I arrived at GITEX 2022 in Dubai with the hope of waylaying Professor Ali Ibrahim Pantami for an exclusive interview on politics, alongside the challenges, excitements, disappointments, and accomplishments of his ever-inspiring exploits in public office, particularly since his appointment as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.

Pantami remains one of the few cabinet members in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration who are highly pragmatic, charismatic, and results-oriented. He boldly builds partners with sincere allies, surmounts hurdles and never shies away from the good fight towards accomplishing what has been described as unprecedented feats in his Ministry. He is truly Nigeria’s Digital Economy maestro.

The results are certainly obvious for many to see: Apart from the digital economy sector now playing a pivotal role in lifting the Nigerian economy out of recession, it is continuously recording the highest growth rate in the country’s public sector.

Just as parastatal under his Ministry are remitting trillions of naira into the coffers of the Federal Government, a lot more in taxes and duties are also being paid by ICT companies and other sectoral players into the national treasury. It’s a case of the golden goose that is being properly tended to and which continues to lay the golden eggs that expand the national fortunes, especially in a period of global fiscal crisis.

I was interested in asking him about the spirit behind the significant number of policies developed and the hundreds of projects executed by his Ministry towards providing an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the communications and digital economy sector.

Rather than being granted what I had expected to be a straightforward interview, the Minister rather got me into covering the week-long activities of the Nigerian delegation at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which he led. This was the 2022 edition of the annual Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX Global), from the 10th of October 2022 in Dubai.

The delegation led by Pantami was a powerful one, having officials from Nigeria’s public and private sectors, including regulators, academics, media practitioners, change makers, and young entrepreneurs. Nigeria has been attending GITEX because of its enormous benefits, especially in attracting foreign direct investment to the country.

Some of the distinguished personalities on the entourage were Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta; Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Aliyu Aziz; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Muhammed Bello Abubakar, and Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Barrister Maimuna Yaya Abubakar.

As the Minister went about attending a series of summits, meetings and exhibitions, I had the opportunity of being able to engage him intermittently, and I learnt a lot both from him and in my coverage of some of these events.

While inaugurating the Nigerian exhibition pavilion, Pantami informed the audience of how, in the last three years, the Federal Government had launched several programmes, policies and projects, which have been yielding results in great leaps and bounds that have contributed to the flourishing of the country’s digital economy sub-sector.

Immediately after the inauguration and tours of numerous stands, the Minister led the team to the Startups exhibitions, where at least nine Nigerian young technology innovators had spots in the semi-final of the GITEX tech-invention competition, known as the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition, organised by North Star Dubai.

The challenge is the biggest pitching competition in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, where startups have the opportunity to become the next unicorns, with up to $200,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

The Minister interacted and took pictures with promoters of the startups. He also had words of encouragement for the Nigerian semi-finalists, including Identity Pass, 9JaCodeKids Academy, Floews, Medtech, Paddycover, Pricepally, LiveBic, Technyon Technologies, and Wellness Health Technologies.

On the second day, at the Nigerian pavilion, the Minister received visitors and also held a series of meetings with representatives of governments and big corporations seeking partnerships with Nigeria in the areas of digital identity, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, among others.

Pantami held bilateral conversations and meetings with the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Omar Sultan Alolama and the Minister of IT and Telecommunications of Pakistan, Mr. Syed Amin Ul Haque, among other top global public figures.

The Minister also met with officials of the Dubai World Trade Center to explore areas of collaboration, as Nigeria is the largest Africa digital economy. A Senior Vice President, MEA of Oracle, Antonio Mesa consulted with Pantami towards the deepening of collaboration with Nigeria on the growth of the digital economy, through universal licences and corporate social responsibility.

A strategic meeting was equally held with Vice-President of Amazon, Isabella Groegor-Cechowicz on a similar level of partnership. A dollar vault of investment opportunities was opened for the start-up community, as the Nigerian team engaged with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

One of the greatest achievements of Nigeria at GITEX 2022 came in the form of the opening up of massive opportunities as the Minister signed, on behalf of the Federal Government, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the global tech giant, Microsoft Corporation. This is for the training of five million Nigerians on high-demand technological skills that are needed for consolidating the capacities of citizens as native players in the burgeoning digital ecosystem and economy.

