. In 2015, the space should be widened for existing players and new entrants. In addition, support issues as well as growth in mobile money uptake need to addressed.
Policies:
Policy and advocacy has been an area of growth through the efforts of professional and industry groups such as NCS, ATCON, ISPON, etc. NCS has been extremely fortunate to have members and partners who understand that advocacy efforts require resources.
They supported the IT Research workshops, Scholarship awards, the NCS 2014 conference and the 2014 National IT Merit Award (NITMA) and advocacy organization. In 2015 their continued support will further advance IT development in Nigeria.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology (FMCT) has been coordinating national IT activities, and needs to keep providing visionary leadership in 2015. Multistakeholder policy review and development are essential to ensure policies are relevant and effective. FMCT and NITDA should also as a matter of urgency work with stakeholders to fast track the enactment of draft bills that will accelerate IT development in Nigeria.
Cyberthreats
Greater availability of computing and internet facilities (laptops, PCs, mobile and wireless devices) drives up cyber threats and increased the need for information security. Indeed because of the impact of cyberspace on the nation’s social and economic life, national security now encompasses the digital environment.
It is imperative that stakeholders such as NITDA, the Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP) group of NCS, security agencies and other Infosecurity entities work together to put information security strategies, policies, legislation and culture in place.
Improved overall cybersecurity awareness and capacity should be a national strategic goal in 2015. Better application of IT to fight terrorism and other national security threats, as well as the resolution of the National database issue should also be priority targets in 2015.
Recognition Of IT Professionals
Though quite a number of government agencies are now IT driven, it is disturbing to note that IT professionals are not actively involved at the board level in top level decision making and policy formulation/evaluation for most of such organizations.
The absence of IT professionals on the boards of MDAs questions the nation’s desire to be part of the 21st century. It is pertinent to note that the IT industry and profession was not represented at the 2014 National conference.
Even with improved access to IT and the Internet, activity in the IT space is largely foreign driven and dominated. The prevailing funding and patronage scenario puts the local industry at an extreme disadvantage. The birth of the IT innovation fund is a good start requiring sustainability.
Addressing local content development and IT research and development is a strategic imperative for 2015.
There has been appreciation of knowledge, merit and IT enabled innovation through the national honours platform for IT achievers –the annual National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) and the NITDA e-governance awards held during the 2014 e-Nigeria conference. However, it is quite amazing that despite the manner in which IT is radically reshaping Nigerian society, the yearly composition of the National honours list does not recognize or appreciate the impact IT is making in the country.
Software Development
Software development, entrepreneurship and research initiatives addressing issues of funding and patronage should be encouraged and promoted. FMCT and NITDA must be commended for initiating some remarkable projects with such a focus.
Scaling up of promising interventions require strategic partnerships for faster, sustainable results. Nigerian content development in ICT, youth empowerment, digital gender mainstreaming and research are all top agenda items.
Critical to Nigeria’s digital future is support of innovative ideas in IT and harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youth. However, in order to better serve the purpose and yield the benefit for which they were established, it is absolutely essential that FMCT, NITDA and NCC do more to support stakeholder driven initiatives in an inclusive manner.
A much needed, in fact overdue, area of critical focus for these government bodies is to work with stakeholders such as NCS to establish IT parks that will facilitate the achievement of identified priorities.
Mobile Technology
Mobile technology should be embraced at all levels to leverage on Nigeria’s improving teledensity for strong growth, financial and digital inclusion and to address Nigeria’s developmental issues.
The mainstreaming of mobile into development will reflect through the development of feasible and sustainable mobile initiatives relating to mobile money, mEducation, mHealth, mAgriculture, etc.
INEC And 2015 Elections
The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) employed information technologies to conduct to conduct governorship elections last year.
INEC is expected to continue in this vein in the conduct of national elections in 2015. It is imperative that the electoral body works more closely with stakeholders such as NCS to enhance IT adoption in election management and processes in Nigeria.
It is about building a prosperous, modern and democratic nation that meets the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
IT For National Development
IT development is a national matter and priority that has immense impact on the future of Nigeria.
The vision, leadership and commitment of key actors in the social, political and economic spheres are desired.
Though there are exceptions, the political class as a whole still appears to underestimate the potential of the IT sector. In view of upcoming elections in 2015, it is absolutely essential that Nigerians support and encourage credible politicians at all levels (local, state and national) that have an appreciation of the glaring need to incorporate and prioritize the role of the ICT sector in all sectors.
Those who must lead at this time must be those who are committed to ensuring the game changing nature and ability of IT is used to drive development.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has said that the telecommunications sector in Nigeria is once again on a strong growth trajectory.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON
Engr. Adebayo stated this over the weekend on the side-lines of the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, an initiative that preserves and showcases the nation’s history and cultural heritage.
He commended IHS Towers for spearheading the project, describing it as another clear demonstration of the industry’s commitment to the Nigerian project. He noted that by investing in the preservation of Nigeria’s past while building the infrastructure of the future, IHS has set a remarkable example of corporate citizenship.
Speaking on the state of the telecoms sector, Engr. Adebayo said: “After addressing sustainability concerns earlier in the year, we are now witnessing significant new investments in the sector: the highest we have seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of ALTON are optimising networks, building new sites to meet rising capacity demands, upgrading existing infrastructure, and migrating more sites from old radio links to high-speed fibre connections.”
He further noted that Tower Companies (TowerCos) are enhancing security across telecom sites to mitigate against vandalism and theft. “Removable batteries and generators are now fitted with trackers to trace stolen items, and we strongly advise the public to desist from buying equipment suspected to have been stolen from telecom sites,” he cautioned.
