E-Business
Collaborative Action Needed to Boost Digitalisation in Nigeria and Support Economic Growth
In the face of serious economic and developmental challenges, the Nigerian Government through the Strategic Blueprint of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has identified digitalisation as a key enabler to stabilise and strengthen the macroeconomic environment.
L-R: Juergen Peschel, Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission; Gbenga Adebayo, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairperson, Globacom; Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN; Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSM Association (GSMA); Ibrahim Dikko, Chief Executive Officer, Backbone Connectivity Networks Nig. Ltd.; at the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report launch in Abuja on May 9 2024.
It is pursuing structural reforms, creating an environment conducive to private and public sector growth and job creation, while concurrently recognising the need to diversify away from the reliance on the oil and extractives sector. This shift towards diversification underscores the digital sector’s significant role in steering Nigeria towards a more resilient and dynamic economic future.
The largest contribution of the digital sector to Nigeria’s overall GDP is through the impact digitalisation has on the productivity of other sectors. For example, in the short-term, measures such as cash transfers to citizens can be done more quickly and efficiently using mobile money payment platforms. Digital technologies also boost productivity in the agricultural sector through increased use of agricultural inputs, better storage facilities and more coordinated support across agencies with the use of digital technologies to communicate and support small-scale farmers.
It is estimated that, in 2023, the telecoms sector was contributing 13.5% to the GDP of Nigeria. Considering the direct and indirect contribution of the mobile ecosystem, as well as the productivity impact throughout the economy, the telecom sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s overall economic activity is much greater, estimated at 33 trillion NGN in 2023, with 2.4 trillion NGN in tax revenue contributions.
The GSMA today published its latest report ‘The role of mobile technology in driving the digital economy in Nigeria’ which addresses the challenges hindering the growth and development of the telecommunications industry and the crucial role of the mobile sector in Nigeria’s economic development. Connectivity to mobile services, including Mobile Money is the foundation on which digitalisation is built. The Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are committed to investing to support the realisation of the digitalisation ambitions that will unlock economic growth and development in the country.
Navigating a complex operating environment
To unlock these economic opportunities, connectivity and mobile financial services are crucial foundations. The GSMA’s report emphasises that while 29% of Nigerians are regularly using mobile internet, there remains untapped potential, as 71% are not accessing these services on a regular basis. An improved policy environment has the potential to help the industry boost coverage and adoption, resulting in 15 million additional internet users by 2028. However, the sector faces challenges to infrastructure deployment.
These include:
- Complex and costly process of securing Rights of Way (RoW) significantly increases the time and costs associated with rolling out infrastructure.
- The complex tax environment in Nigeria, providing for high and increasing costs of tax compliance because of the complex and overlapping tax structure within the country.
- Increasing costs are making it difficult for the industry to maintain sustainable levels of investment. The primary driver of this has been increases in the cost of power for sites due to the rapid increases in the price of fuel, increased government fees and levies, and increased demand for forex, in an import-dependent environment, due to contractual obligations for network infrastructure and services that are denominated in USD.
Transforming Nigeria into a digital economy
An enabling policy and regulatory framework will be critical to realising the full potential of Nigeria’s digital transformation, as recognised in Nigeria’s Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 as well as the Federal Ministry’s National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN). Without universal access to digital connectivity, a broader digital transformation of the Nigerian economy is not possible.
It is clear that the mobile industry is a key partner for the government in achieving its objectives and can contribute to some of the key elements of the government’s plan. The value of this contribution can significantly increase with the necessary support from government required to overcome the obstacles outlined above.
To this end, the report recommends initiatives to support policymakers in creating an economic and regulatory environment that supports growth, investment, and competition.
These include implementing a legal framework for Critical National Infrastructure to address challenges in building network infrastructure; simplifying and improving the process for issuing RoW and standardising it across the country; reducing the industry’s tax burden to help cut operating costs; and creating a regulatory environment that supports sustainable investment.
Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at the GSMA, said: “High-speed connectivity is the bedrock of any digital nation, and the Nigerian government recognises the mobile industry’s role in laying key foundations on which digital transformation is built.
“Future policies should be geared towards reducing the cost and complexity of infrastructure rollout to encourage investment and boost the adoption of mobile broadband.
“The impact of such actions would go far beyond mobile, driving productivity gains across the economy and creating millions of new jobs in Nigeria.”
The Senate on Tuesday passed for a second reading a bill seeking to allow all persons including foreigners resident in Nigeria the right to obtain and use National Identification Numbers (NINs).
Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, NIMC
The bill also seeks to replace criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing “undue legal consequences” on individuals.
The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Barau Jibrin, deputy president of the Senate, seeks to broaden the eligibility criteria for registration to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage.
“This allows all persons resident in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) and utilise it as a recognised form of identification”, Jibrin informed the Senate in his lead debate.
The title of the bill reads, “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2007, and to Provide for the Establishment of a National Identity Database and the National Identity Management Commission Charged with the Responsibilities for Maintenance of the National Database, the Registration of Individuals, and the Issuance of Identity Credentials; and for Related Matters, 2024. The lead debate on the general principles of the bill was read by Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) during plenary as the sponsor, Senator Barau Jibrin, presided over the session.