The Microsoft representative, Mr Deen Yusuf, said the gesture is bound to enlarge knowledge bases, and capabilities, and create massive spinoff potentials that will enhance careers, livelihoods and the national fiscal well-being. Commending the tech giant for the prospects, Pantami said Nigeria would continue to provide an enabling environment and ensure that regulatory instruments are developmental and flexible for Microsoft and other businesses to flourish.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hazmat met with the Minister and discussed how Lagos could benefit from the Microsoft offer. Lagos is the only state from Nigeria that sponsored startups to #GITEX2022.

It is necessary to state that out of over 800 applications received for the Supernova pitch competition from 37 countries across 13 categories, nine Nigerian startups emerged among the 140 semi-finalists. The 26 that made it to the finals of the Supernova competition also had two Nigerian startups. Eventually, ShapShap, from Nigeria, emerged as Global Best in the Mobility and Smart Cities category, winning a cash prize of $8,000.

The Minister was elated by the success stories of Nigeria’s participation at this year’s event. Apart from the award to the winning startup, NITDA was equally honoured with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Most Valued Partnership Award in recognition of the agency’s extraordinary dedication and service at the startup and tech event.

Similarly, at the end of a discussion on Digital Inclusion: Aligning Regulators and Network Providers to Bridge Digital Divide, Professor Pantami was presented with the prestigious DWTC Leadership and Commitment Award 2022, in recognition of his commitment towards advancing the digital economy at both the ATU and ITU this year. He was the only person honoured with the highly prestigious award this year.

Speaking at the Summit, the Minister said Nigeria has a lot of policies to close the digital divide and promised that the government would soon pass the Start-up bill into law for enlarging the vibrancy of the sector.

Less than a week after his assurance to the global community at GITEX 2022, on the eve of Professor Pantamis 50th birthday, President Buhari signed the Startup bill into law. Not only was this carried out as a tribute to the significant achievements of the Minister, the President said: “The appointment of Pantami was one of the best choices I have made because he has added tremendous value to good governance.”

Buhari went further in his testament that Pantami’s depth of knowledge of complex issues was amazing and remarkable, and his loyalty and dedication to duty were worthy of emulation. I also join numerous well-wishers in praying that may Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect and bless the Minister with good health and wisdom in the service of the country and humanity.

Yushau Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster

To celebrate GITEX Global 2022, the founders of FirstFounders Inc. and Proptech Hub Africa Inc. David Lanre Messan and Dr. Freeman Osonuga took to the skies to jump off an aircraft at 13000 feet above sea level.

GITEX Global is the world’s largest tech, startup and investor super-connector in the world, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 10-14 in Dubai, UAE.

In a statement, Osonuga said that the event is a ‘life changing’ experience following the fact that every entrepreneur looks forward to growing through the ranks of bootstrapping their business to the point of raising massive investment through platforms like GITEX.

He said: “In 2015, I attempted to go to outer space during a Kruger Cowne and One Young World space exploration project. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PropTech Hub Africa Inc., a venture studio building Africa’s most sought-after and largest ecosystem of Proptech companies, we are fostering the development of new ideas in the real estate industry through digital technology, investment, and community,” Dr. Freeman explained.

“PropTech Hub Africa Inc. is championing the development and deployment of three first of their kinds startups focused on Fintech for real estate transactions: Pilla, a digital financial platform for proptech-focused transactions and activities; Sycrow, a tech-driven project financing platform for real estate projects in Africa; and DonDon, a digital property management platform for estates.”

Speaking on FirstFounders’ impact in the tech space, Mr. David said: “I am a two-time skydiver, an award-winning startup builder, and an investor, currently leading FirstFounders, a fast-rising venture studio with offices in Lagos, Nigeria, and New York, United States. I am doing this for GITEX Global and six other startups that are exhibiting their businesses at the conference.

“The startups are Syarpa, a crypto digital bank; ShapShap, a multimodal delivery marketplace connecting drivers with vendors and customers; Tuturly, a digital platform for tutors to host and share their content with students globally; YourStudyPath, a digital learning platform for students; Alajo App, digital saving solutions for the unbanked and non-smartphone users and Fastryders, a mobility startup focused on last mile deliveries in Lagos all need the platform to connect with investors, establish strategic partnerships and relationships globally that will add significant value to their businesses in Africa.”

GITEX Global empowers businesses and connects people to the most influential public-private partnerships, tech giants, creative startups, and enterprises from over 170 countries. It is the premier event for exhibitors showcasing the latest in first-hand technology that has inspired generations and innovations that are set to change the world. It is also the only tech event worldwide to feature a large-scale government presence, as hundreds of government entities come from across the region, as well as Ministers, and public sector officials. Present this year are major government digital initiatives, innovations, projects, and announcements of public and private sector tech partnerships.

GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) is the annual enterprise technology and global digital transformation event taking place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates at Dubai World Trade Centre.

With this, FirstFounders Inc. and PropTech Hub Africa Inc. aim to network with as many world changers as possible to introduce them to African Startup Ecosystem and how it is ready to conquer the world.

National Director of Science Olympiad Nigeria Adewumi Odunnaike has called on the government to create policies and incentives that will support STEM.

Speaking at the recently concluded elementary science olympiad South West tournament competition at the Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos, he expressed that there were students talented in STEM across public schools in Nigeria.

He explained that Science Olympiad Nigeria tournament competitions are aimed at increasing students’ interest in science; seeing more pupils/students (boys and girls,) excel in science and technology; improving community perception of science education; and creating a scientific tradition of raising next generation would-be scientists.

‘‘Public schools need to be more mobilised to participate and compete favourably with their peers because science knows no barrier, and lurking in our public schools are children with raw and great talents in STEM yet untapped.

“They should help do more in creating economic environment that will lessen the financial burden of purchase of STEM Education learning aids, materials and equipment both for individuals, schools, and organisations.

“Also, create policies and incentives that will encourage STEM Education programs sponsorship.’’

Proprietor of Platform Schools, Ipaja, Lagos, Mr Bola Obe, whose school emerged the best in Lagos State in the primary school category said: ‘‘After emerging as the best college in the science olympiad in the entire Southwest (Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos states), our primary school, was declared overall best in Lagos and second in the Southwest.

“At the competition hosted at Anchor University, our primary school put a spirited effort to win the title but narrowly lost to a school in Ogun State. However, they retained the title of the best in Lagos State. This is too much achievement in an academic year; best college in Science Olympiad, Lagos, best college in Science Olympiad, Southwest, best primary school in Science Olympiad, overall best in chess open competition, Lagos State (primary school category), runners up, chess open competition, Lagos State (primary school category).’’

I watched with interest, an Arise Television interview where the Director General Budget Office, Ben Akabueze disclosed that the suspension of the proposed excise duty on players in the digital economy would worsen Nigeria’s revenue problems and could lead to increased borrowing.

His reaction came after the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami announced the suspension of the proposed five per cent excise duty on telecommunications companies by the Federal Government because of apprehension it could upset the recorded progress in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector apart from affecting the poor masses.

Akabueze said the proposed duty was embedded in the Finance Act of 2020 as a way of widening the Federal Government’s revenue base. The DG even claimed that he was unaware of any suspension of the proposed duty. He warned that its reversal would adversely impact projected revenue for, and deficit in the 2023 budget, and negatively affect the budget’s general implementation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian telecommunications industry has developed into an oligopolistic market structure. It is impossible to overstate the value of telecom airtime and data in the complex environment we live in today. Nigerians continue to suffer excruciating pain as a result of the aggressive taxation of the country’s telecom industry, which has caused network quality to deteriorate.

Telecom services such as broadband have become a necessity and without them, nothing could be done in various sectors. As such, introducing the excise duty would not be beneficial to Nigerians as the economy isn’t friendly. Both the vulnerable poor and well-to-do Nigerians are severely taxed and pay a lot of it.

The vulnerable group in Nigeria comprises those citizens who don’t have the money and do not have the means to generate or earn income. This must be the main reason behind the general public’s opposition to the latest proposal for an additional 5 percent telecoms tax.

Consumers’ primary access point to the internet today in many parts of the world, particularly in developing nations, is through mobile, a division of the telecoms business. Despite this, governments in many of these nations are increasingly levying sector-specific taxes on mobile service and device users as well as mobile carriers in addition to general taxes.

The widespread acceptance of the social and economic benefits connected with the telecommunications sector is believed to be limited by this, which poses a serious risk to the growth of the services among citizens.

The 5 percent excise charge will be another burden, especially for the vulnerable group of Nigerians that are barely trying to make a living by diverting into selling their products online, via WhatsApp and other platforms. Citizens can barely afford monthly subscriptions of data and nowadays data bundles don’t take us through the whole month. If the tax is now imposed, how will a common man who is trying to move his business to the digital space survive?

Furthermore, students will be affected by the telecom tax, because online classes have become the norm ever since the COVID-19 lockdown. With the unending ASUU strike, most students register for online classes for academic and vocational programmes. Should the government impose this tax, students will barely be able to afford data subscriptions for classes and other activities.

