News Agency of Nigeria
Civilian Casualties: NAF unveils harm mitigation, response action plan
Defence/Security

Civilian Casualties: NAF unveils harm mitigation, response action plan

315 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has unveiled civilian harm mitigation and response action plans to reduce collateral damage among civilians during air operations.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, unveiled the document on Tuesday during the NAF Day 2025 Seminar marking its 61st anniversary on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the seminar is, “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations”.

Abubakar said NAF has conducted more than 80,000 sorties in the past decade with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

“Since 2015, the Nigerian Air Force has flown over 8,000 sorties annually—amounting to more than 80,000 sorties over the past decade.

“Yet, within this extensive operational record, only a few verified incidents of collateral damages have been recorded.

“This represents an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent, an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare.

“It is a powerful reflection of our professionalism, precision, and steadfast commitment to protecting civilian lives in even the most challenging operational environments.

“While we take pride in this impressive record, we are by no means complacent.

“We are very much aware that insurgents often deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations to evade detection, thereby creating unfortunate situations where collateral damage could occur despite our best efforts at precision and restraint,” he said.

The CAS said that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, NAF had promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

Abubakar added that NAF deployed enhanced real-time surveillance platforms, as well as enforcement of stringent mission-abort procedures upon detection of civilian presence as part of measures taken to address it.

According to him, there has been continuous training of personnel in International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict as well as Rules of Engagement.

He added that the service has instituted robust accountability mechanisms and recently upgraded the Directorate of Civil-Military Relations to Branch status.

“This institutional reform provides greater capacity and strategic focus on non-kinetic operations, ensuring that our engagements are anchored in transparency, compassion, and national interest.

“I am also glad to announce that in the course of today’s event, we will be unveiling a landmark policy document titled, the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.

“The document is the first of its kind in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and is designed to guide our efforts in reducing the scale and impact of harm to civilians during air operations,” he added.

The air chief said that national security was a shared responsibility of all patriotic citizens and institutions, adding that synergy between military and civilian stakeholders remains central to achieving collective aspirations for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

According to him, NAF has remained firmly apolitical and deeply committed to upholding democratic ideals, including the rule of law, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights.

He said that the unwavering allegiance to constitutional governance reflected their enduring dedication to protecting the sovereignty and unity of the nation in accordance with their constitutional mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Reps apologise to Nigerians over UTME glitch
Education , Politics

Reps apologise to Nigerians over UTME glitch

325 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha

The House of Representatives has apologised to Nigerians, especially parents and candidates of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), over the avoidable glitch that affected more than 300,000 participants.

The Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, Rep. Oboku Oforji, expressed the apologies, on behalf of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UTME had been marred by a technical error, thus affecting a total of 379,997 candidates from Lagos and South-East Zone.

Oforji, who expressed regret over the glitch, sympathised with Nigerians, urging them to forgive the JAMB leadership over what he called human error.

“The committee in the House of Representatives responsible for overseeing examination bodies, including JAMB, expresses its deep sympathy for the candidates affected by the errors experienced during the examination.

“We sincerely apologise on behalf of the examination body (JAMB) to all Nigerians,” he said.

Oforji saluted the courage and sincerity of the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for accepting the fault on behalf of his team and apologising to the parents, candidates and the country in general.

The lawmaker, however, affirmed that the human errors were avoidable ‘because it was out of negligence by JAMB.

According to him, the committee also appreciates the eagerness and determination of Nigerian students in pursuing their education to improve the future of the country.

He said that JAMB had consistently made efforts throughout the examination process, from registration to the release of results, adding that unfortunately, errors, which could arise unexpectedly, occurred this time.

Oforji called for an independent and uncompromising investigation into the matter.

“I would like to state unequivocally that the members of the National Assembly share these concerns and extend their apologies to the Nigerian public.

“We also call for an independent and thorough investigation into the matter,” he said.

The lawmaker said that the committee had been making suggestions for reforms that would set a high standard in expertise, in collaboration with JAMB, across the six geopolitical zones, for monitoring.

