Category: Technology

NITDA,JICA announce launch of iHatch Cohort 4

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is excited to announce the launch of iHatch Cohort 4, an initiative designed to support Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem. The programme officially launches in October 2024 and will run through January 2025, providing 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across Nigeria with the resources they need to scale and succeed in local and global markets. iHatch Cohort 4 is a critical part of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy, designed to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth,…

NIMC to roll out e-ID Card with integrated payment, other features

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced its plans to roll out an innovative e-ID card system with integrated payment and social security features by the first quarter of 2025. The announcement was made by Mr. Peter Iwegbu, Director of the Card Management Services Department, during the second day of the NIMC roundtable with online publishers held in Abuja. The new card program, designed to meet one of NIMC’s core mandates, is aimed at empowering Nigerians and legal residents to securely participate in the growing digital economy. This initiative…

Dr Chichebe Akachukwu leads NASRDA’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Revolution

Emporium Reporters

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has taken a giant leap forward with the inauguration of its Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Laboratory in Abuja. At the helm of this innovative project is Dr. Chichebe Akachukwu, Director of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Center.   According to Dr. Akachukwu, the laboratory’s materials are largely sourced locally, demonstrating NASRDA’s commitment to indigenous capacity development.¹ He explained that some Unmanned Vehicles, like the Pocopter, will be used for surveillance, entertainment, and precision farming. “The idea is to do things by…

NCC gives Licensed Operators January 9th as deadline for submission of updated contact details

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all Licensed Operators to submit updated contact information on or before January 9th ,2025 or face necessary sanctions.The Commission also ordered licensees licensees to update any changes to their contact information within seven days of occurrence.   This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Reuben Mouka.   NCC further stressed that the requirement was essential for effective regulatory oversight and seamless communication with licensees.   The statement said Licensees are required to update the following information…

NEC charges States to patronize NASENI’s Technological Innovations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a move to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialization, the National Economic Council (NEC), has urged state governments to patronize technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).   The Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this during the 146th NEC meeting which he chaired at the Presidential Villa, Abuja following a presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, which detailed a strategic roadmap by the Agency for Nigeria’s industrialization.   Mr. Halilu in his presentation titled “NASENI Economic Transformation Through Advancement in…

NITDA DG advocates Innovation for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE has reiterated the critical role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness. Inuwa stated this while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation as a tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential. Speaking on the theme, “Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended…

NCC trains Journalists on reporting trends in Telecoms sector …. restates support for healthy competition

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), last week conducted a 2-day capacity building training for Journalists e 44 see me by on emerging trends in telecoms and Information Communication Technology (ICT).   The training held in Lagos was designed to keep telecoms and ICT reporters abreast of emerging trends, regulatory strides and prospects in the telecoms industry.   The training which featured different sessions were handled by Senior officials from selected departments of the Commission , including experts in relevant fields.   In his opening remarks, NCC Director of Public Affairs,…

NITDA DG seeks enhanced collaboration in FinTech to deepen financial literacy

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has called for increased collaboration among key players in the Fintech ecosystem to enhance financial literacy and promote financial inclusion for all citizens. The call is In line with the present administration’s focus on Reforming the Economy for Sustained Inclusive Economic Growth, Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation and Digitisation, and Improving Governance for Effective Service Delivery.   NITDA DG made this appeal at the 6th edition of the annual FirstBank FinTech Summit where he joined other key…

NITDA calls for Public Input on Guidelines for IT Projects and Regulatory Instruments

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is seeking public feedback on several draft documents related to Information Technology (IT) projects and regulations. This aligns with NITDA’s commitment to an open and collaborative rulemaking.   The legal Documents Open for Public Review are:   Guidelines for Licensing IT Projects Clearance Compliance Assurance Firms 2024; Regulatory Guidelines for Electronic Invoicing in Nigeria; Guidelines for Software Development; and Guidelines for Software Testing.   NITDA is also proposing the amendment of the Guidelines for Clearance of IT Projects for Federal Public Institutions (FPIs).…

NCC Boss addresses Consumers’ concern on Data consumption, Billing at 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament … Charges stakeholders on transparency, accountability

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Dr Aminu Maida has reiterated the need by Telecoms stakeholders to address consumer concerns over data depletion and billing transparency.Maida said increase in data consumption is fueled by digital advancements,hence need to address the concern. Dr Maida stated this in his welcome address at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament, themed “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.” The NCC Boss added that the theme is timely, as internet use has become essential to daily life,…