General News
Number Portability Should not be by Decree —Toure
Dr. Hamadoun Toure, secretary general of International Telecommunications Union (ITU), one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations. He has been promoting the Connect Africa initiative, a $55 billion project to improve Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure. Toure, visited the country recently, and took time out to spoke with chike onwuegbuchi in Abuja on issues in telecommunications around the world.
Fight Against Cybercrime
You can’t fight cybercrime without adequate legislations; you need to have national legislations and those national legislations need to be harmonized at the international level as well. Legislation is among our five pillars of the global cybersecurity agenda. In addition to legislation that also need to be harmonized includes technical readiness, you need to have organizational structure in the country which involves all stakeholders in fact ministries from youth, education to health. Countries also need to have very good capacity building programmes which requires the various law enforcement agencies working together which will help them to be knowledgeable enough to fight cybercrime.
The last important thing is international cooperation so that these cybercriminal can be track down, because criminals know no boundary in the space. I’m very pleased to notice that Nigeria is now ready to put in place cybercrime legislation. It is something that will be put in the parliament very soon according to Minister of Information and Communications. This will go a long way to resolve many issues, as you know, unfortunately, many criminals at the cyberspace are using Nigerian’s name, and some of these criminals using Nigerians name have never being to the country. Unless something is done those people outside the country will spoil Nigeria name and the name of the continent. In order for people to do business in this country, you need to ensure that these criminals are not using unfairly the country’s name, so we can fight these criminals together.
I like this little cartoon long time ago, where a dog with puppy, they were sitting operating a computer on the keyboard, the father was telling the puppy, “In the cyberspace no one knows that you are a dog.” Unfortunately, people steal the identity of other people and claim to be them, in order to commit heinous crimes in the cyberspace. That has to be stopped. We also have to ensure that the legislations take account of the commitment of not harboring terrorist in the country, which is the commitment not to attack other countries in the cyberspace. The next world war could be waged in the cyberspace, and that will be a disastrous war because of the way we rely on the cyberspace.
Platform for Broadband Infrastructure
In this arena all countries are coming at the same level, there is no such thing as developed or developing countries. We are all dealing with new technologies with new things were nobody has been trained to be a regulator; there is no university for that. Technology is always advancing and regulation is following technology. We need to ensure that it is catching up with technology.
I’m very pleased with the regulation in this country. The results are there to show that it is working. We also have some other countries that are doing well such as Egypt, Morocco, and some neighbouring countries such as Ghana that has a very good regulatory environment. Those African countries are really contributing heavily in the global discussion on telecommunications development. The necessary human capital is here in Nigeria you have to make good use of them. You need to create a good understanding between the government and the regulator, there has to be accomplishes in a positive way to aim for the same, and that can be done, then, the players will be obliged to follow. Broadband technology is accessible by fibre optic but you have wireless broadband as well and these technologies are there. In 2007, when we organized the last World Radio Conference, we set-up enough bandwidth structure for the wireless technologies that will serve the world for the next 30 years. Last time we had World Radio Conference that made changes to the radio allocation was in 1947, those allocations lasted 60 years. We are advancing now and I can safely say that the 2007 resolution will go along way to address wireless bandwidth challenges for the next 30 years.
Number Portability
Number portability should not be decided by decree, it is just like rules on interconnect rate, you cannot decree them. What you can do is to analyze them and the market. When the market reaches some maturity point or stagnation, then you take some regulatory decision to solve that. I think Number Portability is one of the next things that NCC will deal with, because of the level of maturity, the moment you reach 50% of penetration the remaining 50% are lower users. What will happen is that competition will not focus on new customers but the services and application the operators are giving to them. Therefore, in order to boost that competition, Number Portability will be one key catalyst to oblige operators to give those new services and applications, because if they don’t, as number portability is available their customers will go else where. That is a natural thing that will come, and again market forces will dictate that.
