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Nigeria Innovation Summit 2020: Stakeholders Seek for Robust Technology Ecosystem

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Stakeholders and technology enthusiasts at the 2020 Nigeria Innovation Week have emphasised the need for robust technology ecosystem in the country, noting that we cannot do without innovative technologies which, according to them is the power to drive economic growth and the hallmark of entrepreneurship development.

 

They disclosed this recently at the 2020 Virtual Edition of the Nigeria Innovation Summit with the theme: ‘Innovating In Critical Times, organized by Innovation Hub Africa.

 

In a Communiqué issued by Tony Ajah, programme director, Nigeria Innovation Summit, the following submissions and recommendations were reached at the Summit.

 

The forum observed and recommended that “Nigeria cannot do without innovative technologies, which are characterised by emerging technologies that are driving great innovation(s), which is the power to drive economic growth and the hallmark of entrepreneurship development.

 

“The government should intensify in promoting the provision of efficient, available, affordable and easily accessible communications services throughout Nigeria as this will provide investment opportunities for economic growth and development in postCOVID-19 era.

 

“New and evolving technologies are providing huge disruptions across every sector, and Nigeria needs to position herself in Africa to lead the change by facilitating strategic collaborations and partnerships among all the critical stakeholders in her innovation ecosystem. Such an ecosystem must be facilitated by the government in collaboration with the private sector, innovators, and the academics, each playing their key role to build the ecosystem.

 

“Since the disruptions caused by the Covid19 pandemic to the global economy, ICT has played a very important role for inclusive growth. For innovation to thrive as the anchor for accelerating economic growth, a robust broadband infrastructure upon which ICT innovations will ride is a necessity, especially for MSMEs for enhanced connectivity. NCC has continued to work assiduously with all the stakeholders in ensuring that the nation’s ICT infrastructure is able to meet the increased demand for connectivity, and this must be maintained.

 

“Growing the digital economy required a safer cyberspace backed by strong programmed and policies aimed at fully supporting, promoting and implementing the national digital economy agenda.

 

“There is a need to building innovative businesses solutions, and ecosystem developmentin Nigeriaacross all the sectors by driving innovation through promoting local content development,and also promoting locally-relevant technological solutions.

 

“There is need for a collaborative platform for all the key innovation actors. a digital space that decentralises innovation to leverage the increasing mobility of knowledge and innovation that will greatly impart on the socio-economic development of Nigeria as it allows Nigeria the option to leverage local innovation to solve local issues.

 

The Launch of Open Innovation Nigeria project, and calls for sponsorship of innovation challenges that address needs in healthcare, agriculture, fintech, energy, education, and the using Emerging Technologies to solve any other challenging problems in Nigeria on corporate, state or federal levels”.

 

Guest and speakers at the event were The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) and Prof. Umar GarbaDanbatta, EVC, Nigeria Communications Commission delivered the Keynote presentations.

 

Other speakers include Prof Tony Bailetti, Chair of the Board Nigeria-Canada Trade & Investment Group; -Professor Chika Yinka-Banjo (Univerity of Lagos),
Professor Muhammad Bashir Muazu (Ahmadu Bello University),Professor Isaac Adimula (University of Ilorin),Professor OsemekhianOmoifo (University of Benin), and Professor TemiAyorinde (University of Ibadan); Eduardo Bailetti, Founder/CEO, Scalecamp, Canada; Andrew Bourne, Business Development Manager, Africa, Zoho Corporation;FatumataSoukouna Coker, Founder/Group President, Ygroup Holdings Inc; Bruno Woeran, Head, Research Mgt.&Tech Transfer, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Austria; Abayomi Baiyere, Assistant Professor of Digitalization at Copenhagen Business School; Ella Togun, Program Manager, Slum2School Africa; Peter Appleton (PhD.), Visiting Prof, International Business, Norwich University, Vermont, US; IfyMalo, CEO, Clean Technology Hub; Ibrahim MaigariAhmadu, Co-Founder/CEO, Livestock247.com; Dr Yele Okeremi, CEO, Precise Financial Systems Ltd; Navneet Bhalia, Founder/CEO, Cetana AI Inc., Ottawa, Canada; and Nicolas Bry, Innovation Booster, Orange Africa

 

The Summit ended with the presentation of Nigeria Innovation Awards was to 10 Innovative Startups in Nigeria. Making the list were Farmcrowdy, 54gene, Flutterwave, kobo360, LifeBank, Paystack, Tizeti, PiggyVest, BuyCoins and NairaEx

The Nigeria Innovation Summit 2020 critically reviewed the state of innovation in Nigeria today, how we can move forward, as well as explore opportunities on both national and the continental levels.

