General News
Stakeholders Restate Importance of 5G Services @NDSF 2023
Stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have restated the value of the Fifth Generation (5G) services, especially on the positive use of the internet to ease connectivity.
From left: Representative of Director, Public Affairs, NCC and Head, Media Relations Management, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan; Business Development Executive, WizzHub Technology Ltd, Mr. Francis Uzor; Executive Director, Domain Name System Women (DNS Women Nigeria), Mrs Nkem Nweke; Chairman, 2023 NDSF & President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesina Simon Sodiya; representative of Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, Tinuade Oguntuyi of Internet Society (ISOC Nigeria), Principal Consultant, CyberCode, Mr Olatunji Igbalajobi, and Lead Consulting Strategist at DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media Group at the 2023 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on ‘5G: Data Governance Safety and Security in Nigeria’ held in Lagos.
They also noted that 5G technology has enhanced capabilities that will provide superior communications services for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and facilitate attainment of a national digital economy.
Speakers at the 2023 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) with the theme “5G Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria,” organised by ITRealms Media Group, made these assertions.
Leading expert speakers at the forum in his keynote, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said that data is critical to the digital economy, and assured that NCC is building robust legal frameworks for data governance.
“As we embrace the transformative potential of 5G, we must also prioritize safety concerns,” he asserted.
Danbatta, who was represented by the Head of New Media, NCC, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, said that the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology is unprecedented and beckoned on citizens to embrace it and use it to the fullest.
As such, he pointed out the need to always prioritize consumer privacy, transparency and ethical data use. Maintaining that by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, would unlock the full potentials of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.
“To ensure the security and protection of networks and consumers, the Nigerian Communications Act mandates its licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used in, or in relation to, the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria. In this regard, licensees are required to assist the Commission and other Law Enforcement Agencies in preventing crime in Nigeria,” he said.
The chairman of 2023 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF) and President, Computer Society of Nigeria (NCS), Prof. Simon Adesina Sodiya, said the internet is a global connection of networks, that provides opportunity for people to share information in order to connect to one another.
Also, Sodiya said, the internet is like an open space, which any body could use for communication, connection, sharing resources, hence most organisations, individuals are connected to internet.
On the internet, Sodiya explained that the importance of data security and governance cannot be over emphasized, thus the essence to come up with guidelines, procedures, rules, for realistic usage of internet.
“It will not be done by government alone, it is multi-stakeholders efforts, which include government agencies, civil society organisations, individuals, and ICT professionals among others,” Sodiya said.
The chairman of 2023 NDSF equally noted that internet governance is very important because there are lots of criminal activities going on in the internet, however people who fall victims are not aware of these cyber criminals.
“Apart from criminal activities, we should not forget that our children are in schools and have been given opportunity to use internet. They should use it for something meaningful that will develop their life positively and not negative aspects. For instance, I have seen a father who said he found his 12-year old child watching porn videos,” he said.
What government needed to do, according to Prof Sodiya is to educate parents on how to provide use of internet for their children. Advising that parents should block some aspects of internet that might endanger the life of their children.
The Business Development Executive, Wizzhub Technology Limited, Mr. Uzor Francis, said he educated participants on benefits of 5G, such as speed carrying capacity, how much integral benefits and inter-connectivity of the devices that internet offers, as 5G enables most of these things.
About challenges of 5G, especially on security, Uzor said that will require enlightened participants on some of the measures, urging Nigerians to mitigate the challenges they may face while using 5G mobile services.
“It is important that 5G goes round not only to the cities but also in the villages so that everybody has access to it, to enhance connectivity for communications through the internet,” he said.
Uzor decried some myths and misconceptions about 5G that it causes virus such as COVID-19, pandemic, which is not true, therefore Nigerians should adopt it because 5G is fast and safe.
The Principal Consultant, CyberCode Limited, Mr. Olatunji Igbalajobi, in his contribution said 5G technology has come to stay in Nigeria to enhance internet connectivity and encourage development.
Nigeria, as a country, he said, needs to get it right in terms of data governance, and urged government at all levels to act fast to ensure relevant structures are in place to ensure data governance and safety.
Earlier while welcoming participants, the Lead Consulting Strategist at DigitalSENSE Africa and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media Group, Mr. Remmy Nweke, noted that 5G mobile network is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G respectively.
Nweke highlighted that 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects and devices.
5G wireless technology, Nweke said is meant to deliver higher multi-Giga bits per second (Gbps), peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more users, higher performance and improved efficiency thereby empowering new user experiences and connecting new industries.
He recalled that DigitalSENSE Africa is a certified At-Large Structure (ALS) by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and powered by ITREALMS Media group, while NDSF was hosted in collaboration with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) among stakeholders in the country.
