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One Year at NITDA; Kashifu as a Vindication of Youth Excellence in Governance

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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!


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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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NFIU Seeks Advanced Technology to Combat Financial Crimes in Nigeria

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The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is ramping up efforts to combat financial crimes through advanced technology and enhanced collaboration as part of its drive to remove Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

Speaking at a high-level conference organized in partnership with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Risk Intelligence, in Lagos on Thursday, NFIU’s General Counsel, Felix Obiamalu, revealed that the agency had established a special unit, “Emerging Technologies and Innovations sector” dedicated to integrating cutting-edge tools into its operations.

Obiamalu explained that the NFIU was automating processes and developing software to monitor and track financial crimes. “Criminals continuously exploit gaps in the system, but we are upgrading our capabilities and working with global software developers to stay ahead,” he said.

“The LSEG Risk Intelligence also have sophisticated technology tools that we can also leverage on to combat these financial crimes. That is the essence of such collaborations as the fight cannot be won in isolation,” he added, highlighting the role of partnerships in addressing the nation’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) challenges.

Since being greylisted in February 2023 due to deficiencies identified during FATF’s mutual evaluation process, Obiamalu stressed that relevant stakeholders were working relentlessly.

“This conference is part of efforts to improve interagency cooperation, enhance information sharing, and ultimately build a sustainable AML/CFT framework,” he said, noting that the focus is not only on exiting the grey list but also on creating a system that can effectively address future challenges.

Che Sidanius, the Global Head of Financial Crime at the London Stock Exchange Group, highlighted the broader economic implications of Nigeria’s greylisting. “Being greylisted has a significant impact on foreign direct investment and how Nigeria is perceived internationally.

However, the commitment from both the government and private sector to address these challenges is clear, and that is the first and most critical step,” Sidanius remarked. He emphasized the need for capacity building, robust data utilization, and actionable strategies to strengthen existing frameworks.

The Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, earlier in her address stressed that a coordinated approach is vital for success. “No single organization, public or private, can tackle the myriad financial crime challenges we face in isolation. Only through structured cooperation can we succeed,” she said.

Bakari pointed to the Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiative, partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and commercial banks among other measures as an effective example of PPPs bolstering Nigeria’s AML/CFT framework.

“We, at the NFIU, recognize that gatekeepers in the financial and designated non-financial sectors are often the first to become aware of emerging trends and typologies. They have a wealth of intelligence and information that can contribute to more effective law enforcement responses across a variety of predicate crimes.

“It is therefore critical that we ensure a properly joined up approach, and this is reflected as a priority in our National AML/CFT/CPF Strategy. Therefore, our gathering today could not have come at a better time,” she added.


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LASAA Enhances Operations with New Porta Cabin Offices in Lagos

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Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has launched new porta cabin offices located in Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, Lagos Television premises and LASAA warehouse.

L-R: The General Manager, Radio Lagos, Mr Olajide Lawal; Head of Project Coordination and Local Government Affairs, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku; Managing Director/CEO, LASAA, Prince Fatiu Akiolu; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olumide Sogunle; Director of Administration and Human Resource, Lagos Television, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ayanbadejo; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on LASAA, Hon. Kunle Dabiri; and Deputy General Manager, Operations and Innovations, Mr Gbolahan Dixon during the Agency’s commissioning of new offices (porta cabins) for operational expansion in Lagos recently.

This initiative aims to bring the Agency closer to its many clients and improve the regulation of outdoor advertising landscape, ultimately optimizing revenue generation for the State.

Speaking at the launching of the new offices, the Managing Director/CEO of the Agency, Prince Fatiu Akiolu said they are extensions of the Agency’s branches across the State.

According to him, “The porta cabins launched are not just physical structures, they represent our ongoing commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.”

The MD explained that, with the rapid growth of our city and the increase in the formation of businesses, Lagos has become a dynamic hub for innovation and creativity, and with that comes the need for sophisticated solutions to manage our operations better to meet the rise in the display of business signs in the State.

In his words, “Strategically situating the offices is important to the Lagos State Government for revenue optimization as it will impact positively on the development of the State, as we demonstrate our support for Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu towards actualizing a much greater Lagos.”