He stressed the importance of monitoring the examination to avoid similar occurrences in future.

Oforji also emphasised the need to de-escalate the error by ensuring that the image of JAMB and that of the country are not scandalised.

“The government and the country’s educational system, which is a cornerstone of our future, cannot withstand another scandal,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

L-PRES targets vaccination of 1.4m livestock in 2025
Agriculture

L-PRES targets vaccination of 1.4m livestock in 2025

283 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has announced plans to vaccinate 1.4 million animals in 2025 to enhance disease prevention and promote both animal and public health.

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, disclosed this during a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for animal health officers, in Abuja.

The workshop, themed “Biosecurity, Herd Health, Udder Health, and Integrated Pest Control Management,” aimed to equip participants with the technical knowledge needed to effectively deliver animal healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Abubakar explained that the training was part of broader efforts by the World Bank-supported project to enhance biosecurity and prevent disease outbreaks in livestock populations across the country.

He noted that participants were drawn from the 20 states where the project was currently operational, as well as from the national office.

“They are expected to replicate the training at the local level to strengthen animal health services.

“We are training health officers because L-PRES, being a World Bank project, adheres to global standards.

“We’re investing in infrastructure, including veterinary hospitals, so it’s crucial to prevent diseases before they occur. Biosecurity is one key approach,” he said.

Abubakar encouraged the trainees to see the programme as a strategic effort to ensure that knowledge gained would be passed on to livestock farmers, also known as livestock value chain operators.

“As ToT participants, you’re expected to break down these technical concepts into simple terms for farmers, making the practices easy to understand and adopt.

“The training covers several key areas, including udder health management, farm biosecurity, integrated pest management, and overall herd health.

“These topics were deliberately selected to address the challenges encountered within the livestock value chains in various state clusters,” Abubakar added.

He emphasised that significant efforts were being made under L-PRES to reduce morbidity and mortality in livestock due to disease outbreaks, aligning with the value chain priorities of participating states. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

HBBA condemns bill criminalising non-voting in Nigeria
Politics

HBBA condemns bill criminalising non-voting in Nigeria

241 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) has condemned a proposed bill that seeks to criminalise non-participation in national and state elections.

The Nigeria-based human rights organisation described the move in a bill before the National Assembly as unconstitutional and counterproductive.

The organisation’s Senior Communication Officer, Obinna Ejiogu, on Tuesday in Abuja expressed deep concern over the bill which recently passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill is titled “a Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the proposal was introduced on March 30 by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Hon. Daniel Asama.

The bill prescribes a fine of up to N100,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections without valid justification.

The bill recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, bringing it steps closer to becoming law.

Hon. Daniel Asama described the bill as aimed to encourage citizens participation in the electoral process, noting that low voter turnout during elections would be addressed if the bill scales legislative scrutiny.

Reacting, HBBA argued that such legislation criminalised civic disengagement while ignoring deeper systemic issues that hinder electoral participation.

This, he said, including insecurity, logistical challenges, voter suppression, and public distrust in the electoral process.

“Voting is a constitutional right, not a forced obligation. The Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 guarantee citizens the freedom to participate voluntarily.

“It is deeply ironic and wholly unacceptable that in a country where millions are disenfranchised by insecurity, logistical failures, voter suppression, and lack of trust in the electoral process, the response of lawmakers is to threaten imprisonment rather than reform.

“Voting is a right, not an obligation to be policed by the state through punitive measures,” he said.

Ejiogu warned that the move could worsen the already overcrowded correctional system, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as young people, the poor, and marginalised communities.

“Criminalising non-voters will only expand Nigeria’s already overburdened correctional system, where thousands are locked up for petty and non-violent offences”.

He, however, called on the National Assembly to reject the bill entirely, urging the government to focus instead on rebuilding trust in the electoral process.