The average Nigerian trying to see his child through school will find it difficult to afford data rates. Already the cost of living is beyond the reach of millions of people. Life is hard already, so why impose more hardship on the hapless citizens?

Many Nigerians are of the view that the Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020–2025), which is targeting 70 percent broadband penetration and 90 percent population coverage, will be in jeopardy. The causes are crystal clear. As stated in the NNBP, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) intends to drive down the cost of data to N390 per gigabyte by 2025; hence, any new taxes imposed on telecom carriers imply that the cost of calls, data, and SMS would increase.

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Stakeholders also feel that the levy could hinder technology, particularly the ability of subscribers to buy 5G-enabled devices, given that the planned deployment of 5G in the nation is currently at its most advanced stage.

In the midst of this raging issue, Nigerians have risen to applaud Prof Pantami for standing on the side of the masses by speaking out against any attempt by agents of the government to further inflict hard life on citizens by the imposition of a new telecom tax.

Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), commended Pantami for protecting telecom subscribers in the case of the 5 percent excise duty.

“I am happy that our Minister is feeling our pains as subscribers. The five percent excise duty will be an additional burden to the existing burdens in the telecoms sector. We are solidly in support of the minister’s position and we, as telecom subscribers, will go to any length to stop the planned implementation because it will not be healthy for the telecom sector,” Ogunbanjo said.

Also rejecting the proposed tax, Azeez Amida, Chief Executive Officer of PanAfrican Towers, noted the detrimental effects of multiple taxes and fees, saying they pose a serious threat to the expansion of the Nigerian telecoms sector.

“There should be a uniform tax system, and the same should apply to fees. Taxes are essential to providing funding for infrastructure; it is important for the growth of any society. But taxing and levying businesses multiple times inhibits growth. This is where regulation is needed to streamline the tax system and other fees for tower companies,” he said.

The proposed 5 percent excise charge on telecom services was challenged by the Minister who seemed to detest the concept and maintain that it would harm the development of telecoms in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event In Lagos, Pantami pledged to use all legal means at his disposal to resist the proposed 5 percent excise duty on the telecoms industry operators. He criticized the timing and method of taxation of the industry, stating that it is part of the duty of a responsive government not to exacerbate citizens’ concerns.

Doesn’t it sound moral just when the government has less than a year to leave the office to now start bedevilling the poor masses with punishing parting gifts? Could it be an indirect political gimmick to empower the opposition with campaign tools against Buhari and the government of All Progressives Congress (APC) towards the 2023 elections?

Nigerians are waiting to see how the government is going to resolve this telecom tax confusion, especially given the harsh economic realities of the present time.

Fom Gyem writes from Wuye District, Abuja

Rising from power-packed brainstorming sessions at its annual retreat in Lagos, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has resolved to focus on prioritising the needs of stakeholders in formulating policies, programmes and regulatory instruments that will further boost developmental regulation role for a sustainable Digital Economy.

The management also emphasised a bottom-up approach as a modified method to its stakeholders’ engagement going forward as well as increasing private sector contribution in the formulation of standards, guidelines and frameworks.

NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa stated the need to reshape the agency’s future with collective leadership and individual accountability.

The DG implored heads of departments and units to always work with their team rather than in silos for the best idea to emerge, adding that he has done a lot in democratizing leadership by giving free hands for individuals to perform tasks using their ideas and innovations.

He said this trains and duplicates leadership such that everyone takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, adding that part of their role as management staff is to enable subordinates to gain perspective, content, think and behave rightly.

“NITDA is winning no doubt. We are among the top agencies in the country but that is not enough, we need to shape our tomorrow. If we think we are winning today and are comfortable, tomorrow we would be forgotten because what helped us to win today will not help us win tomorrow”, Inuwa asserted.

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The need to develop collective leadership skills and strategically position the agency to consolidate on the present wins and continuous dedication to the implementation of Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024), developed two years ago, was extensively discussed at the conference.

The two-day symposium with the theme “Connecting the dots for an Accelerated Digital Future” had resource personnel that addressed the management staff on “re-imagining NITDA’s role in Achieving a Sustainable Digital Economy in Nigeria”.

In a presentation, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) President, Chinenye Mba-Uzokwu applauded NITDA’s giant strides, admitting that the interactions he had with the management further earned the agency his loyalty and respect being the first time he came in contact with a public institution that operates with a private organization’s mindset.

