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IWD: NITDA Implements Initiatives to Bridge Gender Divide

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Kashifu Inuwa, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has said that the Agency has been implementing several initiatives and programmes aimed at bridging the gender divide that exists in the Information Technology sector.

The Director General made this disclosure through his Special Adviser on Innovation and Strategy, Mrs. Iklima Musa at a programme in Abuja organised by the African School of Economics, (ASE) in partnership with African Women Entrepreneurship Programme, (AWEP) to commemorate the World International Women’s Day with the theme “Embrace Equity: Cracking the Code”.

Inuwa informed that part of the programmes the Agency has embarked on to bridge the gender divide was a training organised on the 7th of this month where the agency trained 200 women in digital marketing, digital entrepreneurship and 3D painting and “we are planning to train another 200 women this month and the next,” he revealed.

He said that, “There is an ongoing assessment meant to give an insight and data of the percentage of women that are currently participating or playing a role in the ICT sector today. The assessment is going to be ready by the end of this month and it is going to help us drive our digital skills strategy.”

The DG NITDA asserted that NITDA’s goal is to create equity which is evident in our digital literacy initiatives adding that the Agency conducted capacity-building programmes on ICT and Entrepreneurship for 360 women in the various geo-political zones across the country.

According to him, the initiative has increased women’s awareness, knowledge, and use of business tools that help to promote women’s entrepreneurial and career pursuits, increase access to distance learning and distance work programmes.

“As Africa’s most populous nation and the largest economy, Nigeria has the potential to become a global economic power house however, this can only be accomplished if we leverage our marginalized populations specifically Nigeria’s female population and bridge the digital divides that currently exist,” he advised.

The NITDA boss clarified that, “In 2021, the UN estimated that Nigeria’s female population was 104 million. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has much to gain by facilitating the inclusion of women in technological industry and bridging the digital divide.

However, we recognise that different challenges arise in the form of social, economic, and cultural barriers, which are a hindrance that forestall this inclusion.

Inuwa revealed that a Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy by the Agency is currently in pipeline.

He added that the Strategy has identified the barriers that impede women from utilising and gaining the benefits of their inclusion in IT and will outline the steps that will be taken to bridge the gap that exists in our digital economy.

The ASE founder and president, prof. Leonard Wantchehon earlier in his remarks stated that the school doors are open to ideas and initiatives that would help the development and sensitisation of women most especially through education.

Adding that “ASE is committed to gender equality and research. This programme is an opportunity to reflect on the gender gap of women leadership in the whole world at large” he said.

Similarly, the president of AWEP, Mrs Oluyemisi Ogundipe stated that “without action these changes will not come easily”. She urged the gathering to come up with more action plan that would empower and support women leadership.

She affirmed that, to embrace equity it starts with the Mind. As such urging women to take part in the activities around them towards contributing their quota for the development of women, and also groomed their girls from inception providing them with the necessary knowledge they need to know.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

General News

NDPC to Launch Regulatory AI Sandboxes for Data Protection in Nigeria

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has partnered with private sector ICT firms to explore the use of adaptive regulatory sandboxes that can support the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into data protection frameworks while enabling cross-border innovation.

This was revealed during a one-day workshop held in Abuja titled “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI”. The event also featured the evaluation of the African Sandbox Outlook report.

The workshop focused on how regulatory sandboxes could serve as safe testing environments for AI technologies and foster data-driven innovation on the continent.

Speaking at the event, National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said the commission is actively examining the role of regulatory sandboxes as part of its mandate under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

Represented by Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of the Commission’s Innovation Unit, Olatunji said: “Sandboxes aim to encourage responsible AI, foster compliance with the NDPA, and promote trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency.

“The goal is to create a competitive environment for AI developers and data scientists while addressing Africa’s unique challenges.”

He noted that a functional regulatory sandbox would need to operate within real-time legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure effective testing of AI and data-driven solutions.

 Also speaking at the workshop, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, stressed that while AI offers transformative opportunities for digital infrastructure, network optimization, and public service delivery, it also raises complex regulatory and ethical concerns.

Represented by Mr. Babagana Digima, Deputy Director of New Media and Information Security at NCC, Maida highlighted the significance of regulatory sandboxes as tools for collaborative policy development:

“Sandboxes provide a controlled environment for innovators to test AI under regulatory supervision.

“This encourages collaborative learning, risk mitigation, and evidence-based policymaking. We’re aligning this with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Digital Economy Policy, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act.”

