General News
IIM Africa Holds 2021 National Summit, 31st Investiture & Inaugural CDOIQ Symposium

All is now set for the 2021 National Summit of Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 13 in Abuja.
The occasion will equally feature 31st Induction/investiture and award, inaugural edition of the Chief Data Officer as well as Information Quality (CDOIQ) Nigeria Symposium.
According to Ambassador (Dr) Oyedokun Oyewole, President and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Institute who also doubles as the Country Chief Data Officer Ambassador for Nigeria “Across industries and roles, data is an important and precious business asset. There are many ways that data can bring value to an organization.
“To determine the financial impacts of data on any organization, there would be a need to look for specific ways the organization uses data to reduce costs, as well as ways that data drives revenue.
“Furthermore, value can be derived from data by using it to increase revenues, or generate income.”
Oyewole further stated that “to realize all of these values from data, there is a need for effective data leadership in every organization.
“By providing opportunities and platforms for data leadership Collaboration amongst like-minded leaders to connect, learn/teach, champion, mobilize, educate and help each other succeed on the journey to building data-driven organizations, bringing data to the forefront of decision-making.
“All of these are the opportunities that the Chief Data Officer & Information Quality (CDOIQ) program will facilitate, as we host the Inaugural Nigeria Symposium”.
In August 2021, the founding members of the Country Chief Data Officer (CDO) Ambassador programme, the MITCDOIQ Symposium (www.MITCDOIQ.org), the International Society of Chief Data Officers (www.isCDO.org) and the CDO Magazine (www.cdomagazine.tech) appointed Oyewole as the Country Chief Data Officer Ambassador for Nigeria and the first-ever Country Chief Data Officer Ambassador in Africa.

Ambassador (Dr) Oyedokun Oyewole, President and Chairman of Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa
The theme of the twin event is “Promoting the keys to data value through organisational data leadership in an era of digital transformation and economy”. The event includes the induction of new members into various membership categories of the Institute of Information Management namely Graduate, Associate, Professional, Senior Professional, Fellow, Hon. Fellow and Corporate.
Certificates will also be presented to successful candidates at the Institute of Information Management Certification programs. Awards will be presented to deserving professionals who have contributed immensely to the data and information management industry.
And ultimately, Chief Data Officers Ambassadors for various organisations in Nigeria will be inducted.
Among the special guests of honour for the occasion are Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Professor Isa Ali Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; H.E. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Minister of Finance and D.I. Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms at The Presidency.
Other special guests are Engineer Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission, and Mr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and a host of others.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Chief Data Officer & Information Quality Program (Country CDO Ambassador)
The AMBASSADOR PROGRAM aims to act as a supporter, to mobilize, and provide education to the Data Industry Community, by seeking out fellow CDOs within the country to become part of the CDO Community. Mobilizing, assembling and making ready for action, to support the Data Industry. It also aims to Educate, by creating and sharing content for the benefit of the CDO Community.
MITCDOIQ Symposium
The MIT Chief Data Officer and Information Quality Symposium (MITCDOIQ), now in its 15th year, is one of the key events for sharing and exchanging cutting-edge ideas, content and discussions.
The purpose is to advance the knowledge and accelerate the adoption of the role of Chief Data Officer (CDO) in all industries and geographical countries. As data is a critical aspect of every organization, the symposium is focusing on the management and leadership of this critical element for the 21st century that will benefit every organization.
International Society of Chief Data Officers
The International Society of Chief Data Officers (isCDO) is the premiere, vendor-neutral, professional society of individuals who serve the role of the Chief Data Officers for their organizations. The Society serves as a peer-advisory resource for all members, as a society of CDOs, by CDOs, for CDOs.
CDO Magazine (www.cdomagazine.tech)
CDO Magazine is a publication that delivers insights essential to accelerating organizational adoption of the enterprise disciplines necessary to be successful in the new digital society. The Magazine grew out of MIT’s annual CDO and Information Quality Symposium (MIT CDOIQ), led since 2007 by the MIT Sloan School of Management, in partnership with the International Society of Chief Data Officers (isCDO) and ComSpark.
The Magazine’s vision and mission are to be the premier global publication, giving a voice to global leaders in strategic data management and analytics capabilities that form the foundation and core of the digital age.
General News
NCS to Launch Electronic System for Cash Declarations at Airports

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an electronic declaration system to streamline and enhance compliance for travelers carrying cash into or out of Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, emphasized that the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework and reinforce financial regulations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the deployment of an Electronic-Currency (E-Currency) declaration form as part of its anti-money laundering measures for travelers carrying cash into and out of Nigeria,” NAN reported. The system will require travelers carrying amounts exceeding the legal threshold to declare them before arrival or departure.
Maiwada further explained the process, stating, “We have developed a system where, even before leaving your point of origin, you can scan a QR code, access the form, fill it out, and we will be able to see it from here.”
He noted that the initiative, set for rollout soon, will enhance monitoring and facilitate information sharing with relevant authorities.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the NCS Act 2023, travelers carrying over $10,000 (about N15.4 million) or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare the funds to Customs authorities.
To boost awareness, the NCS is working with airline operators to inform travelers through onboard announcements and plans to reinstate signage at airports and border points in English and French.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to tighten financial controls following a recent case at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), where Customs officials seized $578,000 from a passenger attempting to evade currency declaration regulations.
General News
Aquaterra Energy Secures Multi-million-dollar well Intervention Contract with Intrepid Energy in Nigeria

