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INEC Banks on ICT for 2015 Elections

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Professor Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has taken delivery of a greater portion of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) for eventual distribution in 2014, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman, also revealed that the Commission was also working hard to perfect its election day logistics and concluded arrangement to deploy technology that will identify and authenticate voters on election-day.

Jega who was represented by Dr. Nuhu Yakubu, commissioner in the Commission at the workshop for INEC Information Personnel and Press Corps on Media and Communication Strategy, in Abuja, said, “as we count down to the next General election. In 2015, we are increasingly fine-tuning our work processes to ensure that we deliver elections that are free, fairer and more credible than we had in 2011.

“We have cleaned out the National Register of voters after full consolidation and running of Automated Finger-print Identification System (AFIS).

“Introduction of Smart-Card Technology to improve the accreditation of voters through rigorous voters identification and authentication process on election-day.

“The Commission has so far taken delivery of a greater portion of these smart Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) that we will begin issuing to registered voters from next year.

“We have concluded plans for the rollout of nation-wide continuous voters registration exercise, which will allow those not on the biometrics register at present to get captured.”

Jega further said added, “We are working very hard to perfect our processes for election day logistics, so that we can ensure timely commencement of voting in all polling units and seamless collation procedures.”

Jega however observed that “ensuring credible elections is not a one -way street. It is not the task of INEC alone; rather, it is a multiple-stakeholder endeavour that requires collaboration and diligent commitment of other role players in particular, the media and our information personnel in civic enlightenment, voter education and moulding public perception of the electoral process.”


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NBA Africa Urges Entrepreneurs to Apply for Funding

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NBA Africa, the local affiliate of the NBA basketball brand in the US, has announced the second edition of Triple-Double: NBA Africa Start-up Accelerator, which aims to promote the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The NBA Africa Startup Accelerator will strengthen Africa’s technology ecosystem by providing mentorship and investment to the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs.

The organisation announced the initiative would once again be administered by ALX Ventures, a technological incubator that equips the continent’s innovators in technology with the knowledge and tools they need to develop and scale their enterprises.

Furthermore, NBA Africa named ServiceNow, an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organisations in delivering ‘faster and smarter experiences’ at scale, as an official program partner.

The organisation stated that startups can apply to participate at tripledoubleaccelerator.nba.com until Friday, August 29, following which the applications will be filtered down to a top 10 list.

The shortlisted startups will then participate in a 10-week mentorship program, where they will be paired with mentors from NBA Africa, ServiceNow, and ALX leadership, as well as other corporate stakeholders, who will advise the companies on product development, business growth, and go-to-market strategy.

The finalists will next present their technologies to international industry professionals at the program’s second Demo Day in December, when the top five prize-winning companies will be chosen to receive financial assistance and mentorship.

“Last year’s inaugural Triple-Double Accelerator program showed how much talent, passion and creativity there is among African entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the continent’s rapidly growing sport and entertainment industries,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and to helping another round of promising startups take the next step in their development.”

Last year, almost 700 early-stage African entrepreneurs applied to the program.

Ten finalists were then chosen to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at the program’s first Demo Day, which took place at the NBA headquarters in New York City.

Four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya), and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship.

 


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Customs Ditches Fast Track Scheme for Authorised Economic Operator

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Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is transitioning to its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, meant to ease trade processes, after over a decade under the Fast Track Scheme.

Customs Ditches Fast Track Scheme for Authorised Economic Operator

The service is racing to meet international best practices under the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, and contained in Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The programme, the Service said, is expected to reward “trusted traders” who meet specified “compliance, financial, and security criteria.”

Approved operators will benefit from “pre-arrival clearance, minimal inspection, expedited release, and possible mutual recognition with other customs administrations.”

“The scheme is also designed to build trust, ensure cargo integrity, and enhance the predictability and transparency of Nigeria’s import-export operations,” the Service said.

The current Fast Track Scheme, implemented by the Service in 2013 under a more limited eligibility model and was upgraded to an online-based model called Fast Track 2.0, introduced in 2023. The scheme will be officially decommissioned on 31 December 2025.

“All beneficiaries currently enrolled in the Fast Track Scheme are mandated to initiate their migration to the AEO Compliance Programme by submitting their applications through the dedicated portal,” Customs said, adding that only companies approved under the AEO Programme will continue to enjoy trade facilitation privileges previously accorded under the Fast Track scheme.

“AEOs may include manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses, distributors and freight forwarders,” The Service wrote in a handbook.

It requires that an applicant for AEO certification must be an Economic Operator in the international supply chain.

It also added that “The applying entity must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with a registration period of at least 5 years for AEO Security and Safety (AEO-S) and a minimum of 3 years for AEO Customs Simplification (AEO-C).”

The company must hold a valid Tax Clearance Certificate, with a minimum coverage of 5 years for AEO Security and Safety (c) and at least three years for AEO Customs Simplification (AEO-C).

The company must also provide an audited financial report for a minimum of five years for AEO Security and Safety (AEO-S) and at least three years for AEO Customs Simplification (AEO-C).

Relevant operational licences must also be provided alongside other relevant regulatory certifications (ISO certifications, SON, NAFDAC, etc.).

AEO-S applicants must also require ISO 28001–an international standard that defines the requirements of the Supply Chain Security Management System and provides a management model for organisations seeking to implement it.

 


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NOA Warns of Fake N1000 Notes in Circulation, How to Identify Them

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National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara has cautioned the public on fake N1000 notes circulating in the state.

NOA Warns of Fake N1000 Notes in Circulation, How to Identify Them

Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, state director of NOA, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ilorin.

Dare emphasised the need for vigilance among residents and business owners in the state.

According to him, there is confirmed intelligence reports of syndicates flooding the area with counterfeit currency with batch numbers 364232 and 898248.

Dare said the counterfeit notes can be identified by their blurred portraits, watermarks, and irregular security features.

He urged the public to be cautious when handling large sums of money.

“The syndicates behind this crime exploit peak commercial hours in major local markets to carry out transactions with counterfeit notes.

“They target unsuspecting POS operators and merchants by defrauding them of their hard-earned money.

“NOA Kwara Directorate is committed to sensitising the public on the dangers of fake currency and the importance of verifying the authenticity of banknotes.

“The agency is working tirelessly to ensure that residents of Kwara are protected from financial scams,” he said.

While describing the crime as unpatriotic and capable of distorting the Nigerian economy, Dare said NOA would work closely with security agencies to bring the culprits to book.

The director advised residents to report any suspicious transactions or individuals to the authorities immediately.

“Together, we can build a safer and more secure financial environment for all residents of Kwara.

“By working together, the NOA and the public can prevent the circulation of fake currency and protect the financial interests of Kwara residents,” he said.


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