The Nation Newspaper

Category: Tech

  • SIM reg: T2 empowers officers with eKYC web app

    SIM reg: T2 empowers officers with eKYC web app

    T2 has made a significant breakthrough with the launch of its Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) Web Application, just weeks after unveiling its bold new identity. This innovative tool is specifically designed for SIM registration officers (SROs), empowering them to verify potential and existing customers and solidify the brand’s commitment to a seamless customer experience efficiently and effectively.

    Built as a Progressive Web Application (PWA), the new platform radically simplifies subscriber onboarding experience and transforms SIM registration for millions across Nigeria making the onboarding process faster, easier, and more secure. This development would allow SROs and customers leverage a transformed SIM registration process which is faster, smoother, paperless and eliminates errors, reduces bottlenecks, and ensures every customer leaves satisfied, providing a transparent pathway to accessing T2’s network services.

    Chief Technical & Information Officer at T2, Ayodeji Adedeji, said: “We are excited to introduce this groundbreaking solution to our agents and partners for the benefit of our potential and existing customers. Our new SIM Registration Web App, a flagship innovation following our recent brand unveiling, is designed to revolutionize customer onboarding making it faster, easier, and more seamless, while ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements.”

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to be a LAGRIDE driver, earn N250,000, above

    He noted that the eKYC Web Application is more than a technological upgrade; it is a reflection of T2’s mission to put customers at the center of every innovation. “This tool is designed to empower our agents and SIM registration officers with the speed, accuracy, and reliability needed to deliver a seamless onboarding experience.”

    With features such as live photo capture, instant ID validation, NIN authentication via NIMC, and geo-location lock to ensure registrations are done in approved outlets, SROs can now complete a SIM activation in minutes, even in low-connectivity areas or on entry-level smart devices.

    The tool is designed for inclusivity, covering individuals, corporates, and even foreign subscribers, while giving registration officers the confidence that every step is compliant and secure.

    By simplifying the process for both agents and customers, T2 is not only upgrading Nigeria’s SIM registration experience but also positioning frontline agents as digital enablers of opportunity, creativity, and connection.

    This launch underscores T2’s promise: to empower every officer, every dealer, every retail partner to deliver the boldest, smoothest, most customer-obsessed telecom experience in Nigeria.

  • Nigeria, Brazil deepen space technology partnership for global development

    Nigeria, Brazil deepen space technology partnership for global development

    Nigeria and Brazil have set a new benchmark for South South cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), with space technology and applications taking center stage as engines of growth, sustainability, and security.

    In a statement, Director, Media and Corporate Communications,Dr Felix Ale said the signing ceremony, which took place in Brasília, Brazil, was witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, of Nigeria and his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

    The MoU was signed by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uchenna Geoffrey Nnaji and Luciana Santos, Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

    During the event, government leaders and industry experts underscored the strategic role of space technology in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, disaster management, and digital transformation.

    Chief Uche Nnaji described the MoU as a statement of shared vision, stressing that space technology offers Africa and Latin America a powerful tool to leapfrog into the future economy.

    READ ALSO: Don’t mistake cash flow for profit, Williams Uchemba cautions business owners

     He emphasized that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is committed to building ecosystems of innovation, leveraging satellites, rocketry, and data analytics to drive inclusive growth and prosperity.

    In her remarks, Minister Luciana Santos highlighted Brazil’s global leadership in satellite development and bioeconomy applications, affirming that collaboration with Nigeria would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also deliver solutions with planetary relevance.

     Both Nigeria and Brazil Presidents hailed the MoU as a milestone in South South collaboration, with President Tinubu noting that space technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national prosperity and security.

    Brazilian President Lula da Silva described the partnership as a bridge of innovation and solidarity between two great nations of the Global South

    The agreement is expected to pave the way for joint satellite missions for agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, alongside cooperation in space vehicle engineering, capacity building, and technology transfer.

    Artificial intelligence applications will be deployed for forest conservation in the Amazon and Nigeria, Cameroon basins, while Earth observation systems will strengthen resilience against natural disasters and food insecurity.

    Stakeholders believe this cooperation will create unprecedented opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and youth in both countries, while reinforcing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a new era in Nigeria Brazil relations, demonstrating that space science and technology are not just about exploration, but about building economies, empowering people, enhancing security, and safeguarding the planet.

