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Experts Carpet ICT Draft Policy

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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.


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TEDxPAU 2024: Exploring New Possibilities and Shaping Tomorrow

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TEDxPAU 2024 brought together some of the brightest minds and boldest voices on November 16th at the Honeywell Auditorium, Lagos Business School. With over 500 attendees eager to explore new possibilities, the event’s theme, ‘Shaping the Future,’ set the tone for a day filled with inspiration, reflection, and transformative ideas.

The day opened with a TED talk by TED founder Chris Anderson, followed by welcome remarks from the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo. She encouraged the audience to embrace the theme, saying, “The future is now, and it is up to all of us to join hands to shape tomorrow.”

The sessions featured inspiring talks from visionaries like Akose Enebeli, who emphasized sustainable urban living by “building upwards instead of outwards,” and Goodnews Igwe, who stressed that creating value is key to success.

Temitope Runsewe championed Africa’s family values as a foundation for economic recovery, describing family businesses as “the future of Nigeria.” Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, advocated for affordable education to drive literacy and digital skills, while Michael Oluwagbemi sparked intrigue with his bold statement that “CNG is the new garri,” promoting energy innovation.

Ziad Maalouf shared leadership insights, underscoring personal growth as the key to scaling success.

Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President at Heifer International, spoke about the significance of scaling innovation from the inside out, urging organizations to embrace change-driven solutions. Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor of PAU, described entrepreneurship as “a catalyst for systemic change,” calling for the transformation of problems into solutions with far-reaching impact.

Dr. Cosmas Maduka, who shared his journey from adversity to global success, inspired the audience to embrace their gifts and believe in limitless possibilities.

The event ended with a fireside chat between TEDxPAU organizer Bella Victor and Dr. Maduka, who spoke about the importance of legacy and purpose. He encouraged attendees to see themselves as part of Nigeria’s solution and to embrace both the challenges and triumphs of the country’s journey.

Beyond the talks, TEDxPAU 2024 captivated attendees with musical performances, a spoken word piece, and a high-energy dance performance by different talents from the university.

The event also recognized its sponsors and volunteers, thanking them for their critical role in making the day a success.

In his closing remarks, Bella Victor expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating: “TEDxPAU was founded with the goal of giving back to this incredible school and creating a 360-degree impact—supporting our students, raising awareness for our school, and giving innovators a platform to reach a global audience. It’s inspiring to see how this event has grown and how each of you have played a part in that mission today. I thank our speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and every attendee who believed in this vision. Together, we are shaping the future.”

Attendees also enjoyed networking opportunities during breaks, sponsor exhibitions, and a private lunch for VIP ticket holders, who engaged in deeper conversations with the speakers about shaping tomorrow.

TEDxPAU 2024 once again reaffirmed its commitment to “ideas worth spreading” and left attendees inspired to take action. For recordings of the event and updates on future editions, stay tuned.


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Head of Civil Service Celebrates 100 Days in Office with the Launch of Galaxy Backbone’s “Govmail”

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In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s public service, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, MINI, today marked her 100 days in office and officially launched three digital services platforms for the Civil Service.

These include, Govmail, ServiceWise GPT and the Federal Civil Service Online Portal. These platforms, underscore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to enhancing digital governance and driving innovation across the nation’s Federal Civil Service.

Govmail, an email platform developed and powered by Galaxy Backbone (GBB) is an innovative solution set to enhance communication, boost efficiency, and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation journey within the public sector.

Speaking at a meeting where the Govmail Interface was first officially presented and demonstrated to her, the Head of Civil Service expressed her excitement about the platform, stating, “GBB’s Govmail is unbelievably WOW!

This is a game-changer for our nation’s civil service, streamlining communication and creating a secure path to other government digital services. With Govmail, we are truly embracing the future of digital governance.”

Govmail is a secure, Nigeria-centric email platform designed by a team from Galaxy Backbone, exclusively for public service professionals. It ensures that all official communication are seamlessly managed while safeguarding Nigeria’s data sovereignty. The initiative emerged as a key outcome of the Digitalisation War Room, established by Mrs. Walson- Jack, to drive the implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions in government.

Commenting on this milestone, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, shared, “We are immensely proud to have developed this revolutionary platform, ensuring that every Nigerian civil servant has access to a robust and secure communication channel.

Govmail is not just about email—it’s about enabling productivity, efficiency, and sovereignty in governance. Galaxy Backbone remains committed to driving the digital transformation of Nigeria’s public sector.”

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo emphasized the strategic importance of the Govmail for the nation’s Civil Service stating that “Govmail significantly reduces the government’s reliance on foreign email platforms, cutting costs and addressing licensing challenges. This is a commendable achievement by the Head of Service and the leadership of Galaxy Backbone.”

Through GBB’s dedicated efforts, Govmail will rapidly roll out email accounts to over 70,000 Federal civil servants across Nigeria, ensuring every government professional is equipped with a secure communication platform in record time. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s goal of leveraging technology to build a digitally driven and globally competitive public service.


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Senate Approves New $2.2Bn External Borrowing for Nigeria

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The Senate has approved the new external borrowing plan request of $2.2 billion presented for consideration by President Bola Tinubu.

Senate Approves New $2.2Bn External Borrowing for Nigeria

The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts at the plenary session on Thursday.

The report was presented by the Sen. Aliyu Wammako, chairman of the Committee.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday, Nov 19, in separate letters to both chambers of the National Assembly, requested approval of a $2.2 billion external borrowing plan to part fund the N9.7 trillion deficit in the 2024 budget .

Senate upon receipt of the request, mandated its committee on local and foreign debts to expeditiously ensure further legislative inputs on the request and report back within 24 hours.

Presenting the committee‘s report, Wammako said the presidential request was very necessary for approval.

He said the loan request would be utilised for execution of ongoing projects and programmes in the 2024 appropriation act , saying that the projects were critical for national growth and development.

“It will contribute to the implementation of the debt management strategy, which seeks to reduce the cost of borrowing.

” It will lengthen maturity of the public debt stock, free – up space in the domestic market for other borrowers, and help increase Nigeria’s external reserves .” Wammako said Nigeria could raise all or part of the 2.2billion dollars through the issuance of Eurobonds in the International Capital Market ( ICM) .

Wammako thereafter is recommended as follows:

“That the Senate do approve the implementation of the new external borrowing of 2.2 billion dollars at the budget exchange rate of one dollars to N800 in the 2024 appropriation act and that the amount should be raised from one or more sources.

“Namely, issuance of eurobonds in the ICM, issuance of debut sovereign Sukuk in the ICM, and bridge, syndicated loans, subject to market conditions.”

The report was thereafter unanimously approved via an affirmative voice vote.

In his remarks after the approval, Senator Jibrin Barau, deputy president of the Senate, who presided plenary, commended the Wammako led committee for a job well done.


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