News
One Year at NITDA; Kashifu as a Vindication of Youth Excellence in Governance
By Hashim Suleiman,
Let me refer to my September 16, 2019 article tagged ‘Pantami, Kashifu and the beauty of vision” where I had identified Kashifu Inuwa as an individual who had understood clearly the vision of Dr Isa Ali Pantami and had equally chosen to fly with it to fruition. It is also a practical knowledge that people could actually be good carriers of vision and supportive but may not make good leaders, however, Mr Kashifu has today proven to be good in both fronts having stayed a year in office as the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
What Kashifu has showcased from transition to becoming DG till today sits very well with our expectation at #30PercentOrNothing because while were asking for a 30% affirmative action for the youth, we were also very clear as to the sort of youth that should be brought on board if the expected youth excellence and energy were to manifest, we therefore thank Kashifu for vindicating our message which was borne out of critical research.
I was pained the other day when I was having a conversation with an elder brother and I accused his age group for failing to provide mentorship to us and thereby leading to a scarcity of critical youths who can measure up to the leadership gaps that are being created on a daily. He responded to me by mentioning certain youths who have held leadership positions in recent past and have not done well enough to satisfy the expectations of a youth. I had to explain to him how the recruitment process mattered a lot, it never meant that simply appointing a youth was synonymous to performance but rather the careful selection and appointment of youths who have had personal history of zeal, vision and hunger for success. In this area again, Mr Kashifu has measured up and has in fact provided a template for such kinds of selection going forward in order that the big deficit being created in leadership in Nigeria and Africa can be bridged.
Remember how he was a key player in the piloting of the Dr Isa Pantami’s digital journey in 2017 and there couldn’t have been a better way of consolidating such efforts after the ascendance of Dr Pantami to Minister ship than the eventual appointment of Kashifu as the substantive DG of NITDA which in my opinion is the most critical Agency in the Digital Economy campaign. Because the selection and appointment was right, the performance in one year has also matched the expectation.
From a year after Dr Pantami became the DG of NITDA, commissioning of various completed projects started and they have continued till today and we can lately see how all the other parastatals under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy are working to outdo each other in terms of delivery of projects to be commissioned by the Hon. Minister. Little wonder why during the commissioning of the 11 Digital Economy projects by Dr Pantami on 11th August, 2020, the Chairman of the Projects Commissioning Committee Mr Ayuba Shuaibu had while presenting the welcome address described Mr Kashifu as a progressive per excellence and finally referred to him as ‘Mr Progress’. This is an indication that the good things people do resonates in the minds of fair and discerning individuals.
So far, I have not gone into the crux of Mr Progress’s achievements in one year. In the beginning from his first speech to the personnel of the Agency where he appeared in a deep blue suit which was well sewn to fit and matching shoes to present a man well dressed and ready for digitization. The speech also matched dressing by declaring his wish to first turn the edifice into a smart one that was expected of an ICT Agency. Talk is cheap they say but the way to understand a serious leader is he who walks the talk and NITDA is today a smart office that could be presented to anyone as being Nigeria’s ICT regulator talk less of the improved zeal and corporate appearance of the personnel themselves. The Nigerian parlance will tell you the seriousness of an individual is in the ‘packaging’.
Basically, NITDA has become an Agency that represents a sector which it regulates; there has been introduction of dress code to ensure appearances are in consonance with the building and the ICT sector in general. The commissioning of the rejuvenated smart office structure which was performed by the Honorable Minister Pantami last Monday was well publicized and it was amongst the series of projects that the Hon Minister has been commissioning week in week out.
Further to this, the man has enhanced the Cybersecurity infrastructure through the commissioning of the new CERRT office which is more equipped to track cyber threats to the nation. Little wonder why NITDA kept alerting Nigerians on various threats and scams that were prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period.
Furthermore, the DG had taken special interest in educating Nigerians about the opportunities the pandemic had presented. He highlighted so much how the new normal was an opportunity for the ICT sector to think outside the box and harness the opportunities to replace the vacuum created with technological tendencies. Such awareness coming from a regulator has permeated the public and has since manifested and the increased utilization of technology for activities is evidently on the increase.
