Telecom
Nigeria in Dire Need for National Agency on Information Management – IIM Africa
The human race is living in an exciting time with data and technology at the heart of many major transformational initiatives and policies, in both public and private organizations.
However, to develop and propagate these transformational powers of technology, the Institute of Information Management (IIM-Africa) believes that the primary requirements are skilled manpower, legislations, standards, and government support.
Dr. Oyewole Ayodeji Oyedokun, president/chairman, Governing Council, IIM Africa, re-echoed this in his speech at the 2019 IIM National Summit and 23rd Induction/Investiture ceremony held in Abuja over the weekend.
He described IIM Africa as an exceptional international professional institute developed to promote the highest standards of excellence, integrity, competence, and research in Information Management.
The Institute, with Chapters in Ghana, South Africa, Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada, is an embodiment of everything that is good and principled about professionalism in data, information, records, document, archives, and content management education, and capacity development.
Dr. Oyedokun said that the Institute is out to position organizations and government in Africa to be globally competitive, leveraging on quality data and information for better decision making, lower cost of operations, prevention & mitigation of exposure to information risks, promotion of quality and timely service delivery, effective monitoring and evaluation of business processes, increase control over access to information, enable information governance and so on.
In his words: “The pace of change and the challenges of the digital era means we’re not only seeing new opportunities but are also facing new risks. Strong leadership, governance, and professionalism in data, information, records, document and knowledge management will be key, both to seizing opportunities and meeting the challenges ahead.
“TheInstitute of Information Management is strategically positioned to help both public and private organizations in Africa develop the required frameworks, tools and culture needed to build capacity.”
“By improving professionalism in this essential field, as required in functions such as healthcare, finance, administration, engineering, construction, project management, procurement, IT, communications and so on.
“For any organization to seize these emerging opportunities, and meet the evolving challenges of managing information in this rising knowledge, artificial intelligence, machine learning and information age, they would need to begin to see data and information as strategic corporate assets”.
The President/Chairman, Governing Council of IIM, said that it is their desire to develop and propagate the industry here in Africa and across the globe.
“The primary requirements for a value-driven IM Industry, however, are skilled manpower, legislations, standards, and government support of which we are working on realizing in records time”, he stated.
He added that the theme for the 2019 IIM National Summit, Induction/Investiture ceremony “Institutionalizing Information Management: A Key Element for Strengthening Governance & Reforming Public Institutions” is timely, following the recently inroduced data privacy regulation in Nigeria.
“Creating trust online is a fundamental challenge to ensuring that the opportunities emerging in the information economy can be fully leveraged. The handling of data and information is a central component in this context. In today’s digital world, personal data are the fuel that drives much commercial activity online. However, how this data is used has raised concerns regarding privacy and the security of information.”
“For these to be mitigated, information professionals in the Industry charged with managing the information lifecycle, need to evolve and assume their rightful position, as Information Management is gross misconceived in Nigeria.
Government and a good number of organizations are yet to regard data and information as essential corporate assets, with a clear understanding of the difference between Information Technology and Information Management (IM).”
“The recent introduction of the data privacy regulation in Nigeria is a very good example. The Ministry in-charge of Information needs to wake up and take the lead in the scheme of things as it affects data and information, as the Ministry of Information has got a pivotal role to play for the effective management and institutionalization of Information Management in the Country.”
“Going forward, the Ministry needs to be transformed and repositioned to enable it takes its rightful position as it concerns the management of data, information, records, archives, and contents in Nigeria. A possible separation of the Ministry from Culture and the ultimate establishment of a relevant agency (National Information Management Development Agency (NIMDA)) which will be tasked with managing the Information Lifecycle of data, information, documents, contents and archives generated by all government agencies, ensuring enabling standards, specifications, processes, laws, and policies are in place for a good data and information governance regime in the Country. Setting the standards and ensuring that qualified and certified personnel are assigned to the management of government data and information.”
“Developing and promoting best practices in government business processes and providing adequate training and monitoring for data and information management personnel in government. Ensuring all government MDAs comply with standards, processes, procedures, and specifications as it applies to data, information, records, content, and archives use, classification, storage, collaboration, retention, and disposition. Work with other relevant government agencies in ensuring appropriate information management and technology tools are deployed at all government MDAs for effective information security, governance and so on.”
Addressing the inductees, he said, “The Fellow of the Institute of Information Management is reserved as a sign of recognition, specially set aside for personalities who have made substantial contributions to the development of the Information Management and Technology profession, its practices or the Institute of Information Management itself and Honorary Fellows on other professionals with backgrounds outside of Information Management field but are identified as having made significant contributions that impact on the profession and the society or the Institute of Information Management”.
Meta has announced its intention to appeal the decision of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT), which upheld a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over its data practices.
The penalty follows a 38-month investigation conducted by the FCCPC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which ran from 2021 to December 2023.
The investigation found evidence of unauthorised data sharing, insufficient user consent mechanisms, and discriminatory practices that treated Nigerian consumers differently from those in other regions.
In July 2024, the FCCPC imposed the $220 million fine on Meta and WhatsApp, citing violations of Nigeria’s data protection and consumer rights laws. Additionally, the ruling mandated corrective actions to ensure that Meta’s business practices comply with Nigerian regulations.
In a decision delivered on Friday, April 25, the tribunal upheld the fine, reaffirming the FCCPC’s authority and investigative processes. The tribunal also ordered Meta to pay an additional $35,000 to cover the costs incurred during the investigation.
However, Meta expressed disagreement with the tribunal’s ruling, stating in a statement on Saturday, April 26, that it would urgently seek to appeal the decision and apply for a stay of execution.