“The government should prioritise restoring confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), improving security at polling units, enhancing voter education, and addressing the socio-political barriers that discourage participation,” he maintained. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Zero deaths, 3 injured in multiple crash on Karu bridge- FRSC
Metro

Zero deaths, 3 injured in multiple crash on Karu bridge- FRSC

206 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed zero deaths while three persons sustained injuries in a multiple Road Traffic Crash (RTC) at Karu Bridge in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ogungbemide said that the crash, involving six vehicles at the Karu Bridge along the Aya-Nyanya route occurred at about 3.00pm.

He named the vehicles involved as a Dangote truck, a Setraco company bus, a commercial Peugeot J5, a black Toyota Camry, a Bajaj motorcycle, and a Peugeot 406.

He also said the nature of the crash was classified as serious and involved 35 persons, adding that 30 were males and five were females.

“Three male victims sustained injuries and the injuries recorded include head trauma, fractures, and bruises.

“No deaths were recorded. The crash was attributed to loss of control and the absence of adequate road signage at the construction zone managed by a Chinese construction company,” he said.

Ogungbemide said that the affected victims were immediately evacuated to Asokoro General Hospital and Nyanya General Hospital for further treatment.

He said that FRSC officers from Nyanya and Karu units, along with police personnel from Karu Division, were on ground to coordinate rescue operations, clear obstructions, and manage traffic flow.

He added that the recovered vehicles comprising the truck, the motorcycle, and the J5 bus were currently in the custody of Karu Police Division.

He urged construction firms to place appropriate road signs and signals at active work sites to avoid preventable road crashes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Livestock: Top 3 hackathon winners will receive N10m
Science & Tech

Livestock: Top 3 hackathon winners will receive N10m

238 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says the top three winners of the Hack4Livestock Hackathon programme will receive N10 million.

Tijani made this known at a four-day Hack4Livestock Hackaton programme in Abuja.

He said that the challenge would encourage young talents in the country to build solutions that can work in the livestock ecosystem, regardless of location.

According to him, the ministry is working to ensure long-term sustainability by collaborating with the Ministry of Livestock, experts, and the Center for AI and Robotics to promote the solutions.

The minister said that the Federal Government was willing to invest in the dairy sector and provide an enabling environment for private investors.

“Whatever solution we are going to produce must not just be for the high-end part of the ecosystem for livestock, but something that can actually work regardless of where you find yourself.

“That is why we have decided that the best way to do this is to tap into the pool of talents in the country.

“It is about encouraging the best of the people in the country to build the solutions that we want to see,” he said.

Tijani said that the government was willing to invest.

“If the government is not willing to invest, a new ministry will not be established to look after this purpose.

“Investments in a sector like this should not just be about government.

“The role of government is putting in an enabling environment to allow private investors to try and come in and invest,” he said

He said that experts would be provided for the innovators to help them understand how their solutions would meet the needs of the sector.

Tijani said that the selected teams would receive mentoring support and work with experts to refine their solutions.

“By supporting them through that, our goal is to create new solutions that are high value but also generate economic benefits for the nation as well,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the National Director, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Dr Olubunmi Ajala, highlighted the economic and social importance of the livestock sector.

Ajala also highlighted the critical role of technology in overcoming challenges within the agricultural landscape.

“The sector represents the dreams of our farmers, the sustenance of our families, and the foundation of our food security,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the potentials for innovation to align with National Livestock Transformation Plan and addresses a critical gap in technology adoption.

“Current data shows that less than 15 per cent of herders use digital tools. This is not because they do not see the value.

“It is because the tools have not been designed with their needs, constraints, and their wisdom in mind.

“We are not just building technology, we are building bridges. Bridges between innovation and tradition, between urban developers and rural practitioners, between policy makers and the communities they serve,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s livestock sector is at the heart of the agricultural economy, contributing over five per cent to the national GDP and sustaining the livelihoods of more than 40 million Nigerians.

Meanwhile, Divine Idikoh, an innovator of the Livestocx, says she is creating a digital marketplace platform that connects animal or livestock sellers directly to buyers or consumers.

“I spoke with people in the market place and observed that they had issues getting direct customers. Middlemen always increase the price and sell it at higher price for the people.

