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NITDA to Train 1m Application Developers in 18 Months

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The deployment of digital technologies is a necessary fundamental tool in the implementation of the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals to make the world a better and safer place and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in its usual proactive modus operandi is set to train one million developers in various areas of application development in the next eighteen months.

This, according to the Director General of the Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, would be done in collaboration with various stakeholders in the ecosystem with the ambition of making Nigeria the hub of digital talent in Africa.

The DG who was represented by the Ag. Director of the Agency’s Corporate Planning and Strategy department, Dr. Aristotle Onumo as a theme speaker at the Global Digital Economy Summit organised by the Junior Chamber International Nigeria (JCIN) which was held at D’podium Event Centre, Lagos urged everyone to take advantage of the various opportunities provided by the government .

While expressing his delight at the theme of the event, ‘Digital Transformation-Defining our success pillars’, he asserted that the purpose of the event clearly aligns with the agenda of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR in sustaining the digitization of Nigeria.

“I am indeed delighted with the theme of this summit which aptly captures the main essence of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and resonates with the goal of our strategic road map and action plan 2021-2024”, he mentioned.

Describing digital transformation as a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, Inuwa averred that adoption and use of digital technologies will provide unprecedented opportunities which the private and public sectors can leverage on to increase their productivity and market access.

While emphatically stating the Nigerian government’s commitment to the growth of the country’s digital system, the NITDA boss stated that several programs and initiatives have been designed by the Federal Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy and NITDA to increase the level of digitisation and digitalisation in public and private institutions.

He further argued that the ongoing implementation of the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2021-2024 which was developed to harness the vast opportunities and growth potentials of the digital tech sector has accelerated Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“As an Agency working towards the Digital transformation agenda of this present administration as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), we have initiated the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES) Scheme that will encourage more innovation-driven startup ventures to be formed, with an emphasis on indigenous technologies”, Inuwa disclosed.

Laying emphasis on the Agency’s commitment in ensuring that citizens are empowered with Information Technologies, Inuwa disclosed that the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) was established to develop an army of IT proficient and globally competitive manpower as part of its contribution to the successful implementation of the Digital Transformation Policy.

“NCAIR represents government’s determination to create a suitable environment for technology innovation, transformation, incubation, and discovery while harnessing the abundant creative ideas of Nigeria’s teeming youth population for national development through the promotion of innovative technologies”, he said.

Motivating all youths to be innovative driven in order to benefit maximally from government initiatives, the NITDA DG stated that the Agency has engaged in various collaborations in securing grants to support startups to a tune of three hundred million naira and have also sponsored startups to various international fora which according to him will give young entrepreneurs global visibility.

Giving more insights into the Agency’s continued efforts at implementing Digital skills and literacy, a pillar of the SRAP, Inuwa stated that 500,000 people have been trained in various areas of digital skills, 1,650 students trained in IT essential across 30 institutions of higher learning while underserved communities, children, women and people living with disabilities are beneficiaries of digital inclusion programmes of the Agency.

He therefore urged everyone to take advantage of the various opportunities being provided by the government in facilitating the adaptation and adoption of digital technologies to create value for Nigerians.

“Digital transformation is a journey, we have set of our strategic road map and action to proactively develop Nigeria into a sustainable digital economy, we therefore call on all stake holders to join hands with us to cocreate a digital future for our great nation”, he concluded.


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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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GBB Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Public Sector Innovation @ the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Awards

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Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, ED, Finance & Corporate Services, Galaxy Backbone
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Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, joined other key government institutions at the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Award Ceremony, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

The event, which held in Abuja, celebrated groundbreaking ideas from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that are reimagining public service delivery through innovation.

The ceremony, which attracted notable dignitaries including the Chief Host herself, The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON mni. Others include, former Heads of Service, Dame Amal Pepple and Mr. Danladi Kifasi, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, Hon. Sani Bala, showcased the vibrancy and ingenuity of Nigeria’s Civil Servants.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, digital literacy, and innovative thinking as pillars for national development.

He emphasized that GBB remains deeply committed to supporting initiatives like the Innovation Competition, which foster a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and transformation across the public sector.

“Innovation is no longer a luxury — it is essential to building a responsive, efficient, and digitally enabled government. At Galaxy Backbone, we are proud to align with this vision through our Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), which drives digital infrastructure, innovation, data security, and capacity building across MDAs,” he stated.

The 2025 edition of the competition saw an outstanding 155 entries, with 132 individuals pitching innovative ideas and 66 thematic teams presenting implementable solutions designed to enhance service delivery and governance.

Themed around streamlining bureaucratic processes, succession planning, employee welfare, and change management, this year’s event reaffirmed the role of innovation in shaping a future-ready public service.

Galaxy Backbone recognizes the critical role of digital transformation in empowering civil servants to create lasting impact. By supporting platforms such as the Public Service Innovation Competition, GBB reinforces its commitment to equipping the public sector with the tools, skills, and digital infrastructure necessary for Nigeria’s progress.

As part of this commitment, GBB will also be providing mentorship for all the winners of the innovation challenge, helping them refine their ideas, scale implementation, and drive sustainable transformation across the public service.

As the country advances on its journey toward e-governance and efficient service delivery, GBB continues to stand as a strategic partner in building a connected, innovative, and digitally skilled public service.


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Zinox Group’s Vision for Empowering 10,000 Women in Tech

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Visionaries who recognize untapped potential can fundamentally reshape entire economies in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape. Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group and a pioneer in Africa’s tech ecosystem, stands as a testament to this transformative power. For over three decades, Dr. Ekeh has not merely participated in Nigeria’s tech evolution; he has consistently been several steps ahead, anticipating shifts that few could even envision.

Dr. Ekeh’s latest ambitious vision focuses on producing over 10,000 female tech professionals within the next five years, positioning Zinox Group to nurture one of Africa’s largest pools of tech talent. This isn’t merely aspirational rhetoric.

The Group has demonstrated remarkable progress through its subsidiary TD Africa, which has systematically developed more certified tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa than any other organization, primarily through strategic partnerships with globally recognized Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as HP, IBM, Dell, and Cisco.

TD Africa is led by Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, the wife of Dr. Ekeh and an accomplished business leader in her own right. Under her leadership, TD Africa has become a powerhouse in Africa’s tech distribution and training space. Her strategic direction has been instrumental in scaling the company’s impact, proving that when women lead, industries evolve and thrive.

The recent graduation of approximately 400 female ‘techsters’ through TD Africa’s TecHerdermy program represents a significant milestone in this mission. This achievement reflects Dr. Ekeh’s long-standing belief, articulated over 15 years ago, that women would eventually dominate leadership positions across various sectors, particularly technology.

As he predicted, many thriving organisations now have women at the helm of affairs. Recent global statistics strongly support Dr. Ekeh’s vision. According to McKinsey’s 2023 Women in the Workplace report, companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum’s research indicates that economies with higher female labour force participation experience an average of 3.4% higher GDP growth compared to less gender-balanced counterparts.

In the technology sector specifically, Deloitte’s 2023 Global Technology Leadership Study revealed that companies with above-average diversity in their technology teams report 30% higher innovation revenue than companies with below-average diversity. These figures are not merely correlational, they reflect fundamental advantages that women bring to leadership.

The Zinox Group itself demonstrates this philosophy in action, with over five female CEOs leading various business units within the conglomerate. These women are not just occupying positions but driving results.

As the company’s motto suggests, Zinox is truly ‘anticipating the future’. These leaders embody the qualities that research consistently shows make women effective business leaders: fostering positive work culture, maintaining focused execution, demonstrating high emotional intelligence, and bringing emotional and spiritual resilience to Africa’s challenging tech landscape.

Perhaps most impressively, Zinox Group’s commitment to talent development has created a remarkable ripple effect throughout Africa’s tech ecosystem. Former employees now lead multinational corporations, bringing with them the values and vision instilled during their time within Dr. Ekeh’s organizations.

Speaking at a recent AI and Robotics Summit organised by the NCS, Dr. Ekeh urged stakeholders to “compete through exceptional content” to realize the Nigeria of their dreams, a battle he has personally waged for over thirty years. Despite setbacks, including a significant $28 million loss on investments in AI and robotics in Nigeria years ago, his commitment to technology as a transformative force remains unshaken.

Dr. Ekeh consistently emphasizes that technology represents an unparalleled opportunity for scale and impact. While acknowledging technology’s potential for misuse, he remains focused on its positive applications — creating solutions that are “good, useful, profitable, and enduring”.

His advice to entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts emphasizes three key investments: research, human capital development, and spiritual content. This holistic approach reflects Dr. Ekeh’s understanding that technical knowledge alone is insufficient; true innovation requires character, vision, and purpose.

The Zinox chairman’s ambitions extend beyond Nigeria to the entire African continent. By building what he envisions as “the biggest tech solution company in Africa,” Dr. Ekeh aims to transform the narrative around African technology from consumption to creation.

With the African tech market projected to reach $712 billion this year according to the International Finance Corporation, and women-led startups demonstrating 35% higher returns on investment according to a 2023 analysis, Dr. Ekeh’s focus on female tech professionals appears both visionary and strategically sound.

As Africa positions itself in the global digital economy, leaders like Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh demonstrate that the continent’s technological future may well be female, and that future is here.


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MTN Nigeria Invests N202.4Bn in Q1 2025 to Enhance Network Capacity

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MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has invested N202.4 billion in capital expenditure (Capex) in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 159 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

MTN

The investment, according to the company’s unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, is aimed at improving network infrastructure and enhancing service delivery to customers across the country.

The telecom giant recorded a 40.5 per cent growth in service revenue, driven by strong demand and strategic commercial execution. Data revenue surged by 51.5 per cent, supported by a growing active user base and increased data consumption.

In its fintech division, MTN Nigeria reported a 57.9 per cent rise in revenue, attributed to the strong performance of airtime lending services and higher float income.

However, its active wallet base declined by 25.7 per cent to 2.1 million, reflecting the company’s focus on quality over quantity in customer acquisition.

Despite challenges in the broader economy, MTN Nigeria posted a profit after tax of N133.7 billion, recovering from a loss of N392.7 billion in the previous year. Its EBITDA increased by 65.9 per cent, with the EBITDA margin expanding to 46.6 per cent.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, stating: “We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter of 2025, which reflects the continued execution of our strategic priorities and the resilience of demand for our services.

“Building on the momentum from Q4 2024, our Q1 results place us firmly on the path to restoring profitability and achieving a positive net asset position within the current financial year, while increasing our investments to improve network and service quality.”

With a free cash flow of N209.9 billion, MTN Nigeria maintains a solid funding and liquidity position, reinforcing its market leadership in the telecommunications sector.

 


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