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We’ll Provide Enabling Environment For ICT Start-Ups – DG NITDA

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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has said that the Agency is currently re-strategising to provide an enabling environment for ICT Start-ups in the country.

Inuwa stated this when he received in audience the leadership of FinTech Association of Nigeria, who were at the Agency to congratulate him and also partner with NITDA in various Information Technology programmes.

He said, “NITDA as the regulator is using its mandate to identify Nigerians who are capable of bringing ideas to the table.

 

According to him, “It is NITDA’s responsibility to provide enabling environment to Nigerians through capacity building so as to develop Nigeria’s IT ecosystem, while the private sector assist in creating jobs for Nigerians.”

 

The DG further stated that, “the private companies and organisations also have a role to play for ICT sector to thrive. They should not stay away from us, they are part of us, and we are part of them, while we are working as government agency in charge of regulating and developing Information Technology in the country, the private sector can also invest so as to boost our economy.”

He added that, Nigeria as a country needs everyone, especially IT stakeholders to invest in the industry, according to him, that is the way to develop ICT in the capital market.

 

He however said that Government is doing its best to make the sector safe haven for all start-ups in the country.

 

“Nigerian Government has made all available resources for Start-ups to thrive, but that alone cannot turn our dreams to reality. Corporate Entities, Entrepreneurs, Risk Capital, Venture Capital, and Universities also need to play their roles. We can provide the enabling environment while others invest. This will create the right direction towards achieving our goals,” he said.

 

Inuwa urged FinTech Association of Nigeria to continue the good work it does in connecting with stakeholders in the FinTech community locally, regionally and internationally to establish a critical bridge for the Nigerian FinTech ecosystem and ensure that support systems exist for a more conducive operating environment through collaborative efforts.

 

Earlier, in his remark, Dr Babatunde Obrimah, Chief Operating Officer of FinTech Association of Nigeria, accompanied by Chairman of ProShare, Olufemi Awoyemi and Damilola Ishie, thanked the Director General of NITDA, and also congratulated him on his appointment as 5th DG of the Agency.
Dr Obrimah also sought for proper collaboration between the FinTech Association and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in moving Financial Technology forward in the country.

 

He said, “It is crystal clear that the private sector cannot survive without government’s support and intervention, therefore there is need to collaborate with NITDA to drive ideas.”

 

“We need to come together and get things done. As you can see now, people steal other’s ideas. You brainstorm and come up with something; someone somewhere get away with it.”

 

“The country is ours. We built this association to grow the best brain in Nigeria and work with government,” he said.

 

He averred that, “FinTech Association of Nigeria is not here to compete with government. The purpose of building this association is to form harmony between stakeholders under FinTech and the government at large.”

“We are aware of NITDA’s mandate to regulate and develop this sector and that is why we are here. We have so much confidence in you and your leadership.

 

“We all rely and count on you. We also hope that our partnership will be of benefit to Nigeria and Nigerians economically,” Dr Obrimah said.


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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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Lebara, New Operator Enters Nigerian Telecom Arena, Sells Minutes, Not Airtime

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Lebara Nigeria has officially stepped into Nigeria’s bustling telecom market with the introduction of its unique 0724 number series—a bold move that promises fresh competition and a more transparent user experience.

Lebara, New Operator Enters Nigerian Telecom Arena, Sells Minutes, Not Airtime

Leveraging its status as a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), the company is positioning itself not just as another telecom player but as a catalyst for change, offering innovative packages built on fairness and clarity.

From day one, Lebara Nigeria has been ready to compete with industry giants like MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, having secured full interconnectivity with all of them.

This critical footprint ensures that its voice and data services are accessible and of high quality nationwide.

Akin Adesokan, Lebara’s chief operating officer, highlighted the company’s strategic intent: “Our readiness with the 0724 series and full interconnect setup underscores our unwavering commitment to seamless integration, customer freedom, and market inclusivity.” Indeed, the company has taken considerable steps to ensure regulatory compliance and operational strength, leveraging its global expertise as an MVNO and its freshly minted licence under the NCC’s highest tier.

What truly differentiates Lebara’s offering is its unconventional pricing model. Eschewing traditional prepaid airtime, it sells voice bundles and data packages that align with real usage, not ambiguous credit deductions. “You buy minutes, not airtime. If your call ends in 30 seconds, you still have 99 minutes and 30 seconds left. That’s the kind of clarity and control we are bringing to Nigerian telecoms,” explained Samuel Alabi, head of Corporate Communications.

This clarity responds to a long-standing frustration among Nigerians, where ₦100 airtime often disappears quickly and opaquely. Lebara’s minutes-based system offers predictability and transparency—a refreshing contrast in a market hungry for accountability.

Lebara’s entrance is more than a marketing exercise; it’s a strategic diversification of Nigeria’s mobile ecosystem.

