E-Business
50% Govt Agencies to Depend on 3rd Platform Technologies by 2020- IDC
By 2020, more than 50% of government agencies with direct citizen engagement missions will direct at least 25% of their programmatic budget to 3rd Platform technologies and IoT, according to IDC Government Insights.
To achieve the intended benefits of the citizen experience, innovation will not only come in the form of new digital channels but also as a more comprehensive approach to redefining the citizen experience.
IDC Government Insights has developed the IDC MaturityScape on citizen experience (IDC #GITS04X) to help senior digital government leaders create a road map to better align the organization’s mission, operating model, and tools with the emerging needs of a consistent omni-channel citizen experience.
The study identifies five maturity stages for citizen experience based on a set of specific vision, people, process, and technology dimensions and outcomes.
Governments around the world are under increasing pressure to improve end-to-end citizen experience, optimize resource allocation, and re-imagine the way their employees, partners, and suppliers contribute to service delivery.
3rd Platform technologies such as cloud, mobile, social, and Big Data offer unparalleled opportunities to deliver new business capabilities along with the accelerated innovation in areas such as robotics, natural interfaces, cognitive systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The challenge for government organizations is to orchestrate such technologies (with employee training) and process changes to optimize the composite outcomes of these and other uncontrollable external factors that result in the citizen experience.
The citizen experience IDC MaturityScape provides actionable guidance to senior IT decision and mission stakeholders who are tasked with ensuring that their organizations are effectively embracing citizen experience.
The study identifies five maturity stages for citizen experience based on a set of specific vision, people, process, and technology dimensions and outcomes:
Ad hoc: At this level, government agencies are managing citizen requests that flow in through multiple, independent channels within the established programmatic, organizational, and technology constraints.
The limited sharing of information about citizen requests within and across programs is due to organizational history, legislative constraints, and siloed technology implementations. There are no communications with (or training for) government employees regarding the principles of providing a good citizen experience.
Opportunistic: At this level, government agencies begin to employ business process automation (BPA) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) systems that have been tuned to the specific needs and requirements of government to offer better integration of services for citizens and the limited sharing of information across systems and programs.
There is a minimum level of communication with government employees and isolated training about the principles of citizen experience.
Repeatable: At this level, government efforts shift from being programmatic to citizen-centric. To accomplish this, it requires deeper and broader implementation of BPA, CRM, and other systems that results in digitized workflows across traditional engagement channels and back-end systems.
This opens up opportunities at the front end for citizens to complete some of their requests within a fully automated process. There is clearer communication and training about citizen experience.
Managed: At this level, government organizations are able to employ advanced digital, web 2.0, and social technologies to extend citizen engagement and citizen self-service beyond traditional engagement channels.
But it also requires a deeper integration of data and processes and sharing of best practices within and across programs to provide an integrated cross-functional experience.
There is a government executive ownership of the citizen experience and a formal process for training on citizen experience.
Government agencies may also implement a citizen satisfaction survey process to gather feedback which is then used to improve the process.
Optimized: At this level, qualified data about citizens and preferences is used and integrated within and across channels, allowing government programs to offer a consistent and contextual experience for the citizen across channels that also integrate with private sector programs.
Citizen experience is a key component of the government program, and government employees are trained about and employ citizen experience principles.
“Government executives who want to drive citizen value should invest in 3rd Platform technologies and address the organizational change issues that will be encountered, including updating the programmatic mission, shifting and optimizing workflows, and managing legislative expectations,” said Massimiliano Claps and Alan Webber, research directors, IDC Government Insights.
IDC MaturityScapes are used by IT executives and their enterprise partners to have a structured way to identify their current level of maturity, and the gap between where they are and where they want to be to maintain competitive balance or achieve industry superiority.
Using IDC MaturityScapes is a way to reduce the friction of change, to make more precise investments, and to identify the details of governance, process, technology, organization, and other factors that can derail the best-laid technology initiative.
IDC Government Insights assists government policy, program, and IT leaders, as well as the suppliers that serve them, in making more effective technology decisions by providing accurate, timely, and insightful fact-based research and consulting services.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pledged to enforce its legal obligations to combat online intellectual property infringement and urged commercial music users to obtain proper licences from rights holders or their representatives.
The Commission stated that this ensures creators are fairly compensated, supporting the music industry’s sustainable growth.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day, themed “IP and Music: Feel the Best of IP,” the NCC announced plans to enforce the Copyright Act 2022, which allows for the takedown of infringing materials and blocking of websites hosting illegal content.
Signed by Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike, director of Public Affairs, the statement outlined an aggressive anti-piracy campaign in collaboration with the private sector, targeting the online environment.