  • Google announce $37m investment, opens new AI community center in Accra

    Google announce $37m investment, opens new AI community center in Accra

    Google has outlined a wave of AI support across Africa, representing $37 million in cumulative funding, including previously committed but unannounced funding, to research, talent development, and infrastructure. The funding package includes funding and partnerships that aim to strengthen AI research, support African languages, improve food systems, expand digital skills, and build research capacity.

    The AI Collaborative for Food Security, a multi-partner initiative launched with $25 million in funding from Google.org will bring together researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-develop AI tools for early hunger forecasting, crop resilience, and tailored guidance for smallholder farmers. The goal is to help make food systems across Africa more adaptive, equitable, and resilient in the face of increasing climate and economic shocks.

    Google also announced $3 million in funding to the Masakhane Research Foundation, the open research collective advancing AI tools in over 40 African languages. The funding will support the development of high-quality datasets, machine translation models, and speech tools that make digital content more accessible to millions of Africans in their native languages.

    To further empower innovation, Google is launching a catalytic funding initiative to support AI-driven startups tackling real-world challenges. This platform will combine philanthropic capital, venture investment, and Google’s technical expertise to help more than 100 early-stage ventures scale AI-based solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and other vital sectors. Startups will also receive mentorship, access to tools, and technical guidance to support responsible development.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    Africa’s AI talent is growing rapidly, but the infrastructure to support it must grow in tandem. That’s why a cornerstone of this announcement is the launch of the AI Community Center in Accra — a first-of-its-kind space for AI learning, experimentation, and collaboration in Africa.

    The Center will host training sessions, community events, and workshops focused on responsible AI development. Its programming will span four pillars: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and arts and culture — providing a platform for a diverse ecosystem of developers, students, and creators to engage with AI in ways that are grounded in African priorities.

    To help meet the rising demand for AI and digital skills, Google is rolling out 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students in higher learning institutions across Ghana. These fully funded, self-paced programs will focus on AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, and other high-growth fields like IT Support, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity, enabling more learners to access job-ready training and build careers in AI and the digital economy.

    Beyond Ghana, Google.org is committing an additional $7 million to support AI education across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. The funding will support academic institutions and nonprofits building localized AI curricula, online safety training, and cybersecurity programs.

    Additionally, two new $1 million grants from Google.org aim to bolster AI research capacity across the continent. One grant goes to the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) at the University of Pretoria to support applied AI research and training.

    The other supports the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute in South Africa, which will fund MSc and PhD students to conduct foundational AI research and help shape Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.

    Speaking about the announcements, James Manyika, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology & Society at Google, said, “Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter.”

    Yossi Matias, Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google, added: “This new wave of support reflects our belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent. By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”

    These new initiatives build on Google’s ongoing work across the continent. Past efforts have included partnerships to support AI-powered maternal health dashboards in Ghana and Nigeria, wildfire alerts in East Africa, and regional language models developed by teams in Accra and Nairobi. They also reflect Google’s continued focus on shared infrastructure, open research, and inclusive innovation that ensures AI works for everyone.

  • WCHL25 Lagos finale excites young tech innovators

    WCHL25 Lagos finale excites young tech innovators

    Excitement is building as the grand finale of the World Computer Hacker League 2025 (WCHL25) kicks off in Lagos, offering young Nigerian tech talents a gateway into the global Web3 and blockchain ecosystem.

    Organised by ICP Hub Nigeria, the national hackathon has toured key innovation hubs across the country — including Kaduna, Enugu, Kano, Uyo, and Abuja — equipping developers, founders, and creatives with the tools to build decentralised applications using the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP).

    The Lagos leg, slated for July 22 to 26, marks the climax of the competition, with top finalists vying for a share of the $300,000 prize pool. Beyond the monetary rewards, the event promises unparalleled access to mentorship, global visibility, and networking within the international blockchain community.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Dolapo Ogunfidodo, Co-founder of ICP Hub Nigeria, described WCHL25 as more than just a contest. According to the statement issued by Mana Lamja, Content Lead at ICP Nigeria, the initiative is a catalyst for unlocking Nigeria’s next generation of Web3 leaders.

    “The WCHL25 isn’t just a hackathon. It’s a platform to discover, nurture, and launch the next generation of Nigerian innovators into the global Web3 and blockchain space,” Ogunfidodo said.

    READ ALSO: Tunde Onakoya playfully woos Genevieve Nnaji as netizens react

    He added that the initiative has helped bridge regional innovation gaps by introducing hundreds of young developers to global standards, advanced infrastructure, and world-class mentorship, positioning them for success on the international tech stage.