The second presentation, “An Understanding of the Regulatory Function of NITDA as a Developmental Agency in a Digital Economy” by Kolawole Osinowo, tasked the management on creative thinking exercise where groups are given tools to build and create their perception of the agency as a development organization.

One of the resource persons, Dr Nwachuckwu of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) took the health talk where he explained the importance of balancing the work-life approach for a healthy lifestyle, including regular checkups. The presenter also stressed the need for exercise, healthy meals and rest.

The yearly event stemmed from the decision of NITDA’s management to upscale its performance through review of past activities, evaluation of current programmes and initiatives while strategizing for future implementation.

NftMusk has launched a third-party marketPlace that pays people to read cryptocurrency and Nft articles online.

Speaking at the launch, NFTMusk Director, Marcus Wetys stated that NftMusk guarantees readers passive income.

He said: “NftMusk project aims not to over-promise and under-deliver, because there are countless projects and online articles on how to make money, but how much cash can one realistically make after a month of trial? Thousands of customers across the Eu and the US are already benefiting from Nftmusk solely by reading online articles. Subscribers can dedicate about 10-15 minutes of their time daily to it.

“With the Direct Bank Transfer option, NFTMusk (US) has proven to be a venture to earn consistent passive income. Our goal is to make people realize the huge potential of the Nft marketplace, providing customers with or without knowledge of how Nft works is a big opportunity to make money from the Nft marketplace,” Weyts explained.

“Subscribers can now visit the NftMusk Website, register an account, perform the Initial $0.5 Bonus Tasks and perform the $0.8 Daily Task, and read the NFTMusk online article until you reach the minimum withdrawal of $10.

“The good part is readers can make from $0.8 to $2 daily per account. Having multiple accounts on different devices, you can realistically make $10 daily, depending on how much effort you put into it.”

Speaking on how readers can earn on NFTMusk, Wetys said: “NftMusk offers different payment methods like Direct bank transfer, paypal, bitcoin, usdt and the minimum payout amount is $10USDT.”

“No deposit or Referral is required, you can earn daily with NFTMUSK and receive your reward within 2 weeks or less just by reading online articles, but the referral bonus is $0.2 Per account. NftMusk is not only available in the U.S NftMusk has expanded to other regions and is no longer limited to customers in the US and the EU.”

The company’s Marketing manager Ann Catherine Dercon further added that “NftMusk is a large marketplace that aims to solve Nft sales problems and with thousands of active customers already reading articles daily and getting paid twice monthly, NftMusk is offering a great way to earn passive income online.”

Minister of State for Education Goodluck Opiah has said the Federal Government would support private-sector programmes geared towards educating Nigerians and uplifting the nation’s workforce.

The Minister made the promise when the founder of GetBundi, Osita Oparaugo, paid him a visit to introduce the educational technology (EdTech) platform to him.

GetBundi, an edtech platform, is designed to deliver high-quality, engaging and accessible Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses focused on six years of post-primary education as well as Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) skills.

Opiah, while commending the GetBundi founder for the vision, said that no nation or society can progress beyond its education because “education serves as the springboard of development”.

“Nigeria’s education system lays emphasis on preparing its children for the responsibilities of citizenship and national development, hence the National Policy on Education recognises education as an instrument par excellence for engineering national change, building character and sustainable development,” the Minister said.

He reiterated that the ministry would do all within its capacity to support GetBundi and any other private sector-led initiative aimed at educating Nigerians and uplifting the workforce, saying it is part of the Ministry’s goals under ‘Education for Change: A Ministerial Strategic Plan (MPS)’.

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Oparaugo informed the Minister about the vision of GetBundi, why it is focused on STEM courses at the post primary education level, as well as the digital skills vocational institute aimed to upskill 10 million Africans by 2032 and beyond in order to create an inclusive sustainable development driven by technology.

“Our STEM courses are based on the West African School Syllabus for secondary schools and can be used as teachers’ aid, to support continuous learning for in-school students, and as a study guide for out-of-school students. It can also be used to prepare those standing in for competitive examinations like WASSCE, NECO Examinations, and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination organized by JAMB,” Oparaugo told the Minister.

The GetBundi founder said the STI digital skills vocational courses are centred on Coding, Graphics, Cinematography, Video Editing, Digital Marketing and Cyber Security as first development.

“We have a vision to upskill 10 million Africans in 10 years, 2023-2032. We have tagged this plan as ‘The GetBundi VISION 2032’,” he explained.

He thanked the Minister for the audience and assured him that GetBundi would offer not only Nigerian youths but African youths a future of limitless opportunities.