Aquaterra Energy, a leader in offshore engineering solutions, has secured a multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract with Intrepid Energy Limited (IEL) to deliver a bespoke subsea well intervention equipment package for a project in Nigeria.
Aquaterra Energy’s turnkey well access package will enable IEL to conduct intervention operations across multiple mature oil wells in the region, supporting enhanced reservoir production.
The contract includes the supply of a complete seabed-to-surface intervention system and package, spanning from the subsea tree to surface intervention equipment.
Key components include Aquaterra Energy’s TRT tieback tooling, which provides production bore and annular access, a lightweight well pressure control system, and an ISO 13628-7 qualified open water intervention riser with an integrated tensioning system. In addition to equipment provision, Aquaterra Energy will also deliver ongoing offshore engineering support throughout the project.
The 7- 3/8” lightweight well access solution, has been specifically engineered for deployment from jack-ups and lift boats. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and operationally efficient alternative to floating vessels, reducing intervention costs while maintaining high safety and performance standards.
Andrew McDowell, Delivery Director at Aquaterra Energy comments: “Our expertise in offshore engineering allows us to develop tailored intervention solutions that address the operational challenges of subsea well access.
This system has been engineered for efficiency, ease of deployment, and safety, helping IEL optimise intervention activities across Nigeria while reducing costs. By delivering a complete, integrated package, we are simplifying complex operations and enabling operators to maximise production potential.”
Engr Seun Alonge, CEO at Intrepid Energy Limited adds: “Working with Aquaterra Energy marks a significant step forward for our intervention operations in Nigeria. Their specialised technology enhances our ability to execute intervention programmes efficiently, maximising performance across our assets.
By combining Aquaterra’s technical expertise with our deep understanding of the local operating environment, we’re confident this collaboration will enhance production outcomes and create lasting value for our operations in the region.”
The project is set to support intervention operations over multiple years, with Aquaterra Energy providing ongoing technical expertise, with a dedicated team of engineers providing ongoing service support throughout the project.
George Morrison, CEO at Aquaterra Energy: “Delivering reliable and efficient well access solutions for shallow water subsea operations is central to how we support offshore operators.
This collaboration with IEL reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge engineering solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. With West Africa playing an important role in the global energy sector, we’re proud to continue supporting its offshore industry with our expertise and innovative technologies.”
General News
FG Halts Controversial FRC Dues amid Industry Outcry

Federal government has temporarily suspended the controversial annual dues imposed on public interest enterprises by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) after fierce opposition from businesses.
Jumoke Oduwole, minister, Industry, Trade, and Investment, announced the decision during a Ministerial Consultative Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The move follows mounting pressure from private sector groups, including the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who slammed the Financial Reporting Council (Amendment) Act 2023 for burdening companies with excessive fees.
The Act mandates cumulative annual charges for non-listed entities and imposes a harsh 10% monthly penalty on unpaid dues, compounding until full payment, a provision that sparked widespread backlash.
At the meeting, major industry players like NECA, MAN, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce (NACCIMA), oil producers, and telecom operators warned that the fees would cripple businesses already struggling in a tough economy.
Oduwole clarified the suspension, stating, “The government has decided to direct the Financial Reporting Council to pause in the implementation of the new annual dues. You know that I am a lawyer, and a suspension request by the organised private sector would be in contravention of legislation duly passed by the National Assembly. A pause is an administrative process simply to review, in line with what we discussed today.”
She assured stakeholders that the halt would last no longer than 60 days, with a technical working group—including FRC officials and private sector representatives—set up to reassess the policy.
“We are a listening administration. The private sector has requested a range from three months to an indefinite suspension. We are not going to do that. So, at the most, 60 days is in my estimate. We are going to set up a technical working group comprised of the FRC and the organised private sector who have formally written in, and this will be reviewed,” Oduwole emphasized.
- News2 days ago
Court Throws Out Falana’s Fraud Case against Ekeh, Zinox Boss and Others
- E-Financial2 days ago
Heritage Bank Depositors Seek National Assembly’s Help to Recover Trapped Funds
- Telecom2 days ago
Nokia Unwraps 5G Gateway for Home Internet
- News2 days ago
FG Receives N1Bn Grant from Airtel Africa to Boost 3MTT Programme
- News2 days ago
FG to Halt Solar Panel Imports, Pushes for Local Manufacturing
- E-Business2 days ago
Senate Passes Bill to Re-enact NIMC Act
- Telecom1 day ago
Again, Labour Fumes, Threatens Shutdown of Telcos over Non-Implementation of 15 Percent Tariff Reduction
- News1 day ago
NNPC Ready to Go to Capital Market for IPO- CFIO