With over 220 million active mobile lines, Nigeria is Africa’s biggest telecom consumer.

The NCC’s move to licence 41 MVNOs, including Lebara, illustrates a policy shift aimed at introducing more competition and improving service quality. Technically agile and digitally native, Lebara leverages existing network infrastructure, augmented by automated systems—a lean operation compared to the capital-intensive MNO model.

he status quo. With strategic execution and continued regulatory support, this could mark the beginning of a new chapter: one where Nigerians no longer need to ask, “Can you hear me now?” but instead say, “Yes—and I know exactly what it cost.”

 


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PIN Pushes for Equitable Digital Governance at World Internet Forum

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As the 20th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) opens in Lillestrøm, Norway, leading pan-African social enterprise Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is championing grassroots voices in global digital policy discussions.

Running from June 23–27 under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” the IGF unites stakeholders from civil society, governments, the private sector, and technical communities to tackle pressing digital issues such as access, AI ethics, surveillance, and content moderation.

The discussions also contribute to the upcoming World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review in December 2025.

PIN’s participation comes at a time when digital governance decisions are increasingly shaping the future of billions. “It is essential that grassroots solutions are heard,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of PIN. “At PIN, we believe that meaningful digital inclusion requires more than just connectivity.

“It demands inclusive, progressive and sustainable policies and frameworks built taking the realities of grassroots stakeholders into consideration.”

Representing PIN at IGF 2025 are Sesan, Chief Operating Officer Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, and Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements Thobekile Matimbe. They will engage in strategic sessions on topics like connectivity in excluded communities, AI accountability in content moderation, and human rights in emerging tech.

The team will also participate in coordination meetings with partners including Meta, UNESCO, the Freedom Online Coalition, and GPD.

PIN’s presence at the forum underscores its ongoing mission to embed digital rights within grassroots realities and to ensure that global internet governance frameworks are inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of marginalised communities.


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Remmy Nweke’s “The Village Priest” Garners High Praise from Tech Community

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Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) stakeholders have applauded the latest in bookshelf by Remmy Nweke, the Village Priest, which was presented at the recently concluded Nigeria DigitalSENSE Africa Forum on Internet Governance for Development (IG4D) in Lagos.

The presentation and review of the book, “The Village Priest” by Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, largely described as a powerful narrative explored the intersection of tradition and innovation in rural Igboland, received widespread acclaim, with its themes resonating deeply with the event’s focus on ‘Global Digital Compact: Opportunities for Multi-stakeholders in Nigeria.’

The highly anticipated review was delivered by Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Africa.

Sesan lauded Nweke’s prose fiction for its insightful portrayal of “innovative technology adaptation transforming rural communities,” describing it as “a careful work of cultural documentation, offering not just a story but a chronicle—a record of transition that many rural and even urban African communities continue to live through.”

Sesan’s review highlighted the book’s central character, Ogboo AniEze, the revered chief priest of Ilimefo, whose life is dedicated to preserving his village’s customs. The narrative unfolds as “the village and its people, their traditional practices and strong cultural heritage at the crossroads!” with the arrival of GSM technology—a “strange and mysterious piece of technology” that initially challenges Ogboo AniEze’s traditional views.

The review detailed the chief priest’s journey of reconciliation, from initial fear of GSM eroding cultural heritage to a profound understanding that the technology “also offered opportunities for growth, development, and connection with the wider world.” This transformation leads to a new era of harmony in Ilimefo, where “tradition and modernity coexisted in balance.” The book beautifully illustrates how mobile phones become “a powerful tool for preserving the village’s cultural heritage” and how interfaith collaboration, particularly with Catholic priest Fada Ekie, fosters a “fusion of traditions” and a “new spiritual identity.”

“It teaches us, without preaching,” Sesan concluded, “that true innovation is not in abandoning our roots, but in strengthening them with new tools.”

This year’s Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum, was presided over by Dr. Jimson Olufuye, former President of the Information Technology (Industry) Association of Nigeria and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of digital governance.

Olufuye also commended the author, Nweke for his perseverance in serving the ICT industry as well as endearing documentation of the sector.

For the Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the latest book by Nweke depicts the gift of in depth creativity and urged him on, despite the challenges the sectorial environment throws at industry players.

Organized by ITREALMS Media and hosted under DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA), an At-Large Structure certified by ICANN, the forum brought together key partners including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, Internet Society Nigeria chapter, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and ICANN.

The NDSF series, running since 2009, continues to “motivate public discourse and create awareness on the technological cum business benefits of rapidly advancing technologies capable of impacting on Internet Governance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain name industry, access and affordability,” while offering a vital platform for industry networking.

The event not only celebrated the literary achievement of Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, a multiple award-winning journalist, but also reinforced the commitment of ICT stakeholders to fostering digital inclusion and innovation across Nigeria.


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