News Agency of Nigeria
MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC
General News

MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC

Ranking

By Emmanuel Afonne

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), says the institution is working tirelessly to boost its digital ranking and leadership in education technology.

Peters said this during a news conference to assess the level of preparation for the 3rd MoodleMoot Africa 2025 conference, to be hosted in Abuja by NOUN from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10.

Peters said that NOUN decided to host the conference to prove its continental leadership in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

“The institution has taken a decisive step in its quest to improve its digital footprint, academic visibility and global ranking,” he said.

According to him, the conference is the first-ever to be hosted in Nigeria after two previous events hosted by South Africa.

“This conference will be held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre; it is not just about hospitality — it is a strategic showcase.

“NOUN is not just the host — it is the heartbeat of an event that will attract 24 countries, hundreds of innovators, and global attention to how technology is reshaping African education.

“With participants from 18 African countries and several others from Europe and beyond, NOUN uses the conference as a platform to demonstrate its leadership in digital learning and scalable education models.

“Key goals for NOUN at the MoodleMoot include enhancing its institutional digital ranking through international engagement and positioning itself as a policy influencer in Africa’s EdTech space.

“We also want to demonstrate our Moodle-powered learning innovation to a global audience. While many African institutions are still exploring how to integrate digital platforms, NOUN came to the conference with proof of scale,” he said.

The VC added that the Moodle-based system, which served no fewer than 170,000 students with cutting-edger learning analytics and hybrid delivery models, was built on open-source tools.

“With 400 delegates, including vice-chancellor, software developers and government officials, the conference becomes an active space for influence-building and agenda-setting.

“NOUN’s participation in global education conversations — particularly around open-source educational technologies, directly impacts its global visibility in academic indexing, international collaboration scores, research and innovation indicators.”

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, Prof. Grace Jokhtan, said the event is expected to be one of the best events organised by the institution.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NAICOM, experts want insurers to embrace technology, innovate products
Science & Tech

NAICOM, experts want insurers to embrace technology, innovate products

 

 

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Experts in the Nigerian insurance industry have called on practitioners to embrace technology and innovate products, to deepen market penetration and build consumer trust.

The call was made during a panel discussion at the Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) 4.0 and Insurance Redefine Summit in Lagos on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is an annual event in its fourth edition with the 2025 theme being, ”Innovating for the New Trybe.’’

The Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission  (NAICOM), Mr Olusegun Omosehin, said that the industry had made strides, particularly with partnerships and embedded insurance.

He, however, added that there was a need to move beyond traditional offerings to meet the needs of the younger, tech-savvy population.

He said that there was the need for digitisation to streamline the claims process because long, cumbersome procedures often leave customers frustrated.

“The real value of insurance is in the claim.

“If the process is difficult, the customer will not be happy and they will not return.

“We need technology to automate these regular engagements and make the customer experience seamless,’’ Omosehin said.

Also speaking during the panel discussion, Mr Kunle Ahmed, the 26th Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), said that the existing five per cent premium rate for motor insurance was a “child of necessity” and may not be sustainable.

Ahmed said that insurance companies should consider a more dynamic pricing model based on a driver’s behaviour and claims history.

“We need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model, the five per cent was necessary at one point  but with new technology, we can price risk more fairly,” he said.

Another panelist, Prince  Babatunde Oguntade, said that a few innovative companies were already offering remote car inspections, eliminating the need for customers to visit an office.

Oguntade said that this was a small but significant step toward enhancing customer experience and building trust.

Also, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, the 52nd  President, Chartered Institute of Insurers of Nigeria, highlighted the untapped market of consumer and gadget insurance.

She said that with the cost of personal electronics like laptops and smartphones now rivaling that of a car, there was the need for tailored insurance products to protect these assets.

“We need to do more to create awareness and make these products easily accessible at the point of purchase,” she said.

Ilori noted that partnerships with retailers and other institutions were crucial for the growth of this sector.

“By embedding insurance directly into the purchase price of a gadget, the cost is no longer seen as an “extra expense” but rather as a fundamental part of the product,’’ Ilori added.

The speakers urged industry players, especially brokers, to be at the forefront of innovation.

They said that the goal was to ensure that customers could process claims with ease, which would ultimately drive repeat business and increase the industry’s overall reputation.

