NITDA’S Regulation Not To Stifle Innovation, Inuwa Tells Stakeholders

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The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), KashifuInuwa CCIE, reassured stakeholders that the agency’s regulations are not intended to stifle innovation but rather to foster growth and development in the digital space.

Inuwa made this remark during a Panel Discussion at the Business Day CEO Forum 2023 on ‘Charting a Course to Growth and Development’ which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The DG said that, NITDA’s regulations are designed to promote innovation by creating a level playing field for all players in the digital ecosystem, adding that the agency is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that the regulations are implemented in a way that does not stifle innovation.

He said, NITDA as a regulator, is aware of the environment, technologies, and innovations by being intelligent in the way it regulates not stifle innovation, but rather to create a market for businesses to grow.

Inuwa acknowledged that while regulation is necessary, it should not impede the progress of innovation and hinder the growth of Startups and technology-driven businesses, as they strive to strike a delicate balance between enabling innovation and safeguarding the interests of consumers, investors, and the general public.

He noted that NITDA’s framework takes into account both rule-based and non-rule-based regulations, which according to him, the latter approach is favoured by the government, as it allows for collaboration with industry stakeholders to develop the sector and formulate recommendations for compliance.

He opined that there is need for flexibility in regulations, acknowledging that policies may need to be withdrawn and substituted if they are not effective in supporting the ecosystem.

“At NITDA, any intervention is designed to influence business, social and market behaviour, and we have four objectives for any regulatory instrument we are issuing” Firstly, it must create a market or domesticate access to products and services; Secondly, it must protect consumers; thirdly, it must enable innovation; and fourthly how it can improve service delivery.

“The Agency has in place diverse regulations and Policies like the Blockchain Policy, Artificial Intelligence Policy and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), though NDPR has evolved into a full law and now a Commission was establishedand is in charge of data regulation, which our regulatory role gave birth to,” he said.

While quoting the Korn Ferry report, the DG said by 2030, there will be a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people, or roughly equivalent to the population resulting in 8.5 trillion USD unrealised annual revenues.

“As we are moving towards digitisation, talent and knowledge-based economy, a company is as good as its next product and the next product is as good as the people who make it. We need to learn how to attract, retain and harness talent. Talent is the human component and a huge market for the advancement of the country.

The DG added that Nigeria with her young population, can seize the opportunity and position herself to become the global talent factory because she has proven that in sports, music and film industry.

Inuwa said the same can be done in technology and data, particularly cybersecurity, because cybercrime is the biggest venture in the world today according to Cybersecurity Ventures Magazine, which reported that cybercrime will cost the world about 8.1 trillion USD, which is bigger than all crimes combined. “So, as you digitise, cybersecurity is pivotal, you need to look into your cyber hygiene, build confidence and trust for your users” he added.

The DG stated that NITDA is working towards establishing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) which is aimed at helping to build trust and confidence for all its digital services, bringing about growth and development thus attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).

The event was honoured with the presence of the Chairman of the African Development Bank (ADB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Governor of Edo State, MrGodwin Obaseki, Governor of Jigawa State, Alh. Umar Namadi, CEO of MTN Group, Mr Ralph Mupika, Chairman, Shell Companies Nigeria, MrOsagie Okunbor and many other dignitaries.

Digitization of MSMEs Will Drive $53 Billion Contribution to Nigeria’s Economy, Says NITDA DG.

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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, FNCS, has emphasized the potential for digital transformation to significantly impact Nigeria’s economy during the TechMyBiz Pitch-A-Thon event held at the Digital Transformation Center Nigeria (DTC Nigeria).

Inuwa stated that if MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) embrace digitization, they could experience a 26 percent increase in revenue and a 22 percent reduction in operating costs, resulting in a substantial contribution of $53 billion to Nigeria’s economy.

The TechMyBiz Pitch-a-thon event showcased digital innovations in Africa, with 50 selected participants vying for recognition, out of which 30 winners will be chosen.

Inuwa highlighted that digitization plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence, business efficiency, productivity, revenue growth, and cost savings.

However, he also addressed challenges that must be overcome to fully realize the potential of digital transformation in MSMEs.

Inuwa stressed the need for innovation-friendly conditions, supportive organizations and platforms to assist MSMEs in digitization, robust digital infrastructure, and improved digital skills and literacy among the population.

Citing statistics from the DG of SMEDAN, Inuwa emphasized that MSMEs account for 96 percent of businesses, 83 percent of the workforce, and 43 percent of Nigeria’s GDP. By leveraging digital technology, these enterprises can experience exponential growth and transformative outcomes.

