Telecom
Securing the Cyber Space, Gateway to Digital Economy — DG NITDA
Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated that Cybersecurity is very essential for Digital Economy and Digital Transformation within the government, thus making the cyber space secured by building the confidence of citizens.
Abdullahi said this during a Webinar in commemoration of NITDA at 20 organised by Digital Jewel with the theme: “Cyber Risk and Cybersecurity” for Cloud Governace and Security, Cybersecurity Trends, Threats and Failsafe measures.
He said the Nigerian Government have put in place policies that will curb the menace of cyber attacks through Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015, National Security Agency (NSA)’s Computer Emergency Response Team, NITDA’s Computer Emergency Response Team (MDA’s), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Computer Emergency Response Team (Financial), Nigerian Communications Commission Computer Emergency Response Team (Telecommunication), Defense Space Administration (Navy, Army and Air Force).
Abdullahi stressed that NITDA’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERRT) has been playing a critical role towards curbing the menace of cyberattacks through prompt awareness, cybersecurity tips, monitoring intrusion, leveraging trusted resources, and implementing a response plan for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and requires the attention of a broad range of stakeholders. It requires an effective public and private partnership that incorporates businesses and institutions of all sizes along with national, state, local, tribal and territorial agencies to produce successful outcomes in identifying and addressing threats, vulnerabilities and overall risk in cyberspace,” he added.
“NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2021-2024 is anchored on seven strategic pillars; Developmental Regulations which focuses on indices needed to move Nigeria on the eGovernment index.
“Some of these regulations are regulatory instruments, guidelines and frameworks that prepare Nigeria for this journey”, he revealed.
Abdullahi further stated that Digital Literacy is a pillar which focuses on capacity building of eGovernment services, noting that it is important to build people’s capacity on proficient use of digital services.
He added that Digital Transformation is another pillar which uses digital technology for operational excellence in governance and to enhance transformational delivery of traditional government services.
“Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Promotion of Indigenous Contents are strategic pillars basically involves the maximum empowerment and use of local innovations to come up with indigenous made solutions for the Nation,” he said.
Abdullahi stated that Emerging Technologies is a pillar which encourages citizenry to develop and adopt strategies for emerging technologies. He said that some of the emerging technologies are foundational techs that cut across so many industries like the block chain, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Ms Adedoyin Odunfa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Digital Jewels, in her presentation applauded NITDA for the various initiatives put in place towards the growth and development of Information Technology across the country, changing the way things are done.
She said the top 2021 Cybersecurity threat prediction from the Rise of Ransomware which every employee susceptible to a ransomware attack regardless of role, Remote workforce exploitation an employee working from home the temptation for hackers to target remote vulnerabilities will rise, and ineffective Cyber Hygiene which weekly scan should be done to ensure nothing is left expose on the computer.
“Our biggest threats arise from people, while our biggest assets are our people in other to achieve out goals and objectives towards a successful project or programme,” she said.
Mr Yahuza Ahmed, Assistant Director Cybersecurity Department, while making his presentation said that Ransomware attack is on the increase, which is affecting the operations of internet activities around the world.
He cited KIA Motors attack as an example that occured some months back by Ransomware activities which affected the activities of the company.
“Critical Infrastructure attacks, the dark side hacker group behind the colonial pipeline Ransomware attack which has lead to low supply of petroleum premium Motor Spirit (PMS), affecting the activities of the country due to the attack,” he added.
Ahmed said that Government organizations that provide services like National Identity Management Commission, Galaxy Backbone etc, need to check delivery channels, online presence, mobile presence, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to improve services that are being rendered to the general public.
MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
MoMo PSB
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.
MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.
The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.
Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.
MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.
MTN Nigeria
Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.
“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.
The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.
New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.
The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.
Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.
The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.
The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
FRC, ICPC Seal Anti-corruption Alliance
Debt Rises in AI Data Centre Boom
MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares
Young Africans Hit Hardest by Online Gender Violence, Paradigm Initiative Reports
Sterling Bank, Pan-Atlantic University Partner to Certify Non-Oil Export Academy Graduates
Kaspersky Introduces Cyber Pathways to Support Career Development in Cybersecurity
NITDA DG Tasks Youths to Drive Africa’s Digital Transformation
Firm Urges Organizations to Check Protection of their Websites Amid Search Engine Optimisation Attack Schemes
FCCPC Sets Deadline for Digital Lending Regulatory Compliance
Hackers Breach Phones of Dangote and Otedola, Demand Ransom
E-Financial2 days agoCBN Rejigs Financial Inclusion Strategy to Boost Economic Growth
E-Financial2 days agoSEC Urges IST to Freeze all CBEX Bank Accounts in Nigeria
News2 days agoFG to Use Digital Economy Initiatives to Curb Corruption Among Youth
E-Business2 days agoFinancial Sector Faced AI, Blockchain and Organised Crime Threats in 2025 – Report
Broadcasting2 days agoEnd of an Era as Multichoice Delists from JSE After Canal+ Takeover
Telecom2 days agoCOUCH 2025 Grand Finale Highlights Student Breakthroughs, Secures Government Pledge for University Research Commercialization
Broadcasting2 days agoGlobal South Alliance Launches $72,000 Datafication and Democracy Fund to Support 2026 Research Projects
Telecom2 days agoGoogle Invests $2.1m to Boost Nigeria’s AI Development