“Connecting to these farmers and creating a platform where they can directly relate to their customers will go a long way for them,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conversation revolves around an innovation challenge focused on developing digital solutions for the livestock sector in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Judicial independence: CJN tasks judges of lower courts on ethical conduct
Judiciary

Judicial independence: CJN tasks judges of lower courts on ethical conduct

268 total views today
By Wandoo Sombo
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges of lower courts to guard their integrity jealously to avoid compromising the standards of ethics and professionalism of the judiciary.
The CJN made the call in Abuja as she inducted newly appointed magistrates, judges of sharia, area and customary courts.
The induction was organised by the National Judicial Institute, (NJI).
Kekere-Ekun, who was represented by Justice Chidiebere Uwa, said that judicial independence was not just a constitutional imperative but the bedrock of public trust in the justice system.
“I also urge you to guard your integrity jealously, be vigilant against corruption in any guise and allow your conduct to reflect the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
“Avoid perception of bias or undue interest in any matter before you, approach your duties with humility and a clear understanding of the immense trust placed in you by Nigerians,” the chief judge said.
The CJN encouraged the newly inducted judges to seek counsel from their more experienced seniors but warned that at the end of the day, the decision made must be solely theirs.
“As you settle into your new roles, I urge you to embrace the best practices of our courts, including regular but appropriate consultation with more senior colleagues.
“However, I must caution that while guidance from experienced jurists is invaluable, your decisions must remain entirely your own, rooted in your independent evaluation of the law and the facts before you.”
She further reiterated the need for them to ensure that justice was not only done, but
done in a timely and professional manner.
According to her, equally important is the quality of your judicial decisions which requires not only a deep and sustained engagement with the law and precedent, but also an appreciation of the socio-economic context in which justice is sought.
“The combination of legal mastery and contextual awareness will enable you to render decisions that are not only legally sound but also socially responsive and just,” she said.
She lamented the continued persistent delays in trial processes saying in spite of best efforts, they continued to hamper the effective administration of justice.
“Such delays risk eroding public confidence in the Judiciary; we must, therefore, redouble our efforts to adopt more efficient practices, and foster a judicial
culture that values expediency without sacrificing fairness.
“One important avenue for improving efficiency lies in the strategic use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which, when appropriately applied, offer swifter and often less adversarial pathways to justice,” she said.
For his part, the administrator of the institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi, told the judges that they held the profound potential to either strengthen or conversely, to inadvertently erode the public’s perception of the entire judiciary.
“Let this, therefore, serve as a constant reminder in your every action, in every deliberation, and in the decisions you render,” he said.
The administrator said that the institute would soon embark on an assessment tour to check how its trainings were impacting on the judges.
He also said that their participation in this induction course represented a vital and indispensable step in fulfilling the solemn responsibilities they had willingly undertaken.
He reminded the judges that judicial efficiency, as well as the quality of decisions that came from their courts, had far reaching implications that transcended mere speed, or a rushed consideration of the cases that come before them.
“Rest assured that in view of your proximity to the grassroots, your dockets will often be filled with a large volume of cases.
“You must, therefore, strive to create a healthy balance, one that guarantees the resolution of disputes within a reasonable time, while upholding the highest standards of thoroughness, impartiality, and fairness.
“Understand that the positions you now occupy hold paramount significance within the very foundation of our judicial structure,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the induction is: “Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision Making”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Taraba pilgrims, others laud NAHCON for making Nusuk cards in Madina
Religious

Taraba pilgrims, others laud NAHCON for making Nusuk cards in Madina

261 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Alhaji Abubakar Mahmud, Secretary, Amiru Hajj Team, Taraba State, has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for making pilgrims’ Nusuk cards ready in Madina before proceeding to Makkah for Hajj rites.

Mahmud gave the commendation while expressing excitement over the hospitality by the NAHCON officers in Madina.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first batch of pilgrims from Ogun, Kaduna, Niger and Osun who visited Madina have moved to Makkah for Hajj.

