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  • NITDA, BPP, and FRSC emerge worst agencies for customer complaints resolution in November 2024

    NITDA, BPP, and FRSC emerge worst agencies for customer complaints resolution in November 2024

    The ReportGov.Ng, Nigeria’s Official Public Service Complaint website, has listed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the worst-performing government agencies in terms of customer complaints resolution for November 2024.

    This is revealed in the report detailing how government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) fared in responding to complaints in the period.

    According to the report, NITDA received two complaints in the period under review and resolved none.

    BPP received one complaint and could not resolve it, while the FRSC received eight complaints and was unable to resolve any.

    Top 3 agencies

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) emerged as the top three agencies government agencies responsive to public complaints in November.

    According to the Reportgov data, the FAAN received four complaints within the period under review, and all of them were resolved.

    The NPA and the NCS, which received one complaint each were able to resolve them within the period.

    Why it matters

    The Report.Gov platform was conceived by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)) established by the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2016 as part of moves to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    • The website is to facilitate the escalation and resolution of issues encountered with Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) towards ensuring a more business-friendly environment.
    • This presupposes that every MDA of the government must be responsive to complaints and issues that the people may have during their engagements with them to remove delays and restrictions that come with doing business in Nigeria.
    • Meanwhile, in a 2020 World Bank report, Nigeria’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business report improved from 146 to 131, representing its second-highest annual progress in a decade. Nigeria’s highest scores were in the areas of starting a business, dealing with construction permits, and getting credit. However, the country’s performance was low in other areas, such as registering properties, trading across borders, and resolving insolvencies.

    Most recently, PEBEC’s 2023 EoDB report showed that at the country-wide level, there was a marginal increase in Nigeria’s overall EoDB satisfaction score to 5.69 on a 10-point scale from 5.45 recorded in the inaugural report. While acknowledging this improvement, PEBEC said there is a lot more to be done to improve the business environment.

  • NITDA Calls for Blockchain Adoption in Asset Management and Economic Development

    NITDA Calls for Blockchain Adoption in Asset Management and Economic Development

    Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged industry stakeholders, government officials, and experts to harness the transformative potential of Blockchain technology in asset management and economic development.

    Speaking at the Tokenised Economic Conference and Exhibitions, themed Tokenised Economy 2024: Real-World Assets Tokenisation, Inuwa emphasized the importance of Blockchain technology in revolutionizing key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

    The event, organized by Cyberchain in collaboration with BAZE University and NITDA, served as a platform for industry professionals to explore opportunities in digital assets finance, real estate, capital markets, and other sectors.

    In his keynote address, Inuwa, represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, Director of e-Government and Digital Economy Development at NITDA, outlined the benefits of asset tokenization using Blockchain technology.

    Inuwa explained that tokenization involves converting physical or digital assets into digital tokens recorded on a blockchain.

    These tokens serve as digital representations of real assets, allowing them to be sold, held, and traded in a digital format, which improves liquidity and accessibility.

    He emphasized the potential of Blockchain technology to automate processes, increase liquidity, lower investment barriers, and enhance transparency, particularly in real estate markets.

    “Tokenization offers several advantages over traditional real estate financing, such as automating processes, increasing liquidity, and improving transparency. It is considered a promising development for the future of real estate markets,” Inuwa said.

    He praised Lagos State’s plan to tokenise real estate, describing it as a bold move that could set a precedent for other states.

    Inuwa further suggested that tokenizing other key sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, securities, bonds, and derivatives, could significantly accelerate wealth creation and economic growth in Nigeria.

    However, Inuwa stressed the importance of a clear regulatory framework to boost investor confidence and the development of infrastructure that supports the tokenized economy.

    He highlighted NITDA’s efforts in promoting Blockchain adoption across all sectors, particularly through the National Blockchain Policy (NBP) and its steering committee.

    “Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in the tokenised economy in Africa. By investing in infrastructure, education, and a supportive regulatory environment, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of tokenisation and drive economic growth,” Inuwa concluded.

    In his remarks, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasized how tokenization democratizes wealth by making traditionally exclusive investments, like real estate and art, accessible to a broader audience.

  • Five Nigerian Researchers Present Groundbreaking E-Governance Research at International Conference

    Five Nigerian Researchers Present Groundbreaking E-Governance Research at International Conference

    Five Nigerian researchers made significant contributions at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of E-Government (ICEGOV2024), held in Pretoria, South Africa.

    Organized by the United Nations University and UNESCO, the conference drew over 336 participants from 49 countries, highlighting the global importance of digital governance.

    Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized that the researchers’ involvement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to leverage technology for economic diversification and enhanced governance.

    Abdullahi noted the significance of Nigeria’s representation at ICEGOV2024, where only 85 of the 157 submitted papers were accepted. He stressed that the insights gained from these research efforts could drive technological innovations crucial for Nigeria’s economic diversification and governance improvements, advancing President Tinubu’s vision. He also reiterated NITDA’s commitment to supporting research initiatives that position Nigeria at the forefront of global advancements in digital governance.