Engr. Adebayo also highlighted ongoing capacity development within the sector: “We are training and retraining our workforce to adapt to emerging technologies. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set strict service level requirements, and we are committed to not only meeting but surpassing them. Though network optimisation may occasionally cause service disruptions, we appeal to the public for understanding as these efforts will ultimately deliver a much-improved user experience nationwide.”
On industry governance, the ALTON Chairman expressed delight at the inauguration of the new Board of the NCC, chaired by Mr. Idris Olorunimbe.
“We are very excited about the appointment of Mr. Idris. His reputation as a man of excellence precedes him. Working with the competent and visionary Executive Management Team led by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the other Executive Commissioners, we are confident the sector is set on the right path to sustainability and growth. The new Board will strengthen the remarkable progress already achieved.”
Engr. Adebayo further welcomed the rebranding of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS) from 9Mobile to T2, describing it as an important milestone for the industry.
“EMTS is a very important member of ALTON, and we are pleased to see their rebirth as T2. This rebranding enhances investor confidence and underscores the value of collaboration. It assures the public that there are good times ahead for our industry, and we are very excited about what the future holds,” he stated.
Turning to issues of Right of Way (RoW), Engr. Adebayo stressed that investments can only thrive in enabling environments:
“The digital train is moving very fast. States that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk being left behind. We will not continue to solicit endlessly for cooperation. Where deployment is unwelcome, investments will move to more supportive neighbouring states, and citizens of unfriendly states will inevitably suffer limited connectivity. We urge all state actors to partner with us so that no one is left behind in this rapid transformation.”
On the issue of multiple taxation, Engr. Adebayo commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee, for its ongoing reforms. Engr. Adebayo described the reforms as a pivotal step toward streamlining Nigeria’s tax system and eliminating the burden of multiple taxation. He highlighted the positive impact on small and medium-sized businesses, noting that the changes will promote entrepreneurship, attract investment, and foster a more business-friendly environment.
“We eagerly await the commencement of the implementation in January 2026. We are confident that the over 56 taxes and levies currently borne by our members across various jurisdictions will soon become a thing of the past.”
Engr. Adebayo concluded by appreciating all industry stakeholders and reaffirming ALTON’s commitment to the Nigeria project:
“The transformation we are witnessing in our sector has not been experienced in recent years. We thank the leadership of the NCC for their commitment, we congratulate and welcome the new Board under the leadership of Mr. Idris Olorunimbe, and we look forward to even greater milestones ahead.
The industry is on the march again, and together, with the support of the public in protecting our critical infrastructure, there is no stopping Nigeria’s telecommunications sector as a driver of national economic stability and growth.”
By James Ishaku
The Bauchi State Government, through the state’s Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has officially launched the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative), a flagship programme aimed at equipping citizens with essential 21st-century skills and positioning the state as a hub for digital innovation.
Declaring the event open, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, described digital literacy as a fundamental right for all citizens. He positioned the initiative as part of a broader vision to prepare youth and civil servants to compete globally, create productive jobs, and address poverty through technology.
“Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world,” the Governor said. “With the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere—even from their own homes. This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions, and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally. Beyond digital literacy, we are committed to producing an army of experts in advanced digital skills who will drive innovation and economic diversification.”
The Governor emphasised that the ultimate goal is to create productive jobs, “jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.” He noted that over the last six years, the state has invested heavily in infrastructure to open up the economy and connect the vast potential of its youth to global markets.
Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director of the DG’s Office, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, commended Bauchi State for “taking a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution.”
The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 as well as the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six core competencies: device and software operation, information and data literacy, digital content creation, communication and collaboration, safety, and problem-solving.
The DL4ALL Initiative is anchored on three strategic programs, firstly, the informal sector program which equips artisans, traders, and other informal workers with practical digital skills. In partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, NITDA has recruited and trained 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions who have already reached over 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million beneficiaries by 2027.
Secondly the workforce readiness program which provide the public servants, graduates, and job seekers with digital productivity and employability skills. NITDA plans to train five million workers nationwide, collaborating with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.
Lastly, the educational sector program which integrates digital literacy into school curricula. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, alongside plans to train 3,600 teachers nationwide.
Inuwa further noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. “With Bauchi’s abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. “With Bauchi’s abundant human capital and strategic position in northern Nigeria, the state has enormous potential to become a hub for digital innovation and economic transformation,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, said the event was “not just about launching a programme, but about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State.”
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to becoming a leading high-security digital hub in Northern Nigeria and across the country, creating jobs and generating revenue through technology-driven growth.
He added that Bauchi State has taken a historic step towards building a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy aimed at bridging the digital skills gap in the state, thus paving way for the creation of jobs and revenue flow for the state.
The event attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and members of the State House of Assembly, marking a significant milestone in Bauchi State’s journey towards a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced the removal of 247 companies from its official database, citing improper registration.
In a public notice shared via its official X handle on Friday, the Commission stated that the affected entities were never duly registered as limited liability companies.
According to CAC, the Registered Certificate (RC) numbers allegedly linked to these companies were never assigned to them, rendering their incorporation invalid.
As a result, the Commission has delisted the companies and removed their names and RC numbers from its records.
The CAC urged the general public to disregard any claims suggesting that these companies exist as legal entities or possess any rights or obligations under Nigerian law.
This move is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of its corporate registry and protect the public from fraudulent business operations.
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