By David Adeoye

The Federal Government (FG) has reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the nation’s security.

Dr Salihu Dasuki, Special Assistant to the President on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy, Office of the Vice President, disclosed this in Ibadan on Thursday.

Dasuki, at the launch of ‘YardCode’, an ICT-driven addressing application, reaffirmed the FG’s renewed vigour to checkmate the nation’s security challenges through ICT-driven mechanisms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that YardCode, developed by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), is a new digital location platform that allows community-driven geo-data for Nigeria.

The special assistant, who made his remarks virtually, applauded the initiative, noting that the YardCode application would facilitate better communication and coordination in emergencies.

According to him, better communication and coordination are crucial for timely responses to security threats.

Dasuki, therefore, stated that the FG’s commitment to leveraging ICT in tackling insecurity was unwavering.

“YardCode is not just an application; it is a paradigm shift in how we tackle challenges in our communities.

“By utilising technology, we can foster a safer environment for all Nigerians. So, this initiative is a testament to our dedication to securing our nation.

“The integration of ICT in our security frameworks will enable us to respond more effectively to threats and ensure a safer future for our citizens.

“We are confident that we will bridge the gaps in our addressing system and enhance the overall security landscape of Nigeria with the launch of YardCode,” he said.

In his remarks, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Mr Abduganiyu Adebomehin, acknowledged insecurity as a longstanding challenge hindering the country’s progress.

He highlighted the inadequacies of the current PostCode System and the urgent need for a more precise, adaptable, and universally accessible geo-coding solution.

He said YardCode’s introduction of a unique and permanent identifier for every square metre of the nation’s territory was not just a change but a profound transformation and true game-changer.

“This groundbreaking innovation has far-reaching and transformative implications across multiple sectors for effective governance, seamless public service delivery, rapid emergency response, strategic infrastructure planning, and precise demographic data collection,” he said.

Adebomehin further commended RAIN for its ingenuity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology for national development.

According to him, its potential benefits are immense and undeniable.

Earlier, the Lead Developer and Founder of RAIN, Dr Olusola Ayoola, said that the application would serve as Nigeria’s new addressing compass.

This, he said, would give every single place in the country its unique name.

“Nigeria is not just copying technology from other countries; we are creating solutions.

“YardCode is the first system like this that works without the internet. It is made specially for African conditions. It covers the whole of Nigeria instantly.

“We are creating a model for West Africa and the whole world,” he said.

He said that every business owner, farmer, and Nigerian now has an address that connects him or her to the global economy.

“We are moving from a Nigeria where addresses are problems to a Nigeria where addresses are solutions; from confusion to clarity, from struggling with directions to leading the world in location technology,” he said.

Ayoola appreciated the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, for supporting technology innovations in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, Mr Bayo Akande, the Special Assistant to Gov. Seyi Makinde on ICT and E-Governance, pledged the support of the Oyo State Government to the innovation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a stricter corporate governance framework for telecom operators, aimed at enhancing transparency, internal controls, and risk management across the industry.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made this known during the inauguration of the 2025 Guidelines on Corporate Governance on Wednesday in Lagos.

Maida said the new framework was designed to ensure long-term sustainability for telecom businesses, networks, as well as instill investor confidence.

“Corporate governance is no longer a soft requirement. It is now strategically imperative, especially in a sector that is central to Nigeria’s digital future and exposed to cybersecurity threats, climate risks, energy shocks and rising consumer expectations,” Maida said.

He explained that under the new rules, telecom licensees would be required to implement balanced board structures, improve transparency, and establish tighter internal control systems.

The NCC boss noted that members of boards were expected to include executive, non-executive, and independent directors with demonstrated expertise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and cybersecurity.

He added that the commission now formally recognised regulatory officers within licensees’ operations as key contacts for compliance monitoring.

“A major highlight of the new framework is the emphasis on internal audits and risk control.

“Operators are expected to conduct structured risk assessments and empower internal audit functions to ensure oversight.

“The guidelines mandate submission of mid-year and annual compliance reports, which must be certified by the board of directors.

“Our goal is simple, to ensure that telecom boards and management are properly structured to provide reliable services, protect infrastructure, and respond to the dynamic challenges of the industry,” Maida said.

According to him, the commission’s internal review shows a clear link between strong governance and superior performance in the telecoms sector.

“We conducted a comprehensive analysis, and the results were compelling.

“Companies with robust governance frameworks consistently outperformed others in areas of service delivery, financial management, and regulatory compliance,” the NCC boss noted.

While acknowledging that tighter regulations may initially disrupt some operators, the commission stressed that the long-term benefits would outweigh any temporary challenges.

Maida reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, capacity-building and technical support, while stressing that accountability would be strictly enforced.

“With over 200 million active subscriptions, the telecoms sector is now considered essential to Nigeria’s economy, supporting digital infrastructure across finance, education, healthcare, and government services,” he said.

Maida said that the new governance framework was necessary to keep pace with the sector’s scale and complexity.

