E-Business
Starcomms Stirs Internet Revolution with iZAP
Starcomms, one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications operators is already shaking the telecommunications market with its high-speed wireless internet and the company is excited about it.
With the increasing shift from voice-centric services to multimedia-oriented like video, data, fax services, Starcomms, toke a bold step into the future with its 3G EVDO Mobile Broadband internet service as "iZAP", a superfast internet service, into the Nigerian market.
Mr. Maher Qubain, CEO Starcomms, said that it is ‘’a super highway broadband internet service that enable subscribers a world of limitless possibilities on Starcomms network. With this new service, subscribers on the leading "triple-play" network can enjoy easy and quick access to streaming video, movies, online music, and read live updates of business news and sports.
Starcomms currently offers 3G EVDO Rev0 Mobile Broadband internet service in 3 key cities of Nigeria – Lagos, Port Harcourt and Federal Capital Territory Abuja, that offers speed upto 2.4 mbps. In addition, we currently offer the RevA version of 3G EVDO Mobile Broadband internet service in Abuja, first to have launched in West Africa, that offers speed upto 3.1 mbps. The service is planned for roll out in other cities as well.
The service, Qubain said ‘is a specialized solution specifically tailored to solve Internet connection troubles. It is based on Starcomms’ superior 3G EVDO technology which allows for massive download and attachment of unusually large files.’’
Apart from effectiveness and affordability, Qubain stressed that this foray by the company will further empower Nigerians to become drivers of their own destinies with the enormous opportunities that the service can offer entrepreneurs, professionals, students, cybercafe operators as well as multinational companies, among others.
To compliment the speed this service is offering, the Starcomms CEO said there are several stylish access devices on tender including Izap MDC (Mobile Data card), Izap USB Modem and Izap Smart Phones.
While the service is currently available to subscribers in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, Qubain said plans are in top gear to hook up more cities across the country, adding that the cutting edge is the robust technology on which the service operates: the 3G EVDO technology, pioneered by the company.
In February 2006, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, then minister of Communications, had launched Starcomms’ high-speed Mobile Broadband Data Access Service (EV-DO), a 3G technology solution. It was Nigeria’s first 1xEV-DO-based mobile broadband deployment and one of West Africa’s first CDMA2000 1xEV-DO networks leveraging Huawei’s latest third generation CDMA2000 1xEV-DO platform.
At the launch Qubain had declared, "When we introduced the Third Generation (3G) technology, it was based on the realization that the Nigerian subscriber has become quite sophisticated and deserved to be provided world class services using the best technology".
Essentially, Enhanced Voice Data Only or Evolution Data Only or Evolution Data Optimized, often abbreviated as EVDO, EV-DO, EvDO, 1xEV-DO or 1xEvDO, provides fast wireless broadband (3G) Internet service directly to access devices such as computers, mobile phones, data cards and cellular routers
It is CDMA’s (Code Division Multiple Access) response to the need for high-speed broadband services capable of delivering very high speeds. Starcomms first deployed EVDO services in Lagos and Port Harcourt, and later Abuja through the mobile data cards for laptop users and USB modems for desktop users.
With iZAP, Starcomms’ business subscribers can quickly upload large data files and emails with attachments while "on-the-go" and instantly and securely access the Internet and their proprietary intranets wherever they are.
The CDMA technology consistently provides better capacity for voice and data communications than other commercial mobile technologies, allowing more subscribers to connect at any given time, and it is the common platform on which 3G technologies are built.
The world is demanding more from wireless communication technologies than ever before as more people around the world are subscribing to wireless communications. Third-Generation wireless data services and applications – such as wireless email, web, digital picture taking/sending, assisted-GPS position location applications, video and audio streaming and TV broadcasting – and wireless networks are doing much more than they did just a few years ago.
EV-DO deployed by Starcomms in 2006 is a part of the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, approved 3G standards technologies. EVDO delivers growing demand for high-speed broadband data services.
CDMA 1X is the fastest growing wireless technology and it will continue to grow at a faster pace than any other technology. Currently, there are just a little over 45 million subscribers to the CDMA 1X the latest version of the technology all over the world bringing global use of all ranges of CDMA to a little over 353 million.
Remarkably, this foray by the company will further empower Nigerians to communicate more effectively and affordably as the technology base of the 3G CDMA offers greater clarity than is currently prevalent.
Commercially launched in 1999, Starcomms has invested heavily over the years to improve the quality of its products. Its deployment of the world class CDMA technology in 2002 exponentially established the company as the largest CDMA 3G Mobile network in Nigeria in terms of coverage, subscriber base, network quality and customer service delivery.
CDMA has been traditionally faster than GSM, though both technologies continue to rapidly leapfrog along this path. Both boast "3G" standards, or 3rd generation technologies.
To Qubain, "Starcomms is poised to continuously be at the forefront of Nigeria’s telecommunications market."
E-Business
CAC, NIBSS Unveil Platform for Data Access to Private Firms

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has unveiled a new Application Programming Interface (API) integration system to allow private firms access company data from the Commission’s database.
Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), registrar general of CAC, who spoke in Abuja at the unveiling said the system would give selected private organizations access to CAC services through technology-based companies, called “super agents.”
“This is a practical step to show that the Commission is committed to meeting the expectations of our customers,” he said.
Magaji explained that the integration allows the agents to retrieve data from the CAC database for use in specific client requests, outside the standard services provided by the Commission.
“Before now, only a few government agencies had this integration, especially those involved in investigations, anti-money laundering, and terrorism financing. Now, private companies that meet the criteria can also access it,” he said.
He said the system complies with the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023, and information such as residential addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth may be restricted.
“This is a call to law firms and companies with the right technology. We’ve started with NIPS because of their credibility. Embassies and banks can now authenticate company records directly through them.”
“There are prescribed fees. We already collect them on our portal, and now customers can also pay through these agents,” he explained.
He named NIPS, MoneyPoint, and OPE as some of the companies involved.
“OPE and MoneyPoint handle only registrations. But NIPS has moved further into validation and verification,” he said.
Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, executive director at NIBSS, who represented Premier Oiwoh, managing director, said the service allows secure and efficient data verification.
“This is the result of years of effort to connect our systems with CAC. It will help users verify data within the limits of data protection laws,” she said.
She said the move is a way to lower costs and promote interoperability across the financial sector.
E-Business
FG Launches Online Citizenship, Business Management Platform

Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of a new Online Citizenship and Business Management Platform in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
A statement signed by Dr Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior’s said the initiative forms a key part of its ongoing reforms aimed at promoting transparency, enhancing operational efficiency, and significantly improving service delivery to the public.
The new digital platform is designed to streamline the application and processing of citizenship and business-related services, ensuring faster turnaround times and improved user experience.
The platform allows users to apply for and manage business permits, ensuring that both local and foreign businesses operate legally in Nigeria.
It includes an Expatriate Quota System to manage work permits for foreign employees, helping companies hire skilled workers while complying with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
The Citizenship Administration and Management System provides a streamlined online process for applying, tracking, and managing Nigerian citizenship applications and related services.
Members of the public, corporate entities, and other stakeholders are expected to access the platform through the ministry’s website: https://interior.gov.ng , Direct Portal Access: https://candb.interior.gov.ng , or contact candb-support@interior.gov.ng for support and inquiries.
“The Ministry of Interior remains committed to establishing a more efficient, transparent, and secure framework for citizenship administration, while continuously enhancing service delivery through digital transformation,” the statement read in part.
E-Business
NITDA, CISCO Empower Youth with Digital Skills

Fifty selected young unemployed Nigerians have completed a four-week intensive digital skills bootcamp under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, gaining practical training in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IT Essentials.
The programme, a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco, was hosted at NITDA’s South West Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa , the Head of the South West Zonal Office, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, described the initiative as a vital component of Nigeria’s digital future. “This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys—anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she remarked.
According to the Director General, the initiative is rooted in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and reflects key focus areas including Digital Literacy, Emerging Technologies, and Youth Empowerment. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, innovation, and skills development.
Inuwa noted that the DL4ALL initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to digital inclusion—ensuring that no one is left behind in the evolving digital economy. It also supports the ambitious goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, championed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. This national vision aims to equip millions of Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in a tech-driven world.
He further emphasized the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills. “They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” he said.
The NITDA boss explained that throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in hands-on learning experiences designed to build both technical proficiency and digital leadership capabilities.
“This is only the beginning,” he stated. “Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities. This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential.”
Inuwa expressed appreciation to Cisco for delivering high-impact training and called on stakeholders to continue investing in partnerships, people, and platforms that drive digital inclusion.
He asserted that the newly certified participants are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy—armed with the skills to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures that solve real-world problems.
At the end of the bootcamp, participants demonstrated their knowledge through impressive presentations that showcased the integration of skills acquired across Data Science, AI, and IT Essentials. Many spoke passionately about how the programme had expanded their technical competence and sparked a drive to create job opportunities—not only for themselves but also for others—as entrepreneurs and digital solution providers in their communities.
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