The Convener, IMT, Odion Aleobua, advocated for youth engagement, tech adoption to grow insurance penetration.

Aleobua called for a paradigm shift, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth engagement and technology adoption to unlock the sector’s immense growth potential.

He highlighted the urgent need for a new approach, noting that Nigeria’s insurance penetration stood at less than one per cent, a stark contrast to South Africa’s 10 per cent – 12 per cent.

“The CEOs alone cannot drive this growth, it is people like us who create platforms, conversations, and collaborations that will unravel and impact this potential,” Aleobua said.

He highlighted the demographic dividend, noting that over 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population are millennials and Gen Zs, who represented “tomorrow’s market.”

Aleobua noted that to connect with this crucial segment, the industry must listen to their needs and involve them in strategy development.

He also highlighted the role of technology in reaching a broader audience.

He noted that with approximately 140 million Nigerians on mobile phones, the country had a significant digital infrastructure that could be leveraged for insurance services.

“Those are capabilities that tech has enabled, and those are capabilities that are there for us to take advantage of,” he said.

The convener added that the strong attendance of top industry executives at the summit signaled its growing influence as a reference point for innovation and growth within the sector.

Bode Pedro, Founder and CEO of Casava, expressed excitement at partnering with IMT as the official insurer.

Pedro said that IMT provided the platform that allowed one to show how digital micro-insurance empowered individuals and businesses, while aligning with NAICOM’s mission to expand insurance access across Nigeria.

“Our goal is to prove that insurance can be simple, flexible, and affordable for all,” he said.

Per Lagerstrom, Insurtech Innovator, Founder of BehaviorTech, in his headline presentation, highlighted how agile, technology-driven solutions could transform insurance and financial inclusion across Africa.

The forum concluded with a call for the Nigerian Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other regulatory bodies to create an enabling environment that encourages innovation and lowers entry barriers for new, technology-driven solutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

We are more committed to bridging the gender gap in STEAM – W.TEC
Science & Tech

We are more committed to bridging the gender gap in STEAM – W.TEC

 

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

 

The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) says it is more committed to bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), through its flagship programme, She Creates Camp.

 

Diamond Oshomoji, Programme Coordinator of W.TEC, said this on Saturday during the graduation of the 18th edition of the She Creates Camp Initiative held at Laureates College, Ikeja.

 

Oshomoji said that the initiative was not only to bridge the gender gap but also to prepare young women for careers in fields often seen as male-dominated.

 

She said the two-week residential camp with the theme: “Byte by Byte, AI for Action”, trained 40 girls in robotics, artificial intelligence-powered web development, internet of things (IoT) and marine engineering.

 

She said the girls were also trained in filmmaking, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

 

Oshomoji added that the camp also incorporated creative crafts such as bead-making, fashion design, painting and other hands-on activities to inspire innovation, teamwork and problem-solving among the girls.

 

“Nigerian girls must acquire 21st century skills such as artificial intelligence and robotics to remain competitive in the global technology space.

 

“Thirty-nine out of the 40 girls who attended the camp were through full scholarships provided by corporate partners, individuals and W.TEC.

 

“This gesture describes a strong demonstration of support for female inclusion in technology.

 

“Beyond the technical and creative skills, the camp builds confidence, teamwork and leadership.

 

“We believe that if girls are exposed early to technology and innovation, they will grow to compete favourably and even lead in the sector,” Oshomoji said.

 

Mr Yemi Odutola, W.TEC’s External Relations Lead, said the camp had consistently transformed participants over the years.

 

“We see them come in shy, uncertain and doubtful, but within two weeks, they are presenting projects, pitching ideas and speaking boldly.

 

“During this camp they developed innovations such as smart dustbins, AI-powered lights and websites, alongside creative outputs like art and crafts,” Odutola said.

 

Mr Tobi Durojaiye, an Advisory Board Member of W.TEC, said the camp had proven its long-term impact, as some past participants were now returning as mentors.

 

“An alumna who joined the camp in 2014 and is now a software engineer returned this year to mentor the girls. That is the multiplier effect we want to see, the older ones inspiring the younger ones,” he said.

 

He called for more sponsorships to scale up the camp nationwide, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s economy depended on how well the country invested in girls and women in technology.