He emphasised that the guidelines would be rolled out in phases, depending on the category of licence held, but stressed that enforcement would be rigorous.

“Operators must view this not as a regulatory burden but as a blueprint for long-term value creation.

“Where there is non-compliance, the commission will not hesitate to apply sanctions after remediation windows close,” he said.

In his goodwill message, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), commended the NCC for updating the guidelines to reflect current realities.

He noted that some of the current realities reflected included Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.

Ajogwu, who led the committee that produced the first Code of Corporate Governance for the telecoms sector in 2014, described the revised guidelines as timely and critical.

Also, Titus Osawe, Coordinating Director, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), also lauded the initiative, describing it as a key step towards strengthening good governance in a vital sector of the economy.

Osawe noted that industry-specific governance frameworks helped reinforce accountability and investor confidence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Adepote Arowojobe

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has emphasised the transformative potential of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for Nigeria’s transport and logistics sectors.

She noted that adopting EVs could drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the sector.

Oduwole stated this on Wednesday during her visit to SAGLEV, an EV assembly firm in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

She said current government policies on industry, trade, and investment are prioritising Nigerian investors, ensuring they thrive within a supportive environment.

“The Nigeria First Policy by President Bola Tinubu supports investors like those we’ve encountered today,” she noted.

She recalled last week’s Domestic Investor Summit, which focused on medium to large-scale enterprises.

“This progress stems from years of planning, training, partnerships and collaboration,” she added.

Oduwole expressed joy at the reforms supporting SMEs to manufacture, produce and compete globally.

Highlighting statistics, she noted that EVs use 80 per cent less energy, aiding productivity and economic growth through projects like the coastal road.

She affirmed that such initiatives could significantly advance Nigeria’s development trajectory.

The minister pledged to address bottlenecks in customs import processes, enhancing trade efficiency for economic progress.

“We are key in both imports and exports, especially across Africa. Trade facilitation remains essential,” she said.

She added that Customs reforms like automation had been confirmed by investors as impactful.

“Challenges remain, but there’s greater compliance with due processes,” Oduwole stated.

She also mentioned the launch of President Tinubu’s National Single Window Project.

Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, pledged state support for EV investments.

She stated that such initiatives would generate employment for the growing youth population.

“We’ll continue to support this venture under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership,” she said.

Mr Joseph Osanipin, Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, said new legislation would regulate the EV industry.

He revealed the council’s creation of a National Occupational Standard policy for EV maintenance and servicing.

This standard would form a training curriculum for technicians, polytechnics, technical colleges, and universities across Nigeria.

SAGLEV CEO, Dr Gbenga Faleye, appealed to all levels of government for patronage and smoother raw material importation.

Faleye said EV production would create jobs, boost transport, and reduce maintenance due to having fewer components than imported vehicles.

He revealed that SAGLEV has an annual capacity to produce 2,500 EVs.

Faleye urged manufacturers to focus on Nigeria’s opportunities rather than challenges.

“Decades-old challenges won’t vanish instantly; patience and opportunity-seeking are key,” he advised.

He added that only local residents are employed at SAGLEV as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, appreciated the minister’s visit, saying it confirmed Imota’s emergence as an industrial hub in Lagos State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Sylvester Thompson

In a significant step toward bridging science and faith, the Islamic community in Abuja has expressed strong support for the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and biotechnology in agriculture.

This endorsement underscores their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges.

At a sensitisation workshop on Tuesday for Islamic clerics, Malam Abdullahi Nuhu, Secretary to the Chief Imam of Dantata Mosque, affirmed the community’s spiritual and moral backing for government-led biotechnology initiatives.

The event, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), aimed to foster understanding between modern science and religious values.

“We pledge our prayers and spiritual support to ensure the success of these programmes across Nigeria.

“Our leaders encourage us to back these efforts wholeheartedly,” Nuhu said.

The workshop featured expert presentations on the potential of agricultural biotechnology to transform farming, improve food security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, emphasised the ethical and scientific foundations of GMO technologies as powerful tools for social and economic progress.

“In a nation grappling with food insecurity and environmental challenges, rejecting safe and proven innovations would be a missed opportunity,” he said.

Mustapha further reassured that GMO seeds were locally produced by indigenous companies, ensuring Nigerian control over seed production and distribution.

He called for greater collaboration among local firms to enhance seed availability and affordability for farmers.

Dr Rose Gidado, NBRDA’s Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, highlighted benefits such as reduced pesticide use, pest resistance, environmental sustainability, and longer shelf life for produce.

“Biotechnology is key to building climate-resilient agriculture and driving socio-economic development,” she noted.

Other experts, including Prof. Mohammed Ishiyaku of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, emphasised genetic enhancement as an affordable and sustainable solution to low farm productivity.

Dr Agnes Asagbra of the National Biosafety Management Agency, stressed the importance of responsible stewardship for long-term gains from GM crops.

Reinforcing confidence in GMO safety, Dr Ehirim Bernard from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, cited rigorous biosafety assessments of crops like TELA Maize, assuring that they met stringent safety standards for consumers and the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru