News
Experts Carpet ICT Draft Policy
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communications Technology, weekend may have unwittingly got more than she bargained at the public presentation of the new national information communication technology (ICT) policy draft as several stakeholders and IT professionals carpeted the document for not being far reaching enough, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report. The minister had opened the session by declaring that KPIs (key performance indicators) and time lags were deliberately left out of the document as these would grow along in the line of development. The session was convened as a town hall meeting to access public views on the document which had been displayed online for interested groups/persons to submit memoranda. Several persons had chosen the window of opportunity to send in their presentation. But the town hall meeting was another session aimed physically feeling the pulse of the ICT community to the document. Several individuals opened up with frank talks on key omissions in the draft policy. Mrs. Florence Seriki, managing director and chief executive officer, Omatek Computers, the document as failing to meet stakeholders’ expectations in terms of growing an ICT based institution for onward manufacturing, especially through small and medium enterprises schemes. “No ICT document will be such flourishing if it fails to recognize the importance of manufacturing revolving round ICT, diversification of manufacturing. An ICT based institution may not be fruitful without manufacturing, particularly at SMEs level,” said Seriki. Seriki who also represented the information technology association of Nigeria (ITAN) at the meeting reasoned that the documents failure to have imprints on local content could not be brushed aside. “The need for a concerted effort to ensure local content, or locally based manufacturing blueprint cannot be over emphasized. As it is the draft policy is in short of this aspect economic development, especially as we are targeting national Vision 20:2020 goal,” she enthused. Dr. Vincent Asor, chairman, education and manpower service, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) lamented that implementing the policy as it is portends the collapse of other regulatory bodies. He advised the committee to engage circumspect means that will prevent legal tussle springing up during the implementation stage. Dr. Asor called for more emphasis on computer and broadband penetrations, internet governance and other outsourcing mechanism. “Nigeria Computer Society had produced a policy document for ICT sector in Nigeria. There is a need for us to look at the policy and other existing ones to encourage the academia, investors and outsourcing,” said Asor. Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecom Subscribers (NATCOM), pointed out that the ministry should tread with caution as the draft policy could run foul of existing legal instruments. He cited session 23 of the Nigeria Communications Act 2003 which reads in part that during the formulation, determination and monitoring of the general policy for the communications sector in Nigeria, the “Minister shall amongst others, ensure the utilisation of the sector as a platform for the economic and social development of Nigeria; 24. –(1) Prior to the formulation or review of the general policy for the Nigerian communications sector, the Minister shall cause the Commission on his behalf to first carry out a public consultative process on the proposed policy formulation or modification. (2) in formulating and determining the policy or amendments thereto, the Minister and the Council shall take into consideration the findings of the consultative process under subsection (1) of this section.” Ogunbanjo, who queried the essence of the gathering, added that the new draft policy should include consumers’ protection, in terms of improved quality of service, security of investments and lasting solutions to multiple-taxation that has placed firms in tight corners. In her closing, Mrs. Johnson noted that despite the divergent opinions, some of which were very vocal and critical of the document, it was a worthwhile meeting. She noted that the ministry would go back with the positives and do necessary amends. She however sharply disagreed with some expressed opinions that the ministry thread cautiously to avoid pitfalls. “The forum is to receive additional inputs from you (the stakeholders) and the end result is to have ICT policy thrust that will shape the functionality in the country. However, we are in a hurry, especially in having an ICT Ministry in a country that wants to develop. The world is not waiting for us to do catch-up. We have to hurry and catch-up with nations that have left us behind,” said Johnson. The ministry is to convene another stakeholder’s forum in six months for an appraisal on the progress made since the March session.
The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria
In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
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