 

Two of the 2025 participants,  Ifeoluwa Ojo from Epe and Mutiat Moshood from Apapa, said the programme gave them an exposure they never imagined.

 

Ojo said she was inspired to pursue a career in robotics, while Moshood said she gained confidence in public speaking and teamwork.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the She Creates Camp, launched 18 years ago, is W.TEC’s flagship programme aimed at providing young girls within the ages of 13 and 17 early exposure to technology, creativity, mentorship and leadership skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Nigeria can handle its security challenges – Echefu
General News

Nigeria can handle its security challenges – Echefu

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

A security expert, Dr Bright Echefu, says through innovation and advanced technology Nigeria can handle its security challenges.

Echefu, the Chairman of the EIB Group, said this on Wednesday during a media tour of the security facilities of the company.

The company provides intelligence support for Nigeria’s security agencies though digital forensics, tracking and critical assets as well as supply of combat and surveillance drones.

It manufactures Arginin Reconnaissance Drones configured for high-performance reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The company also produces Arsenio BFLY and Xander Reconnaissance drones among other super precise attack drones that can navigate difficult environments.

“These systems are crucial in combating insurgent groups, adopting different drones for reconnaissance and attack missions.

“The primary purpose was to demonstrate the capabilities of the security apparatus deployed to fight insurgency, its potential is to enhance counter-insurgency operations and mitigate the threats posed by insurgent groups.

“The significance of this effort lies in stressing the potential of the equipment to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities,’’ he said.

Echefu said the tools would also improve force protection and reduce troop casualties by minimising reliance on manned reconnaissance missions.

“The use of commercial drones by insurgent groups presents significant challenges for security forces.

“To address this, the security apparatus is leveraging technologies like drone detection and jamming systems, improved intelligence gathering, and counter-drone systems.

“The system will generate insights from the collected data, allowing for better decision-making and improved resource allocation.

“This system will provide at-a-glance dashboards showing the status and location of monitored items, including parameters like satellite imagery and intelligence gathering capabilities to support security agencies,’’ he said.

Echefu also said with the right support and increased investment indigenous companies had the capacity to provide the needed logistics support to the military in the fight against insecurity.

While acknowledging the support from government to the indigenous security firms, he called for more policies to foster Nigerian companies’ growth, especially those in defence and security sector.

“I can tell you that I am not the only one that is into supporting the various sectors, by local activities, local productions. There is a lot going on. People are producing even tractors in Nigeria now.

“Nigeria has 100 per cent capacity right now to end this urgency with the number of local companies that are investing heavily.

“The Nigerian military strongly supports local manufacturers through research collaboration and support,” Echefu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

2027 elections: Stakeholders advocate stronger tech infrastructure
Politics

2027 elections: Stakeholders advocate stronger tech infrastructure

By EricJames Ochigbo

Some stakeholders have called for increased efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technological infrastructure to enhance the credibility of future elections.

The stakeholders, who are advocates of democracy, made the call at a policy dialogue on “Election and Technology: Opportunities and Challenges”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to commemorate June 12.

In his remarks, Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said in spite the promise of the BVAS and IReV, their implementation had received numerous criticisms.

Sulaiman said that during the 2023 general elections, numerous reports of glitches in some polling units were recorded, adding that this led to delays and, in some cases, disenfranchisement of voters.

“While technology holds immense potential to revolutionise our electoral processes, more is to be done to ensure effective, inclusive and transparent tech-driven elections.

“As Nigeria navigates a critical period of electoral reforms, we believe it is imperative to convene stakeholders to critically examine the intersection of electoral technology and democratic integrity.

“This is view a view to putting into cognisance the deployment of election technologies at the 2023 general election and the electoral outcome,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Dantalle, said that many Nigerians assumed that their votes would not be counted in the overall results.

Dantalle said that those with such opinions preferred to stay at home instead of dissipating their energy participating in elections with predetermined outcomes at a time justice was for sale in the court.

“This is where technology comes in. We are in a technological era; the need for innovation in the conduct of credible elections cannot be over-emphasised.

“From voter mobilisation, voter education, voter registration, electronic accreditation and IReV, technology will continue to play a pivotal role in the electoral process as obtainable in advanced democracies.