    The five researchers showcased pioneering studies aimed at enhancing e-governance and promoting economic growth through technological innovation. Key highlights of their work include:

    • Hassana Asuku presented her research, “Bridging the Broadband Gap,” which focuses on reducing the digital divide in rural areas. Asuku proposed a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access, enhancing economic inclusion and civic engagement—critical to the government’s push for digital growth.
    • Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi explored the issue of low digital competency in the public sector. His research, “Digital Competency in the Public Sector,” proposed a model for targeted digital skills training and infrastructure upgrades to accelerate digital transformation among civil servants.
    • Dr. Agbali Mohammed discussed Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), identifying institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria. His research emphasizes the need to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.
    • Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba introduced the Taxpoynt platform in his research on Tax Compliance for SMEs. The platform is designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses, recognizing the significant role of SMEs in Nigeria’s economy.
    • Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim focused on Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance. His study examined how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can enhance citizen liberties, addressing challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.

    The contributions of these researchers not only elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global digital governance landscape but also reinforce the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

  • NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa Urges Collaboration Between Tech Experts and Government for Africa’s Digital Growth

    NITDA DG Kashifu Inuwa Urges Collaboration Between Tech Experts and Government for Africa’s Digital Growth

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has called on technology industry experts and startups to collaborate with the government in shaping regulations that will foster human and infrastructural development across Africa.

    Inuwa made this appeal during the Moonshot Tech Conference 2024, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.

    Speaking as a panelist on the topic, “Building Digital Economies for the World: How African Countries are Shaping their Tech Economies to Compete Across the Continent and Globally”, Inuwa emphasized the critical need for a balance between innovation and regulation.

    He noted that while innovation drives creativity and the development of impactful solutions, regulations are necessary to maintain stability and ensure sustainable growth.

    “At NITDA, we have developed an intelligent regulatory framework that allows us to understand the terrain before implementing regulations. This approach helps us comprehend what you are building, the value you are bringing to the market, and the need for flexibility to foster innovation,” Inuwa stated.

    The NITDA DG further highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to unlock local capital within the continent.

    He pointed out that Africa’s greatest asset in the tech ecosystem is its human capital.

    Citing a World Bank report, Inuwa noted that by 2030, there could be a global talent deficit of 85 million, leading to a potential loss of $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual value if not harnessed properly.

    “In Africa, given our young population, we have a unique opportunity to position ourselves as a global talent factory to bridge this talent gap,” he added.

    Inuwa also discussed Nigeria’s proactive steps in advancing its digital economy, mentioning the Nigeria Startup Act, which was co-created with the country’s tech ecosystem to encourage venture capital investments, register innovation hubs, and establish a council to promote local investments.

    He stressed the importance of building a robust digital infrastructure that supports the sharing of content and facilitates data flow across African borders, calling for collective efforts to strengthen Africa’s digital economy.

    The conference, which brings together Africa’s brightest tech minds for networking and collaboration, saw other key panelists sharing valuable insights. These included Dr. Augustina Odame, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Technology; David Manley, Chief Advisor Technology for Sierra Leone; and Marieme Kane, Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Mauritania.

     

     

  • NITDA, ECOWAS Empower West African Youth Through Cybersecurity Hackathon

    NITDA, ECOWAS Empower West African Youth Through Cybersecurity Hackathon

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have joined forces to equip young people across West Africa with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect the region’s cyberspace. This collaboration was highlighted during a regional Cybersecurity Hackathon held in Abuja, showcasing the talent and potential of youth from 12 West African countries.

    The event, which is part of ongoing efforts to combat the rising threat of cybercrime in the region, identified and nurtured cybersecurity experts capable of defending critical institutions. The hackathon attracted 1,500 teams, including 139 teams led by female captains, and featured a 30-hour competition where young tech enthusiasts demonstrated their skills.

    Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, represented by Oladejo Olawumi, stressed the importance of harnessing the creativity of youth to address cybersecurity challenges, stating, “By harnessing the energy and creativity of our youth, we can effectively fight cybercrime and prevent them from engaging in criminal activities.”

    On his part, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the urgency of protecting the region’s cyberspace and highlighted the collaboration between ECOWAS, NITDA, governments, the private sector, and academia in making the event a success.

    “As technology continues to evolve, mere vigilance is no longer enough. To stay ahead of emerging threats, we must foster adaptability, creativity, and collaboration across borders,” Touray said.

    The competition saw TeamERROR from Nigeria win third place, receiving $6,000 and laptops, while the M3V7R team from Benin Republic came second with $8,000 and laptops. The first prize went to Shell X Roots from Cote d’Ivoire, who won $10,000 and laptops. The event also recognized Hannah Bangoura from Sierra Leone as the Best Female Participant, underscoring the growing influence of women in West Africa’s cybersecurity sector.

    In addition to the competition, the event provided training programs sponsored by donors and partners to further enhance the participants’ skills. The hackathon coincided with the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aiming to educate the public about current cyber threats and how to stay safe.