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NITDA Clears CBN’s ICT Security & Systems Infrastructure Upgrade Projects

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has recently cleared a number of ICT Security and Systems Infrastructure Upgrade projects of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through its commitment as the government’s clearinghouse for all IT procurement and services in the public sector.

 

The projects cleared are, Enterprise Network Security – Gateway Security Project, aimed at upgrading the Bank’s network security appliances and ensures that network security appliances are highly available and provides comprehensive real-time protection against advanced threats.

 

The Intelligence Security Operations Center project that is aimed at providing a dedicated center, technology and team for continuous monitoring of the Bank’s network to prevent, detect and deal with Cyber-attacks.

 

Implementation of a Network Access Control (NAC) Solution – a security approach designed to restrict the availability of network resources to endpoint devices – aimed at enhancing infrastructure security as well as limit potential effects from emerging security threats.

 

The Identity and Access Management Solution project aimed at ensuring that the right individuals access the right resources/applications at the right times and for the right reasons.

 

 

It may be recalled that Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FBCS, the Director General/CEO, in one of his recent press statements, alerted the country on potential cyber-attacks likely to be experienced, targeting banking, health and other systems, power and transportation systems, as well as other critical national infrastructure.

 

 

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in statement issued on Friday disclosed that the CBN, in its efforts towards mitigating these threats, especially in the country’s financial institutions, initiated the implementation of these projects.

 

According to the statement, the Director General, in his clearance letter, commended the Bank for the proactive manner in handling these threats and reiterated NITDA’s continued support for all initiatives aimed at ensuring that the country’s cyberspace is safe and secure.

 

It may be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, during last year’s e-Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition, called for strict compliance to the IT Project’s Clearance directive by all government establishments.

 

He also used the event to commend the Agency’s efforts at enforcing Federal Government’s directive on ensuring that all ICT projects are cleared before they are implemented.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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SAIL Fellowship: Teachers Reflect on Classroom Transformations with MTN Foundation

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MTN Foundation in partnership with the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) Teachers Fellowship Programme is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping teachers with innovative tools, methodologies, and digital resources to make classrooms more engaging and productive. Designed to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, the program drew over 6,000 applicants, of which a select group of outstanding teachers emerged as top performers.

Four exceptional teachers, Manasseh Mbah Bagayang, Susan Adeshola, Asmau Adamu Yakubu, and Brian Anthony shared their transformative experiences as participants in the fellowship, offering insights into how the program has revolutionised their classrooms and renewed their passion for teaching.

Manasseh Mbah, a chemistry teacher from Government Basic Education School in Bugai, Kaduna State, reflected on his unexpected journey into teaching. With a degree in chemical engineering, his path to education began out of necessity when he couldn’t find a job in his field. “Before the program, my knowledge of teaching was limited,” he confessed.

The fellowship introduced him to inquiry-based learning (IBL), a methodology that transforms classrooms into spaces of curiosity and critical thinking. “IBL is student-centered. It encourages the use of questions to pique students’ interest and develop their critical thinking abilities,” Manasseh explained.

Applying these methods, he saw a dramatic change in his classroom dynamics. “Before, students were uninterested, some even sleeping in class. Now, they’re curious and eager to learn,” he said.

Even in the face of challenges like limited access to electricity and the internet in rural areas, Manasseh has remained resourceful, using digital tools and interactive teaching strategies to inspire his students.

Susan Adeshola, a primary school teacher in Lagos, described the fellowship as a lifeline for innovation in resource-strapped environments. “Lagos State uses a cohesive teaching method, but my school lacked essential tools like projectors. So, I improvised… “The participation was overwhelming. Even the shyest students were asking questions and engaging,” she said, recounting how she created visual aids from downloaded images and cardboard to teach her students.

The results were astounding. One standout moment came when supervisors unexpectedly visited her class. Leveraging the inquiry-based approach she had learned, Susan captivated both her students and the observers, earning praise for her innovative teaching methods.

Her hope is for the Lagos State government to adopt these strategies more broadly. “If facilities are provided and more teachers are trained, classrooms will transform. Children will love coming to school because learning will be fun,” she affirmed.

Asmau Adamu Yakubu, a biochemistry graduate turned teacher from Kaduna State, described her classroom transformation as nothing short of revolutionary. “Before, students were bored and disengaged. But after implementing IBL, they became curious, attentive, and eager to participate,” she said.

Asmau emphasized the importance of relating lessons to students’ immediate environments, a core principle of IBL. “When students see the connection between what they’re learning and their everyday lives, it sticks,” she noted.

Her vision for the future is ambitious; merging IBL with technological innovation to bridge the gap between underprivileged students and modern education. “Imagine rural students exposed to laptops and digital tools. It would ignite their thirst for knowledge,” she said passionately.

Brian Anthony from Ondo State has always seen teaching as a noble and fulfilling profession. “I love to impact lives. Teaching is my way of sharing knowledge and shaping the future,” he said.