He further explained that, “It has become necessary for the Agency to provide these decent portal cabins for the convenience of our staff members and by extension, for our revered walk-in clients who visit to register their business signs and make relevant enquiries.”

He averred that, “These portal cabins symbolize a major step forward in our operations at LASAA. The provisions reflect our dedication to embracing innovation and modernization to improve our service delivery. With these new facilities, we are not just upgrading our operational capabilities; we are also ensuring that our processes are more efficient, accessible, and transparent. Each facility is fitted with air-conditioners, computers, tables, chairs, bathrooms, and kitchens,” Prince Fatiu stated.

Also speaking, the Deputy General Manager, Operations and Innovations of LASAA, Mr Adegbolahan Dixon made it known that it has become imperative to open new porta cabin offices to complement the existing ones as some local governments in the State do not have spaces where they can construct new office buildings.

According to him, “We decided to approach some sister agencies with spaces within their premises to set up the porta cabin offices to reach more clients.”

He said that, “The overriding idea is to be close to our existing and potential customers instead of them going to our head office to transact business. With these offices that are close to them, they can interface with our members of staff who will guide them on how to register and obtain permits for their business signs.”

Dixon also revealed that the Agency has opened a good number of the offices this year which are effectively serving a purpose and that more will be opened for operational expansion next year.

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) was established by the Lagos State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law, 2006 and the Amendment, thereto is responsible for regulating and controlling outdoor advertising and signage displays in Lagos State.

In its commitment to excellence, the Agency plays a crucial role in shaping the visual landscape of Lagos through effective regulation and innovative solutions.


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Electricity Subsidy Soars to ₦2.4 Trillion Despite Tariff Reforms

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Federal Government’s electricity subsidy has surged by 269%, rising from ₦650 billion in 2023 to an estimated ₦2.4 trillion in 2024.

This increase comes despite the implementation of the Band A tariff service category in April, which was expected to reduce subsidy obligations by ₦1.14 trillion.

Dr Yusuf Ali, Commissioner for Planning, Research, and Strategy at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), revealed this during a presentation at PwC’s Annual Power and Utilities Roundtable in Lagos on Friday.

Speaking on “Reigniting Hope in Nigeria’s Electric Power Sector,” Dr Ali noted that macroeconomic shocks, particularly foreign exchange instability, have driven cost-reflective tariffs up by 118% between 2023 and 2024, contributing to the steep rise in subsidies.

“So right now, the best estimate that we have for 2024 is that the cumulative subsidy for the year will be ₦2.4 trillion,” Dr. Ali said.

He explained that while the government aimed to significantly reduce subsidies through tariff increases in April 2024, the challenging macroeconomic environment has hindered tariff payments.

“Without the tariff reforms implemented between 2020 and 2023, annual subsidies would have risen significantly, especially amidst the macroeconomic shocks of the past 20 months,” he added.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by his Chief Technical Assistant, Adedayo Olowoniyi, highlighted the government’s efforts to address the challenges in the power sector. He emphasized that the current administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizes energy as critical to economic growth and job creation.

“To ensure the sustainability of the energy sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented a multi-pronged approach spanning across legislation with the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, policy framework with the development of an Integrated National Electricity Policy, and infrastructure development programmes to expedite expansion,” he said.

The minister outlined additional strategies, including leveraging bilateral funding, commercializing the sector to enhance viability, and collaborating with development partners to address bottlenecks in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry value chain.

“Our successes have not been without challenges. We have recorded frequent grid disturbances and dips in supply levels due to ageing infrastructure, resource limitations, capacity inadequacies, and consistent vandalism of transmission networks,” he noted.

To address these issues, the government has implemented short-term measures, such as enhancing maintenance plans for critical substations, replacing outdated equipment, and conducting data-driven analysis to prevent disruptions.

“For long-term strategies, we are finalizing plans for a super grid project to establish a more robust and resilient grid system,” the minister added. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and bold ideas to restore confidence in the sector.

“Today’s theme reminds us that hope is not a passive sentiment but an active commitment. We must continue to innovate and implement bold ideas to deliver an energy future where every Nigerian has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power.”


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