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NASENI Plans To Seek National Policy To Ban Export Of Strategic Minerals  

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L-R:  Dr. Bashir Gwandu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), receiving from Dr. Abdulrazak Garba, Director-General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), a geological map containing locations of solid minerals in Nigeria during a working visit to the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja on Monday July 31, 2023. Photo: NASENI.
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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) plans to seek a national policy that will stop the export of strategic Solid Minerals overseas thereby domesticating the production of the end-products locally.

L-R:  Dr. Bashir Gwandu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), receiving from Dr. Abdulrazak Garba, Director-General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), a geological map containing locations of solid minerals in Nigeria during a working visit to the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja on Monday July 31, 2023.

NASENI is partnering the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to identify, analyze and profile different strategic minerals with a view to domesticate local production of end-products that can result from such minerals.

This was revealed by Dr. Bashir Gwandu, executive vice chairman/chief executive 0fficer of NASENI, when he received Dr. Abdulrazaq A. Garba, Director-General of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), who was on a working visit to NASENI headquarters on Monday July 31, 2023 in Abuja.

The two agencies agreed to work on areas of possible collaborations on how to domesticate the end-product that can result from the abundant mineral resources in the country in order to create jobs, improve the economy and reduce capital flights by encouraging potential investors to set up processing plants in Nigeria for local production.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, executive vice chairman/chief executive 0fficer of NASENI, said Nigeria has so many strategic raw materials and must focus on processing of its Solid Minerals through a policy that would stop the exportation of certain raw materials and encourage investors, especially international manufacturers to come and establish their plants in Nigeria and produce locally.

 Sighting examples of lithium, titanium, low grade cobalt, nickel, tungsten ore, copper, phosphate, and kaolin which are in large quantities across the country, Dr. Gwandu said undocumented or artisanal miners are exporting thousands of tonnes of lithium weekly without knowing the value of other associated minerals such as rubidium and cesium in the lithium.

 He further explained that since electric vehicle (EV) battery can be made from it; he has invited some foreign companies from around the world that produce batteries including Chinese investors to discuss ways of ensuring that lithium batteries are manufactured locally in Nigeria.

 “We have a lot of phosphate in many states such as Sokoto and Kebbi and lithium is in abundance in Nigeria especially Kebbi, Nasarawa and Kwara states.

“Lithium phosphate is cheaper than other combinations and we also have lithium ion and lithium manganese.

“We want to start from assembly plants in the first instance while we await the actual production facility of the raw materials for the production of lithium batteries. We can develop assembling capacity even before we can have the main factory”, he stated.

 According to him, “We have the raw materials and we are going to produce something that would have direct impact on our economy.

“We cannot continue to be exporting raw materials and import finished goods only. We can use our resources in areas of technology to process the materials.

“It will be good if we put a policy that will limit export of raw materials so that companies will come and partner with us and produce locally.”

 The NASENI boss pointed out that the Agency wants to partner with agencies that will work together to figure out the compositions of the raw materials in the country and make sure that the end products are locally produced that will add value to the economy, adding that NASENI is ready to work together with NGSA on strategic Solid Minerals and other products that can have direct positive impact on Nigeria’s GDP whilst limiting our forex spending.

 In his response, Dr. Abdulrazaq A. Garba, director-general of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), said NGSA was first established in 1919, adding that he was excited that NASENI established an Institute in Nasarawa state for solid minerals research, promising that he would work with NASENI on creation of more laboratories for scientific researches and mineral analysis.  

 He mentioned that there is need for Nigerian Agencies to synergized and work together in ensuring that the raw materials scattered all over the country are harnessed and processed as it will not only add value to the nation’s economy but create job opportunities as well as wealth creation.

“If we can have a synergy, we can take it beyond this, and we can begin to domesticate the use of raw materials.  We have the composition and details of the location of so many of them.

“What we need is to work together to domesticate industrial minerals processing. So, we are here to seek collaboration on technological development and domestication of the use of our industrial minerals”, he stated.

 The two Agencies agreed to work together on the issue of national policy to ban exportation of strategic minerals at the highest levels of government.


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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

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Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO again Defends Tariff Hikes amidst Backlash

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Karl Toriola, chief executive, MTN Nigeria
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Karl Toriola, chief executive, MTN Nigeria has defended recent tariff hikes by mobile network operators, stating they are essential for the “survival” of the telecoms industry in Nigeria, despite significant criticism.

Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO again Defends Tariff Hikes amidst Backlash

Karl Toriola, chief executive, MTN Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted mobile network operators permission to raise tariffs by up to 50% last month, a change reportedly implemented on 11 February.

The increase has sparked public outrage, as mobile connectivity has become a vital necessity in daily life across the West African nation.

In an interview with Developing Telecoms, Toriola pushed back against criticism that the price surge was excessive, arguing that tariffs should have increased by approximately 300% to reflect the naira’s sharp devaluation and the country’s soaring inflation.

Addressing the impact of currency devaluation, Toriola emphasised that MTN purchases network equipment and software in US dollars, a process that has become significantly more expensive. With the naira’s decline, operators are now receiving three times fewer dollars than they did in 2023, making operations more challenging.

In February 2023, businesses could exchange 460 naira for one US dollar, but the currency has since devalued sharply. At the time of writing, a single dollar was worth 1,510 naira.

As Nigeria grapples with the sharp devaluation, MTN has been severely affected.

The company was technically bankrupt in 2023 as its liabilities surpassed its assets—a deeply concerning issue for the wider MTN Group, as Nigeria remains one of its highest revenue-generating markets.

“Because of these factors, we’ve seen our costs rise dramatically. The cost of leasing tower space and supplying energy to cell sites increased by 120% in the first three quarters of 2024. So, in comparison, a 50% tariff increase is not that high,” said Toriola.


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IoT West Africa & Data Centre Cloud Expo 2025 Set to Boost Africa’s $180Bn Digital Economy

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Shitij Taneja, Vertex Next Managing Director
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The IoT West Africa & Data Centre Cloud Expo 2025, co-located with Power and Water Nigeria, is poised to play a crucial role in boosting Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach $180 billion by 2025 and contribute 5.2% to the continent’s GDP.

Organized by Vertex Next, the three-day event will take place from May 13th to 15th, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. It will convene government leaders, industry experts, investors, and innovators to explore the latest advancements in IoT, AI, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, and energy solutions.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lagos, Vertex Next Managing Director, Shitij Taneja, stated that this influential event will significantly contribute to the continent’s digital economic growth.

He assured that the expo will feature a comprehensive conference program focused on the transformative power of IoT, AI, and digital technologies across various African industries.

According to Taneja, discussions will center on how these technologies drive economic expansion, improve connectivity, and increase efficiency in key sectors like telecom, energy, finance, and e-commerce. Government officials and business leaders are also expected to collaborate on strategies for scaling digital infrastructure and leveraging data for innovation and sustainable development.

As demand for secure, efficient, and scalable digital infrastructure surges, Africa’s data center market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030, reaching a valuation of over $5 billion.

The expo will feature high-level discussions on critical infrastructure development, investment opportunities, cybersecurity, and AI-driven data center expansion. Thought leaders from global cloud and data center giants will share insights into building future-ready facilities that power industries and drive economic progress.

With Africa’s power sector undergoing transformation, discussions will focus on smart grids, energy storage, and sustainable power solutions to support the continent’s growing digital economy.

The African Development Bank estimates that investment in energy and utilities must increase to $70 billion annually to meet rising demand. Industry leaders will explore the role of IoT and AI in optimizing utilities, managing resources efficiently, and developing smart, connected cities.

The rise of digital banking, fintech, and e-commerce is reshaping consumer experiences and financial transactions across Africa. The fintech sector alone attracted over $3 billion in investments in 2023, and e-commerce is projected to exceed $75 billion in value by 2028.

This expo will highlight how automation, AI, and IoT are creating secure, seamless, and scalable financial solutions, ensuring that businesses stay ahead in the fast-paced digital landscape.

Taneja disclosed that the IoT West Africa & Data Centre Cloud Expo 2025 aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, both of which prioritize technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and economic diversification.

By bringing together policymakers and industry stakeholders, the event aims to support regulatory frameworks for digital transformation, foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in ICT and energy, and accelerate initiatives such as Smart Cities and e-Governance.


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NITDA Pledges to Foster Innovation with Cloud Infrastructure and AI Applications

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an innovative ecosystem that balances regulation with industry growth. The agency is investing in cloud infrastructure, data classification, and AI applications to establish Nigeria as a leading digital hub in Africa.

Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, emphasized this commitment while speaking at the Africa Hyperscalers Digital Infrastructure Outlook 2025. The event gathered industry experts to explore Africa’s role in the expanding global AI-driven infrastructure boom.

In his remarks, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s dual regulatory framework: rule-based regulation, involving strict compliance guidelines, and non-rule-based regulation, which allows for industry-led innovation with established benchmarks.

“Before we regulate anything, we need to be aware of the landscape, we need to be intelligent, we need to have data and make sense out of that data, we need to be dynamic because technology is fast-changing and we need to develop that agility within the regulatory framework,” Inuwa stated.

He also discussed the Cloud First Policy, introduced in 2019 to discourage excessive reliance on physical data centres. This policy encourages government agencies and private businesses to leverage cloud computing and digital solutions. Initially, businesses were granted waivers to use public cloud infrastructure, but NITDA is now pushing for local data centres to enhance their capabilities.

A major milestone for NITDA was its successful engagement with global hyperscaler providers, including Google Cloud, which pledged to collaborate with local data centres to drive cloud adoption and establish a hyperscaler data centre in Nigeria. This follows a meeting between Google CEO Sundar Pichai and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Paris, where the President shared his transformative ambition for Nigeria.

To further drive cloud adoption, NITDA is finalizing a framework that will mandate data classification, ensuring that certain data categories remain within Nigeria. This move is expected to attract more cloud service providers and bolster the country’s digital sovereignty.

Emphasizing the importance of AI applications, Inuwa disclosed that NITDA is prioritizing AI to enhance governance, regulation, and service delivery. He asserted that AI can revolutionize governance and business operations by automating processes, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and developing knowledge management systems.

Dr. Nadu Denloye, Co-founder of Telnet Nigeria Limited, also spoke at the event, highlighting Africa’s remarkable digital transformation driven by connectivity advancements, cloud adoption, data centres, AI, and a growing digital-native population. She expressed confidence in crafting solutions to drive Africa’s digital growth.

Other notable panelists included Dr. Ayaotunde Coker, CEO Open Access Data Centres and Chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association; Johnson AgboGbua, CEO of Kasi Cloud; Obinna Isiadinso, Data Centres Global Sector Lead at International Finance Corporation; Kazeem Oladepo, Chief Operating Officer at IHS; and Abibat Kazeem, Commercial Director at Bayobab.

This commitment by NITDA underlines its dedication to advancing Nigeria’s position as a digital leader in Africa through innovative solutions and strategic regulations.


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