 

It had participation from 5 continents, delegates from federal and state governments, several government agencies, representatives from several states, diplomats, academic communities and research institutes, international organisations, investors, innovators, business/thought leaders, innovators and startups and students.


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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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Glo, Huawei, Communications Ministry Bring Digital Services to Abuja Village

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Telecommunications and digital services provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, to provide digital access to 7,000 remote communities in Nigeria with the commissioning of the pilot project in Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2, Gwagwalada, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Wednesday.

The project, which is championed by the Ministry, will deliver 2G/3G/4G services, free public Wi-Fi access, digital healthcare and remote learning capabilities to the over 12,000 residents of the community.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was full of commendation to Globacom and Huawei for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the connectivity crisis affecting more than 20 million Nigerians who currently lack basic telecommunication access in the country.

 

Said he: “If you bring out your phone in many communities, there is no network at all. This is costing the country significantly because people cannot access financial services, medical care, or education”, adding that this also poses governance challenges as disconnected areas are difficult to administer.

“Where you live should not determine your access to opportunity. We are using innovation to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of location, can thrive in the digital age”, the Minister added.

Globacom’s Group Chief Technical Director, Mr. Sanjib Roy, who spoke on the project said the company worked with the Ministry and Huawei to bring up the site by providing the Microwave backhaul link and access to Globacom’s full core network resources and also manage the operation of the site to ensure uninterrupted voice and data services for the community.

“The Smart Education facility allows for young students within the community to receive education remotely, with the teachers being in Abuja or any other part of the world, while  Healthcare delivery has been revolutionised through connected medical equipment that enables remote consultations between patients in Ibwa and doctors and specialists in urban-locations”, Mr Roy explained. The site and all the equipment are powered by solar thereby ensuring clean environment and uninterrupted power supply.

During the inauguration, the system’s effectiveness was demonstrated with the leader of Isuanin Kura, Ibwa 2 Community, Chief Abubakar Bamaiyi, having a live consultation with a medical doctor in Abuja, while the Minister and other guests watched as the students in the local school were being taught via online video by a teacher in Lagos, using equipment provided by Huawei.

Mr Kazeem Kaka, Globacom’s Head of Division, North West, who also spoke at event, said, “For Globacom, this is a continuation of our long-standing mission to democratize access to communication. Since 2003, we have remained at the forefront of efforts to lower the barriers to connectivity—making telephony, internet, and data services more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

“Today’s launch reinforces that commitment. We are particularly excited about the impact this initiative will have on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of Ibwa people”.

In his remarks, Mr Terrens Wu, Managing Director, Huawei Nigerian Enterprises, said his company was proud to be part of the initiative to provide connectivity, and promote learning and healthcare in rural communities through digital technology. His company later gave out 120 affordable smartphones to the community to help them have access to telephony.


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NIMC Targets 95% National ID Enrollment by December 2025

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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to register at least 95% of Nigerians into the National Identity Database before the end of 2025, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on digital governance and inclusive development.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote outlined the agency’s strategy, which includes expanded registration centers, improved infrastructure, and intensified public sensitization campaigns.

“As part of our efforts, we are launching the Ward Enrollment Exercise to ensure that at least 95% of Nigerians are captured by December,” she stated.

NIMC reported that over 120 million Nigerians have already been enrolled, with the target set to register an additional 100 million before year-end. Coker-Odusote emphasized that the exercise would provide the government with accurate population data, enabling better planning and resource allocation.

Addressing concerns about data security and public trust, the NIMC boss assured Nigerians that robust measures have been put in place to safeguard personal information.

She highlighted initiatives such as the NIN Authentication system, which allows individuals to control access to their data through user consent management.

Additionally, NIMC is collaborating with security agencies to track and shut down fraudulent NIN websites while working alongside the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to ensure that enrollment officers receive proper certification in data handling.

“To foster trust, we are ensuring that all personnel handling data are certified experts through NDPC training programs,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Coker-Odusote revealed that NIMC is actively working to integrate all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to eliminate fragmented operations.

She also disclosed plans to launch a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) initiative, which will enhance trust in government transactions and digital interactions.

“In the near future, MDAs will be able to implement digital signing across platforms, seamlessly exchanging documents within and between various establishments, thereby advancing e-government and the digital economy,” she added.

The mass enrollment drive, coupled with the strengthening of cybersecurity frameworks, positions Nigeria for an inclusive and efficient national identity system that will serve as a foundation for digital transformation.


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Experts @ ABoICT 2025 Warn of Digital Disaster Risks in Nigeria Without AI Governance

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L-r: Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, Regional Executive, West Africa, Africa Data Centres, Adewale Obadare, chief visionary officer, Digital Encode, Amrish Singhal, chief operations officer, Spectranet, Engr. Ike Nnamani, Managing Director, Digital Realty Nigeria and Rudman Muhammed, Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, at the 16th Africa's Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership awards held in Lagos recently.
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As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the global digital landscape, two prominent technology leaders have issued urgent warnings and strategic calls for Nigeria and Africa to adopt a unified, governance-driven approach to AI development, emphasizing that trust, regulation, and cybersecurity are more important than ever.

L-r: Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, Regional Executive, West Africa, Africa Data Centres, Adewale Obadare, chief visionary officer, Digital Encode, Amrish Singhal, chief operations officer, Spectranet, Engr. Ike Nnamani, Managing Director, Digital Realty Nigeria and Rudman Muhammed, Managing Director, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, at the 16th Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership awards held in Lagos recently.

At the 2025 Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit & Leadership Award (ABoICT 2025), held over the weekend in Lagos, Professor Adewale Peter Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode, and Amrich Singhal, Chief Operating Officer of Spectranet, independently but powerfully echoed the same sentiment: AI without governance is a ticking time bomb.

Delivering his keynote on “AI Governance, Standardization and Cybersecurity in the AI Era,” Prof. Obadare warned against the rising trend of “AI washing”—where companies label basic software or services as “AI” to capitalize on hype, often without the underlying technological integrity or oversight.

“People are calling everything AI today, from photography apps to basic automation, but no one is talking about AI governance,” he said.

Drawing comparisons to the early days of the internet, Obadare cautioned that failing to integrate security and governance into AI architecture could lead to far-reaching consequences. “We are repeating the same mistake we made with TCP/IP, which was not built with cybersecurity in mind. We cannot afford to make that error again.”

He emphasized that governance should not be seen as a hindrance but as an enabler of safe innovation. “Governance is not a brake to stop movement; it is a brake to make movement safe,” he said.

Citing international standards like ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 38507, Obadare called for responsible innovation grounded in clear ethical guidelines, stressing the importance of securing the core components of AI: data, models, and infrastructure.

Echoing similar concerns, Amrich Singhal, chief operating officer, Spectranet in his presentation themed “Responsible AI and Nigeria: Balancing Innovation, Regulation, and Cybersecurity,” stressed that “the countries that will benefit most from AI are not necessarily those with the most powerful models, but those with the most trusted systems.”

Singhal painted AI as a double-edged sword, capable of boosting national productivity while also enabling new forms of cyber manipulation—from deepfakes to identity theft and disinformation. “AI can clone voices, create fake personas, and even undermine democracy. It’s no longer a question of readiness, it’s a question of urgency,” he declared.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s potential due to its youthful, tech-savvy population and its expanding use of AI across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and oil exploration.

However, he criticized existing regulatory structures such as the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and NITDA’s 2023 draft AI framework as being “underdeveloped, underfunded, and poorly enforced.”

Both experts called for a multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance. Prof. Obadare warned of real-world failures, such as Microsoft’s racist chatbot Tay, Amazon’s gender-biased recruitment AI, and Uber’s fatal autonomous vehicle incident, not as tech failures, but as governance failures.

He also cited cybersecurity breaches, including the 2023 hacking of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and the leak of DeepSeek’s API keys and user data on launch day, to stress that “the danger is not just in the algorithms, but in how we design and deploy them.”

Singhal proposed a three-tiered strategy to build Nigeria’s AI resilience: government must champion AI education, create safe innovation sandboxes, and enforce data laws; private companies must adopt ethical and secure design practices; and civil society must raise awareness of digital rights and AI risks—especially for vulnerable populations.

In a firm conclusion, Prof. Obadare urged that “governance must be embedded by design,” warning that irresponsible innovation has already proven costly and called on both developers and policymakers to act before Nigeria’s AI future becomes a liability rather than a strength.

Meanwhile, Singhal closed with a stark challenge: “AI is already here. The question is not whether to use it, but how. Nigeria must choose whether AI will be a great equalizer or its greatest vulnerability.”

As the nation moves deeper into the AI era, the message is clear: building trust, enforcing cybersecurity, and embedding responsible governance must be at the core of Nigeria’s AI journey, before it’s too late.


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