E-Business
NITDA DG Harps on Implementing Int’l Standards to Support Digitization Polices
In a bid to fast track transformation and shape the digital future of Nigeria, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE has harped on the need to build digital trust and implement international standards to support digitisation policies.
Inuwa made this known while speaking at a Digital Policy workshop, organised by the British Standards Institution (BSI), held in Abuja.
The DG who restated the centrality of NITDA’s role as regards standard in digital transformation, noted that the event is quite timely as it would deepen the collaboration between the Agency, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the British Government, invariably, helping in enhancing digital trust and adoption within Nigeria.
Inuwa while stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandated the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to accelerate the diversification of the Nigerian economy by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation, said that the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani had as a follow up, unveiled the Ministry’s strategic plan which has five strategic pillars.
Expatiating on the five strategic pillars, namely Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation (Entreprenuership & Capital) and Trade, Inuwa affirmed that NITDA on its part is crafting the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan which has eight strategic pillars.
While listing and explaining each pillar, the NITDA Boss maintained that the Agency is working assiduously to build digital trust across boards, in order to reawaken as well as repose confidence in the citizenry who are expected to make use of digital services safely and responsibly.
“To achieve that, we need to have standard and a guideline for building our services and digital offering, and that explains why as part of the Ministry’s target set for NITDA, which was to develop standard for the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure, we need international collaboration to get the job done”.
“We also need to build a system that can scale beyond Nigeria where our solutions would be indigenous but have global market value”, Inuwa urged.
According to Inuwa, the challenges in Nigeria, especially when it relates to e-commerce and online transactions may have over the years negatively impacted on the dwindling trust but with the call for the adoption of international standards, there is hope that every transaction will be trusted in Nigeria.
“With digital trust in place, the plan is to have automated transactions and electronically generated invoice afterwards, this and more are possible but it is not something to be done at a local level, hence, partnering key players like the SON and international bodies like the BSI”.
“We look forward to building a stronger and mutually productive relationship as well as be a part of the global ecosystem”, the DG concluded.
Earlier, the Team Lead, British Standards Institution (BSI), Dr Nigel Croft while welcoming guests, lauded the collaboration, noting that after the workshop, there will be training sessions for all critical stakeholders in the standards sector of Nigeria.
The essence, he said is to explore the adoption of a standard that can be in line with global best practices.
The workshop featured key presentations, including that of NITDA with the topic: “Key opportunities and challenges in Nigeria’s digitisation initiatives” which was handled by the Acting Director, Standard, Guidelines and Framework Department, NITDA, Barr Emmanuel Edet.
Other presentations were made by representatives of the British Standards Institution and Standard Organisation of Nigeria.
The event afforded participants the opportunity to brainstorm during the round table discussion segment where they shared experiences on the challenges to digitisation; opportunities for entering global value chains and transforming public services via international standards.
The stakeholders were optimistic that the conclusions and recommendations reached at the end of the event would inform the next steps to take toward achieving the expected gains.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has pledged to enforce its legal obligations to combat online intellectual property infringement and urged commercial music users to obtain proper licences from rights holders or their representatives.
The Commission stated that this ensures creators are fairly compensated, supporting the music industry’s sustainable growth.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day, themed “IP and Music: Feel the Best of IP,” the NCC announced plans to enforce the Copyright Act 2022, which allows for the takedown of infringing materials and blocking of websites hosting illegal content.
Signed by Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike, director of Public Affairs, the statement outlined an aggressive anti-piracy campaign in collaboration with the private sector, targeting the online environment.
Egbunike affirmed the NCC’s commitment to establishing enforceable standards for transparency, digital audits, and real-time royalty reporting to protect creators’ rights. She stated, “The NCC will continue to champion policies that support the growth of the music industry, improve the livelihoods of Nigerian musicians, and foster a culture of creativity and respect for intellectual property.”
Despite the global success of Afrobeats and other Nigerian genres, the NCC noted that many musicians face low royalty returns due to rampant digital piracy.
To address this, the Commission revised its Collective Management Regulations to enhance transparency and accountability among Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
The NCC emphasised that proper licensing is a legal obligation and vital for Nigeria’s creative economy, stating, “Music must feel the beat of intellectual property for the full potential of creativity to be realised.”
The Commission highlighted that creators’ livelihoods depend on fair royalty compensation.
