Connect with us

News

NCS Berates Political Candidates for Neglect of IT Developmental Agenda

Published

on

Professor David Adewumi, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS),
Kindly share this post

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has expressed concern that those seeking votes in the forthcoming general elections are not addressing critical information technology development matters.

The Society has therefore urged the electorate to ask questions and raise issues at all levels -state, federal- with all parties and their candidates about their plans for building an innovative economy to create jobs and address the nation’s developmental challenges.

In a presentation titled, “Election 2015: IT Development and IT Sector”, Professor David Adewumi, president, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), expressed the interest of the Society is for the addressing of relevant Information Technology (IT) development and IT sector issues in light of the ongoing 2015 electoral process to position and sustain democracy in Nigeria.

As the umbrella association of all IT professionals and stakeholders facilitating the development of Nigeria’s digital economy, he said, NCS is committed to playing its ADVOCACY role to ensure our nation receives the very best in processes, technologies and people.

Adewumi said, “With the highest professional regards, NCS makes the following observations and recommendations regarding Election 2015 and Election Management in Nigeria:

“NCS advocates for improved and innovative utilization of Information Technology (IT) in the organization of Free, Fair and Credible elections in 2015 and in future elections in Nigeria. While our professional association recognizes and acknowledges the IT contributions and initiatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the most recent being the introduction of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in the electoral process, there is a need for improved project management in the deployment of IT as well as security management.

“Logistic issues and delays in PVC distribution being experienced are painfully not ideal in today’s 21st century. Further innovation of the electoral management process is required with inputs from NCS and stakeholders, most especially in terms of considering electronic voting for future elections.

“The 2015 elections are about the future of Nigeria. And the role of IT is critical to development and growth. Though there has been improvement, a lot still needs to be done. As the 2015 election approaches, NCS challenges present and aspiring political leaders to prioritize IT sector productivity as well as improved impact and depth of IT development.

“NCS is concerned that those seeking votes are not addressing these critical matters. We urge the electorate to ask questions and raise issues at all levels (state, federal) with all parties and their candidates about their plans for building an innovative economy to create jobs and address the nation’s developmental challenges. In particular, answers are needed about what they will do to strengthen important government agencies in IT, most especially National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN)”.

He pointed out that, quite importantly include, “what will they do about Legislation to foster the development of IT and IT enabled activities, Growth of the IT Profession and Industry, Professionalizing the industry (Having IT Professionals on the boards of MDAs) and Preferential usage of Nigerian professionals in IT projects”.

He said therefore, with respect to the 2015 Elections, NCS calls for violence free and issue based campaigns, improved and innovative election management and the election of innovative and informed leaders. Continuing with the status quo is not in the nation’s best interests.

He said, Nigeria Computer Society is ready and willing to partner with INEC and other stakeholders in these matters towards the upliftment of our dear nation Nigeria.

 


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

News

Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

Karex, World's Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.

Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.

Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We ​have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to ⁠the customers,” Goh told Reuters.

Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.

The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.

“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.

The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”

Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”

Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.

“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.

The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”

Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.

The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

Published

on

L-r: Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest; Steve Grey OBE, UK Export Finance Lead; Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Ayo Sotinrin, MD/Chief Executive Nigeria's Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Lovina Kayode, Director, Investor Relations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, at the UK-Nigeria Trade mission in Abuja, yesterday.
Kindly share this post

Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.

With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.

Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.

These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.

The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.

It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.

Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.

“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”

Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.

The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”

Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.

“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”

Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.

The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”

All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.

The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.

This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending