Telecom
Start-Ups in Nigeria can Generate $3Bn Annually- NITDA DG

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the Nigeria Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has said that Nigerian IT start-up environment is capable of generating $3 billion annually.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, DG, NITDA
Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview with Economic Confidential and noted that the development translates to $30 billion revenue generation by 2030.
Abdullahi noted that realizing the projection will entail harnessing the power of the internet by Nigerian innovators, adding that the Nigerian government is creating an enabling environment for start-ups to thrive.
The director-general described Nigeria as a country with great potential, going by its economic size, which, he said, makes up 18 per cent of Africa’s GDP.
“Africa, apart from China, has the opportunity to benefit from the new world we are creating. Our size, our population is of advantage because the world is shifting from the way we eat, the way we work and the way we do things.
“This new normal is powered by technology and technology is derived by people. People that drive this technology migration are young people and Africa has the highest youth population in the world.
“It is also projected that by the year 2050, Africa will have 1 in 3 youths in this world,” he said.
This, he said, is a potential advantage for Africa that Nigeria needs to harness well in order to benefit from the new economy, noting that three trends are shaping and creating the African economy.
According to him, the three trends, include increase, affordability and fast internet speed across the continent; startups to transform business landscape and the general economy.
He further explained that when you look at the emerging technology ecosystem, and the market they are creating, you will realize that there are two promising emerging technologies that are going to change a lot of things in the world: Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence.
He said that based on two reports by PWC, they projected that by year 2030, Blockchain technology will add up to $1.76 trillion to global GDP.
And based on that report, they said that developing countries, at least, can add 4 percent of the GDP if they use that technology. For example, Nigeria’s GDP today is more than $400 million.
The 4 percent of $400 million is more than $10 billion.
That is the minimum GDP Blockchain technology can generate.
He further said that in another report, PWC projected that Artificial Intelligence can add more than $10 trillion to the global GDP by 2030 and based on that report, they said developing countries like Nigeria can add up to 5.6 percent to the GDP. So, still Nigeria, let’s say we are targeting only $10 billion which is far less than 5.6 percent of our GDP today. So, you can see we have 20 billion already.
“We are doing a lot of things to ignite innovative activities in these sectors like for Blockchain, we have developed National Adoption Strategy as approved by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami. Because they are foundational technologies, they cut across so many sectors. So, we have developed that foundational strategy and we are working with the startups ecosystem to develop prototypes and identify the most promising ones”.
A member of both British Computer Society (BCS) Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and the 1st Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s Public Sector, Kashifu remarked that in the area of Artificial Intelligence, Nigeria has built the National Centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence which is helping to harness these potentials. So, that’s $20 billion out of the $30 billion that we said.
“And today, based on Startups Genome report of 2020, Lagos startups ecosystem is valued at more than $2 billion and also recently, two of our startups have reached unicorn level that means evaluation of more than $1billion each. That is Flutterwave and Interswitch.”
“So, now we have $4 billion. Lagos ecosystem has $2 billion, Flutterwave $1 billion, Interswitch $1 billion, and then Jumia is already valued at $1.9 billion. Roughly you have $6 billion in Lagos alone talk less of the other parts of the country”.
Abdulahi said the media and entertainment industry is powered by digital technology, mostly startups, and based on PWC report also, the Nigeria media entertainment sector will be valued at $10 billion by 2023. So, you can see that we are almost at that targeted $30 billion.
“So, we hope we will exceed that target and we are on track based on our initiatives, based on government policies like the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), and other government interventions in form of policies and infrastructural interventions. All these can help us to reach that target of $30 billion by 2030.
Telecom
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
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