Recent enforcement measures include the NCC’s designation by the Attorney-General of the Federation as an authority under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022.
This, combined with the Copyright Act 2022, empowers the NCC to order takedowns and block illegal music distribution websites.
The Federal Government, has warned Nigerians against the growing threat of cyber slavery within the West African sub-region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson, noted with grave concern the alarming rise of cyber slavery across parts of West Africa, targeting Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable youths.
The government said many young Nigerians, including underage teenagers, were lured out of the country under the false promise of lucrative employment opportunities abroad, particularly in crypto-related operations.
According to the government, “In reality, these individuals are trafficked into sophisticated scam operations and enslaved to work in criminal “call centres” — often referred to as “419 cyber-scam factories.” There, they are forced under coercive and inhumane conditions to send thousands of fraudulent emails, text messages, and calls aimed at defrauding victims worldwide.”
The government also noted with dismay, a recent incident where the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in Accra, Ghana, rescued and detained a group of Nigerians forced to engage in cybercrime activities under inhumane conditions.
“This incident highlights the severe exploitation and abuse associated with cybercrime operations. It also underscores the need for enhanced efforts to combat such multibillion-dollar criminal networks and mitigate the susceptibility of victims.
“The Ministry strongly warns all Nigerians, especially the youths and parents, to exercise the utmost caution when presented with job offers, particularly those promising easy money, overseas travel, or remote work involving cryptocurrencies.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to verify all employment offers through official channels and report suspicious cases to relevant authorities for necessary investigation and action to curtail the activities of the perpetrators.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that, as a precautionary measure to address this unfortunate situation, the Federal Government is working closely with regional partners, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to tackle this heinous crime, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerian citizens at home and abroad and will continue to raise awareness about emerging threats to the welfare and dignity of our people,” the statement read.
E-Business
ALX Nigeria Launches 2025 Ventures Incubator, Premieres Pan-African “Do Hard Things” Finale
ALX Nigeria is once again proving that when African talent meets the right opportunity, magic happens. In a celebration of innovation, grit, and ambition, ALX officially launched its 2025 Ventures Incubator Cohort, an elite group of startup founders handpicked from across the country, while simultaneously premiering the grand finale of the pan-African “Do Hard Things Challenge” at its Lagos hub.
From tech founders solving community challenges to creatives turning ideas into global solutions, ALX is backing the bold and building the infrastructure to help them scale. The ALX Ventures Incubator is the next big leap for graduates of the Founder Academy, providing them with hands-on mentorship, investor access, and the resources to grow sustainable businesses that shape the future of the continent.
“The launch of the ALX Ventures Incubator is proof of our unwavering commitment to building the infrastructure for African innovation to thrive,” said Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager at ALX Nigeria. “We witnessed incredible potential at our Founder Academy, and this next step ensures that these promising startups receive the support they need to grow into high-impact ventures. It’s about translating potential into lasting impact.”
These new ventures are powered by the same spirit that drove the Do Hard Things Challenge—a bold initiative that saw ALX travel to eight African cities in search of the continent’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. The final stop? Mauritius, where top finalists pitched in a high-stakes finale, now screened live for the Lagos tech and media community.
The challenge took ALX across Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kigali, Accra, Cairo, Casablanca, and Addis Ababa, shining a spotlight on resilience, creativity, and unstoppable drive.
“The ‘Do Hard Things Challenge’ embodies the spirit we cultivate at ALX: resilience, ambition, and the courage to tackle complex problems,” said Joshua Ebinabo, ALX Ventures Country Entrepreneurship Development Manager.
“Showcasing the finale from Mauritius here in Lagos connects our local innovators to the broader African story. It inspires our learners, reassures parents about the future of tech, and shows business leaders the investment-ready talent right here in our ecosystem.”
The event brought together founders, business leaders, creators, and media influencers—all gathered to witness what happens when African talent is seen, celebrated, and supported. The energy was electric, the vision was bold, and the mission was clear: empower Africa’s brightest minds to build global solutions from right here on the continent.
Whether you’re a startup founder looking to scale or a dreamer looking for your big break, ALX continues to be the launchpad for Africa’s digital and entrepreneurial revolution.
Learn more about ALX’s tech and business programmes at alxafrica.ng, and follow the movement on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram via @alxnigeria.
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