Through the fellowship, Brian discovered new ways to enhance his teaching. “The program taught me the value of self-development. As a teacher, you must keep learning to stay relevant,” he explained. His favourite takeaway was the power of combining IBL with digital tools to make lessons more engaging and memorable.

Brian’s classroom has become a place where students actively participate and think critically. “It’s amazing to see students remember concepts long after the lesson because they were engaged and involved,” he said.

The stories of these teachers reflect the profound impact of the SAIL Teachers Fellowship Programme. By equipping educators with innovative methodologies and digital resources, the foundation is reigniting a passion for teaching among participants.

As all graduating teachers continue to implement what they’ve learned, their hope is for broader adoption of inquiry-based learning and digital innovation across Nigeria. With programs like SAIL, the future of education in Nigeria looks brighter, promising a generation of students eager to learn and equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world.


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NITDA Commends Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for Compliance

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commended Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.

The Code which was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.

The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platforms efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.

The highlight of the overall statistics across all the platforms includes the following:

1. Four million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-three (4,125,283) registered complaints.

2. Sixty-five million, eight hundred and fifty-three thousand, five hundred and eighty-one (65,853,581) content takedown.

3. Three hundred and seventy-nine thousand, four hundred and thirty-three (379,433) removed and re-uploaded content following an appeal by users.

4. Twelve million, ninety-nine thousand, six hundred and thirty-three (12,099,633) closed and deactivated accounts.

NITDA acknowledges the positive impact of these efforts by the platforms’ in fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerians and non-Nigerians in Nigeria. `

Furthermore, data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024.

This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy.

While commending the progress made, NITDA emphasises the need for continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges and ensure a safer and more responsible digital space.

The agency remains committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen and enhance user safety measures, digital literacy, trust and transparency.


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Galaxy Backbone CEO Advocates for Sustainable Digital Infrastructure in Africa

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Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, has underscored the importance of building sustainable digital infrastructure to fuel Africa’s economic transformation.

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, MD and CEO, Galaxy Backbone

Presenting a paper titled: Building Digital Infrastructure for a Sustainable Digital Economy at the 2024 edition of Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held recently in Lagos, Prof. Adeyanju noted that technology has the potential to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, and that at Galaxy Backbone, they are dedicated to building the foundational digital infrastructure that supports this vision.

According to him, “Africa’s digital journey presents immense opportunities, but it requires robust, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure to enable economic growth.

“Galaxy Backbone’s mission aligns directly with these goals, as we work to provide the infrastructure and connectivity that powers government services, businesses, and communities across Nigeria.”

He said that today, digital infrastructure is much more than just technology but about creating resilient systems that empower citizens, foster economic empowerment, and drive inclusive growth.

“Our investments in state-of-the-art data centres, fibre optic networks, state of the art SOC and secure cloud solutions have created a backbone that supports Nigeria’s public sector and enables interconnectivity among MDAs,” he said.

Prof. Adeyanju who was represented at the event by Mr. Nnamdi Onoh, Field Service Engineer at Galaxy Backbone, highlighted key projects, including the National Information Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB), which has expanded connectivity and digital services across Nigeria.

Focusing on sustainability, he outlined Galaxy Backbone’s commitment to three pillars including Environmental Responsibility through energy-efficient practices in data centres; Economic Empowerment which aims at facilitating job creation and innovation, allowing businesses to scale; and Social Inclusion which is targeted at bridging the digital divide and reaching underserved communities.

He said that looking ahead, Galaxy Backbone plans to expand cloud services, strengthen cybersecurity, and explore AI, IoT, and blockchain to build a future-ready infrastructure, noting that the Government Service Portal (GSP), a consolidated platform for public services, was also introduced as a step towards enhancing transparency and citizen-centric services.

“In the next 12 to 24 months, Galaxy Backbone will focus on expanding our cloud capabilities, strengthening cybersecurity, and exploring emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance service delivery.

“Our goal is to build a future-ready infrastructure that supports the dynamic needs of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“We are also advancing projects such as the Government Service Portal (GSP), which consolidates public services into a single, accessible platform. This effort demonstrates our commitment to making government services more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric,” he said.

The CEO emphasized that digital transformation is a collaborative effort involving government agencies, industry, and international partners and highlighted partnerships with NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, and ECOWAS members as essential for a resilient digital economy.

According to Prof. Adeyanju, “As we pursue this vision, we recognize the challenges we face—connectivity gaps, regulatory hurdles, and cybersecurity threats.

“Our approach is to address these proactively by investing in secure, scalable infrastructure and advocating for policies that enable digital growth.

“At Galaxy Backbone, we are committed to developing a skilled workforce capable of managing and advancing our digital infrastructure.”

In recognition of its leadership, Galaxy Backbone was awarded the ATAEx Outstanding Government Agency of the Year, an award Prof.

Adeyanju said “underscores our commitment to a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for Nigeria, reaffirming Galaxy Backbone’s dedication to advancing Africa’s digital economy.”


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