In conclusion, Inuwa highlighted the importance of digital sovereignty and emphasized the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) by NITDA to address these challenges.

He also expressed optimism about the Start-up Act and its potential to create a favorable policy environment, enabling infrastructure, innovation clusters, and more.

The event was attended by representatives from the European Union (EU), ISN Board, and various industry experts, including Mr. Markus Wauschkuhn, Coordinator Commission Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research, and Culture (SEDEC), and Technical Lead Evaluation Expert Charles Emembolu.

The collaborative engagement sets Nigeria on a path to accelerate digitization by fostering the required environment, infrastructure, and skills.

Ododo Represents Kogi’s Interests, Says Governor Bello’s CPS

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…..Ethnic Agenda Anti-Democracy, self-serving….

As the November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State draws closer, the APC candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman, is gaining significant ground, particularly in the Eastern Senatorial District of the state.

During a campaign at Umomi in Ofu Local Government Area, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi State, Onogwu Muhammed, emphasized that the APC candidate represents the interests of the entire state. He stressed that those advocating for an ethnic agenda are individuals who have never truly prioritized the well-being of the people.

Describing ethnic agendas as self-destructive, Onogwu took the opportunity to recount a time when a former governor of the state fiercely fought for his biological son to assume the position of governor, disregarding the numerous qualified candidates from the Igala ethnic group.
He credited Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration with initiating an infrastructural turnaround for the people of Kogi East, specifically, and the state as a whole.

“We have a lot to showcase to the world regarding the achievements of the Bello-led administration. Governor Bello rehabilitated the 56km Umomi-Akpagidigbo-Ugeolawo-Ajaka-Idah road, which was previously a death trap and had been abandoned by the previous administration. Our community here was on the verge of devastation due to gully erosion, but Governor Bello intervened promptly. Should I mention other projects such as the Ibana-Okpo-Ikeje-Emonyoku-Ogugu road, Ikem-Adumu-Ogugu road, ANKPA township road, the conversion of Idah General Hospital to a Zonal Hospital, the construction of the Health Sciences Department at the Faculty of Medicine, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and countless others?” Hon Ododo Usman is qualified eminently to sustain and build on the existing legacy of the current administration.

Onogwu urged the people to ensure victory for the APC in the November election and encouraged them to welcome others who wished to join the ruling party in the area. He emphasized that the APC has a strong and devoted following in Ochadamu ward, stating that the opposition has never been successful in winning the ward, even during the days of NRC, APP, ANPP, AC, ANC, and APC. He appealed to the people to maintain the party’s winning streak in the November 11 gubernatorial elections.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Transform Livestock Industry Through National Pasture Planting Initiative.

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In a resolute move towards the advancement of the livestock industry in Nigeria, the Federal Government has restated its unwavering dedication to the National Pasture Planting Programme. 

Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized this commitment during the second commemoration of the National Pasture Planting Day (NPPD) held in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

Introduced last year, the NPPD aims to foster year-round production of forage for livestock, while simultaneously mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders.

This initiative is seen as a significant stride towards achieving the goals outlined in the National Pastures Development Programme (NAPDEP).

The NAPDEP encompasses a range of overarching objectives. These include establishing a conducive environment for sustainable year-round pasture production, encouraging private entrepreneurs to engage in commercial pasture and fodder production, providing training and capacity-building programs on pasture production, processing, and marketing, and fostering harmonious coexistence between crop and livestock farming.

Addressing the Press, chairman of the Association of Pasture and Livestock Feed Producers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Muhammed Alibaba, highlighted the program’s impact.

He emphasized that its primary focus is not solely on producing feed and water for livestock, which has historically been a source of conflicts between farmers and herders. Rather, the program aims to redirect their focus towards recognizing the potential of the livestock sector as a lucrative avenue for economic diversification.

The timing of the National Pasture Planting Day holds particular significance as Nigeria grapples with various challenges, including food insecurity, conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists, and cattle rustling.

By prioritizing the availability of fodder throughout the year, even during drought periods, the program significantly contributes to the reduction of conflicts among herders across the country.

Birthday Felicitations To Engr. (Dr.) Ohere – A Political Juggernaut Of Our Time.

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By Maymunah Ahuoiza Zubair.

It is indeed an auspicious day to celebrate the life and times of Distinguished Senator, Engr. (Dr.) Abubakar Sadiq Ohere, and reminisce on his contributions to the growth and development of Kogi State and beyond on the occassion of his birthday today.