“This will drastically reduce the human factor errors and manipulations that impede the nation’s democratic journey.

“Improved technology will bolster public trust in the process and uphold the sanctity of the ballot box to safeguard popular choices.

“This is what June 12 symbolises – a credible election. Nigerians yearn for free and fair polls for sustainable democracy and development,” he said.

According to him, IPAC demands the adoption of electronic voting system in future elections and urges the National Assembly to consider its proposal on this in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Act amendments.

Dantalle listed the merits of these to include: efficiency, accuracy, accessibility, security and cost-effectiveness, saying that they would go a long way in consolidating constitutional rule and democratic governance.

“We must be ready to surmount all challenges in the quest for a strong, virile, united, prosperous, equitable and just society.

“This dialogue affords us yet another opportunity to assess, evaluate and appraise the role of technology in advancing the nation’s democracy, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Adebayo Balogun (APC-Lagos), said the stressed the importance of the use of technology, adding, however, that it must be used with caution and expertise.

Balogun said though Nigeria had adopted technology in the conduct of elections, there was the need for Nigerians to have trust in the system and in the handlers of election.

He noted that technology would not work in isolation and that people must also take responsibility and be punished for glitches.

In his keynote address, a don, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, said that attention should not be placed only on use of technology on election day but in the build-up to the election as well.

Ibeanu said that Nigerians had continued to demand more use of technology on election day without paying much attention to the earlier processes. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety
Science & Tech

Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of next-generation food science and technology to guarantee food safety.

The President and Chairman, NIFST Governing Council, Bola Osinowo, said this on Thursday at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event had its theme as “Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building”.

“Food science offers solutions through biofortification, breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of vital vitamins and minerals.

“Imagine what we can achieve with cassava enriched with Vitamin A or maize with increased iron content, reaching communities most in need.

“We can also leverage advanced food processing to fortify staple foods with essential nutrients, making healthy diets more accessible,” he said.

Osinowo said food was the foundation of life and the bedrock of national stability.

According to him, a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food efficiently.

He said historically, advances in food science -such as the Green Revolution – had transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.

“In Nigeria, a significant portion of our agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing.

“Next-generation solutions like novel preservation techniques, intelligent packaging that extends shelf life and efficiency can address the challenge.

“Similarly, cold chain logistics, powered by Internet of Things (IoT), can drastically reduce this wastage, ensuring more food reaches our tables.

“Beyond just quantity, we must focus on nutritional security. Hidden hunger – the deficiency of essential micronutrients, affects millions and hinders national productivity,” he said.

The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should have a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics and nutrigenomics.

Mustapha, who was represented by Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Mrs Shakirat Solebo, called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital and improved  Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs).

He also said there was a need to establish centres of excellence for youths and women in agro technology.

Mustapha said the future of food security and economic growth was in sustainable innovations.

According to him, this can be achieved by embracing biotechnology and digital agriculture.

The Director-General,  Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) , Ifeanyichukwu, Okeke said embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Okeke, who was represented by the Group Head, Healthcare Group Standardisation, SON, Mrs Uduak Udoso said SON remained committed to supporting the innovative initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFST was established in 1976.

It provides  professional support to individuals, public and private institutions in the food industry by  promoting food science and technology, (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

FG deploys technology in boundary management
Metro

FG deploys technology in boundary management

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is entrenching the use of research, technology including drone, in boundary management

The Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission had advanced from analogue systems to digital and electronic systems in boundary management.

He said with the support of President Tinubu, the commission had made significant progress in managing Nigeria’s boundary issues.

“For those of us who are into the profession of mapping and surveying, we now know that we have advanced from the usual analog system to electronic system.

“Now, we have satellite imaging, aerial mappings and drones and with these modern technology, you can assess areas that ordinarily would have been difficult, if you were to go on foot.

“So, we’re really embracing technology,” he said.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to tap into available technology to get adequate and real time data for efficient definition of boundaries.

The D-G also said that research was assisting significantly with data gathering to support the delineation of internal and international boundaries, including maritime boundaries.

He added that the commission’s Research and Policy Analysis Department was equipped to provide relevant data for decision making for effective management of the country’s boundaries.

“Going forward, we will capitalise on Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to deepen the adoption of technology and research in the definition and demarcation of internal and international boundaries.

“This, in the long run, will bring the dividends of democracy to the people, especially those living in border communities

“We are going to emphasise on the physical definition of these boundaries, particularly those areas that we have resolved.

“Thank God, we have improved budgetary provisions that will enable us to double our efforts in boundary demarcation and organise workshops to sensitise people to how to manage boundaries,” he said.

Adaji further noted the difficulty in accessing some boundary locations, but expressed confidence that with modern technology, the commission would overcome some of the challenges. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCT-UBEB promoting entrepreneurship in basic education for self-reliance  
Education

FCT-UBEB promoting entrepreneurship in basic education for self-reliance  

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) says it is entrenching innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in basic education to promote self-reliance.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, FCT-UBEB, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at a two-day training of FCT teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Wenegieme, who represented the acting chairman of the board, Dr Dr. Alhassan Sule at the event, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the move was for children to drive solutions to societal problems.

She said that the innovation and entrepreneurship education was critical to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“FCT UBEB is building the capacity of our children to make them self-reliant such that a child that finished primary and junior secondary school should be able to do something for him or herself.

“We don’t want a situation where children will graduate from school and become redundant, after obtaining a certificate in basic education, a child should be able to fend for himself,” she said.

She said that initiative focuses on relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills such as welding and fabrication, fashion design, plumbing, brick laying, electrical fittings, and hair styling among others.

According to the director, acquiring such skills will not only enable the children to be self-reliant, but also employ and train others.

She explained that the two-day training would equip the teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills on how to entrench innovation and entrepreneurship among pupils and students.

Wenegieme said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, was doing everything possible to transform primary and secondary education in the FCT with focus on functional skills for national development.

Her counterpart at the FCT Education Secretariat, Mr kolawale Olobashola, said that the goal was to implant entrepreneurship education in the heart of school students.

Olobashola, the Director, Science, Technology and Innovation, added that with entrepreneurial skills, no FCT child would be a nuisance on the street. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  
Education

FCTA building entrepreneurship skill centre for secondary schools – Director  

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is building an Entrepreneurship Skills Development Centre to promote entrepreneurship education in secondary schools.

Dr Mohammed Ladan, the Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, on the sideline of a two-day training of FCT teachers on innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Ladan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the centre, sited at Government Secondary School Giri, was expected to be ready by end of the year.

He said that the centre was being built in collaboration with Brunel University Business School, United Kingdom, which promised to furnish and equip it when completed.

He explained that the centre would serve as hub for entrepreneurship education for the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

He added that the centre would also be used in the training of stakeholders and other entrepreneurship teachers in skill acquisition centres across the country.

He said “we are tired of students graduating without a job; we are tired of saying no job, no job, no job. Our students, this time around, will begin to create jobs for Nigerians.

“We want to tackle the problem of unemployment with Abuja as the lead.”

The director explained that what the FCTA was doing was to prepare school children to identify societal problems that could be solved with resources in the environment.

According to him, some of the students are already providing solutions, particularly in converting waste to wealth.

He identified some of the products being produced by the students as interlocks using waste nylon and polyethene bags, toilet paper from used cartons, sweet syrup from date fruits, and flowerpots, among others.

He added that the students were being equipped with entrepreneurial skills in welding and fabrication, fashion design, plumbing, brick laying, electrical fittings, shoe making, and hair styling, among others.

The director explained that the teachers training was the third in the series of training conducted to reposition FCT schools for innovation and entrepreneurship education.

“The first training was conducted for school principals, that is the administrators who are the accounting officers of schools.

“The second phase of the training was conducted for vice principal academics, who are the custodians of the entrepreneurship curriculum.

“The third batch, taking place today, is for teachers who would drive the programme and we have more than 400 of them from junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and teachers from private schools,” he said.

Ladan added that the fourth batch would be organised for artisans to help in deepening skills development and help school children to realise their potential. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Counterterrorism: Nigeria adopts technology to secure Sahel region
Defence/Security

Counterterrorism: Nigeria adopts technology to secure Sahel region

By Ogbaje Sumaila

Nigeria has adopted the Counter Terrorism Technology (CT-TECH+) initiative to enhance its capacity to secure the country and the Sahel region.

The Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, made this known at the official kick-off of the CT TECH+ initiative, organised in collaboration with UN Office for Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was also in collaboration with Interpol and funded by the European Union.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CT TECH+ is a two-year joint initiative that aims to strengthen the capacity of partner states, including Nigeria, to respond effectively to the growing threat of terrorism facilitated by new and emerging technologies.

Laka said that technology has ushered the world into a new era where global citizens now find themselves living in two interconnected realms, the physical world and the digital domain.

He said as innovation continues to evolve and new technologies emerge at an unprecedented pace, it converges vast opportunities and also complex, dynamic, and ever-changing risks.

He said that the digital age had opened a gateway for terrorists to exploit emerging technologies from artificial intelligence to autonomous technologies, encrypted communications, and blockchain-based financial tools, among others.

He said the initiative has provided access to radical content, recruitment platforms, illicit funding mechanisms, and the anonymity provided by cyberspace have also compounded the threats we face daily.

“More recently, we witnessed a disturbing trend where terrorists use commercial drones for surveillance over military deployments and even more concerning, these same drones have been weaponised to deliver explosive payloads.

“These are key areas I would urge this initiative to look into critically, as they reflect the rapidly evolving nature of terrorist tactics.

“In this context, the CT TECH+ initiative is not just timely but essential. It comes at a critical moment when we must outpace those who seek to destroy the very fabric of our societies.

“The only way to do this is through innovation, adaptation, and strategic foresight.

“At the NCTC, we firmly believe in proactive, collaborative, and tech-enabled responses to the evolving threat landscape.

“We are fully committed to initiatives such as CT TECH+ that align with our mandate not only to counterterrorism, but to prevent and address the root causes of violent extremism across Nigeria, West Africa, and the wider Sahel region.

“I am confident that CT TECH+ will elevate our capabilities and also bring us closer to the vision of a secure and resilient Nigeria, and the region in general,” he said.

Laka said that the initiative must not be allowed to become just another talk shop, saying that stakeholders must ensure that it translates into concrete outcomes that will attain the objectives of the initiative.

In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot said:”terrorist threats are present on the five continents around the globe and they are taking new forms and shapes using new technologies.

“It is a constant, long-term fight which security agencies must always have to be one step ahead of the terrorists”.

According to him, security agencies have to be more clever, more internationally coordinated than the terrorists themselves who are also enhancing their coordination.

Mignot said the UN and its national organisations were committed to playing a pivotal role to support the CT-TECh+ initiative with a grant of 4.9 million euros.

This, according to him, is to contribute to global security by strengthening partner states’ law enforcement capacity to respond to the increasing use of new technologies for terrorist purposes while protecting human rights in a gender-responsive manner.

“We are very pleased to see Nigeria, among the few selected countries in Africa and in the world, the beneficiary of this initiative.

“I think it is a very right choice, as Nigeria is one of the most affected countries by the threats in Africa, but also one of the most capable to develop modern capabilities to prevent and fight terrorism,” he said.

Also, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, commended the Federal Government for its unwavering commitment to strengthening national security while upholding the principles of international law.

Fall said that it was a time of rapid technological advancement as emerging technologies held transformative potential for development, civic engagement, and the promotion of human rights.

According to him, these same technologies are increasingly exploited by terrorists to spread fear, recruit, radicalise, finance their operations, and conduct attacks.

Fall said that Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Darknet, encrypted communication platforms, and virtual assets have become powerful tools in the hands of those who seek to destabilise societies.

He said that CT TECH+ would, over the next two years, work to review and assess Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities to tackle technology-enabled terrorism.

According to him, it will build capacity through tailored national threat assessments and legal frameworks, reinforce interagency coordination and public-private partnerships.

“This is why the CT TECH+ initiative is not just a project, it is a platform for action, a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s resilience to the digital threats of tomorrow while upholding the values that unite us,” he said.

NAN reports that the CT TECH was launched on Feb. 10, 2022 at a virtual event attended by over 150 officials from the Permanent Missions to the United Nations, Member States’ capitals, United Nations entities and regional organizations.

The goal of this two and a half year initiative is to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement and criminal justice authorities to counter the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and to leverage these technologies in the fight against terrorism.

CT TECH is funded by the European Union and implemented under the UNCCT Global Counter-Terrorism Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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