“We are urgently applying to stay the order and appeal today’s decision to avoid any impact to users,” WhatsApp said.
The company also contested the tribunal’s findings, claiming that the ruling misrepresented how WhatsApp operates and contained inaccuracies regarding its data practices.
Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC for data privacy violations in Nigeria.
The Tribunal also awarded $35,000 in investigative costs to the country’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission .
In a statement issued by the FCCPC, the Tribunal delivered its judgment in the appeal filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated (Facebook) and WhatsApp LLC against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), affirming the Commission’s authority and ruling in favour of its actions on nearly all contested issues.
According to the statement by the FCCPC, “The Tribunal specifically determined that the Commission adhered to prevailing laws, fulfilled its mandate, and exercised its powers by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“It ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.”
The statement revealed that WhatsApp and Meta’s legal team was led by Professor Gbolahan Elias (SAN), while the FCCPC was represented by Babatunde Irukera.
It added that both legal teams presented their final arguments on behalf of their respective clients on January 28, 2025.
“The FCCPC had on July on July 19, 2024, issued a Final Order imposing a $220 million administrative penalty after concluding that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers, the investigation started in 2020.
“The case arose from a 38-month joint investigation initiated by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp.
“Dissatisfied with the Order last year, Meta and WhatsApp appealed to the Tribunal, challenging both the legal basis and the findings of the Commission,” FCCPC said.
The Tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s authority and investigative procedures in Meta and WhatsApp’s appeal, resolving most of the contested issues in the Commission’s favour.
It confirmed that the FCCPC acted within its constitutional and statutory mandate, particularly regarding fair hearing, data protection, and consumer rights.
While it dismissed the majority of the appellants’ objections, it set aside one specific order (Order 7) for lacking sufficient legal basis.
While expressing satisfaction with the judgment, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman/CEO, commended the Commission’s legal team for their exceptional diligence and forensic expertise in assembling evidence and presenting their case.
He reaffirmed the FCCPC’s unwavering commitment not only to protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers but also to promoting fair business practices in line with the FCCPA (2018) and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Nigerian government.
Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has made history with the listing of Legend Internet Service Plc as the first company in its Telecoms sector and the first company to be listed this year.
Legend’s N2 billion ordinary shares, with a par value of 50 kobo each, were listed at N5.64 per share.
Dr Umaru Kwairanga, chairman of NGX Group, who welcomed Legend’s board and management, commended the company for its successful listing on the Exchange
He highlighted that listing signifies an elevated commitment to corporate governance and provides opportunities to leverage the Exchange’s diverse asset classes for capital raising.
He stated, “As we celebrate this listing, with many more in the pipeline, I commend the management of Legend Internet Plc for this remarkable milestone.
“This bold step demonstrates confidence in your business model and growth vision.
It also marks the formal emergence of a broadband service as a distinct sub-sector on our Exchange.
Legend has evolved from a focused digital network provider to a diversified technology player, achieving significant advancements in broadband infrastructure development and data services.
We anticipate continued growth in the future.
“We are still bringing many companies on board the NGX, including Dangote, NNPC and others.
“As Africa’s leading exchange, NGX has consistently championed innovation, transparency and sustainable value creation through our investment in cutting-edge infrastructure and a comprehensive range of product offerings, spanning equities, bonds, ETFs and derivatives
Speaking at the Facts Behind the Listing Ceremony, Dr Ladi Bada, chairman, Legend emphasised that the company, as the first indigenous telecommunications company on NGX, has substantial value to offer the market.
Bada encouraged Nigerians to embrace the broadband industry, recognizing it as the fastest-growing sector globally.
He noted that the company had been instrumental in laying fiber optic cables connecting 250 homes in the Suleja and Abuja environs.
He expressed optimism that the Exchange would serve as a catalyst to replicate such commendable projects across other regions of Nigeria.
“We are here to create an enabling digital infrastructure to achieve the projected one-trillion dollar economy.
“On this special day, Legend Internet takes a bold step forward, not just for itself, but for the broader ecosystem of technology, infrastructure, and enterprise in Nigeria.
“As we begin this exciting new chapter as a publicly listed company, we do so with humility and boldness.
We remain committed to continuous innovation, expanding our reach, and delivering value to shareholders and society
“A listing on the Nigerian Exchange is more than a financial event. It is a signal and a declaration that a business is ready to be held to the highest standards of governance, performance, and public trust,” he said
Providing insights into the company’s development, Ms Aisha Abdulaziz, chief executive officer of Legend Internet Plc, stated that the company had evolved from an internet service provider to a comprehensive digital service provider.
Abdulaziz noted that with broadband penetration in Nigeria being less than one per cent, Legend Internet was strategically positioned to deepen access
She affirmed the company’s commitment to taking Nigeria’s digital economy to the next level
“When we started Legend, we weren’t just building an internet company; we were building a movement
A movement fueled by the belief that every Nigerian deserves access to premium, reliable, and high-speed internet, regardless of their location or occupation
“From late nights in our first office to laying fiber across Abuja, to launching products that made people’s lives easier and faster, our journey has always been about connections
“Connecting people to opportunities, connecting homes to entertainment, connecting Nigeria to the digital future it deserves. Our journey has always been about a better way to live.
“This listing is a symbol of our commitment to transparency, sustainable growth, and the kind of excellence that outlives hype.
“Legend’s primary focus now is on unlocking digital value at the household level,” she said.
Mr Jude Chiemeka, chief executive officer of NGX, congratulated the company for making the strategic decision to list.
Mr Chiemeka noted that Legend’s listing on NGX now brings the total number of listed securities to 322
Also, Mr Temi Popoola, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Exchange Group, encouraged the investing public to support the newly listed company.
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