Since 2016, Senator Ohere has distinguished himself as an astute politician, and a go-getter with his eyes on the prize; his appointment as Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, saw him elevate the status and standing of traditional rulers in the state as not only were many of them upgraded to new classes, but their presence, opinions and importance to State building were neither overlooked nor ignored.

Senator Ohere’s track record has seen him hold three appointments in one administration, spanning two terms; going from Special Adviser to full Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the first, and then, appointed as Commissioner for Works and Housing in the second.

Without a doubt, his giant strides made him beyond worthy of the ticket to the National Asembly as the Senator representing Kogi-Central District. Making it an easy win against his opponents.

His is a success story that keeps getting better, Senator Ohere continues to prove himself loyal to the party and his people, and has already begun making waves as an outspoken Senator in the Red Chamber.

His steadfast loyalty to his people over the years has earned him much deserved accolades and respect, his professionalism and attention to detail is one to be emulated. Indeed, he has excelled beyond imagining in the discharge of his duties.

It is this tenacity that has earned him the people’s trust to go and represent us at the Senate.

Not forgetting his numerous philanthropic and community development efforts over the years as well.

Suffice it to say, as a citizen of Kogi State, I more than appreciate all his efforts, wisdom, and commitment to the fulfilment of a united and truly developed Kogi State.

As the distinguished Senator marks another year on this earth, I pray God continues to bless, guide, guard and protect him always. May he continue to live his life in acclaim, and may all his endeavors continually be fruitful.

Happy Birthday Distinguished Senator Sir!

EKITI YOUTH COMMENCE TRAINING UNDER NADDC – LANRE SHITTU MOTORS COLLABORATION AT THE COUNCIL’S AUTO TRAINING CENTRE, ADO-EKITI

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The first set of auto technicians to benefit from the newly equipped National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) Automotive Training Centre in Ekiti State on Monday, 10th July 2023, commenced a five -day training in the facility.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the collaborative training between NADDC and Lanre Shittu Motors for youth in Ekiti State, the Director General, NADDC, ably represented by the Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department of the Council, Dr. Nua Omisanya, explained that the Council conceived the establishment of Automotive Training Centres (ATCs) across the six geo-political zones in order to ensure skill development and international best practices in the automotive sector of the country, adding that the training is also aimed at redefining the nation’s auto industry, job provision and improvement in skill among technicians which would in turn ensure prompt and efficient repairs and maintenance of vehicles while ensuring the safety of the mechanics, vehicles and environment.

He urged the auto technicians to make adequate use of the opportunity provided by the state-of-the art equipment installed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and acquire modern technical skills in the automotive sector

“Over 30,000 youth have so far been trained in these programmes which are usually conducted periodically, therefore today marks another milestone in the Nigerian automotive industry, because this specialised training is aimed at skills upgrade and capacity building for the selected auto technicians/youth in Ekiti State to enable them cope with the task of repairs and maintenance in the ever- dynamic automotive industry”.

The Director General expressed the Council’s gratitude to Ekiti State government and Lanre Shittu Motors for the partnership and enjoined other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the Council to drive the local auto industry to its well- deserved place globally.

Similarly, the Ekiti State government, represented by the Special Adviser, Investment, Trade and Industry, Omotayo Adeola and the Workshop Manager, Lanre Shittu Motors, Akinyemi Jamiu Akanni, commended the efforts of NADDC and assured of continuous support for more developmental strides in the industry.

It could be recalled that the NADDC state-of-the art Automotive Training Centre in Ado-Ekiti was officially commissioned about one (1) month ago and presently functional for the benefit of Ekiti youth.

Zambian Government Visits NITDA to Understudy Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) Model.

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A delegation from the Zambian digital economy sector has arrived in Nigeria to study Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI), which is under the custodianship of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Led by a Director from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority, Mr. Austin Sichinga, the delegation expressed their interest in Nigeria’s model after comparing various African countries’ approaches. They found Nigeria’s model to be the most adoptable and adaptable.

Mr. Sichinga stated, “We are quite eager to engage and learn as much as we can here. The diversity within our team and the portfolios we have brought indicate the value we place on this project. We intend to implement it for secured transactions and ensure we are moving in the right direction.”

The Director emphasized that the Zambian government aims to embrace digitalization and focus on trade with other partners. He stressed the importance of being ready with services and interactions with partners across borders.

Acknowledging that the implementation of Zambia’s PKI is long overdue, Mr. Sichinga emphasized the need for a continuous border to enhance data exchange and secure platforms across institutions. He added, “The project is long overdue. We must implement it before engaging in conversations about trade and interactions across various platforms within the country and beyond. We are eager to engage and create partnerships to learn from one another.”

