The Nation Newspaper

Category: Technology

  • Idara Bassey awarded 263rd global tech hero

    Idara Bassey awarded 263rd global tech hero

    The Connected Awards proudly announce Idara Bassey as the 263rd Certified Global Tech Hero, honouring her groundbreaking work at the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.

    The recognition highlighted her ability to translate governance principles into systems that protect people and create lasting social value.

    Idara’s career is defined by advanced legal training, a master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Technology Law, and globally recognized certifications in artificial intelligence governance and privacy practice. These achievements reflect practical expertise in privacy-by-design, AI risk assessment, and the policy tools needed to guide digital systems from concept to compliant operation.

    Her work has shaped national-scale projects with millions of users, ensuring that large security and identity systems are aligned with privacy safeguards and operational standards. These interventions reduce exposure to cyber threats and deliver measurable protection to broad communities.

    Read Also: Oladipupo immortalised as a Certified Global Tech Hero

    Beyond formal engagements, Idara has built governance into collaborative innovation spaces. As Ethics and Policy Lead for a responsible AI hackathon, she developed compliance frameworks that required teams to address bias, conduct fairness audits, and improve interpretability. These outputs have since become lasting governance resources for broader use.

    She has also advanced public understanding through peer-reviewed publications, legal scholarship, and a podcast on AI governance that amplifies diverse and underrepresented voices. Her platforms encourage dialogue across sectors and jurisdictions, broadening the reach of ethical practice in technology.

    Her achievements extend across consultancy, scholarship, and community engagement. Practical innovations such as reusable governance templates and fairness auditing tools demonstrate her commitment to implementing principles. Her mentorship and inclusive approach ensure that responsible AI remains technically robust and socially responsive.

    In celebrating Idara Bassey as the 263rd Certified Global Tech Hero, the Connected Awards honors a professional who elevates standards for how law and governance shape technology. Founder Qazeem Oladejo remarked, “This induction honors excellence and the rare ability to convert policy into systems that protect people and empower communities.”

    This recognition immortalizes Idara’s achievements, not just as records on paper, but as enduring practices, frameworks, and public platforms that continue to inform debate and strengthen responsible innovation worldwide.

  • Exploring The Sustained Appeal Of League Of Legends

    Exploring The Sustained Appeal Of League Of Legends

    There have been plenty of games over the years that have exploded onto the scene, but within the space of a few years, they have fizzled into obscurity. It’s fair to say that League Of Legends definitely doesn’t fall into this category. In fact, many gamers would argue that the game is more popular now than at any point over the last decade.

    Personally, I wouldn’t go that far, but considering it was initially launched as a free-to-play mobile game over 15 years ago, and it still boasts tens of millions of players, it’s a game that has defied many predictions and continues to capture a cross-generational appeal.

    Today, we’re going to look at some of the factors that have helped it continue to dominate the international gaming market, and we’re going to examine some of the factors that could result in this appeal stretching into the rest of this decade and the next.

    The Impact Of Successful Subdivisions

    When a game reaches the magnitude of League of Legends, it reaches a stage where many ideas associated with it also find success, thanks to the power of the brand. Now, while League of Legends was not the first game to explore the potential of eSports betting markets, the fact that it remains one of the most popular games on the planet has translated into a betting market that has been able to flourish.

    There are other factors to consider, of course. Many betting platforms have benefited from the accessibility of smartphones, the greater scope of affordable digital marketing, and the integration of alternative payment options, such as cryptocurrency. As you can see from the volume of League of Legends betting odds, it is a market that has exploded from a niche area of betting into one of the most popular subdivisions.

    Ultimately, the success and visibility of League of Legends betting options bring in a lot more casual bettors, looking to see what niche markets are available. If multiple subdivisions within an industry are thriving, it helps prop up the appeal of the overarching product.

    Sticking To What Works

    League of Legends emerged as an entirely digital, free-to-play game. In the modern market, these types of games are a dime a dozen, but LoL was one of the first to truly capture the potential of the global, digital gaming market. It resulted in a flurry of influencers all looking to capitalize on the exploding demand, but it also meant that the internet became a one-stop shop for those looking to find out about things that helped them improve their LoL skills.

    Gone are the days of having to spend money on expensive guidebooks for your favourite games. Those who are looking for technique and tips, or a quick fix guide for League of Legends, can find all of this information easily and for free.