Principal Consultant at Kontemporary Konsulting, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, called for greater regulatory harmonization across African nations to facilitate easier data flows and AI integration.

“We need to optimise data protection processes and scale products across West Africa.

“There’s a need for sandboxes that support cross-border interoperability and AI systems embedded with robust governance structures,” he said.

Olufuye noted that inconsistencies in data laws across African jurisdictions could hinder innovation if not addressed through collaborative regulation.

Ms. Morine Amutorine, Africa Lead for the Datasphere Initiative, emphasized that AI sandboxes can be implemented in countries regardless of their regulatory maturity.

According to her, “ sandbox allows stakeholders to assess the impact of data-driven solutions and identify areas requiring new or updated regulation.”

Meanwhile, the African Sandbox Outlook report, presented at the event, noted that sandboxes are increasingly being recognized as powerful tools for testing regulatory and technical approaches to AI and data governance.

The report concluded that regulatory sandboxes across Africa are pivotal for tackling the continent’s data challenges, supporting innovation, and unlocking data value chains.


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NIMASA Embraces Technology to Strengthen Regulatory Mandate

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance its regulatory functions, improve efficiency, and boost revenue generation for the Federal Government.

According to a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, on Sunday, the move follows a comprehensive internal review of NIMASA’s operational systems aimed at closing gaps in monitoring and compliance.

A key component of the technological transformation is the deployment of the Maritime Enhanced Monitoring System (MEMS), which brings digital traceability to the core of Nigeria’s maritime operations.

“MEMS provides real-time visibility into vessel movements, operational logs, and regulatory interactions,” Osagie explained.

“With automated alerts, smart invoicing, and centralized data integration, NIMASA can now detect, document, and respond to maritime activities with greater precision and efficiency—eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks while strengthening compliance.”

He noted that one of the major targets for improvement is waste reception services—routine for both domestic and international vessels—which have historically lacked proper tracking.

This has resulted in unmonitored activities and substantial revenue losses. Through MEMS, each waste offload can now be logged, time-stamped, and automatically billed, ensuring environmental standards are upheld while generating consistent revenue.

Marine pollution control, another critical area under NIMASA’s mandate, has also suffered in the past from limited digital oversight.

“Without satellite tracking and automated reporting, pollution events often went unnoticed or were reported too late to mitigate environmental damage,” he said.

“Now, with modern surveillance systems, digital logbooks, and real-time alerts, NIMASA can respond swiftly to pollution incidents, recover environmental damages, and hold polluters accountable both legally and financially.”

Osagie further explained that past revenue shortfalls experienced by the agency were largely due to outdated manual processes, fragmented data systems, and inadequate digital enforcement tools—factors that external actors exploited for personal gain.

“The ongoing reforms at NIMASA are designed to overcome these systemic weaknesses. By investing in digital infrastructure and streamlining monitoring systems, the agency is positioning itself to fulfill its statutory obligations with greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” he added.

Responding to recent reports claiming the agency had commenced a concession of its operations, Osagie dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.

“There is no iota of truth in the reports suggesting that NIMASA has embarked on any form of concession. These are the handiwork of both internal and external elements attempting to exploit the existing system for personal benefit,” he stated.

“We urge the public to disregard these baseless claims and instead support NIMASA’s transformation journey, which aligns with the national objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to enhancing maritime governance, environmental protection, and revenue optimization for national development.


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Nigerian Tech Prodigy sets World Record with Smallest GPS Tracker

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Young Nigerian tech genius, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, has developed the world’s smallest GPS tracking device, a prototype measuring just 22.93 x 11.92 mm.

Recognised by the Guinness World Records, the device was created at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, on April 27, where he is employed as a researcher.

It has been hailed for its potential across industries, from logistics and personal safety to medical devices and wildlife monitoring.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated the feat in a post on X, praising Oyinlola for showcasing the ingenuity of the West African country’s youth. “You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” he wrote.

Adding to the accolades, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, lauded the innovation as a symbol of national pride and technological potential.

He commended Oyinlola’s journey, noting his early support for the young inventor’s IoT startup. “Long before this global recognition, I had the privilege of backing Oluwatobi. His journey, now continuing at MIT, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of our people,” Tijani said.

The prototype not only marks a leap in miniaturised technology but also highlights Nigeria’s growing footprint in global innovation. Bosun added that as Nigeria intensifies efforts to nurture homegrown tech talent, Oyinlola’s success is a beacon for the next generation of innovators.

“The world is only beginning to see what you’re capable of,” said the Minister.

 

 


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