UN on People with Disability and Telecom services
In this convention the task of ITU is specific in ensuring that the same principle of having people on wheel chairs, having arms chairs where they can move on are applied in Information and Communications Technology. Last year 2008, the theme for May 17 which is anniversary of ITU and also World Information Society day, was giving telecommunications access to people with disabilities. It is something that is embedded in the works of the Union. We have many organizations that are doing work on that, to ensure that manufacturers are giving the right tools for people with disabilities. We have demonstrated this over the years with so many new tools and applications that can help people with disabilities use telecommunications services. We have demonstrated this last year in Cairo, Egypt during our telecom event; where a paralyzed man who the only thing that can move in his body is his head. He was able to use ICT tools to communicate more. By moving his jaw and his head he could click, there are some cameras that were mounted at him as well as software installed in the system that enables him to communicate. Now he is much more free man. He does not depend on anybody to do some things for him; he sends email to his daughter in Italy. He can dial a phone number and sends a message that can be transcribed immediately into voice. Those are things that are happening and we hope that ICT equipment manufacturers will continue to improve on that. That convention was very key to help us deliver information and communications technology to people with disabilities around the world.
Encouraging IT Development
You need to ensure that you have taxes that are very friendly for those who want to import Information and Communications Technology equipment. Nigeria been a large country is a potential big market. Nigeria is strong enough to create demand where manufacturers can site a factory here that will serve not only Nigeria but other West African market, where we have free movement of people and goods. We need to put strategies together that will attract manufacturing industries here and having a local consumer base is already a big plus, as opposed to smaller countries with less than 10 million people, such markets are small to attract manufacturing companies. Here you have that capability, and you have to use that potential in order to attract manufacturing industries here. With the right vision of leadership those things can be realized. When you have manufacturing industries based here, you create jobs and Universities will be much more involved because research and development need to bring public and private sectors together, and therefore we can apply some of our capabilities. When you train people from developing countries in one single skill such as in software development you have solved a lot of problems, in our daily life in developing world, all we do is survive problems. What is software about? Software is about finding solution to problems. If we train our people in software development they will be more innovating than someone who wakes up just put his hands on the tape and water comes, and press a button light comes. On a daily basis we are fighting for survival and therefore we are coming with solutions and are more innovative when we can come up with new software that nobody could dream of. Therefore, there are immense potential in this continent and in the developing world in general.
The Forthcoming Telecom World 2009
One of the reasons I’m in Nigeria is to gather support for this event which is coming up between October 5 and 9. ITU Telecom World 2009 brings together the most influential representatives of government and information and communications technology (ICT) industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world.
From broadband Internet to latest-generation in wireless technologies, from aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based meteorology, from convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice and TV broadcasting to next-generation networks. ITU is committed to connecting the world.
This event will be a major milestone in addressing the issue of broadband access, and is seen as an important industry event for the developing world, providing an opportunity to benchmark local ICT sectors in terms of policy, regulation, and infrastructure development. It also enables the showcasing of local ICT, and represents an invaluable opportunity to attract inward investment and seek opportunities to engage with ICT companies from the developed world.
ITU Telecom World 2009 is a wide and open network that brings together all the players in the ICT sector. Attendance at this event is the best way to learn about new developments and future plans.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor, Anambra State, has approved an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on parents.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor, Anambra State,
The directive was confirmed by Dr. Law Mefor, commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the commissioner, the government deemed it necessary to clarify the policy following public inquiries and concerns over the scope of the ban.
Mefor explained that the directive applies to all graduation-related ceremonies in both public and private schools across the state.
He said the ban covers events described as graduation, passing-out, crossover or any other ceremony organised to mark the completion of kindergarten, primary or secondary school levels.
The government said the decision was taken to discourage unnecessary financial obligations often imposed on parents through elaborate school celebrations.
The commissioner clarified that students completing Senior Secondary School (SS3) are exempt from the directive.
However, he stressed that graduation ceremonies for SS3 students are not compulsory and may only be held without imposing any financial burden on students or their parents.
According to him, schools choosing to organise such ceremonies must ensure that no levies, compulsory contributions or hidden charges are demanded from parents.
Mefor warned that the state government would not hesitate to sanction any school that violates the directive.
He said schools found organising prohibited graduation ceremonies or imposing illegal charges on parents risk severe penalties, including possible closure.