    We’ve seen this approach roll out across several different industries. It doesn’t matter if we are keeping up to date with business news, staying in touch with our friends, or looking to do our online banking; the internet is now integral to our day-to-day.

    While Riot Games might have been much further ahead of the mobile gaming curve in comparison to their competition, the size of the community and the continued societal approach toward digital platforms meant that marketing, promotions, and news relating to the game were all funnelled through these emerging digital communities.

    It worked almost from the off, so why opt for different forms of marketing if they have already found what works? It’s an approach that many other companies can learn from.

    The Appeal Of Cost-Effective Gaming

    I remember when LoL first came out; it was in the midst of home video console games costing a fortune, with new releases coming out every week and costing $50 a pop. It was an expensive business; it still is. After first coming out in 2009, it wasn’t until over a decade later that free-to-play mobile game purchases overtook video games.

    League of Legends flipped this model on its head. While it would be disingenuous to say that the market owes it all to Riot Games and their ingenuity, the fact is that they have pioneered the way microtransactions are leveraged in the gaming industry. They’ve turned a free game into a game that churns out a nine-figure profit every year, which is remarkable.

    Even in a modern market where other brands and titles have desperately tried to catch up, it is often the case that cheap imitators are nothing compared to the real thing, which again goes a long way in explaining why LoL is still so popular.

    While it might slow down as VR and AI enter the fore, the fact that it still has millions of active players at any given time is a good sign that it could continue capturing a considerable market share, even when faced with stiffer and more varied competition.

  • Australia’s Cyber Security Push: Why Real-Time Monitoring Beats Annual Audits

    Australia’s Cyber Security Push: Why Real-Time Monitoring Beats Annual Audits

    Australia’s ambitious 2030 Cyber Security Strategy faces a major test as businesses struggle to move beyond outdated compliance methods. The federal government’s A$587 million commitment to become the world’s most cyber-secure nation demands more than good intentions and requires a fundamental shift from annual security theatre to continuous protection.

    The Australian Signals Directorate received nearly 94,000 cybercrime reports in 2022-23, which equates to roughly one attack every six minutes. Small businesses faced average losses of A$46,000 per incident, yet many organisations still rely on once-yearly audits that leave massive security gaps undetected for months. 

    Modern identity management solutions have emerged to address these vulnerabilities, with platforms such as Inclave providing Australian casino players secure biometric login options that use facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to eliminate password risks, and the system stores encrypted credentials across multiple gaming sites with two-factor authentication and real-time fraud alerts (source: https://esportsinsider.com/au/gambling/inclave-casinos).

    The Six Cyber Shields Strategy

    Canberra’s strategy centres on six interconnected Cyber Shields that target different aspects of national digital security. Shield 1 focuses on stronger businesses and citizens through free cyber-health checks and no-fault ransomware reports. Shield 2 addresses safe technology with mandatory security standards for smart devices, and Shield 3 builds world-class threat information that organisations can share effectively.

    The remaining shields target infrastructure protection, sovereign cyber capabilities, and regional leadership. These ambitious goals span three distinct horizons from 2023 to 2030, and each phase builds on previous achievements. Implementation remains patchy across Australian businesses, though.

    Seven years after the Essential Eight security framework launched, more than half of organisations still fall below Maturity Level 2 across the eight controls. An ADAPT survey of 84 Australian organisations, which included 29 infrastructure operators, revealed that patch cycles slip, multi-factor authentication stalls at the pilot stage, and backups frequently fail when ransomware attacks occur.

    The Annual Audit Problem

    Traditional compliance approaches create dangerous blind spots that attackers exploit. Companies pass audits in June, watch controls decay through July, and face failures by August, but the compliance certificate still proudly displays on their website. This tick-the-box mentality leaves organisations vulnerable precisely when attackers strike.

    Modern cybercriminals operate around the clock and probe systems for weaknesses that emerge between scheduled reviews. They exploit the gap between audit cycles because they know that most businesses lack real-time visibility into their security posture. Manual evidence collection compounds the problem, with teams that scramble for screenshots and logs that become stale before the assessment concludes.

    The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner recorded 483 data-breach notifications in the second half of 2023, up 19 percent from the previous six months. Many incidents involved compromised cloud providers or software vendors, which highlights how third-party risks multiply when monitoring remains sporadic.