In response, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, commended the Zambian government for their initiative to study Nigeria’s NPKI. He expressed NITDA’s belief that no one succeeds in isolation and emphasized the importance of African countries coming together to develop a digital strategy that transcends boundaries.

Inuwa explained that NITDA has developed a Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) for 2021-2024, with seven strategic pillars, and PKI falls under the Developmental Regulation pillar. He highlighted that NITDA regulates to enable innovation rather than stifle it, considering regulation as any intervention that can influence business, social, or market behavior.

Regarding PKI regulation, Inuwa stated that NITDA is developing regulations because the law that established the Agency empowered it to do so. He clarified that while the Agency has developed the business model, it will not engage in the operational aspect. NITDA will provide the Certificate Authority (CA) route and establish sectoral CAs for different sectors.

Inuwa emphasized the need to commercialize services like digital trust, which would help build trust and confidence in e-commerce. He shared the challenge of Western countries not trusting Nigerian websites due to the lack of certification. The PKI solution would certify these websites publicly, ensuring trust.

The Director General encouraged the delegation to develop policy documents for monitoring and tracking the implementation of PKI and other digital transformation initiatives in Zambia. He mentioned that previous visits from Ghana, Gambia, and Kenya to NITDA have motivated the Agency, as external recognition affirms their progress.

Inuwa disclosed that the Agency is developing a playbook to be shared among African countries, aiming to achieve a strong digital economy for the entire continent. He advised Zambia to initiate approaches that would make them digitally independent and emphasized the importance of building the capacity of their citizens.

During the engagement, the delegation toured NITDA’s facilities, gaining insights into the Agency’s mandates and the management of NPKI by the Cyber Security Department. The presentation highlighted the benefits, architecture, policy, implementation strategy, types of certificates, and stakeholders involved in the NPKI.

The visit concluded with a fruitful exchange of knowledge and experiences, fostering collaboration between the Zambian government and NITDA in the field of digital infrastructure and security.

“ECOWAS should re-organize through the leadership of President Tinubu”- Opare-Ansah

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A two-term former member of the Ghanaian delegation to the Community Parliament, Fredrick Opare-Ansah, has advised that the sub-regional bloc should re-organize itself through the leadership of H. E. Ahmed Tinubu, the current Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government.   

According to him if Nigeria, the powerhouse of Africa is able to assert itself from its “sleep” the rest of West Africa will rise along with it; and emphasized the importance of the Community Parliament to have the legislative power to legislate.

Mr. Opare-Ansah further added that the chair of the Authority of Heads of States and Government with his colleagues should agree to give away some powers to the Community Parliament so that ratification of international agreements would be easier and faster.

“Some of these things, mean the States in ECOWAS must give out some of their sovereignty,  because if you want to remain a full sovereign who determines everything by yourself then you cannot allow a Regional body to legislate for you,  it’s like a chicken and egg situation”, he said in a telephone interview. 

Again, something must give for that to happen and I believe with the right leadership which may be found in President Tinubu, “we should pray that things he has said he will be able to back it up with some work sooner than later”.   

As to whether ECOWAS citizens should have high expectations of the chairman, he noted that it’s early days yet of his administration, “we will all have to wait a little longer to see whether he will walk the talk. There are things that need to be done regionally for instance – strengthen the ECOWAS institutions particularly the Community Parliament ensuring that it gets full legislative powers”.

And then, issues that confront the Region as a people – safe borders, trance human issues with the movement of Fulani headsmen, and the issue of getting MPs elected outside their national parliament; so that, they are full-time parliamentarians who can take up some of the issues bordering the sub- region directly and handle just as we see in the Estate African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and European Union (EU)  Parliament and Council.  

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/myecowasnewsonline.com      

FIRS Grants Deadline Extension for Filing 2023 Companies Income Tax Returns.

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced an extension to the due date for filing the 2023 Company’s Income Tax returns.

Companies that were unable to meet the original deadline on June 30, 2023, now have until August 31, 2023, to submit their returns to the FIRS.

In a Public Notice released on Tuesday and signed by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, the FIRS acknowledged the numerous requests received from companies seeking additional time to file their Companies Income Tax (CIT) returns.

The extension is being granted as a gesture of goodwill and is in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Companies Income Tax Act.

According to the notice, all companies with CIT returns for the 2023 year of assessment due between June 30 and August 31, 2023, will be allowed to submit their returns by August 31, 2023, without incurring late filing penalties or interest, provided that payments are made on or before the same date.

However, if companies fail to file by the extended deadline, the penalty and interest for late payment will be calculated from the original due date.

It is important to note that this filing extension only applies to Company’s Income Tax returns and does not include returns for withholding tax, value-added tax, personal income tax (PAYE), or other taxes.