    “We’re not just handing out prizes. We’re giving young Nigerians the skills, tools, and networks they need to become major contributors to the digital economy, right from Africa,” he added.

    Participants across the regions have responded with creativity and technical depth, submitting open-source, on-chain applications backed by thorough documentation on GitHub, mirroring global standards in decentralised app development.

    For many young developers, he noted, the experience has served as their first deep dive into the world of blockchain and decentralised internet infrastructure.

    Ogunfidodo emphasised that this exposure is essential for positioning Nigeria as a future tech leader on the continent, saying, “Nigeria is full of brilliant minds. What we need is to keep building platforms like WCHL25 that offer visibility, structure, and global relevance”.

    The Lagos finale is expected to feature five days of product demos, team collaboration, and intense networking, with international mentors, venture capitalists, and founders from across the Web3 ecosystem in attendance, he said.

    While noting that the final deadline for project submissions has been extended to July 25, the organisers urged all teams and solo builders to upload working demos and documentation before then, warning that the window will not be extended further.

    As global interest in blockchain and Web3 technologies continues to grow, ⁰Nigeria’s vibrant developer community is increasingly being recognised as a key driver of Africa’s digital transformation.

    “WCHL25 is laying the foundation for a future where African developers are not just consumers of global tech, but builders of it.

    “As the countdown begins in Lagos, the WCHL25 finale is poised not only to celebrate innovation, but to launch Nigeria’s best and brightest into the heart of the global tech conversation,” Ogunfidodo said.

  • Alleged users’ right breach: NDPC urges court to dismiss Meta’s suit against N32.8m fine 

    Alleged users’ right breach: NDPC urges court to dismiss Meta’s suit against N32.8m fine 

    The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has urged a Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated against the sanctions imposed on it.

    The NDPC had, on February 18, imposed both a remedial fee of $32,800,000million dollars and eight corrective orders against Meta Inc.

    The American multinational technology company was found to have violated the fundamental privacy rights of its Nigerian users with respect to behavioural advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.

    Dissatisfied with the penalties, , Meta filed the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025 for judicial-review and an order of certiorari quashing the compliance and enforcement orders and all other investigations, proceedings and actions taken by NDPC against the applicant leading to the ‘Final Orders issued against the company on February 18.

    The NDPC, in a preliminary argued that the suit is incompetent, queried court’s jurisdiction to hear it and urged the court to either dismiss or strike it out.

    In a supporting affidavit, NDPC noted that Meta filed its originating summons on 19th March 19, 15 days after it obtained the court’s permission to institute the suit for judicial review.

    NDPC argued that the reliefs contained in the originating summons are completely different from the reliefs contained in the statement filed to support the ex-parte application for judicial review. 

    It said it believes that this error on the part of Meta was fundamental and “the defendant/applicant (NDPC) does not intend to waive its right to object, in this regard.”

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    “The defendant/applicant does not intend to waive its rights in challenging these fundamental errors, which are fatal to this proceeding and jurisdiction of the court,” NDPC said.

    NDPC stated, in a supporting affidavit, that in its decision, Meta was sanctioned after a protracted and thorough process of investigation.

    It added that the investigative power of the commission was activated by a petition written by an organisation, the Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative (PDPAI).

    According to the commission, the PDPAI alleged that the company breached the data protection rights of users of Facebook and Instagram. 

    It added that in the said petition, the plaintiff was alleged to be engaging in behavioural advertising without obtaining explicit consent of data subjects (users).

    The commission said compelling evidence were provided in support of the petition, revealing Meta’s private policy showing that it conducted behavioural advertising, without obtaining consent from the data subjects.

    NDPC described behavioural advertisement as “a special form of targeted advertising, where consumers are shown advertisements based on their behavioural data.” 

    It added said behavioural advertisement is a kind of advertising which collects and tracks individual sensitive information, without their knowledge or consent, to either share with third parties, or to decide specialised advertisements to be shown to the consumers.

    NDPC said during investigation, it drew the company’s attention to some very disturbing violations in this regard, especially as to non-consensual data processing activities.

    It said the alleged violations included the disclosure of sensitive personal data of minors relating to their sex lives; sensitive personal data of minors involving drug use; and sensitive personal data of minor pupils in school, involving erotic dancing.

    NDPC stated that Meta was found in breach of certain provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection (NDP) Act, and that its promotion of debasing images outside the expectation of concerned data subjects offended the principles of fairness, lawfulness, transparency, accountability and duty of care.