    The Promise of Continuous Protection

    Advanced platforms now automate control monitoring and evidence collection, and they feed live telemetry into dashboards that alert administrators the moment patches slip or unauthorised admin accounts appear. Instead of annual scrambles for documentation, security controls report their health daily through integrated systems that connect cloud consoles, identity providers, and endpoint agents.

    This change turns compliance from reactive busywork into active protection. Live data monitoring spots security problems right away and sends warnings before bad settings turn into major breaches. Businesses that adopt always-on security monitoring see big improvements, and one company used an automation platform to get ISO 27001 certification in less than three months instead of the usual full year.

  • FG to begin implementation of digital public infrastructure, data exchange standards

    FG to begin implementation of digital public infrastructure, data exchange standards

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has announced that the implementation of regulations for the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the Technical Standard for Nigeria Data Exchange (NGDX) will commence next year.

    Abdullahi explained that the draft documents are currently under review by key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), to ensure alignment with the digital development agendas of states and local governments.

    Speaking at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, during a stakeholders’ review workshop on Thursday, Abdullahi highlighted the need for Nigeria, with its population of over 220 million, to adopt a unified, trusted, and credible data exchange platform for efficient digital transactions and services across public and private sectors.

    Represented by NITDA’s Director of e-Governance and Digital Economy, Dr. Salisu Kaka, he stressed the importance of establishing a robust governance structure for the draft documents to ensure smooth implementation.

    The workshop, themed “Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through Standards, Data Exchange, and E-Governance Transformation”, provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the draft frameworks.

    He said, “We started this journey by dropping this instrument to ensure that at least we lay the foundation effectively with the right regulation, the right framework, and the right guideline.”

    He said the regulatory bodies are working together to ensure that critical stakeholders are on the same page while concluding the process of the draft guidelines and regulations, emphasising that it was necessary to ensure the regulations are jointly owned for seamless implementation.

    Malam Abdullahi said that with robust contributions from all stakeholders, the implementation of the content of the documents would begin, possibly by the first quarter of next year.

    “So if states can model and reflect what happens internationally, then we can have a 360 view of the whole thing, and we can drive all of the government upwards, because we are working with a common standard, with common regulations, regardless of the autonomy of the state. So what is a model at the state level is a replica of what’s happening at the national level”, the NITDA boss said.

    Read Also: FG disburses N330bn to households under social protection Programme

    In his remarks, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said the review of the draft documents “marks a significant step forward in our journey to build a digital Nigeria that is robust, trusted, inclusive, and globally competitive.”

    “The development of these frameworks could not be timelier. Digital Public Infrastructure is the foundation upon which efficient e-government services, secure payments, and trusted data exchange are built.

    “Around the world, countries that have invested in DPI are seeing improved service delivery, reduced transaction costs, and increased citizen trust. Nigeria has the opportunity to lead on the continent by designing systems that are both innovative and inclusive.

    “The Nigerian Data Exchange Technical Standard is also very significant. Data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, and the ability to exchange it securely, with privacy, integrity, and accountability, is what unlocks its full value.

    “When fully implemented, it can transform service delivery, enable real-time decision-making, and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors,” Dr Olatunji said.

  • Xbox Game Camp Africa Returns for 2025

    Xbox Game Camp Africa Returns for 2025

    Microsoft has announced the return of Xbox Game Camp to Africa for its third year, reinforcing its mission to support and empower game developers across the continent.

    In collaboration with ID@Xbox’s Developer Acceleration Program (DAP), this year’s edition will feature pre-selected professional game studios from across Africa in a 12-week structured program. 

    Teams will advance from game ideation to creating a working prototype or vertical slice, guided by mentors from Team Xbox.

    Since its launch, Xbox Game Camp Africa has trained more than 1,900 emerging game creators. Among them is Kenyan studio Kunta Content, whose debut game Hiru was developed through insights gained from the first two camps.

    The studio recently released a trailer showcasing the game’s diverse environments, reflecting their storytelling passion and the progress made with Xbox mentorship.

    “We are beyond excited to finally share a glimpse of the world of Hiru,” said Dean Gichukie, CEO & Game Producer at Kunta Content, “and we are bringing the continent of Africa to life in a way that has never been seen before.

