By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on Tuesday, canvassed support for the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.

He says when the Bill is passed into law, it will provide legal framework and accelerate progress in the country’s digital economy agenda.

The minister,  who spoke at a media engagement on the bill in Abuja,  said that Nigeria’s digital economy had been projected to generate N18.3 billion by 2026, with capacity to revolutionise the economy of the nation.

According to him, Nigeria has unicorn companies like Flutterwave, Jumia, Andela and Interswitch, which have demonstrated that digital economy is strong and can lift the country to where it should be.

He noted that “technology is providing jobs for our young ones because presently, there is job deficit in the tech ecosystem, which we need to put measures in place to take hold of the sector.

“This bill will accelerate the progress in our digital economy because there is no clear legislation in that space.

“We believe that the bill will support the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through the application and the use of technology in all facets of life in Nigeria.

“This bill will create an enabling environment for fair competition, promote innovation, growth and competitiveness for Nigerian economy.”

According to him, when the bill is passed into law, it will be implemented in all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also said that the bill would enhance the use of digital economy in the entire country, both in government and the private sector.

Inuwa, who was represented at the occasion by , Mr Emmanuel Edet, the Director, Standards, Guidelines and Frameworks Department, urged Nigerians to embrace digital technology as an enabler.

He added that the ecosystem is growing, hence the need to harness its potential to drive economic desires with the country’s youthful population and digital skills.

“The bill tries to ensure that digital capabilities are accommodated in our everyday lives and experiences,” he said.

He mentioned that the bill is structured in 16 parts with over 60 sections to address validity of electronic, digital transactions, digital contracts, signatures and time stamps.

“The bill will address topics like consumer protection for digital transactions, use of technology such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchains for public services, among others.”

According to him, people should not feel scared of losing their jobs to technology because people are likewise gaining jobs with the integration of technology.

He said: “technology offers opportunities, it is unique and people should find their niche and build on it.

“Part of other objectives of the bill is to mandate, promote and enable the digital transformation of public institutions and government processes for efficient and effective service delivery.

“The bill also seeks to create a basis and process for secure, reliable and confidential data exchange for reusability and innovation, provide a framework for the systematic development of digital literacy to support citizens for improved life, among other objectives,” he stressed.

Senate Committee Chairman on ICT and Cybercrimes, Sen. Shuaib Salisu and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology, Rep. Stanley Adedeji, pledged lawmakers’ commitment toward the adoption and implementation of the bill. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Okolie/Deji Abdulwahab

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a home grown blockchain technology to ensure protection of the national database for enhance security.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said this on Thursday when he received a delegation from the Law School of University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that part of the proposal of the group was engagement of the private sector to develop a home grown blockchain ‘Nigerium.’

Inuwa saud the agency had reconstituted the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee (NBP-SC) in May this year, to domesticate the technology according to the country’s needs.

“Blockchain technology is evolving and have increasingly transformative application and we are leveraging its dynamic potential.

“We have the steering committee which you’ve consulted. It’s good you present this research to the steering committee, get their buy in for adoption and further implementation,’’ he said.

The Team Lead, Ms Chanu Kuppuswamy said that an indigenous blockchain technology system would ensure the interest and decisions about the country’s national database, were not compromised by foreign co-developers.

Kuppuswamy said an indigenous blockchain was like having a completely customised new product that is for the Nigerian terrain.

“The product in this case happens to be a new blockchain itself, which you can either take an existing blockchain and do a smart contract on it.

“In this case, the smart contract is controlled by Nigerian government on behalf of the Nigerian people.

“In the situation where the underlying blockchain is not controlled by the Nigerian government or written with the interest of people at heart, it is basically a commercial product,’’ she said.

According to her, interest of the developer will always be considered to benefit the commercial developers.

She recommended for Nigeria to develop an equivalent of Ethereum, adding that, “we hope that NITDA can consider developing an indigenous blockchain whereby we can collaboratively enlist all the public service and the land registries of the 36 states and the FCT.

Also, Dr Bukola Faturoti, a member of the delegation, said that Nigeria was due for a data embassy to back up her national data.

Faturoti explained that a data embassy was a server hosted in third party country, likened to Nigerian embassies in different countries.

“This time, Nigerian data is located in foreign countries, whereby the law of your country is what is operational in that place.

“A data embassy will ensure digital continuity because the data of your country is susceptible to attack and it can also be affected by natural disaster and other activities such as cyber-attack.’’ (NAN)”www.nannews.ng”

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country’s socio-economic development.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.