Unfortunately, this space will not be enough to enumerate the ample strides that the young professional has exhibited but the one year milestone was enough for us to see an individual who looked the part regarding the ideal expectation of young people in governance. It also behooves on us to echo such to a public that is in deficit of young leadership that was capable of managing the polity following the exit of the elder statesmen.
We shall continue to be on the lookout for young appointees who have chosen to distinguish themselves by delivering those qualities which are expected of young people especially as relates to performance and shift away from the norm but on this occasion give it up for Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi for admitting himself into the Leadership Hall of Fame with his stellar performances in a one year milestone that embodies many more to come for benefit of nation.
God Bless Nigeria!
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance institutional synergy and accountability in public finance management.
The partnership is also to deepen transparency and strengthen the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The Executive Chairman of the FRC, Mr. Victor Muruako, and the Executive Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, expressed profound satisfaction over the partnership, describing the signing as timely and symbolic, coming on a day dedicated globally to integrity, transparency, and the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the ceremony, both chairmen reaffirmed their agency’s shared commitment to prudent management of Nigeria’s resources, fiscal discipline, and the coordinated strategies to confront corruption and financial mismanagement.
Under the MoU, both agencies will collaborate extensively in capacity building, joint investigations, information sharing, asset recovery, and enforcement operations.
The ICPC, through its Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), will provide specialised training to FRC staff in forensic investigations, financial crime detection, digital evidence recovery, and prosecution strategies. In turn, both agencies will exchange resource persons for workshops and public enlightenment programmes.
The agreement further empowers both institutions to conduct joint investigations and coordinated operations where violations cut across the mandates of both the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and the ICPC Act, 2000. It also establishes a framework for mutual assistance in tracing, freezing, confiscating, and recovering stolen public funds.
On information sharing, the MoU guarantees the confidential exchange of intelligence, financial records, and technical data, while upholding strict ethical standards and full compliance with all applicable laws.
According to the parties, the collaboration will significantly enhance Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture by eliminating institutional silos and strengthening enforcement outcomes.
The Memorandum of Understanding, which can be terminated with a 30-day notice by either party, marks a renewed and expanded phase of cooperation between the two key integrity institutions.
The signing ceremony concluded with both chairmen reaffirming their resolve to work tirelessly to promote accountability, transparency, and sustainable national development in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and existing anti-corruption laws.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, has commended the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, and his team for sustaining the Commission’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s frontline anti-corruption institutions. Muruako particularly highlighted the signing of the MoU between the two agencies, describing it as a major step toward strengthening inter-agency collaboration in tackling corruption at all levels of government.
According to him, both agencies have, in recent months, intensified joint efforts to enhance accountability and prevent corruption at the local government level. These efforts, he noted, focus on improved budget preparation, prudent management of public funds, and the modernisation of tax, financial and asset administration systems.
He emphasised that where acts of corruption are detected, the law must take its full course to deter future offenders.
As AI fever has propelled global stocks to record highs, the data centres needed to power the technology are increasingly being financed with debt, adding to concerns about the risks.
A UBS report last month said AI data centre and project financing deals surged to $125 billion so far this year, from $15 billion in the same period in 2024, with more supply from the sector expected to be pivotal for credit markets in 2026.
“Public and private credit seems to have become a major source of funding for AI investments, and its rapid growth raised some concerns,” said Anton Dombrovskiy, fixed income portfolio specialist at T. Rowe Price.
“Although up until now an increase in supply has been met with relatively healthy demand, this is the area to watch especially taking into account large financing needs estimates,” Dombrovskiy added.
The Bank of England warned last week that the growing role of debt in the AI infrastructure boom could heighten potential financial stability risks if valuations correct.
Christopher Kramer, portfolio manager and senior trader on Investment Grade Credit team at Neuberger told Reuters that the market has seen a structural shift as the largest technology companies finance their AI infrastructure ambitions.
“They really haven’t been focal points in our market from a debt issuance standpoint, and that’s obviously shifting really dramatically … anytime you have that, it creates a lot of opportunity,” he said on November 28.
“We’re excited just from the standpoint that the market’s changing. You’re going to have a different dynamic, it creates an opportunity to take risks and create value for our investors,” Kramer added.
Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has said that Federal Government is intensifying its use of digital-economy initiatives to curb corruption among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day held on Tuesday in Abuja, the AGF said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deliberately positioned technology, innovation training, and digital-skills development at the heart of its anti-corruption strategy for young people.
The event, organized by Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR) domiciled at the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) had the theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
Fagbemi, who delivered the keynote address, said the government believes that empowered, skilled and economically engaged youths are less vulnerable to corrupt influences.
According to him, programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talents Programme (3MTT) and the recently launched Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) are already equipping millions of young Nigerians with ICT and digital-innovation skills, reducing their dependence on patronage systems that fuel corrupt practices.
“A hopeful youth is harder to corrupt; an engaged youth is harder to mislead; and an empowered youth is a powerful force for national transformation,” Fagbemi said.
He explained that by investing in digital literacy, tech entrepreneurship and innovation-driven training, the Tinubu administration aims to create a generation of young Nigerians who are globally competitive and resistant to corruption.
Beyond digital skills, the AGF pointed at several government efforts to expand educational access through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and support youth entrepreneurship via the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the iDICE programme, providing funding, training and mentorship for young innovators in tech, entertainment, agriculture and design.
Fagbemi added that the inclusion of young people in governance, through appointments and expanded civic-engagement platforms, was another strategic tool to strengthen integrity and transparency in public life.
He urged stakeholders to deepen efforts to integrate anti-corruption values into school curricula, establish integrity clubs, mentor young leaders, and leverage ICT tools to promote transparency, whistleblowing and public accountability.
Earlier, the Head of TUGAR, Mrs Jane Onwumere said the gathering was especially meaningful because it reflected a shared truth: that tomorrow’s integrity rests significantly in the hands of the youth.
“The theme therefore, is not just a slogan but a call to action and a reminder that young people are not only beneficiaries of good governance, they are co-architects of it.
“Corruption has affected lives and the economy negatively in many ways. One of such is the “japa wave” which has seen young Nigerians leave the country in droves in search of greener pastures. This syndrome has drained the country of resources and human capital. It has in many situations split the family unit, a critical foundation for anti-corruption efforts”, Onwumere, added.
In his speech, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar expressed the agency’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians not only as advocates for accountability but also as active partners in shaping the future of integrity in the extractive industries and beyond.
“At NEITI, we recognize that corruption undermines opportunities for growth, distorts resource governance, and deepens inequality. We also know that a united, informed, and courageous generation can dismantle these barriers.
“This is why NEITI will continue to expand civic education, strengthen our reporting mechanisms, support youth-led innovation, and create more platforms for constructive engagement with young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs”, he added.
NCC Blocks Piracy Sites as Nollywood Faces Rising Digital Theft
Minister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
FIRS says MOU with DGFIP Won’t Compromise Nigeria Tax Data Sovereignty
Top Nigerian Startups Secure Funding Boost @ iHatch Demo Day Awards
Four Must-Watch African Films Debut Free on Glo TV
Kaspersky Introduces Cyber Pathways to Support Career Development in Cybersecurity
Nigeria Records Highest Weekly Cyberattacks in Africa — Report
Hackers Breach Phones of Dangote and Otedola, Demand Ransom
Banks Lost N3.3Bn to Fraud in Q1 of 2025 – FITC
Cyber Tsunami Hits Nigeria as Breaches Surge 1,047%, esentry Q3 Report Reveals
Telecom2 days agoMinister Claims Bandits Exploit Poor Network, Bounce Calls Off Multiple Towers
E-Financial2 days agoFIRS says MOU with DGFIP Won’t Compromise Nigeria Tax Data Sovereignty
News3 days agoFRC, ICPC Seal Anti-corruption Alliance
Telecom3 days agoMoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares
News3 days agoDebt Rises in AI Data Centre Boom
General News2 days agoTop Nigerian Startups Secure Funding Boost @ iHatch Demo Day Awards
Telecom2 days agoGoogle.org Backs CyberSafe’s Resilio Africa to Shield 2m People from Cyber Threats
Telecom2 days agoCBN, NCC to Launch Short Code for Swift Consumer Complaint Resolution