Connect with us

News

ECOWAS Moves to Advance Digital Connectivity in West Africa

Published

on

ECOWAS Moves to Advance Digital Connectivity in West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has moved to advance digital connectivity across the region and foster a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem.

The regional bloc hosted a technical workshop on policy and regulatory exchange and knowledge sharing on connectivity market integration in West Africa in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Acting Director, Digital Economy, ECOWAS Commission, Folake Olagunju, in her remarks at the opening of the Regional Workshop on Connectivity Market Policy and Regulatory Coordination, explained that the workshop seeks to engage participants in meaningful discussions around thematic areas such as strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, harmonizing the digital market environment, and facilitating coordination among stakeholders to encourage private sector investment.

Olagunju, who represented the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Mr. Sediko Douka, also said, the workshop was part of the ECOWAS Commission’s efforts to implement its Digital Sector Development Strategy for 2024-2029, which envisions digital transformation as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and deeper regional integration.

She said: “The strategy focuses on developing a conducive policy and regulatory environment, alongside digital infrastructure development.”

The ECOWAS Commission aims to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks to foster a level playing field for digital connectivity solutions.

“This will enable the development of digital connectivity solutions that drive economic growth while actively engaging the private sector as a key partner in this endeavor.

“The commission also seeks to harmonize the digital market environment to enable cross-border interconnection of networks and services.

“This will facilitate the integration of the digital connectivity market in West Africa, promoting a seamless and efficient digital ecosystem.”

“Furthermore, the ECOWAS Commission plans to provide catalytic public funding for connectivity infrastructure PPP projects to enhance the resilience of international and core backbone connectivity.

“This will ensure that the region’s digital infrastructure is robust and reliable, supporting the growth of digital economies.

“The commission aims to facilitate coordination among stakeholders to encourage private sector investment in digital connectivity.

“By working together, the ECOWAS Commission and its partners can create a favorable environment for investment, driving the growth of digital connectivity in West Africa.”

Olagunju emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that: “Your participation is invaluable in shaping strategies that will drive the digital future of our region.”

The ECOWAS Commission expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its financial support and technical assistance in implementing the project.

Also speaking, the Assistant Director, Telecom and Postal Services at the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Wakili Saidu, said the workshop is a call for action—a call to reaffirm shared commitment to collaborate, align policies, and effective implementation.”

Saidu stressed the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving a digital single market that benefits all citizens of West Africa.

“It is only through coordinated and coherent efforts that we can attract greater private sector investment, ensure affordability and better quality of service,” he said.

Saidu urged participants to prioritize the collective advancement of the ECOWAS region, saying, “Let us look beyond our individual national interests and prioritize the collective advancement of our beloved ECOWAS region.”

Saidu expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment to regional development and digital transformation, wishing them productive and fruitful deliberations over the course of the two-day workshop.

The World Bank Digital Specialist, Ms. Rocio Sanchez Vigueras, said the workshop provided a platform for sharing experiences and learning from successes and challenges in implementing digital economy initiatives.

“We can learn from the good lessons and things that have worked, as well as those that didn’t work,” Vigueras said.

“I’ve worked with different countries that are part of ECOWAS, and it’s essential to share experiences and best practices to promote the single data market within ECOWAS and the African continent.”

Vigueras expressed gratitude to online participants, including governments from Spain, Sweden, and Germany, for their support in implementing a new legal and regulatory framework for the data economy within ECOWAS.

She looked forward to hearing experiences and exploring ways to support ECOWAS and other countries in promoting a single data market.

The workshop brought together representatives of ECOWAS member states, regulators, telecommunications experts, and private sector stakeholders to discuss critical dimensions of the digital transformation agenda

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

Published

on

NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it has no agents for modification of data and that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.

The Commission made the announcement on Monday in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke.

The statement read: “The attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been drawn to a media report alleging that some enrolment agents in Abuja are collecting money from applicants for falsification of dates of birth.

“For the records, all NIN data modifications are done online through the NIMC self-service modification portal – selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng – and no physical modification is allowed. NIMC does not have agents for modification of data and the Commission operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.

“The public is hereby reminded to adhere to the approved statutory modification processes with official guidelines and fees. The Commission urge NIN holders to report any cases of extortion or misconduct through our official complaint channels:

(+234-9-134959433, 08155015388); actu@nimc.gov.ng; ieu@nimc.gov.ng

“NIMC reassures that the integrity of the National Identity Database remains secure and will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.”

NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online

Continue Reading

News

Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

Published

on

Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

By: Michael Mike

Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that signals the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.

The centre, jointly facilitated by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected not only to curb harmful vehicular emissions but also to generate employment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.

Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.

He said: “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”

He emphasized that the project aligns with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.

“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as is applicable globally,” Kambari added.

The event also highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari said: “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who… worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the Centre.”

Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that political will and collaboration were central to the project’s success.

She said: “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day… The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.”

She further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stating that: “This Centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”

Speaking for the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman underscored the socio-economic potential of the centre.

He said: “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state,” adding that: “To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”

Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects

Continue Reading

News

Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

Published

on

Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

By: Zagazola Makama

The Adara Development Association (ADA) has expressed deep shock and sadness over a deadly attack by unknown gunmen on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.

According to a statement by the ADA National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, heavily armed attackers invaded the village, blocking entrance routes to prevent possible assistance from neighbouring communities.

The assault left eight people dead and nine others seriously injured. Victims were reportedly given mass burial, while the injured are receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Alheri Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Kachia. Several properties, including a bus, were destroyed, causing millions of naira in losses.

The association noted that such attacks have become increasingly frequent in Adara communities since, despite the presence of security in the area. ADA strongly condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.

“ADA leadership calls on the Kaduna State Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.

It added that the Adara community is ready to collaborate with government and security agencies to curb the ongoing attacks.

The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

ADA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all indigenes and residents of Adara land to work with government and stakeholders to build sustainable peace in the region.

The Kaduna state government are yet to visit the affected communities or make any statement on the attack.

Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights