Connect with us

E-Business

NITDA, States Collaborate On Smart City Initiatives

Published

on

NITDA.jpg
Kindly share this post

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a multi-year National Smart Cities Initiative designed to kick-start the drive towards using smart, scalable solutions replicable nationwide to address a host of challenges including transportation, disaster response, energy, healthcare, education and the environment.

The collaboration will involve eight cities nationwide in the first phase, including Abuja, Lagos and one city selected from each of the six geopolitical zones. Representing the states and FCT at the meeting were the Sokoto state commissioner for ICT, Nazir S. Zarummai, Sokoto state director of ICT, Nasir Daniya, Senior Special Assistant (ICT) to the governor of Rivers State, Willian Idoniboye, Special Adviser (ICT) to the governor of Oyo state, Oluwafunminiyi Ajao and the Special Assistant (ICT) to the governor of Kaduna state, Engr. Idris Muhammed.

Representing the Federal Capital Transport Authority were the director, BRT, Engr. Wilson Unogwu, Deputy Director, TS, Engr. Etim Abak and Mr. Dele Yero, director, DRTS.

Already, NITDA and the Federal Capital Transport Authority Secretariat are collaborating to design an integrated transportation system under the auspices of both the National Smart Cities Initiative and the Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC) program, a similar smart city initiative backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the US department of Commerce.

Speaking at the stakeholder consultative meeting held at the NITDA conference room, the Arch. Sunday Echono, permanent secretary, Ministry of Communications, who was represented by Mr. Tope Fashedemi, director, e-Government at the Ministry of Communications, noted the existence of research confirming a positive correlation between e-government development and rapid national GDP growth.

Fashedemi added that, the national e-government Master Plan which is awaiting rectification of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to the diversification of the national economy through e-government strategies and programs.

He stated that, “leveraging on the importance of e-government would boost the economy because there is a huge relationship between a country GDP and e-government adding that the creation of Smart City alone would ensure transparency and accountability in revenue generation”.

He urged the selected pilot state government to support the initiative of the Federal Government and come up with peculiar challenges affecting their states and using Smart city initiative to solve such challenges.

“State governments must be carried along in e-government.  This is a national agenda which every state must cue into and it gladdens our hearts that NITDA is driving the e-government initiative”, he added.

Welcoming the selected ICT commissioners to the meeting, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, acting director general of NITDA, who was represented by Dr. Collins Agu., director of Infrastructure and Technical Support Services, said the meeting cannot come at better time than now that the nation needs to shift attention from mono economy runs only on crude oil.

The Ag. DG added that, “It is pertinent on us now to diversify our economy and only through ICT we can achieve a lot. There are many benefits of running a smart city which is only achievable through proper e-government”.

According to a press release by Mrs. Hadiza Umar (MNIPR), hHead, Public Affairs at NITDA, the Project team leader and Head, e-Government Unit in the Agency, Mr. Bernard Ewah urged the selected states to come up with smart projects ideas that are of importance to them as the Agency has no predetermined smart project for any state.

Ewah stated that the Agency would rely on existing relationship with Global City Team Challenge, (GCTC) to achieve the objective of the smart city projects.

“Because of our budgetary constraint, we decided to kick start this initiative with a pilot scheme among the selected states. Whatever assistance we get from GCTC and other international donors would be channeled toward achieving the Smart city projects”, he added.  

In his reaction, the honourable commissioner for Sokoto State of Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Nazir Zarummai spoke on the need for NITDA to factor in the specific requirements of each state, adding that NITDA needed to play a crucial role in aligning such requirements in the Smart City program.

The meeting closed with an commitment to leverage several existing NITDA structures and programs including NITDA zonal offices, the software testing centre in Lagos, the “eGovFrame” software development platform available free of charge to local developers and end-users and the World e-Government Organization for Cities and Local Government (WeGO) membership and resources open to local developments to develop e-government capability and capacity. NITDA will play the role of project facilitator for all projects developed under the smart city initiative although project ownership will remain with the states.

 

 

 


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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

E-Business

Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Lagos state government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.

Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor

Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the initiative represents a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to establish itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.

He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos is increasingly exposed to cyber threats, necessitating stronger and more coordinated security measures.

Citing data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Omotoso, said Nigeria loses over $500 million (about N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.

According to him, while the state’s transition into a smart city offers vast opportunities, it also heightens vulnerability to digital attacks.

“The guidelines, available online, provide practical and scalable recommendations for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.

He added that the framework aligns with key national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).

Omotoso emphasised that the document is not intended as a regulatory instrument but rather as a resource to equip stakeholders with actionable and context-specific guidance.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.

The commissioner commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to the development of the guidelines, and also acknowledged Tubosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, for his support.

He added that the framework is expected to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling organisations, from small enterprises to multinational firms, to operate more securely.

Omotoso further noted that the guidelines would be reviewed periodically to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technologies, stressing that cybersecurity remains central to Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Laundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In many Nigerian households, laundry day often comes with an added challenge, unpredictable power supply. A washing cycle that suddenly stops due to a blackout can leave clothes half-washed, soaked, and inconveniently delayed. For families with busy schedules, restarting laundry from scratch is not just frustrating, it wastes time, water, and electricity.