“We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work.

“We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or other issues,” he said.

Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the institution, in line with international best practices.

“Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nigeria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now.

“Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,” he said.

Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose.

He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems.

The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector.

The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee for their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the institution.

He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Ibukun Emiola
Experts in renewable energy have harped on the need to fully harness the available potentials in the sector to boost the nation’s economy.

They made the call at the Techfine Partners’ training to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Nexgen Energy and Allied Services, in Ibadan on Friday.

According to Wikipedia, renewable energy or green energy is from renewable natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale.

The most widely used renewable energy types are solar energy, wind power and hydropower.

A renewable energy expert with Acetronix Ventures, Mr Oluyombi Awojobi, said since being in the business of renewal energy over the last 10 years, there had been more uptake because of epileptic power from the national grid.

According to him, more people are tending toward solar energy, out of all the renewable energy sources, stressing that government would do well to provide more incentives to further enhance uptake of the clean energy.

“Government can come in by subsidising some of these things: inverters, solar panels and batteries because their prices are presently on the high side.

“If there is a policy or any other means to subsidise these items, people will embrace them more,” he said.

Awojobi said renewable energy would help Nigerians cut the cost of running generating sets by between 30 per cent and 40 per cent in the long run.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, De-sure Rejfresh Technology, Mr Adeniyi Omotosho, described renewable energy as ‘the future Nigeria is looking for’.

Omotosho said that the industry had improved over the years, adding that more successes had been recorded, especially for those who started more than two decades ago.

He called for more investments in the sector by government, saying it should also focus its agenda on improving its capability to solve unemployment problems and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.

One of the facilitators, Mrs Ibiyemi Ifaturoti, said though there were lots of initiatives on renewable energy, she, however, expressed the regret that they were uncoordinated.

Ifaturoti, a Senior Consultant at Leading Learning Limited, called on government to give more incentives and subsidise renewable energy for those in the industry such as tax reduction, import duties and renewable energy components, among others.

According to her, the more people embrace renewable energy, the better in terms of reduction of pressure on the national grid, as it would help the economy and serve the underserved communities.

Also, the Customer Service Executive, Nexgen Energy, Mrs Oluwakemi Ayekitan, said Nigerians needed an in-depth knowledge, not just information, about renewable energy to be able to harness the enormous opportunities inherent in it.

Ayekitan said there were lots of renewable energy like biogas and other green energy.

“Though people look at the initial cost, the return on investment surpasses the initial amount that has kept some people from uptaking renewable energy.

“There are lots of advantages in using renewable energy. First, the return on investment is higher than imagined.

“Second, it supports a healthier and safer planet for the future generations, as it doesn’t emit gases into the atmosphere.

“Also, there is the ease and convenience to use renewable energy system. It is an automated system, the newest technology like the brand we represent in Techfine,” Ayekitan said.

Another facilitator and business development expert, Pastor Francis Madojemu, said business owners must ensure they sell quality products to Nigerians.

“A lot of us take advantage of people. We go to China and buy cheaper versions of products; but now, there’s the need to put the customers’ benefits first.

“It will build us goodwill when the economy picks up,” Madojemu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to initiate more friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices by farmers.

Mr Olugbenga Aina, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, NIFST, said this during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/NIFST Day celebration on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the event is, “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Food for Nigerians Through Food Science and Technology”.

According to him, farmers are responsible for producing the food that feeds the population.

Aina said that ensuring that farmers had the resources and support they needed to produce an adequate supply of food was essential for national food security.

He noted that supporting farmers could help stabilise rural economies, create jobs and contribute to overall economic growth.

He explained that many farmers lived in rural areas where economic opportunities may be limited, adding that by supporting farmers, governments could help promote rural development.

“Presently the government needs to deal with the insecurity that is affecting farmers and keeping them from farming.

“We need food, especially now when there is inflation, insecurity and food hunger in the land.

“This is one of the reasons why we are gathered here today to discuss this issues; food safety and security are two intertwined topics that are crucial to the development of any country,” he said.

On cholera, the chairman said promoting good hygiene practices among communities was key to preventing further transmission of the disease.

Aina said the government had done a lot in creating awareness on the need for citizens to maintain good hygiene.

He, however, said that eating food bought from the road could make people subsceptible to cholera.

Aina advised that people should not consume food bought from the road without knowing how it was prepared.