    It added that Meta’s alleged failure to file a compliance audit with the commission for the year 2022, was a breach of the NDP Act.

    The commission stated that cross border transfer of data by Meta, contravened the mandatory requirements under the NDP Act. 

    Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho has adjourned till October 3 for ruling.

  • NITDA flags off southeast tech talent hunt ahead of GITEX Nigeria 2025

    NITDA flags off southeast tech talent hunt ahead of GITEX Nigeria 2025

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday launched a regional tech startup competition in Enugu, aimed at identifying the most promising innovators from Nigeria’s southeast geopolitical zone ahead of the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Startup Festival.

    Young tech entrepreneurs from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states gathered for the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Regional Roadshow, a prelude to the national startup event slated for Abuja from September 1 to 4.

    Speaking at the Enugu roadshow, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, hailed the initiative as a strategic move to spotlight emerging digital talent and empower youth in the region.

    “This is more than a competition. It’s a pipeline to national relevance and global competitiveness,” Ezeh said. “Our youths must seize this moment to become part of the GITEX Nigeria 2025 story, and possibly GITEX Global in Dubai.”

    READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa assigns portfolios to newly sworn-in Ondo commissioners

    Dr. Nkem Momah, Head of NITDA’s south east zonal office, said the programme seeks to discover startups building scalable, problem-solving solutions in sectors such as HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, AI, EdTech, ClimateTech, and CreativeTech.

    “Our goal is to identify and empower bold innovators whose solutions can reshape Nigeria’s digital economy,” Momah said.

    Winners from the Southeast pitch competition will earn a sponsored slot to exhibit at the Abuja Startup Festival, where they’ll pitch to a panel of tech investors, industry experts, government officials, and the media. They’ll also be considered for global exposure at GITEX Global in Dubai—one of the world’s biggest technology trade shows.

    GITEX Nigeria is modelled after Dubai’s Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), which has served as a global innovation hub since 1981.

  • Science, tech key to global peace, says Nnaji

    Science, tech key to global peace, says Nnaji

    Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has emphasised the pivotal role of science and technology in fostering global peace, saying they serve as fundamental pillars for international stability and security.

    Nnaji spoke during a visit by Executive Secretary of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), Dr. Robert Floyd, to the ministry in Abuja.

    According to the minister, Dr. Floyd’s visit is a significant step in strengthening the synergy between multilateral diplomacy and technological advancement, while reaffirming a shared global understanding that innovation is vital to development and global accountability as well as peace.

    “Nigeria is proud to be a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). We note CTBTO’s role in promoting global stability through robust verification and monitoring.

    “As we witness the convergence of nuclear science, digital intelligence, and geospatial technologies, Nigeria is eager to explore collaboration—advancing our domestic capacity and the shared global mission of the treaty,” Nnaji said.

    He added that under leadership of the ministry, Nigeria is developing a future anchored in data-driven policy, indigenous innovation, and harnessing of emerging technologies.

    “Through seismic monitoring stations, regional data hubs, and knowledge networks, we envision Nigerian scientists, engineers, and innovators as key in CTBT’s verification ecosystem,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Meet the next Olubadan-in-waiting, ex-Gov Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja

    Nnaji stressed that innovation is beyond invention, describing it as a mindset that drives systemic transformation and strategic progress.

    “Your visit must serve as a catalyst for deeper technical engagement and enduring partnership with Nigeria’s scientific ecosystem. Our collaboration with global institutions like CTBTO and UNESCO reflects our commitment to science, technology, and innovation (STI) diplomacy,” the mnister added.

    Dr. Floyd noted the role of CTBTO in maintaining global peace and security through enforcement of CTBT.

    He said CTBTO’s global verification regime detects nuclear explosions and ensure signatory states comply with the ban on nuclear testing.

    Floyd noted Nigeria’s historic and support for CTBTO’s mission and praised its role in advancing its objectives.

    He hailed the broader African commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, noting 52 of Africa’s 54 nations have signed CTBT, and 50 have ratified it.

  • Sanwo-Olu hails MTN, Dell Technologies on Nigeria’s largest data centre

    Sanwo-Olu hails MTN, Dell Technologies on Nigeria’s largest data centre

    Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed MTN Nigeria for the inauguration of the largest data centre in the country in the state.

    MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with Dell Technologies, announced the official launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre, a state-of-the-art facility poised to revolutionise enterprise IT infrastructure across West Africa with its comprehensive cloud services offering.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State’s Government, Barr Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said: “Investments like this one that we’re here to launch offer a platform for our young people to be able to thrive. Enterprise-grade infrastructure on our own soil, giving start-ups, developers, and data creators the ability to build and scale from Nigeria to the world. With this facility, MTN is reinforcing Nigeria’s position as the digital backbone of West Africa.”  She emphasised that due to the location of the data centre, the state now had the “bragging rights.”

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    This strategic partnership between the two tech giants delivers computing power, secure storage, and seamless cloud integration, empowering businesses to enhance operational efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate digital transformation within a trusted, locally hosted environment.

    This initiative underscores MTN’s ambition to evolve beyond a traditional telecommunications provider into a leading tech, a trusted technology partner dedicated to delivering innovative digital solutions. The Dabengwa Data Centre is a testament to MTN’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s digital economy and providing scalable data solutions for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage.

    The Dabengwa Data Centre stands as West Africa’s largest prefabricated modular data centre in Nigeria, using 96 prefabricated containers for Phase-1, setting a new benchmark for technological advancement and infrastructure scale in the region. Designed with the future in mind, the data centre incorporates AI-driven energy optimisation and robust hybrid cloud capabilities, ensuring unparalleled performance and flexibility for its clients.

    Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, said: “The MTN Data centre is part of the digital foundation of Nigeria’s modern economy that we seek -one that provides, and will continue to provide world class reliability, so that we can keep our money local. We don’t have to ship it out in dollars.” He described the data centre as “excellent.”

    While thanking MTN for providing the platform that will help accelerate Nigeria’s critical sectors, from fintech, healthcare, education platforms, and artificial intelligence, Tijani said it is “only through this kind of infrastructure can we truly enable sovereignty, trust, but also national productivity.”

    The Nigerian data centre market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from 136.7 Mw in 2025 to 279.4 Mw by 2030, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.37per cent. This growth is further supported by substantial investments, with data centre operators committing over $630 million to expand capacity in Nigeria.

    Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security Department, Engr. Babagaba Digima, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and technological independence. The infrastructure we celebrate here today embodies our collective vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria.”

    Commending MTN for being at the forefront of digital innovation Dr Maida said: “The Commission remains committed to creating an environment that supports innovation while ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and a robust internet infrastructure and service quality.”

    He added that at the commission “we will continue to work closely with operators to ensure that critical infrastructure deployment meets robust standards our digital economy deserves.”

    AI-driven energy optimisation is a cornerstone of the Dabengwa Data Centre’s design. AI algorithms intelligently manage workloads and optimise energy sources, including the utilisation of green energy, to significantly reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. This commitment to efficiency ensures that businesses leveraging the Dabengwa Data Centre benefit from a sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure.

    Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, said:  “Today is a significant day for Nigeria. Setting up the infrastructure of this size is not an easy task. And I want to seize the opportunity to thank those who have been working tirelessly to make it happen.”

    MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, stated: “Today is not simply the commissioning of the state-of-the-art data centre and launch of a new cloud platform, it is a lot more. It is a representation of technological advancements that focuses on the development of a state-of-the-art commissioning and data-centric architecture in line with the direction and policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    He added that the data centre, which cost about $150 million, “is a significant leap in the data landscape to meet the increasing demand of Nigerian businesses for solutions that focus on growth and innovation.”

    Speaking on the data centre and MTN Cloud, which was also unveiled to help Nigerian businesses, and boost the country’s digital eco-system, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, said the innovation has launched Nigeria into a new tech era.

    “A few weeks from now, we’ll launch the MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa. This isn’t just another accelerator, but one that would empower the Nigeria tech-ecosystem for growth,” she said.

    The MTN Cloud Accelerator Program is tailored to support startups in the ecosystem with training and resources they needed to thrive. The MTN Cloud was built in Africa but can be accessed by local and global businesses.

    The launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre aligns with Nigeria’s strategic push for digital sovereignty and regulatory compliance. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has finalised a data classification framework that encourages cloud service providers to establish local operations in Nigeria, mandating that certain categories of sensitive data, including health, financial, and government data, must be hosted within Nigeria. By providing a world-class, locally hosted environment, the Dabengwa Data Centre enables international cloud service providers to meet these critical regulatory requirements, fostering greater trust and security in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. This move is a significant step towards enhancing national security and attracting further investment in the country’s digital infrastructure.

