News
TNW Conference Extols Nigeria’s Innovative Approach in Development of Startup Act

Nigeria’s Innovative approach in the development of the Nigeria Startup Act was celebrated by the global technology ecosystem stakeholders during the Deep Tech Roundtable, held as part of ‘The Assembly’, one of the strategic sessions of TNW.

This year’s The Next Web (TNW) Conference was held from 15th to 16th June, 2023, at the Taets Art and Event Park, Amsterdam.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, the Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), was in attendance as a Special Guest and participated in several roundtable sessions including ‘The Assembly’ and the Startup Genome Ecosystem Leadership Forum.
The DG who was represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director, Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, highlighted some of Nigeria’s initiatives focused on fostering the growth and development of the country’s startup ecosystem.
Inuwa informed that one key legislation co-created by ecosystem stakeholders, the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), is an example of the country’s approach to Developmental Regulation, one of the pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).
That the NSA project, a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and the Presidency driven by Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, was aimed at harnessing the potentials of Nigeria’s digital economy through co-created regulations.
That the objectives of the Act include, among others, to provide an enabling environment for the establishment, development and operation of startups in Nigeria; to provide a legal and institutional framework for the development of startups in Nigeria; to provide for the development and growth of technology-related talents; and to position Nigeria’s startup ecosystem as the leading digital technology centre in Africa, having excellent innovators with cutting edge skills and exportable capacity.
The DG further informed that the Act is made up of ten (10) parts which cuts across five (5) drivers, namely collaboration, engagement, incentives, linkages and support. That the Act intends to increase collaboration within Government and its interactions with ecosystem practitioners by the establishment of the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
That the Council will be presided over by the President as Chairman alongside representatives of the Federal Executive arm of Government, the Director General of NITDA as Secretary and representatives of the Nigeria Computer Society, the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria and the Startup Consultative Forum.
That the Council is to monitor and evaluate regulatory frameworks; formulate and implement policy guidelines, oversee the harmonisation of laws, and regulations for the development of startups in Nigeria.
That NITDA is to serve as the Secretariat of the Council with the DG to serve in a dual capacity of both the Secretary of the Council and the Head of the Secretariat.
Additionally, Inuwa highlighted the establishment of a Startup Support and Engagement Portal which is to serve as a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for startups to register with all relevant regulatory Agencies of Government. This is aimed at saving time as well as associated costs when engaging the Agencies on individual basis.
It will also facilitate the improvement of the ease of doing business within the tech ecosystem, in line with the provisions of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
The NITDA Boss also highlighted the establishment of a Startup Investment Seed Fund, to be managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
The fund will target early-stage startups, hubs and other entities that support the startup ecosystem. That the fund is to be funded annually with a minimum of N10,000,000,000.00 (Ten Billion Naira) towards financing labelled startups and others as seed funds, grants or loans.
He also indicated that these and many other provisions of the Act present a promising future for startups in Nigeria. That Nigeria’s hope is for the Act to serve as a veritable tool towards fostering the development and sustenance of an enabling Startup ecosystem in the country.
He therefore called on stakeholders to support the Secretariat in realizing the potentials of the Act.
Stakeholders in attendance hailed Nigeria’s approach and opined that it is an excellent example of co-created regulation for others to emulate. Matt Smith, Director, Policy and Research, the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), in his remarks, revealed that he has been following with keen interest the unprecedented developments in Nigeria’s Startup ecosystem.
That often, governments seeking to empower entrepreneurs tend find themselves developing and implementing a complex range of reforms, policies and programmes that cut across ministerial and departmental portfolios.
That without central coordination, it is easy for such reforms to stall due to limited legislative capacity, disagreements between responsible departments, or end up with duplicate or competing initiatives between departments.
That Nigeria’s innovative approach in the crafting of the Startup Act will no doubt minimize such pitfalls, offers a promising future for the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and is already inspiring similar startup acts around the world. He therefore said that Nigeria deserves commendation for this innovative approach.
News
Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.
Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.
Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.
“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” Goh told Reuters.
Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.
Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.
The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.
“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.
News
Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC
In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.
The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”
Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”
Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”
Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.
“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.
The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”
Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.
The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.
News
UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.
With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.
Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.
These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.
The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.
It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.
Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.
“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”
Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.
The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”
Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.
“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”
Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.
The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”
All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.
The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.
This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.
E-Business3 days agoLagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats
News3 days agoFG Borrows N100Bn from Unclaimed Dividends, Dormant Bank Accounts
Telecom3 days agoNBC Warns Broadcasters Against Bullying Guests, Passing Opinions as Facts
E-Financial3 days agoCitiTrust Heads to Appeal Court over Alleged Ponzi Scheme
Telecom3 days agoWATRA Secretary sees Resilience as a Critical Link in West Africa’s Digital Economy
Telecom3 days agoWhy Nigeria Must Embrace .ng Now – NiRA Reveals Five Critical Steps
Telecom3 days agoTech Shake-Up: Snap Cuts Hundreds as AI Drives Efficiency Push
E-Business3 days agoLaundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes


