The commissioner urged school proprietors and administrators to comply fully with the directive in the interest of parents and the education sector.
The state government said the policy is part of broader efforts to make education more affordable and eliminate unnecessary expenses associated with school activities.
Many parents have previously complained about the increasing costs of graduation ceremonies, including compulsory levies for gowns, entertainment, souvenirs and other related expenses.
The government expressed optimism that the directive would ease the financial pressure on families while encouraging schools to focus more on academic excellence than ceremonial activities.
General News
Universities, Polytechnics Submit 169 Entries for NASENI Research Commercialisation Grants
About 169 proposals from Nigerian institutions including universities, polytechnics, and research institutes spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have entered for the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme (NRCGP).
NASENI
The programme, an initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aimed at bridging the gap between research and industry, is designed to identify innovative research with strong commercial potential and support its transition from laboratories to the marketplace.
Speaking on the latest episode of the NASENI Window Podcast, recorded on yesterday at NASENI Studio, NASENI headquarters, Abuja, the Team Lead of the NRCGP and Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Joy Elugbe, said the team received 169 proposals from eligible institutions across the country, including Universities, polytechnics and other research institutions.
Following the close of applications, and to ensure transparency and a rigorous selection process, NASENI engaged 21 professors with expertise across the Agency’s approved thematic areas to evaluate the originality and technical quality of the shortlisted proposals.
According to her, a rigorous preliminary screening reduced the number to 49 proposals after removing duplicate entries and submissions that failed to meet eligibility requirements while the Agency’s Innovation Hub assessed their commercial viability to determine their potential for market adoption.
“12 proposals, two from each geopolitical zone, have progressed to the due diligence stage before the final selection of six grant beneficiaries will be done. The objective is not simply to fund research but to invest in innovations that can successfully reach the market and deliver real impact,” Elugbe explained.
The NRCGP was conceived to address one of Nigeria’s longstanding innovation challenges which is the research breakthroughs that remain on the shelves due to inadequate funding.
She said the initiative, championed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, targets promising research proposals with the capacity to generate economic value, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development.
“The idea behind the programme is to identify innovative and commercially viable research outputs that have remained on the shelves because of lack of funding, and provide the support needed to transform them into products that can impact the economy,” she said.
Explaining the concept of commercialization, Elugbe described it as the process of transforming an invention, research outcome or service into a profitable product that meets market needs. The NRCGP aligns with NASENI’s strategic focus on Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization (3Cs), stressing that innovation only achieves its full value when it reaches end-users.
She disclosed that following the launch of the application portal, the Proposal Evaluation Team went on nationwide sensitization campaigns across the six geopolitical zones to educate prospective applicants on the programme requirements and application process.
The sensitization exercise, complemented by radio awareness campaigns, significantly improved participation and the quality of submissions.
She further revealed that NASENI’s support would extend beyond grant disbursement, noting that successful innovators would be linked with the Agency’s Innovation Hub for continuous technical guidance, market advisory services and commercialization support to ensure their products achieve sustainable market success.
The NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme was inaugurated in March 2025 to promote innovation, technological advancement and the commercialization of research outcomes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
General News
NITRA Conference: Stakeholders Seek Policy Reforms, Grassroots Innovation to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector have called for comprehensive policy reforms, stronger infrastructure investment and grassroots innovation to bridge the country’s digital divide and improve global competitiveness.
NITRA Conference
The stakeholders made the call on Thursday during the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative and Scientific Conference held at Citi Height Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, themed “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide With Scientific Innovation,” brought together government agencies, technology experts, regulators, telecom operators, private sector players, academics and policymakers to examine strategies for accelerating digital inclusion through science and innovation.
A panel session titled “The Place of Policy and Infrastructure in Nigeria’s Quest for Global Competitiveness through Scientific Innovation: Roles of Different Stakeholders in Grassroots Mobilisation” examined the policy, infrastructure and human capital requirements for driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Panelists identified multiple taxation, high right-of-way (RoW) charges, inconsistent state government policies, poor electricity supply, inadequate digital infrastructure and limited grassroots innovation support as major impediments to expanding broadband access and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
One of the speakers noted that transporting internet bandwidth from Lagos to Canada is cheaper than extending connectivity to some parts of Nigeria because of infrastructure bottlenecks and multiple charges imposed by sub-national governments.