“I want to tell you that we are highly impressed with the hospitality and the way our people were organised in an orderly manner.

“We are happy, today is the fourth day, and from the first day, we never had any problem.

“Tomorrow by Allah’s grace, we are going to leave Madina for Makkah. That is why our people are collecting their Nusuk cards now,” he said.

He said that the Nusuk cards were ready and waiting for distribution.

He commended NAHCON for its effective handling of the general Hajj operations, while urging members of the team to improve in certain areas.

“The area they should improve on is the visit (Ziyarah) to Rawdah, that is the only problem we have. It is usually hard for people to get access to Rawdah.

“Apart from this, we visited other places like the Prophet’s Mosque, Haram al-Nobawi, Masjid Quba, Masjid Uhud,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Refinery: If we understood magnitude, we might not attempt it – Dangote
Oil & Gas

Refinery: If we understood magnitude, we might not attempt it – Dangote

327 total views today

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Africa’s richest man and industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has expressed commitment to empowering Nigerian engineers and building local capacity through large-scale industrial projects.

Dangote gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

He said that the scale of the refinery was more than initial expectations.

He said: “Honestly, if we had fully understood the magnitude and challenges involved, we may not have even attempted it, but it is because we didn’t know what we were into initially and the courage, or maybe, naivety that got us this far.”

He noted that the refinery was designed to handle massive volumes, with up to 600 product vessels and about 240 crude oil tankers expected annually.

Dangote said that challenges faced during the construction, included working on swampy terrain, extensive land clearing, and dredging 65 million cubic metres of sand from 20 kilometres offshore.

He said that all were in an effort to protect local fishing communities.

“We had to uproot thousands of trees manually. Sand-filling alone took 18 months but we made a deliberate decision to preserve the livelihoods of those living nearby, especially fishermen,” he said.

When asked by an engineer how Nigerian professionals could be given more opportunities and how they could take destiny into their own hands, Dangote said: “We appreciate that.

“There are many more projects coming, and with them, we will continue to develop our engineering base.

“Even when we don’t have enough jobs to give, we must still train people.

“Skills are assets — whether they are used here or abroad. We want Nigeria to earn from exporting knowledge, not just oil.”

He said that while the project was initially planned for up to 50,000 foreign workers, it eventually used only 12,000–14,000 expatriates.

Dangote said that the majority of the company’s workforce – including fitters, welders and engineers – were Nigerians.

“Eighty-five per cent of the commissioning work was done by Nigerians.  It is not because I am an engineer, but because they have proven to be among the best.

“Today, we are our own EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractors. We are building this country ourselves,” he said.

He urged members of NSE branch to see the visit as a step toward aligning with a national vision of self-sufficiency and industrial excellence.

 

The Chairman, NSE Lagos Branch, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, described the refinery as an engineering breakthrough for Africa.

She commended Dangote’s initiative, saying that the refinery was the first of its kind in Africa.

“The NSE exists to ensure continuous professional development, and this visit is part of that goal.

“We have heard so much about the refinery but seeing it ourselves has been extraordinary.”

She praised the high level of Nigerians’ involvement in the refinery, saying that local manpower was more than foreign expertise.

“If we have more of this kind of development in Nigeria, unemployment and poverty would be in the past.

“We are extremely proud of what we have seen. Nigerians are taking the lead here,” she said.

Kesha emphasised that such industrial initiatives would not only help to address domestic challenges but could also position Nigeria as an exporter of both products and professional expertise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSE delegates also toured the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as “an enormous national asset.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Experts say Nigeria’s digital economy booming with massive investments
Science & Tech

Experts say Nigeria’s digital economy booming with massive investments

313 total views today

By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Managing Director, Equinix Nigeria (MainOne), Mr Wole Abu, says that Nigeria has emerged Africa’s digital leader, boasting 132 million active internet subscribers and 43 per cent broadband penetration.

Abu made this known at the inauguration of the executive committee of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Victoria Island Chapter in Lagos.

The programme which had the theme, “Evolution of Digital Economy in Nigeria: The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineers”, also included the unveiling of the Techy Voice of Experts.

Abu said that the country’s ICT sector was driving growth with a recent $320 million acquisition and $140 million expansion of digital infrastructure.

The Equinix managing director noted in his presentation, titled: “ICT Infrastructure Behind the Digital Economy,” that the investment included a 7,000km submarine cable network and a 1,200km fibre network across Nigeria.

“Eight submarine cables landed in Lagos, bringing over 300,000 terabits of data and supporting global tech giants like Amazon and Google.

“Equinix data centres handled 95% of internet traffic, providing secure environments for digital payments.

“Four thousand cloud providers on Equinix platform offer reliable cloud services for e-commerce,’’ he said.

According to him, over 65 points of presence across West Africa enables localised traffic exchange and improved internet experience.

Abu said that $460 million had been invested so far with more coming to support digital entrepreneurship ecosystem.

He said that to drive growth, collaborations with innovation hubs, business schools, and engineering testers were underway to launch digital businesses and transform the economy.

“Nigeria aims at being the leading carrier-neutral digital provider in Africa, leveraging digital innovation to drive economic growth,” the Equinix boss said.

Also in his presentation via webinar, Mr Wilson Alli, Deputy President, Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN), said that Nigeria’s digital economy hinged on electricity supply.

Alli said in his presentation titled, “Power Systems and Digital Economy,” that Nigeria’s digital economy was growing rapidly.

He said that its growth was being driven by increasing internet access and an entrepreneurial spirit.

The deputy president noted that, however, the sector’s growth was threatened by inadequate electricity supply.

According to him, this challenge impacts economic growth, increases costs for digital businesses and slows the growth of the Nigerian digital economy.

Alli said: “A key challenge for the country’s digital economy growth is insufficient transmission capacity hindering the flow of generated energy to meet demand.

“Other key challenges are high energy costs affecting digital businesses and slowing growth as well as increased vulnerability to cyber attacks due to outdated systems.”

Alli stressed that by addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities, Nigeria could ensure a reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply to support its digital economy.

In his keynote address, Mr Augustine  Nwaulune, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Augustine K. Nwaulune and Co Consultants Ltd., said that the ICT sector had contributed 19.78 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q2 2024.

Nwaulune noted in his address titled: “Evolution of Digital Economy in Nigeria: The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,” that the GDP statistic was according to the National Bureau of  Statistics up from 17.89 per cent in Q1 2024.

He that the unsung digital alchemist behind the blinking lights of a data centre, the station and telecom tower among others, was the craftsmanship of of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

According to him, engineers have led fibre deployment, base station installation and microwave link design.

“Through smart meters and automated substation, we bridge power and data.

“Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s fintech capital is powered by robust network, engineered by integrated sensors, processors and communications noses,” he said.

The National Chairman, NIEEE, Mr Felix Olu, represented by the Vice-Chairman,  Mr Olalekan Olabode, encouraged the new executives to be professional.

He challenged them to encourage companies and government agencies within their purview on professionalism.

Also, the pioneer Chairman, NIEEE, Victoria Island Chapter, Mr Taiwo Okharedia, highlighted the achievements during his tenure.

Okharedia said that everything achieved from membership growth to national engagement and fellowship to industrial partnerships had been built on collaboration, commitment and vision.

The new Chairman, NIEEE, Victoria Island Chapter, Mr Austyne Duru, expressed excitement over the inauguration while pledging his team’s commitment to move the institute to greater heights.

Duru highlighted his team’s strategic action as including engaging in public discourse of topical issues, quarterly transactional newsletter and more media engagements, among others.

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the inauguration of the new executives with Austyne Duru as Chairman; Chineze Okafor as Deputy Chairman, and Adeyinka Osunbade as Vice-Chairman (ICT).

Other executive members include Vice-Chairman (Power), Madukife Obiamaka; General Secretary, Adetunji Adeniyi; Financial Secretary/Treasurer, Idris Gambo; Publicity Secretary, Jane Essien, and immediate past President, Taiwo Okharedia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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