    This trailer is a testament to our team’s passion and the incredible support from Xbox, starting with Xbox Game Camp, allowing us to showcase the beauty of the Masai Mara, the mysteries of the Congo, and the starkness of the desert.”

    The official kickoff of Xbox Game Camp Africa will arrive on December 4 in Cape Town, South Africa, in collaboration with Africa Games Week.

  • Communicating Science Across Borders: How Suleiman Abdulsalam is Advancing Global Trust in Science at Virginia Tech

    Communicating Science Across Borders: How Suleiman Abdulsalam is Advancing Global Trust in Science at Virginia Tech

    Every day, science produces knowledge that shapes our societies from public health and technology to policymaking and global governance. But knowledge alone is not enough. Its impact depends on how it is communicated, trusted, and applied across diverse communities.

    At the heart of this challenge is Suleiman Abdulsalam, a Nigerian researcher whose work is helping to bridge the gap between science and society. Currently a PhD student in Planning, Governance, and Globalization (UEDP Track) at Virginia Tech, Suleiman is conducting research in the Wald Lab, under the mentorship of Dr. Dara Wald, an associate professor of environmental communication and policy in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech.

    A Global Lens on Science Communication

    Suleiman’s academic journey bridges continents and disciplines. He earned an MSc in Collective Intelligence—the first program of its kind worldwide—at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, supported by the Ibn Roch Foundation for Science and Innovation Scholarship. He went on to pursue a Master’s in Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, funded by the Riberas Orjales Fellowship. This distinctive blend of training has equipped him with a truly global perspective on how scientific knowledge is generated, communicated, and trusted across borders.

    “The biggest challenge isn’t just producing knowledge — it’s ensuring that knowledge is understood, trusted, and acted upon,” Suleiman explains. “Science only matters when it is communicated clearly and inclusively, especially in diverse cultural and political contexts. My work in the Wald Lab allows me to explore these dynamics at the intersection of science communication, policy, and public engagement.”

    Trust in Science: A Global Study

    Suleiman played a central role in the Trust in Science Project (TISP)—a consortium led by Dr. Viktoria Cologna and Dr. Niels G. Mede, Group lead at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Switzerland, and Assistant Professor of Communication Science in Life Science Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands, respectively.

    Tagged as one of the most extensive post-pandemic studies of public trust in science, involving over 71,000 participants across 68 countries. He led Arabic survey translation, coordinated data collection in Morocco, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, and played a role in data analysis and literature review processes of the project work.

    Read Also: ‘Science, tradition should work together’

    Suleiman’s research has contributed to multiple high-impact publications advancing the global communication of science. The study “Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries” appeared in Nature Human Behaviour, one of the world’s top-ranked social science journals. The TISP dataset was further documented in “Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries”, published in Nature Scientific Data. Additional analyses, including “Extreme weather event attribution predicts climate policy support across the world” in Nature Climate Change, highlight the policy relevance of this work. Another project, “Public communication about science in 68 countries: Global evidence on how people encounter science information and engage with it”, is currently undergoing peer review and available via OSF. These studies have already informed European Union policymaking, demonstrating the practical impact of rigorous and inclusive science communication.

    Bridging Knowledge and Policy

    For Suleiman, the work is deeply personal. “Growing up in Nigeria, I saw firsthand how a lack of trust in scientific knowledge can hinder progress. My goal is to ensure that science is not just credible but also comprehensible, relevant, and actionable for communities and policymakers worldwide.”

    His research in the Wald Lab emphasizes the global communication of science, studying how institutions, scientists, and the public interact, and how trust shapes decision-making. The lab’s focus on science communication, policy engagement, and international collaboration has been crucial in shaping his approach to global science governance.

    A Vision for the Future

    Looking ahead, Suleiman plans to continue exploring how science communication and governance intersect to address complex global challenges. “Science is a tool for solving real-world problems, but its power depends on how well it is communicated and trusted,” he says. “If we can build systems where knowledge flows transparently and inclusively, we can empower communities, guide policymakers, and strengthen global governance.”

  • Governors seek leading roles in Nigeria’s digital transformation

    Governors seek leading roles in Nigeria’s digital transformation

    State governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have demanded leading roles in Nigeria’s digital transformation, saying it has become necessary for the federal government to assign responsibilities to States and local governments in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

    In particular, the NGF said they would like to take the lead in their respective states on the digital journey and in collaboration with other stakeholders.