According to the panelist, although some state governments claim to have abolished right-of-way charges, operators are still subjected to numerous levies under different names.
“When we talk about right-of-way limitation, it affects the cost of providing services in some states.
“Some states say right of way is free, but when they grant free right of way, they introduce development charges, education levies and infrastructure fees, making the so-called free right of way meaningless,” the panelist said.
The speaker called for harmonised national policies that would eliminate multiple taxation and reduce the cost of deploying telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
Another panelist representing telecommunications operators stressed that government policies should encourage fair competition rather than favour dominant market players.
According to the representative, improved collaboration between regulators and industry operators is necessary to ensure that policies support innovation, cybersecurity and sustainable sector growth.
Speaking on innovation development, a representative of a private sector innovation fund said Nigeria must begin identifying and nurturing innovators from an early age.
The representative said the organisation supports young innovators through essay competitions, grants and educational programmes aimed at exposing students to science, technology and entrepreneurship.
“We believe innovation begins from childhood.
“By helping children in primary and secondary schools think creatively, they become better positioned to seize opportunities as they grow.
“Innovators exist everywhere, including rural communities. What many of them need is exposure and opportunity,” the speaker said.
On cybersecurity, another panelist advocated greater investment in developing indigenous cybersecurity professionals through structured internship and mentorship programmes.
The panelist also suggested that young people involved in cybercrime should, where appropriate, be rehabilitated and equipped with legitimate digital skills rather than relying solely on imprisonment.
“Part of what we are known for is developing local talent.
“We recruit interns from schools and train them in cybersecurity.
“We should find ways to harness the abilities of young cyber offenders instead of simply sending them to prison,” the speaker said.
A representative from the computer society sector emphasised that Nigeria’s digital transformation should begin with reforms in basic education.
According to the representative, pupils should be introduced to coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and innovation at the primary school level.
“If Nigeria wants to become globally competitive, we must start from primary school.
“Our schools should not merely prepare students for examinations; they should become innovation clubs where children learn robotics, coding and problem-solving,” the panelist said.
The speaker also referenced the recent launch of an artificial intelligence university portal in Lagos designed to create a talent pipeline from primary education through tertiary institutions.
Addressing regulation, a media analyst cautioned against excessive government control that could discourage technological innovation.
According to the analyst, regulatory frameworks should emerge through stakeholder engagement and strike a balance between consumer protection and innovation.
“Regulation must come with dialogue.
“If regulation becomes excessive, it will stifle innovation.
“As Nigeria develops policies on artificial intelligence, there is a need to strike the right balance,” the analyst said.
On infrastructure protection, another panelist called for stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.
The speaker said community ownership and public education are essential to safeguarding digital infrastructure.
“When telecommunications infrastructure is vandalised, everyone suffers, including regulators, operators and consumers.
“People need to understand that protecting infrastructure benefits the entire society,” the panelist said.
Participants also highlighted the affordability of digital services as a major challenge to digital inclusion.
One speaker urged the Federal Government to consider subsidy mechanisms that could reduce the cost of internet-enabled devices.
“Telecommunications companies are businesses, not charity organisations.
“If government introduces subsidy policies similar to what has been done in other sectors, device prices can become more affordable,” the speaker said.
Another panelist stressed that reliable electricity remains fundamental to Nigeria’s digital competitiveness.
“The child who enjoys uninterrupted electricity and internet access cannot be compared with one who has gone months without power.
“For Nigeria to compete globally, every child should have reliable electricity, internet access and opportunities to acquire digital skills,” the speaker added.
Earlier, NITRA Chairman, Mr Chike Onwuegbuchi, said the conference was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine policy options capable of strengthening scientific innovation and promoting grassroots technological development.
He noted that the Federal Government had demonstrated increasing commitment to building an innovation-driven economy through various strategic initiatives.
Founded in 2013, NITRA is the umbrella body of journalists covering Nigeria’s information and communications technology sector.
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