Telecom
NITDA, Katsina State Govt Empower 50 MSMES On Digital Marketing
National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) in conjunction with the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, KASEDA have organised a capacity-building and empowerment programme for 50 indigenes of the state to support the transformative growth of their businesses by leveraging digital technology.
The three-day capacity building aimed to implement digital technology adoption for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs) in the state.
This will help ensure that MSMEs adopt modern and relevant digital technologies to increase efficiency and effectiveness in achieving their business goals.
At the opening ceremony of the event in Katsina, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Mallam Farouk Lawal Jobe who declared the event opened, described the commitment of the participants to harness technology to unlock the potential of their businesses as commendable and inspiring urging them to make “proper utilisation of the knowledge they would acquire from the training.”
He said, “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, your decision to embrace innovation will undoubtedly propel your businesses to new heights of success. By leveraging digital tools and strategies, you are not only positioning yourselves for growth but also contributing to the overall advancement of the MSMEs sector.”
While assuring the participants of the state’s support and encouragement for embarking on the transformative journey, the state Deputy Governor enjoined them to unlock the full potential of MSMEs through digital innovations that would pave way for a brighter and prosperous future.
“I encourage you to approach this programme with enthusiasm, an open mind, and willingness to learn and adapt. Please, embrace the knowledge and insights shared, apply them diligently to your business endeavours. Remember, innovation knows no bounds, and with determination and perseverance, you can achieve remarkable results, he advised.
He commended NITDA for its foresight in selecting the state for the programme adding that it would offer the beneficiaries the opportunity to engage in profitable and modern ways of starting businesses that are digitally inclined.
The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by the Director, Digital Economy Development Department, Dr Salisu Kaka noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the growth of any economy because they have a significant potential to create jobs, advance local technology, diversify output, foster homegrown entrepreneurship, and integrate with large-scale industries.
He said, NITDA has taken definitive steps to fortify MSMEs through strategic interventions and dedicated programs adding that the Agency has championed digital literacy campaigns, delivered capacity-building workshops, and facilitated access to tailored technology-driven solutions.
The NITDA Boss said, “These initiatives are testaments to NITDA’s steadfast dedication to empowering MSMEs to navigate the digital terrain more effectively.”
He disclosed that NITDA has been collaborating with the Office of the Vice President to participate in the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics which underscores the Agency’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, equipping them with IT knowledge and guidance.
“As we navigate the complexities of this digital age, let us collectively commit to empowering our MSMEs, the backbone of our economy, with the digital literacy, skills, and tools they need to thrive. By embracing the digital frontier, we will enhance the ease of doing business and foster a more inclusive and resilient economy that benefits all Nigerians,” Inuwa maintained.
While commending both the Federal and Katsina state governments for the funding they have both injected in MSMEs, the Director General noted further that the programme is a “response from NITDA to a call to action as initiated by the Excellencies the President and the Governor of Katsina State.”
In her welcome remarks, the KASEDA Director General, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi said the training is dedicated to exploring and transforming the powers of digital innovation in empowering SMEs which are the bedrock of every developing economy.
Describing MSMSs as the backbone of the economies by driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating jobs Hajiya Malumfashi maintained that the MSMEs contribute a sizeable portion of the global economy as well assisting in terms of poverty, alleviation, and economic growth and diversification.
On the scope and the modules of the capacity building, the KASEDA boss informed that “throughout the course of this programme, we expect to delve into the various facets of digital innovation and explore practical strategies that will assist the MSMEs to embrace and leverage all these technologies effectively.”
The programme tagged NITDA Digital Empowerment for MSMEs (NDE4M) has as its theme “Leveraging Digital Technology to Improve MSME’s Business” aligns with the Redefined Presidential Priority of reforming the Economy to Deliver Sustained Inclusive Growth and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 pillar on Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Nigeria’s technology company, Globacom, has extended warm felicitations to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebrations.
In a goodwill message released in Lagos, Globacom urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of love and kindness during the festive season, especially in the face of prevailing economic challenges.
The company emphasized the importance of practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the virtues of obedience to God and loving one’s neighbor as well.
“Christ taught many virtues including obedience to God and loving one’s neighbour as oneself”, the company said, adding, “Now is the apt time to practise these teachings by sharing with the needy”.
Globacom also encouraged Nigerians to extend the conviviality of Christmas beyond the festive season by fostering love, peace, and harmony, as demonstrated by God through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Assuring its customers of uninterrupted services throughout the Yuletide period and beyond, Globacom urged them to take advantage of its innovative products and services to stay connected and share the memories of the season with loved ones.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have ordered Deposit Money Banks and Mobile Network Operators to settle the long-standing N250bn USSD debt dispute before January 2, 2025.
The CBN and NCC also directed banks to pay the pre-Application Programming Interfaces (API) debt before July 2, 2025.
They also ordered that post-API debts be settled before December 31, 2024.
The directive was issued in a joint cirular titled, “2nd Joint Circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission on the Resolution of the USSD Debt Issue Between Deposit Money Banks and Mobile Network Operators.”
The circular dated December 20, 2024, was signed by Oladimeji Taiwo, acting director of the Payments System Management Department, CBN, and Chizua Whyte, head of Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC.
The regulators said, “In view of the foregoing, the CBN and the NCC hereby direct DMBs and MNOs as follows: 1. That 60 per cent of all pre-API invoices must be paid as full and final settlement.
“Payment plans (lump sum or installments) must be agreed upon between a concerned DMB and MNO by January 2, 2025. Installments must be based on equal monthly payments, with full payment due by July 2, 2025.
“DMBs must pay 85 per cent of all outstanding invoices issued after the implementation of APIs (i.e., February 2022) by December 31, 2024.
“Similarly, 85 per cent of future invoices must be liquidated within one month of service.”
According to the regulators, the transition to end-user billing will be activated only for DMBs and MNOs that comply with the payment conditions cobtained in the circular.
CBN and the NCC said they would provide further guidance on public enlightenment initiatives related to the transition.
The regulators also directed MNOs to implement the “10-seconds rule” for USSD invoicing.
This implies that any session lasting less than ten seconds will not be billable.
The regulators added, “Failure to comply with the terms outlined in this directive will attract necessary sanctions, ensuring that both DMBs and MNOs uphold their obligations.”
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a draft regulatory framework aimed at addressing fraud, spam, and other challenges in the Application-to-Person messaging sector.
The telecom regulator made this announcement in a statement.
The proposed framework, which was introduced during a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, is said to be a key step towards enhancing the sector’s integrity and ensuring a fair, transparent environment for all parties involved.
The draft framework, presented by Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, who was represented by Chizua Whyte, NCC’s acting head of legal and regulatory services, seeks to regulate the A2P messaging space.
The A2P messaging, used for notifications such as bank alerts, promotional campaigns, and government updates, has become a vital communication tool in Nigeria.
However, the sector faces significant challenges, including consumer protection concerns, fraud, and data privacy issues, as well as an unequal distribution of value within the ecosystem.
“The international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces gaps that have led to issues such as fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.
The proposed framework aims to address these challenges by protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and holding service providers accountable.
“This forum marks a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges. We are here to engage with all stakeholders—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to refine the framework and ensure it meets the needs of the entire ecosystem.”
The NCC stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in creating an effective regulatory environment.
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