LG Electronics addresses this everyday concern with a simple but powerful innovation: the Auto Restart feature in LG Twin Tub Washing Machines. Designed with real-life Nigerian conditions in mind, this feature ensures your laundry continues seamlessly, even after an unexpected power outage.

Understanding the Auto Restart Feature in LG Washing Machines

The Auto Restart feature allows an LG washing machine to automatically resume its wash cycle from the exact point it stopped when power is interrupted. Instead of resetting the cycle or requiring manual input, the machine retains the previous settings and continues washing once electricity is restored.

This intelligent design removes the need to:

  • Restart the wash cycle manually
  • Guess how long the clothes were already washed
  • Repeat washing unnecessarily

For households experiencing frequent power cuts, Auto Restart turns a common inconvenience into a non-issue.

Why Power-Friendly Washing Machines Matter in Nigeria

Power outages remain part of daily life across many parts of Nigeria. From urban centres to rural communities, sudden electricity interruptions can disrupt household routines, especially when appliances are running.

Traditional washing machines often reset completely after power failure. This can result in:

  • Incomplete washing
  • Over-washing clothes when cycles are restarted
  • Increased water and electricity usage
  • More time spent monitoring the laundry

LG’s Auto Restart feature is designed specifically to overcome these challenges, making it a highly practical solution for Nigerian homes.

Key Benefits of LG Auto Restart for Nigerian Households

  1. Uninterrupted Laundry Experience

With Auto Restart, you don’t need to stay close to your washing machine or worry about power restoration while you’re away. The machine takes care of itself and resumes washing automatically.

  1. Saves Time, Water, and Energy

Restarting a wash cycle means using extra water and electricity. Auto Restart ensures that no part of the wash is wasted, helping households operate more efficiently.

  1. Protect Your Clothes

Repeated washing or incorrect restarting can lead to fabric wear. By continuing from the correct wash stage, LG Auto Restart helps maintain proper fabric care.

  1. Ideal for Busy Families and Professionals

Whether you’re managing a large household or balancing work and home responsibilities, Auto Restart ensures laundry doesn’t become another task that demands constant attention.

LG Twin Tub Washing Machines: Built for Real Living

LG Twin Tub Washing Machines are widely appreciated in Nigeria for their durability, affordability, and strong washing performance. Combined with Auto Restart, these machines become even more responsive to local household needs.

Other features include:

  • Powerful wash action for tough stains
  • Separate wash and spin tubs for greater control
  • Long‑lasting build quality designed for frequent use
  • Efficient water usage, especially useful in water‑conscious households

These qualities make LG Twin Tub washing machines a popular choice among Nigerian consumers looking for reliability and value.

Ideal Washing Machine for Areas with Frequent Power Outages

If you live in an area where electricity supply can be unpredictable, choosing a washing machine with Auto Restart is no longer optional but it’s essential. LG washing machines with Auto Restart are especially suitable for:

  • Homes with irregular power supply
  • Large families with frequent laundry needs
  • Users who value convenience and efficiency
  • Households looking to reduce water and energy waste

Why LG Washing Machines Stand Out in Nigeria

LG continues to be a trusted name in home appliances across Nigeria due to its focus on durability, smart features, and customer-centric innovation. By designing washing machines that work reliably under local conditions, LG reinforces its position as a brand that understands and responds to everyday challenges.

From Auto Restart technology to powerful wash performance, LG washing machines provide practical solutions that simplify daily life.

Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Control Over Laundry

Laundry should not depend on the perfect electricity supply and with LG Auto Restart washing machines, it doesn’t have to. By automatically continuing wash cycles after power outages, LG helps Nigerian households enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.

For anyone searching for the best washing machine for power cuts in Nigeria, LG washing machines with Auto Restart offer a smart, reliable, and stress‑free solution – every wash, every time.

For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/twin-tub-washing-machines

 

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have partnered with Tate Modern to commemorate World Art Day with a virtual session highlighting the global significance of Nigerian modernism.

Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

Access Holdings

The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and discussions on the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.

The session brought together staff members across both organisations, reflecting growing institutional engagement with arts and culture as a driver of societal development.

Speaking at the event, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, emphasised the role of art in shaping identity and national development.

She said that beyond financial capital, cultural and intellectual capital are essential in defining a nation’s prosperity and inspiring dialogue.

Akinyele noted that both organisations were committed to democratising access to art, ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience rather than a select few.

The discussion also featured insights from Tate Modern Curator, Osei Bonsu, and art expert Daniel Wallis, who examined the development of Nigerian modernism and its global relevance.

Bonsu said Nigerian modernism represents an independent reimagining of global art, rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage and expressed through unique visual languages.

According to him, the movement challenges narrow, Eurocentric definitions of modernism and highlights the richness of African artistic expression.

The session further underscored the growing international recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through exhibitions at Tate Modern.

Participants also reflected on the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the exhibition, described as a milestone in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.

In his closing remarks, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage.

He said the collaboration with Tate Modern aligns with broader efforts to promote dialogue, preserve cultural identity and support the creative sector.

The event reinforced a shared commitment by Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern to elevate African art globally and ensure Nigerian cultural narratives continue to shape international conversations.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending