E-Business
Swedish Embassy, NOTAP to Collaborate in Capacity Building for Nigerians in Technology, Innovation

The Swedish Embassy has expressed willingness to collaborate with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in building capacity for Nigerians in Science, Technology and Innovation.
Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria Carl Michael Grans made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of NOTAP Dr. DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim.
He said that the capacity building initiative of the Consulate to Nigerians has become necessary in order to meet up with the fast changing dynamics of world economies occasioned by technological advancements.
He disclosed that the Consulate had undertaken capacity building workshops for different organizations in Nigeria including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with the support of Ericsson, the largest Swedish company operating in Nigeria with staff strength of 230 adding that about 35 Swedish companies are presently operating in Nigeria with the attendant value addition to the economy in terms of knowledge and infrastructure.
The Ambassador said he was in NOTAP to learn about its activities describing the agency as a very important organization. While commending it for its efficient regulatory role which has created the enabling environment for international businesses in Nigeria, he called for enhanced support towards Swedish businesses in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Director General of NOTAP, Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim said the Office was established by government with a mandate to regulate the inflow of foreign technology and promote the development of indigenous technologies.
He decried the present situation in the country whereby over 90 percent of the technologies that power the economy are imported adding that no nation that is aspiring to be economically independent should fold its arms and allow business as usual.
He added that in order to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign technologies, the Office initiated several programmes like the NOTAP-Industry Partnerships to provide the much needed synergy between the academia and Industry that will lead to Research and Development (R&D) and by extension the development of products and services.
Dr. Ibrahim stated that in advanced nations, most of their researches are being sponsored by private companies because of the strong synergy between the academia and Industry.
“There must be a deliberate effort to see our private sector and the academia work together. The advanced world has a strong synergy between academia and industry which has led to the development of products and services and that is what we want in Nigeria.” He emphasized.
The DG noted that NOTAPs intervention in strengthening research activities in Nigeria has led to the institution of the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF) being sponsored by private companies to train intelligent Nigerians with masters degree to PhD level who will in turn provide the much needed manpower for technology development in Nigeria.
He added that 15 candidates have so far been enrolled in the scheme sponsored by companies like Nestle Nig. Plc., Airtel Networks Nig. Ltd, Friestland Campina WAMCO, Julius Berger Plc., PZ Cussons Plc., Promassidor Nig. Ltd, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dufil Prima Foods Ltd and Procter & Gamble.
The NOTAP boss further said that under another partnership with Industry, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc had committed 115 million naira for the upgrade of three Chemistry laboratories at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Alex Ekwueme University Ndufu Alike Ebonyi State and National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria respectively.
He added that the positive impact of the upgrade of the three laboratories were acknowledged by PZ research team when they visited the facilities and has encouraged the company to further commit the sum of 360 million naira for the upgrade of six additional laboratories, one in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He expressed appreciation to the Swedish Ambassador for the visit and said that NOTAP will continue to support any foreign company willing to do business in Nigeria within the ambit of the law adding that with the ongoing automation process of its technology transfer registration process which is about 90 percent completed, the Office is geared towards enhanced service delivery.
The Swedish Ambassador was accompanied on the visit by Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, the Embassy’s Director in charge of Government and Industry Relations.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Leverage Digital Assets to Drive Diversification Goal

The need to maximise local digital assets, amid dwindling Oil revenues and a struggling economy, has been reiterated by the Chief Executive Officer of Quomodo Systems Africa, Oluwole Asalu, who maintained this measure remains the path to prosperity.
Asalu, while addressing the press in Lagos, recently asserted that global shift towards digital economies, presents a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria at this time to mobilise sufficient resources towards effective governance.
He emphasised harnessing the burgeoning local digital economy to expedite national diversification goals, while break away from overdependence on oil output.
Asalu, boasted further that Nigeria’s tech-savvy, youthful population and increasing recognition from global tech giants already position its digital sector as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation.
“Nigeria’s overreliance on oil is no longer tenable. As global markets shift towards renewable energy, the urgency to diversify has never been greater. Technology stands out as the most promising avenue, not merely as a sector, but as an enabler of growth across all facets of the economy,” he explained.
According to him, Nigeria’s tech talent remains the new oil, a renewable resource with the potential for significant returns, if strategically harnessed.
Like India’s successes in information technology services, Asalu want Nigeria to tap into lucrative outsourcing industry to draw foreign investment.
“Foreign investment in Nigeria’s tech sector is rising. Programmes like Digital Explorers have led European firms such as Telesoft to establish operations in Nigeria. Tech giants like Microsoft and Facebook have followed suit, injecting capital and creating jobs,” he stated.
He again pointed to the emergence of three unicorns within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem as a breakthrough and sign of maturity.
“Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is already showing signs of maturity, with three unicorns emerging from its soil. These success stories, powered by local innovation, underscore the viability of a home-grown, world-class tech sector,” he affirmed.
He however emphasized urgent need to close existing gap in skills and infrastructure, in addition to embracing governance and collaboration to fully harness digital potential cum future.
E-Business
MRA Flags AI Concerns ahead of Press Freedom Day Today

Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has unveiled a visual brief emphasizing the critical need for responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, particularly within Nigeria’s evolving media environment.
This is coming ahead of World Press Freedom Day today.
The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world.
In a statement released in Lagos by John Gbadamosi, its programme officer,MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure.
Gbadamosi added that AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to local communities.
However, Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.”
According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.”
“The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists.”
Gbadamosi stated that the visual brief also advocates support for independent media, transparent AI regulations aligned with Nigeria’s context, increased digital literacy, and stronger accountability from tech companies regarding platform content and influence.
He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.”
E-Business
Nigerians to Pay More for IDs as NIMC Raises Service Fees

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised the fees for all its products and services, including charges related to data modification on the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, announced that the updated service fees are published on the commission’s official website.
Adegoke noted that the new pricing structure for NIMC’s services and products marks the first comprehensive review of its fees in over a decade.
The statement stated that the revised pricing is designed to align with prevailing operational costs and industry standards, while continuing to ensure that services remain accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
The statement warned its Front-End Partners (FEPs) to comply with the newly approved rates, stating that any failure to do so could attract strict sanctions, including possible license revocation.
“The new structure ensures that the quality and integrity of our services remain uncompromised. We are committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians through fair and transparent pricing,” the statement read.
NIMC urged the public to report any Front-End Partners (FEPs) found charging beyond the approved rates. Reports can be directed to the Commission’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit via email at ieu@nimc.gov.ng
It further reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and dependable identity services. A complete list of the revised service fees can be accessed on its official website at www.nimc.gov.ng.
In a related development, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), expressed sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in enhancing the National Identity Database (NIDB).
She also extended her gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other key partners for their pivotal roles in advancing a sustainable and effective identity management system.
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