The FIRS urges all relevant taxpayers to take advantage of this extension and submit their CIT returns within the specified timeframe, ensuring timely payment of taxes to avoid penalties and interest.

NITDA DG highlights FG’s investor-friendly reforms at 2023 Collision Conference.

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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted federal government’s investor-friendly administrative reforms at the recently concluded Collision Conference, held at the Enercare Centre, Toronto, Canada, from 26th to 29th June 2023.

Mr. Inuwa who was in attendance as a Special Guest, participated in several sessions and delivered a speech on How to Foster Healthy Tech Ecosystems.

The DG represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director, of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, used the opportunity to highlight key Federal Government’s investor-friendly reforms that are making Nigeria the destination of choice for foreign investors.

According to a statement by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Head, of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA, Inuwa informed that Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy with the sixth largest population in the world; it is being projected to be the third largest population in the world and one of the world’s top 10 economies by 2050, surpassing the economies of countries like France, the UK, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. That the country is an excellent investment destination for investors thinking about investing in Africa. That the country is strategically located and positioned between West and Central Africa and serves as Africa’s business hub with easy access to other regions of the world.

The NITDA boss further informed that Nigeria has been regarded as Africa’s largest digital technologies market with 82% of the continent’s telecommunication subscribers and 29% of internet usage. That Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to be the fastest-growing region with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6% and an additional subscriber enrolment of over 167 million in the next five years.

Realizing these potentials, Inuwa said, the Federal Government of Nigeria made deliberate efforts to attract investors through strategic reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment. The key to these reforms was the setting up of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in July 2016, aimed at improving the business environment in Nigeria. That the Council worked towards eliminating critical bottlenecks and procedural restrictions to doing business in the country as well as attracting foreign direct investment.

The DG further indicated that through the efforts of PEBEC’s Chairman, the former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Council was able to implement a series of reforms that include providing tax-free incentives, free fiscal duty for imported goods, machinery, and equipment, exemption from levies, the opportunity for foreigners wholly own enterprises and being exempted from expatriate quota, as well as simplifying regulations and making it easier for businesses to start and operate. That these reforms resulted in an unprecedented improvement in Nigeria’s ranking in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, from 169 with a score of 48.40% in 2016 to 131 with a score of 56.90% in 2019, growing at an average annual rate of 4.17%.

Inuwa informed that to effectively harness the country’s digital technologies market and beyond, Federal Government re-designated the Federal Ministry of Communications to Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in October 2019. With the re-designation, the Ministry’s mandate was expanded to capture the goals of digitalization of the Nigerian economy in line with Federal Government’s economic reform initiatives. Furthermore, the launching and unveiling of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria, with the vision of transforming Nigeria into a leading digital economy, providing quality life and digital economies for all a month later, was a turning point for the country.

The DG outlined other reforms to include the Nigeria Startup Act and the ongoing plans to kick-start its full implementation, which will further strengthen the ecosystem and create an enabling environment for the development and growth of Startups, the National Digital Talent Strategy which aims to position Nigeria as one of the largest tech talent factory in the world, the National Blockchain Policy developed to help Nigeria’s transition into the digital economy by using Blockchain technology in boosting innovation, improving public services, creating job opportunities, reducing corruption and driving economic growth, the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy which aims to harness a $1.76 Trillion Global Economy by 2030, driving sector-wide adoption, and generating 250,000 Jobs by 2024, the National Outsourcing Strategy implementation aimed at creating about 5 Million jobs by 2027, increase revenue, and attract FDI through a thriving global outsourcing industry, and the National Data Strategy which aims at creating a Data Analytics industry, drive security and economic growth with a ₦‎20 trillion Data Market by 2025.

Inuwa informed that the current administration is committed to these and many more reforms are expected in the coming months. To buttress this, Mr Inuwa made reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration speech on May 29th, 2023, part of which was where he said “…I have a message for our investors, local and foreign; our government shall review all complaints about multiple taxation and anti-investment policies. And review various anti-investment inhibitions…” Further, that Mr President’s participation at the New Global Finance Pact Summit in Paris, held between 22nd and 23rd June 2023, was strategic and aimed at wooing the international community to invest in Nigeria. He, therefore, encouraged those in attendance to look the way of Nigeria in their investment plans.

The Collision Conference, tagged “The Olympics of Tech”, is one of the world’s biggest tech conferences and brings together Fortune companies, groundbreaking startups, world-class speakers, and the people redefining the global tech industry. The 2023 event attracted more than 36,000 attendees from 118 countries.