He said the environment or the kind of water used to prepare food was vital.

The chairman said other causes of cholera included eating of uncooked and contaminated foods.

He also advised that people should always wash their hands at all times before eating.

On empowerment, he said that NIFST, through its partnerships with businesses, industries and government agencies had been able to provide job opportunities for over 100 youths between 2023 and 2024.

In his address, the National President of NIFST, Prof. Abu Oneh, said that academic institutions and research organisations must continue to lead in scientific research, development and innovations needed to address the current and future challenges of food security.

He also said private sector partners, including food producers, processors and retailers must play the crucial role of bringing innovation to the market and ensure its widespread adoption.

Also, Mrs Taiwo Ubany, the Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, said it was necessary for Nigeria to be able attain production of safe and healthy foods.

She noted that there were so many technologies that were available or could be employed to ensure food safety and security in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a food basket, we have the people and the soil, all we need to do is harness the resources along with technology in order to cater for the needs of Nigerians.”

She said food sufficiency was key, and that food was available but not getting to the people because of so many issues.

Mrs Veronica Alaba, NIFST Adviser, said that the government needed to find a lasting solution to the issue of terrorism which was hindering farmers from planting crops.

According to her, the attacks have made so many farmers to stop cultivating crops, which in turn has led to food inflation. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Salif Atojoko

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Nigerian government and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said on Wednesday at the signing of the MoU in Abuja, that human spaceflight was a major aspiration of Nigeria.

“Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.

“Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,” he said.

The minister said the slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform.

Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director- General of NASRDA, said the cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA.

Adepoju said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight.

He also said the event was worth celebrating at a time that Nigeria was marking the 25 years of its space programme.

“The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.

“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.

“This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,’’ he said.

Mr Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, said that 80 per cent of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries.

Skurla said that Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, thus, SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.

Mr Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, said that the application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline.

“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required.

“You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you; as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.

“The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply, you don’t have to be a Scientist, Mathematician or Engineer.

“This is about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them the opportunity of being the first Nigerian in space,” he said.

He added that they chose Nigeria because the country had already indicated serious intent towards space exploration through its obvious space programmes and initiatives.

Hutchison further said that they paid attention to the country knowing that it is a country of Scientists, Engineers and most importantly entrepreneurs.

“We hope to raise the awareness of young Nigerians that by choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they can go to space.”

Hutchison noted that the selection process would be through SERA’s platform, and that it would be open and transparent.

Dr Anne Agi, President, Learnspace Foundation, who was instrumental to executing the partnership, advocated for Nigeria to be chosen for the mission.

Agi who expressed optimism that the mission would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerian youths noted that space had the power to inspire future generations.

“It will show that even in challenging times, with global collaboration, great achievements are possible.

“We are therefore thrilled to have played a part in this groundbreaking partnership and we encourage Nigerians to key in.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under the partnership, SERA will reserve a seat for a Nigerian citizen, on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.

This is part of a broader SERA-led initiative, in partnership with Blue Origin, to send six individuals from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration.

SERA, is a company from Delaware, U.S., and was founded to build a global community dedicated to space exploration, research and democratising space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world.

The SERA-NASRDA collaboration builds upon SERA’s previous success in sending Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old Brazilian Civil Engineer, to space in 2022, which demonstrates the transformative power of an inclusive and accessible space ecosystem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Sylvester Thompson

Dr Olushola Odusanya, Director-General, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) has affirmed the centre’s commitment to revamp interest in vocational education in the country.

Odusanya disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the move was crucial, considering that 70 per cent of job opportunities abound in vocational training and need to be tapped.

He explained that a reliable way of infusing knowledge into the informal sector was to focus on vocational training.

He, however, said that revamping interest in vocational education called for right investments and issuance of quality certificates as well as quality accreditation.

He disclosed that NACETEM, a Certiport training and certification centre, had structured training in which certificates were offered.

“These certification schemes are now for vocationally trained people and their numbers are also very large, probably larger than other trainees.

“These are people required in the economy and we feel this would be of particular interest to politicians because they need to empower their voting population,” Odusanya said.

The NACETEM boss explained that the Academy which was formed in partnership with a private firm was a huge Learning Management System, which provided for the training, thereby allowing several people to come on board.

He restated that acquisition of vocational skills was quite important, especially to people who were not necessarily educated but required some form of skills.

He reiterated that vocational training encompassed all of these. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru