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We’re Working with Govt Agencies to Protect Nigerians from Unsolicited Phone Calls by Digital Loan Apps – Olatunji NDPC Boss

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Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has said that it’s working with other governments agencies to ensure that it protect Nigerians from unsolicited phone calls by digital lending apps, also known as loan sharks.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/ CEO of the commission, disclosed this at the sidelines of a sensitisation workshop on data privacy/protection held on Wednesday in Lagos.

Dr. Olatunji noted that the commission is working with other government agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC), NITDA, NCC, CBN, ICPC, EFCC to ensure that the data privacy of Nigerians is not breached by loan shark firms.

According to him, “We]re working together with a lot of regulators on unsolicited phone calls from loan sharks.

“We have the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC), NITDA, NCC, CBN, ICPC, EFCC, we are all working together to address this issue because it is about our citizens and the vulnerable groups that loan small amount of money and if they default once or twice, these loan sharks will start publishing their names which is illegal in any case, so we are already dealing with it.

“Very soon this will stop in Nigeria because we’re using multi-sectoral approach, we’re bringing a lot of regulators together for this cause”.

While disclosing that one of the lending apps was recently fined N50m, he said it is now mandatory for all digital lending apps to get the certification of their privacy policy from NDPC as part of the criteria for their registration with FCCPC.

Speaking further on reasons for the sensitization program, Dr.Olatunji said that the commission is committed to sensitizing Data controllers and processors on the duty of care and accountability to ensure that data collected is protected in terms of technological measures, and in terms of organisational measures so that data collected is secured.

Also, he added that the workshop was to create awareness for data processors and controllers on the need to build confidence and trust in our Nigerian system.

 


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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NCC Calls on Judiciary to Champion Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in Nigeria’s digital transformation. During the Annual Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida highlighted the judiciary’s reliance on digital tools to enhance justice delivery.

He stressed the need for special protections for telecommunication infrastructure, which faces disruptions from vandalism, theft, and restricted access.

Maida called for judicial support to implement the Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

This order prohibits unauthorized actions against such infrastructure without a lawful court order.

The judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights, enforcing digital contracts, and developing digital jurisprudence is vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the NCC’s efforts to protect consumers from unfair practices and emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to the telecommunications sector.

She highlighted concerns such as cybersecurity risks, consumer data protection, and the need for improved dispute resolution frameworks within the digital economy.

The workshop aims to equip judicial officers with the technical expertise required to address emerging legal challenges in telecommunications.

Nigeria’s digital economy has significant growth potential, with projected revenues of $18.30 billion by 2026, expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and promote innovation.

The NCC is working with key stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the Presidential Order and to keep Nigeria competitive in the global digital economy.


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Empowering Nigerian Entrepreneurs: 15Wins Ventures Unveils Z-Habitat Hub

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15Wins Ventures, a Dutch-based venture builder, officially launched Z-Habitat Hub in Lagos on Thursday, October 24, 2024, marking a new chapter in the company’s efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

L-R : Nelson Tosin Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer, 15Wins Ventures; Michel Deelen, The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos; Valkamiya Ahmadu, Senior Policy Advisor on Economic & Political Affairs Netherlands Embassy, Abuja; Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment & Health Care, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos; Bengt van Loosdrecht, Ambassador of Netherlands to Nigeria, during the grand unveiling of the Z-Habitat Hub, Nigeria’s most advanced incubation hub at Ago Palace, Lagos on October 24, 2024.

The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bengt van Loosdrecht; The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos, His Excellency Michel Deelen; Sonia Onovughakpo Fajusigbe, Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship, Youth Employment & Health Care, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos; Valkamiya Ahmadu, Senior Policy Advisor on Economic & Political Affairs (Abuja); and Adebola Adebowale, Chief Program Analyst for Lagos State.

Commenting on the significance of Z-Habitat in driving innovation and creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities, His Excellency Bengt van Loosdrecht said, “We see Z-Habitat Hub as a powerful connection point – a place where ideas can take root and thrive through collaboration.

“Many people in the west do not realize that Nigeria is a country on the brink of transformation.

“The domestic private sector, driven by young, well-educated individuals, is flourishing. This is a dynamic I have seen in other rapidly developing regions, and I believe Nigeria’s youth are on the cusp of an exciting future.’’

His remarks preceded the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which officially opened the hub’s doors to the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.

The Z-Habitat Hub will host various programs, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events, all aimed at empowering Lagos’s startup ecosystem.

The hub’s mission aligns with 15Wins Ventures’ goal to build a sustainable foundation for African tech development, bridging resources from its base in the Netherlands to local talent in West Africa.

Reflecting on the vision behind Z-Habitat, Nelson T. Ajulo, Chief Executive Officer of 15Wins Ventures, highlighted the hub’s role as a transformative force within Lagos startup ecosystem.

“Z-Habitat is a place where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit come together.

“Our mission is to provide local entrepreneurs and creatives with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions,” he said.

“Through Zarttalent, we have trained nearly 500 students and provided scholarships to underserved women. Now, with Z-Habitat, we are expanding our commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and broader community.’’

Guests were welcomed with a guided tour of the facility, led by Nelson, offering a firsthand look at the state-of-the-art workspaces.

The event also featured an energetic performance by local drummers and a showcase of creative expressions by local artists.

The launch of Z-Habitat underscores 15Wins Ventures’ commitment to fostering homegrown innovation and providing a structured, supportive environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

As Lagos startup landscape continues to thrive, Z-Habitat is poised to play a critical role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into impactful solutions that drive long-term growth.


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Treepz Drives Innovation, Wins Top Honors at African Union Event

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Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, has been awarded the Best Startup Pitch in Africa at the 15th Annual African Union Private Sector High-Level Conference, held in Lusaka, Zambia on October 31st – November 2nd, 2024.

Amidst the line-up of startups that pitched at the conference, this award, organized by the Global Innovative Initiative Group (GIIG), was presented to Treepz in recognition of its innovative contributions and significant impact on transforming the mobility landscape across Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya.

In addition to winning the Best Startup Pitch in Africa award, Treepz was recognized across the continent and was awarded $5000 and $3,500 from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Google, respectively.

Commenting on the award, Onyeka Akumah, Founder and CEO of Treepz, stated, “We are honoured to have received several recognitions on the continent, including the Best Startup Pitch in Africa, for our work in the mobility sector across four countries”.

“We are also grateful to Jo Griffiths, Founder of GIIG for the extended invitation to pitch at the prestigious African Union private sector conference.

“The invitation speaks to our footprints in Africa and how we have consistently delivered exceptional mobility services to our customers, both home and beyond”, Onyeka added.

Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIGvelopment and People at Treepz delivered the pitch and received the award on behalf of the startup.

She expressed her excitement, noting that Treepz is well-positioned to significantly empower millions of daily commuters through the advancement of shared mobility across Afric) is a venture capital investment firm committed to enabling African tech entrepreneurs to thrive in businesses that pioneer innovative global solutions that meet the most pressing challenges of the time.


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