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NITDA Moves To Translate Digital Literacy Into Economic Growth

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Kashifu Inuwa The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has sought stronger partnerships among industry players, academic institutions and innovation ecosystem stakeholders to boost productivity, translate digital literacy into sustainable economic growth and close Nigeria’s digital skills gap. NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa stated this at the MTN Breakfast Session during the just concluded Nigerian Economic Summit (NES32) in Abuja, with the theme: “When Transnationals Invest.” Inuwa harped on the need for a coordinated national strategy for digital skills development, urging stakeholders to move away from fragmented initiatives and adopt a unified approach that aligns education and training with industry demands. He cautioned that the persistent disconnect between academic institutions, industry players and the innovation ecosystem continued to undermine efforts to develop a workforce capable of meeting Nigeria’s changing e...
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Afreximbank, APPO Unveil US$5 bn Energy Bank To Bridge Financing Gap

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) have unveiled the US$5 billion Africa Energy Bank (AEB), to bridge the financing gap while supporting a just energy transition for African countries. At the AEB’s inaugural general meeting held in Abuja, both organisations noted that the Africa Energy Bank underscored the African governments’ determination to secure their energy future. It was also in recognition of the need for significant investments in energy generation and transmission, meant to accelerate industrial growth and harness the tremendous opportunities from the emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). Currently, Africa needs US$200 billion investment to close energy gaps and provide efficient energy for its citizens. Regrettably, traditional providers of short- and long-term financing to Africa’s energy sector are withdrawing funding from fossil fuels, even as oil a...
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NESG Tasks Devt Partners To Align Support With Nigeria’s Priorities

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called on development partners to align financial support with Nigeria’s priorities and measurable development outcomes, seeking predictable economic policies supported by clear implementation targets. Incoming Chairman of NESG, Omoboyede Olusanya disclosed this at the closing session of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, with the theme: “Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity.” He noted that the country’s economic performance should be assessed by its impact on ordinary Nigerians rather than macroeconomic indicators alone, adding that recent economic reforms must translate into poverty reduction and expanded opportunities. The summit brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, development partners and civil society representatives to examine Nigeria’s economic priorities. Olusanya hinted that economic progress should enable farmers to earn more...
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OTO Finalises With NIPOST To Improve Taxpayers’ Dispute Resolution

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Office of the Tax Ombud has finalised plans with the Nigerian Postal Service to extend its services to all Local Government Areas (LGAs), while improving taxpayers’ access to independent dispute resolution. Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of OTO, Dr John Nwabueze revealed this during a management retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, with the theme: “Leading with Purpose: Strengthening Leadership and Delivering Sustainable Excellence.” He disclosed that the office is intensifying efforts to raise public awareness of its mandate and services, adding that public confidence remained essential to building an efficient and sustainable revenue administration system.  “The Office is committed to ensuring that taxpayers have access to an independent and impartial platform where their complaints can be addressed without unnecessary delays or financial burden,” he said. Nwabueze hinted that the office was established in line with President Bola Tinubu’s...
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FG Imposes Strict Rules For Newly Recruited Employees

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has imposed strict rules for newly recruited employees, directing the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to take greater responsibility for managing their personnel budgets and maintaining accurate records of employees. This followed the overhauling of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, targeted at strengthening accountability, preventing irregular payroll admissions and improving the management of government personnel expenditure. Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa said on Monday in Abuja, that no employee should be admitted into the Federal payroll without completing mandatory documentation and eligibility checks.  “Henceforth, no newly recruited employee shall be enrolled without first being captured on the nominal roll of the relevant MDA and satisfying all prescribed validation and eligibility requirements, “the OAGF said. U...
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A'Ibom Disburses N2bn To 3,496 Traders For Business Support

BY EMEKA SAMUEL, Uyo Gov Uno Akwa Ibom State Government has disbursed ₦2 billion to 3,496 traders across the 31 Local Councils to support small businesses with funds to restock, expand operations and sustain commercial activities. The ₦2 billion business support is not part of the ₦31 billion economic empowerment programme captured in the 2026 budget, which targets women, youths, farmers, transport operators and small-scale businesses. Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Inionong Ekong (Rtd.) who made this known at a media briefing in Uyo, said the government was adopting a data-driven approach to identify beneficiaries and ensure transparency in the distribution of funds, warning that the administration would not condone fraudulent practices in its empowerment programmes. On infrastructure development, Ekong identified the ongoing multi-billion-naira Ikot Ekpene International Market project as a major investment expected to improve trade, create employment and s...
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NITDA Join Forces With CBN To Protect Digital Infrastructure

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Kashifu Inuwa The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has joined forces with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and protect the critical digital infrastructure. Under the arrangemenet, both agencies will advance the implementation of the National Sovereign Cloud Initiative and data localisation. Director General of NITDA,  Kashifu Inuwa disclosed this at the Executive Regulatory Dialogue, organised by NITDA in partnership with the CBN in Lagos State.  The engagement brought together stakeholders across the financial services, telecommunications, data centre, and technology sectors to discuss strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s control over the digital infrastructure that underpins its economy.  Inuwa emphasised that digital sovereignty has become a critical national priority as the economy increasingly relies on digital platforms and infrastructure to deliver essential servi...
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