Nweke commended NCC, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), FirstBank, Nigeria LNG Limited, WizzHub Technologies, D|NS Women Nigeria and a host of other stakeholders for partnering with this 14th edition of NDSF series.
Further, he applauded the speakers faculty for the 2023 NDSF including the President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Ms Maureen Chigbo; Executive Director, Domain Name System Women (DNS Women Nigeria), Mrs Nkem Nweke and Ms Tinuade Oguntuyi of Internet Society (ISOC Nigeria) and assured that next edition will be an exciting session.
Senate on Tuesday approved the fresh $6 billion loan request forwarded to the lawmakers by President Bola Tinubu.
Lawmakers approved the fresh loan on the same date the request letter was read by Godswill Akpabio, senate president.
The Senate approved the loans following the presentation and consideration of the report by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
President Tinubu had written to the Senate seeking approval to borrow a total of $6 billion to finance key government projects and address budgetary gaps.
The requests were contained in two separate letters addressed to Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, and read during Tuesday’s plenary.
In the first letter, the President requested approval to obtain a $5 billion loan from Abu Dhabi Bank.
According to the President, the facility will be used to cover the nation’s budget deficit and support debt financing, among other fiscal obligations.
The request forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilise public finances and sustain ongoing government programmes.
In a separate communication, Tinubu also sought approval to secure a $1 billion UK Export Finance loan facility from London Citi Bank.
The loan is intended for the rehabilitation of key port infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
The President said the project aims to address critical infrastructure deficiencies in the country’s maritime sector
According to him, the rehabilitation will help improve efficiency, enhance safety standards, and support Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
He added that the initiative would also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub.
Both requests have now been considered and approved by the Upper Legislative Chamber.
Federal government has fixed 2028 and 2029 for the launch of two communication satellites, NIGCOMSAT-2A and NIGCOMSAT-2B, as part of efforts to strengthen security and expand digital connectivity.
The government will be committing over $22 billion on the ambitious space-led growth agenda focused on new satellite launches, increased industry revenue and expanded broadband access in underserved communities.
At the opening of the 2026 Nigerian Satellite Week in Abuja, Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, confirmed the government’s approval for the acquisition of two new satellites—NigComSat 2A and 2B, describing the move as a “defining commitment” to national development, digital sovereignty and economic competitiveness.
Also, Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), noted that the projects have moved beyond procurement to the execution stage.
She said the satellites are designed to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and connectivity across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, particularly in support of security operations.
“For 2A and 2B, we have started the process. We have closed the tender and are now back into the financing and implementation stage. 2A is built to come up in 2028, and 2B for 2029.
“When they are up and running, they are expected to provide security within the borders and neighbouring countries. They will support the security agencies because data collection and intelligence in real time is important. Satellites like communication satellites allow that, irrespective of where they are,” she said.
On his part, Tijani, said the satellite programme forms part of a broader government strategy to deepen digital infrastructure nationwide.
According to him, the initiative complements ongoing investments in fibre-optic expansion and telecommunications infrastructure, while extending connectivity beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“The President’s approval of NIGCOMSAT-2A and 2B demonstrates a clear commitment to building the future. These satellites will enhance security, connect remote communities, and extend our fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries.
“Some of these neighbouring countries pay up to ten times more for internet capacity than Lagos. Extending our fibre network will not only improve connectivity but also enhance border security and regional collaboration.
“Satellite technology affects everything, from how a child in a rural community accesses the internet to how farmers make critical decisions and how businesses operate across distance,” he said.
Federal government has announced the launch of CLHEEAN, an artificial intelligence-powered mobile application designed to improve interactions between citizens and public institutions.
It is also a civic education and community engagement app.
Developed under the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the platform functions as a virtual assistant accessible via mobile devices.
It allows users to access information on public policies, ask questions, and interact directly with government services.
The app includes features such as instant messaging, voice recognition, and multilingual support, including several local languages, to reach a wider audience.
With CLHEEAN, users can also submit feedback, report concerns, and take part in discussions on public policies. The approach is intended to strengthen citizen participation and improve communication between the government and the public.
Lanre Issa-Onilu, director general of the NOA, said the initiative addresses a long-standing gap between citizens seeking to be heard and systems that do not always respond effectively, adding that the platform marks a step toward closing that gap.
The launch comes as Nigeria continues to face challenges in citizen engagement and the dissemination of public information.
By leveraging artificial intelligence, authorities aim to make public services more accessible while improving transparency and responsiveness.
The initiative also reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly exploring the use of AI to modernize public services and strengthen ties with citizens.
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