    The Director General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday on behalf of the Governors.

    He spoke at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja, during a stakeholders workshop organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, on the review of the Draft Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the Draft Technical Standard for Nigeria Data Exchange (NGDX).

    He said the conversation around digital infrastructure has become critical considering its significance to Nigeria’s development aspirations.

    He said, “The goal of building secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems has become a universal objective. This goal cannot be achieved in silos by each government in isolation; it requires strong federal-state collaboration and robust multi-stakeholder partnerships.

    “These partnerships should be sustained.

    At the NGF, we have been intentional about ensuring that sub-national state governments take the lead in their digital transformation journey.

    “Our DPI Readiness Report, the first-ever comprehensive assessment of digital public infrastructure, policies, and capabilities across Nigeria’s 36 states, was a major step in this direction.” Dr Shittu was represented at the event by his Technical Adviser, Mr Shina Ayotola.

    Dr Shittu said the reports on states’ readiness for digital transformation have provided baselines in terms of “digital identity systems, payment systems, and data exchange frameworks”. He added it had also offered concrete recommendations for closing existing gaps and accelerating sustained digital transformation in the states.

    Dr Shittu, who commended NITDA for organising the workshop, said the doors of the NGF remained open “to all partners, federal agencies, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations who share our vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria.”

    “Together, we can ensure that every state, regardless of size or capacity, benefits from the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure DPI, ” Dr Shittu stated.

    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Rafiu Adeladan, said the conversation is centered on a concept that is fast becoming the backbone of 21st-century governance and service delivery – Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

    “Simply put, DPI refers to the foundational digital systems that enable seamless identification, secure payments, and trusted data exchange. These building blocks allow government, businesses, and citizens to connect, transact, and innovate with speed, transparency, and efficiency,” he said.

    He added that the engagement with the NGF has become necessary given the fact that states are the front lines of service delivery in the country.

    Dr Adeladan, who was represented by the Director of e-governance in the Ministry, Johnson Bareyei, said the success of Nigeria’s DPI journey depends on how well the Governors integrate digital systems into their development strategies in the states.

  • How to deepen broadband access, by Airtel Nigeria

    How to deepen broadband access, by Airtel Nigeria

    Airtel Nigeria has said the deployment of innovative solutions such as its SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, will deepen broadband penetration across the country.

    The telco said the new broadband solution is designed to deliver affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet access to households and businesses across the country.

    According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria’s broadband penetration currently stands at around 43 per cent with fixed-line access limited in many regions.

    Commenting on the new product, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the company is democratizing technology access.

    He said:  “Our mission has always been to democratise access to technology,” said “With SmartConnect, we are removing the barriers of cost and complexity. Every household and every small business deserves to be connected without compromise.”

    Marketing Director at Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, said the router was designed the country’ reality in mind.

    READ ALSO: Five fun ways to spark children’s love for reading

    He said:  “SmartConnect was designed with the Nigerian reality in mind. Families, entrepreneurs, and students need reliability and confidence that their router will keep them online even in the face of power cuts or network fluctuations. This product delivers exactly that.”

    The SmartConnect router, offered at an entry cost of ₦50,000, comes with a SIM card, free installation, and a complimentary 30-day unlimited data bundle at speeds up to 50 Mbps. Customers can thereafter subscribe to flexible plans: ₦25,000 monthly for unlimited 50 Mbps or ₦45,000 monthly for unlimited 100 Mbps.

    With the ODU design, the router is mounted outdoors to capture stronger and more stable signals, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in dense urban and peri-urban areas. The device also includes features such as nationwide usability with access to Airtel’s 5G where available and seamless fallback to 4G LTE; multi-user capability, supporting up to 64 simultaneous device connections; built-in power backup lasting up to five to six hours during electricity outages; as well as parental and usage controls for managing browsing access.

    The SmartConnect router can be purchased at Airtel showrooms nationwide, through the company’s official e-shop via Home Broadband Sales Executives, or through Direct Sales Executives. Subscriptions and bundle renewals can be managed through the Airtel Africa App, the company’s broadband portal USSD, or QR code.

    Airtel’s SmartConnect 5G ODU router provides a scalable and affordable solution that addresses this gap, aligning with the government’s national broadband and digital economy goals.

  • How firm deploys AI in delivering accounting of big firm services for small businesses

    How firm deploys AI in delivering accounting of big firm services for small businesses

    For decades, professional-grade accounting and tax services have remained out of reach for most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, in which hiring a full-time accountant or retaining a large audit firm is often prohibitively expensive, leaving many businesses to rely on patchy records and last-minute tax fixes.

    These consequences are familiar: missed filings, heavy penalties, and a lack of financial clarity that can hold back growth.

    This has however brought to fore Bankoto, a fast-rising fintech firm, that is changing narrative by rethinking how accounting is delivered.

     At the core of its model is a blend of artificial intelligence (AI), and human expertise — a hybrid approach that makes high-quality bookkeeping and tax compliance both affordable and scalable for SMEs.

    Bankoto has however used AI and automation tools to handle complex, time-consuming accounting tasks such as transaction categorization and reconciliation.

    These processes, which traditionally take hours of manual effort, are now faster and less error-prone.

    But Bankoto does not rely on technology alone, as every client’s account is overseen by a dedicated team of licensed accountants and tax professionals who ensure compliance with evolving regulations, provide strategic insights, and deliver the human judgment that AI cannot replicate. The result is a service model where automation drives efficiency, and human oversight guarantees accuracy.

    Read Also: Blackout: We have paid the Chinese N2bn, says Ossiomo Power

    For small businesses, the benefits are immediate, by cutting out inefficiencies, Bankoto is able to offer services at a fraction of the cost charged by traditional firms — without compromising on quality. Clients receive monthly profit-and-loss statements, cash flow reports, and balance sheets, along with quarterly financial health checks to highlight areas for improvement.

    At year-end, Bankoto prepares a complete financial package covering general ledgers, trial balances, journal summaries, and other essentials for tax filing and audits. In addition, the company provides free financial management software for invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking, helping entrepreneurs stay organized on a day-to-day basis.

    Seyi King, CEO of Bankoto, describes the company’s vision in simple terms stating, “that it believes Small Businesses should

    Have the same access to top tier accounting services access to top-tier accounting services as large corporations — but at a price they can actually afford.

    “By leveraging AI and automation, we’re able to reduce complexity, save time, and pass those cost savings directly to SMEs. It’s about making compliance and financial clarity a right, not a privilege.”

    Bankoto positions itself not just as a compliance service but as a growth partner for SMEs.

    With reliable bookkeeping, expert tax support, and actionable advisory services, entrepreneurs can focus on scaling their businesses, confident that their financial foundation is solid.

  • Simbiat Lawal secures patent for digital supply chain system

    Simbiat Lawal secures patent for digital supply chain system

     Founder of Cloudnine Digital International, Simbiat Lawal, who newly secured patent for a Digital Supply Chain Innovation and Operational Optimization System is drawing global attention. In this candid conversation, she traced her journey from early digital experiments to becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognized technology leaders.

    What does this patent represent for you personally and for Nigeria?

    Personally, it represents years of persistence. I started out designing small tools for SMEs who couldn’t predict their procurement needs accurately. From there, Cloudnine developed AI-based systems to forecast demand, IoT platforms to monitor warehouses, and fraud detection models tailored to African markets. Each achievement was a building block. The patent brings all of that together into one system, one framework. For Nigeria, it shows we are not only catching up with global technology—we are setting the pace.

    Your past achievements laid the foundation for this. Which ones stand out most?

     In 2023, Cloudnine Digital International helped a network of Nigerian distributors survive the shock of currency devaluation by using AI forecasting to keep shelves stocked. Around the same time, we began experimenting with blockchain to verify supplier contracts, something very few African companies were doing then. Those projects proved the need for a comprehensive, patented system.

    Read Also: CBN launches Nigeria payments system to drive digital financial transformation

    Q: How will Cloudnine deploy this patent now?

    We are already developing applications directly from the patent. The AI Predictive Procurement Planner, Blockchain Contract Verifier, IoT Fleet & Warehouse Monitor, and Supplier Risk Scoring Engine are all part of this ecosystem. Nigeria will be the first beneficiary, but we are preparing to expand to Africa and eventually global markets.

    Looking back, what has been your proudest moment so far?

    Beyond the patent, it is seeing small businesses succeed because of our tools. Cloudnine has always been about impact. Every reduction in waste, every fraud prevented, every delivery made on time—that’s the real reward.