  • NCC, REA inaugurate joint committee to boost renewable deployment in telecom

    NCC, REA inaugurate joint committee to boost renewable deployment in telecom

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formally inaugurated NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, marking a pivotal step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital and energy inclusion objectives by developing modalities for the deployment of renewable energy to support telecom infrastructure in Nigeria.  

    The inauguration, held at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was joined by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, along with senior executives and committee members from both organizations.

    Ag. Head, Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha at the NCC, in a statement, noted that Dr. Maida described the collaboration between NCC and REA as a timely and strategic alignment of national priorities, aimed at bridging the connectivity and power gaps that continue to limit development in Nigeria’s rural and underserved areas.

    He noted that while telecommunications infrastructure requires reliable and sustainable energy to function optimally, renewable energy solutions also benefit from the demand generated by expanding digital services and connected communities.

    “Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    “This initiative is about more than infrastructure—it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities and creating the conditions for shared prosperity,” he remarked. Through this collaboration, we are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by ensuring that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital and energy transformation,” Dr. Maida stated.

    He charged the Committee members to approach their assignment with clarity, innovation, and a shared determination to deliver tangible results.

    Speaking on behalf of REA, Mr. Aliyu expressed optimism about the transformative potential of this collaboration, reaffirming REA’s commitment to working closely with NCC to unlock sustainable development opportunities for millions of Nigerians living beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.

    The NCC–REA Collaboration Committee has been established to co-develop and implement integrated solutions that leverage renewable energy infrastructure to power telecom sites, share geospatial data for improved planning, align funding frameworks, and track socio-economic impact through clear performance indicators.

    The Committee is expected to serve as a model for inter-agency cooperation, demonstrating how collaborative governance can accelerate progress in line with the nation’s National Broadband Plan and overall sustainable development agenda.

  • NITRA, telcos host CNII, sustainability confab

    NITRA, telcos host CNII, sustainability confab

    Telecom operators, acting under the aegis of Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) have partnered to host a forum to tackle the security challenges facing the telecom industry.

    This is coming on the heels of the garnt of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) status to the sector by President Bola Tinubu.

    The two groups noted that mere declaration of the CNII order cannot guarantee infrastructure safety except certain internal and standardisation issues are first resolved by operators.

    This and other issues will be addressed at forum which will bring stakeholders together to address pertinent issues and questions begging for answers.

    Scheduled to hold at CitiHeight Hotel, Ikeja on July 30, 2025, the event, tagged: “Industry Sustainability And CNII Conference 2025 – Way Forward” will gather stakeholders to discuss the practical way forward, noting that passage of the Bill along will not achieve desired results.

    According to the organisers, questions that stakeholders will provide answers to at the event include: How do we ensure that this law is implemented to the letter? Are there areas worth looking into once more, or is the Bill perfect as it is? What are the roles of each stakeholder in the industry – Federal, States, Operators, Consumers, and other actors? Are individual telecom companies and service providers keying into the CNNI provisions, and how?

    READ ALSO: Umar unveils 38 ‘unsung June 12 heroes’ in military

    Others are:  What are the roles of regulators in ensuring public compliance to the order? How do we ensure security? What is the place of collaboration? Publicity: how much of the CNII provisions are the public aware of? And how can we sustain the growth and development of telecommunications in Nigeria?

    The Panel Discussion sessions will look into some of the questions arising from industry sustainability and CNII implementation.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, telcos, security agencies, regulators, the media, infrastructure companies and decision makers in private and public firms, among other guests.

     “It is a known fact that the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is crucial to the survivability of a nation, and that the destruction or disruption of these systems and communication networks would significantly affect the economic strength, image, defense and security, government capabilities to function, and public health and safety,” NITRA statement stated.

    ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, had in a forum stressed the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and tech-upgraded installation to prevent vandalism and theft.

    He highlighted the widespread issue of stolen manhole covers, fibre cables and poles; community resistance to infrastructure projects; unauthorised installation of infrastructure without government approval; malicious destruction of telecom infrastructure; among other challenges to be curbed.

    Chairman of NITRA, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, stressed the importance of the confab, noting that industry stakeholders needed to come around a table to broker an understanding on how to secure telecom infrastructure, standing on government’s proclamation of CNII.

    According to the General Secretary of NITRA, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, the forum, which will have other industry Associations also make their inputs, will afford the public an opportunity to share their thoughts, especially as it regards the security of infrastructure in their localities.