The lead debate on the general principles of the bill was read by Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) during plenary as the sponsor, Senator Barau Jibrin, presided over the session.
Senator Fasuyi said the bill seeks to repeal the extant Act and enact a new regulatory regime for the National Identity Management Commission, adding it is aimed at enhancing the NIMC’s regulatory capacity to enable more effective oversight and regulation of the Nigeria ID System.
The senator said, “The objectives of the bill are as follows: (a) Expanding the scope of registrable persons by broadening the eligibility criteria for registration under the Nigeria ID System to ensure inclusivity and universal coverage.
“This allows all persons resident in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) and utilise it as a recognised form of identification.
“(b) Streamlining the sharing of personal data by incorporating robust data protection measures to not only safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data but also to foster trust among citizens in the landing of their information.
“(c) Enhancing administrative enforcement powers. The efficiency and effectiveness of the NIMC’s enforcement powers will ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.
“(d) Removing Criminalization for Non-Use of NIN: Replacing criminal penalties with administrative enforcement measures to encourage compliance with NIN usage requirements without imposing undue legal consequences on individuals.”
The senators debated and passed the bill
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has announced the start-ups to participate in the second phase of the accelerator stage (physical bootcamp) of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 2.0).
The week-long physical bootcamp will culminate in a mini demo day where the start-ups will pitch their solutions before a panel of judges drawn from the technology and the business eco system for a chance to proceed to the Demo Day and vie for a total combined prize value of $220,000 with an all-expense paid five-week training at Draper University, Silicon Valley, USA.
Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director/Chief Executive, NSIA, noted said the authority remained focused on leveraging the prize to propel socio-economic development especially by catalysing the technology ecosystem, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, advancing innovative solutions to everyday challenges and positioning Nigerian tech talents for global relevance.
The two-part accelerator phase initially had 100 start-ups selected after rigorous evaluation and due diligence carried out on over 7,000 early-stage businesses that registered for the competition. Out of these, and following additional screening, the following start-ups from multiple sectors have been shortlisted to proceed to the physical bootcamp.
Umar-Sadiq further explained that the NPI was the authority’s multi-year commitment to identify and nurture early-stage businesses with potential for transformative impact in the country.
Currently in its second edition, NPI has garnered significant attention as high-quality applications from interested businesses grew from 2,000 in the maiden edition to over 7,000 in 2024.
The initiative aligns with the authority’s ongoing commitment to catalyse the technology ecosystem by identifying and rewarding Nigerian innovators, equipping them with the right tools to scale product – market fit, connecting start-ups with potential investors and delivering a robust community of technology innovators and entrepreneurs.
The much-anticipated Konga Anniversary sale is here, and this year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. As part of the Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival, the anniversary sale will run from July 1 to July 31.
During this time, Konga will offer shoppers ultra discounts, unbeatable prices, free and same-day delivery, and exciting deals across all product categories. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, Konga is set to make this month-long event a memorable shopping experience for all its customers.
The Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival has already been an immense success, with savings on Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Home and Kitchen Appliances, Electronics, Computing, Mobile Phones, Wine & Spirits, Fashion, and more.
As Konga celebrates its 12th anniversary, the discounts and offers are set to reach unprecedented levels. Shoppers can expect price slashes on a wide range of products, allowing them to save significantly on their purchases.
Konga, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, has always been synonymous with quality, reliability, and superior customer service. Over the years, it has grown to become a household name, providing genuine products and exceptional service to millions of Nigerians.
This year’s anniversary sale is a testament to Konga’s commitment to its customers, offering extra savings and incredible deals that are too good to miss.
Since its inception in 2012, Konga has consistently strived to provide the best shopping experience for its customers. The growth and success over the past 12 years are a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation.
As Konga celebrates its 12th anniversary, it is also celebrating the loyalty and trust of its customers, who have been the driving force behind its success.
“We’re thrilled to offer our customers an unparalleled shopping experience this July,” says Dave Omoregie, COO at Konga. “The combination of the ongoing Mid-Year Shopping Festival and our 12th Anniversary Sale creates a double dose of savings that’s truly unbeatable.
“We’re committed to providing Nigerians with access to high-quality products at affordable prices, and this event exemplifies that commitment.”
Konga has built a reputation for being a trusted e-commerce platform where customers can find genuine products at unbeatable prices. The anniversary sale is an opportunity for shoppers to experience the freedom and convenience that Konga offers. With the best prices, free delivery, and a wide selection of products, customers can shop confidently, knowing that they are getting the best prices available.
Customers in major cities will also enjoy having their orders delivered to their doorstep on the same day at no extra cost.
This value is only available on selected products. This service is part of Konga’s ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience and ensure customer satisfaction. With this initiative, Konga aims to set a new standard for e-commerce delivery in Nigeria.
The anniversary sale is an opportunity for all customers to join in the celebration and take advantage of the incredible deals on offer.
With a month-long celebration of unbeatable deals, convenience, and a touch of anniversary magic, Konga has everything you need to make this shopping extravaganza truly unforgettable.
Take advantage of this opportunity to save big and enjoy a premium shopping experience.
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