Egbunike affirmed the NCC’s commitment to establishing enforceable standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting to protect creators’ rights. She stated, “The NCC will continue to champion policies that support the growth of the music industry, improve the livelihoods of Nigerian musicians, and foster a culture of creativity and respect for intellectual property.”
Despite the global success of Afrobeats and other Nigerian genres, the NCC noted that many musicians face low royalty returns due to rampant digital piracy.
To address this, the Commission revised its Collective Management Regulations to enhance transparency and accountability among Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
The NCC emphasised that proper licensing is a legal obligation and vital for Nigeria’s creative economy, stating, “Music must feel the beat of intellectual property for the full potential of creativity to be realised.”
The Commission highlighted that creators’ livelihoods depend on fair royalty compensation.
Recent enforcement measures include the NCC’s designation by the Attorney-General of the Federation as an authority under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.
This, combined with the Copyright Act 2022, empowers the NCC to order takedowns and block illegal music distribution websites.
The Federal Government, has warned Nigerians against the growing threat of cyber slavery within the West African sub-region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson, noted with grave concern the alarming rise of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, targeting Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths.
The government said many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, were lured out of the country under the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.
According to the government, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.”
The government also noted with dismay, a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.
“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.
“The Ministry strongly warns all Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” the statement read.
E-Business
ALX Nigeria Launches 2025 Ventures Incubator, Premieres Pan-African “Do Hard Things” Finale
ALX Nigeria is once again proving that when African talent meets the right opportunity, magic happens. In a celebration of innovation, grit, and ambition, ALX officially launched its 2025 Ventures Incubator Cohort, an elite group of startup founders handpicked from across the country, while simultaneously premiering the grand finale of the pan-African “Do Hard Things Challenge” at its Lagos hub.
From tech founders solving community challenges to creatives turning ideas into global solutions, ALX is backing the bold and building the infrastructure to help them scale. The ALX Ventures Incubator is the next big leap for graduates of the Founder Academy, providing them with hands-on mentorship, investor access, and the resources to grow sustainable businesses that shape the future of the continent.
“The launch of the ALX Ventures Incubator is proof of our unwavering commitment to building the infrastructure for African innovation to thrive,” said Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager at ALX Nigeria. “We witnessed incredible potential at our Founder Academy, and this next step ensures that these promising startups receive the support they need to grow into high-impact ventures. It’s about translating potential into lasting impact.”
These new ventures are powered by the same spirit that drove the Do Hard Things Challenge—a bold initiative that saw ALX travel to eight African cities in search of the continent’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. The final stop? Mauritius, where top finalists pitched in a high-stakes finale, now screened live for the Lagos tech and media community.
The challenge took ALX across Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kigali, Accra, Cairo, Casablanca, and Addis Ababa, shining a spotlight on resilience, creativity, and unstoppable drive.
“The ‘Do Hard Things Challenge’ embodies the spirit we cultivate at ALX: resilience, ambition, and the courage to tackle complex problems,” said Joshua Ebinabo, ALX Ventures Country Entrepreneurship Development Manager.
“Showcasing the finale from Mauritius here in Lagos connects our local innovators to the broader African story. It inspires our learners, reassures parents about the future of tech, and shows business leaders the investment-ready talent right here in our ecosystem.”
The event brought together founders, business leaders, creators, and media influencers—all gathered to witness what happens when African talent is seen, celebrated, and supported. The energy was electric, the vision was bold, and the mission was clear: empower Africa’s brightest minds to build global solutions from right here on the continent.
Whether you’re a startup founder looking to scale or a dreamer looking for your big break, ALX continues to be the launchpad for Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial revolution.
Learn more about ALX’s tech and business programmes at alxafrica.ng, and follow the movement on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram via @alxnigeria.
AFC Appoints Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of Board of Directors
FG to Sanction Airports Without Permits from January 2026
CBN Urges Banks to Source FX for PAPSS Settlement Through NFEM
FIRS Orders Banks to Close Unauthorised Tax Collection Accounts
NBC Loses Appeal as Tribunal Upholds ₦190m Fine for Misleading Packaging
Telecom2 days agoMeta Challenges Nigerian Tribunal’s $220M Fine over Data Breaches
Broadcasting2 days agoAI and Cybersecurity: Balancing Innovation with Caution
Telecom21 hours agoMTN’s Talent Hunt Returns: A Stage for Nigeria’s Next Creative Stars
E-Financial2 days agoSupreme Court Sets Aside N22 Trillion Judgement against Union Bank
E-Business2 days agoFG Warns Nigerians Against Growing Threat of Cyber Slavery in West Africa
News2 days agoEFCC Bans Cash above $10,000 from Leaving Nigeria without Declaration
News21 hours agoNBC Loses Appeal as Tribunal Upholds ₦190m Fine for Misleading Packaging
E-Financial2 days agoUBA Envisions Footprint in over 100 Countries