Author: ITPulse

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the digital capabilities of its workforce by launching a comprehensive digital literacy training program for federal civil servants. This initiative, a joint venture between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, aims to equip government employees with the essential skills to navigate the digital world effectively. “Digital transformation is fundamentally about people,” emphasized Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, at the launch of a three-day workshop in Abuja. “Technology alone cannot drive meaningful change without the active participation…

By Martin Ekpeke The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong warning to nine banks, authorizing telecommunications companies to withdraw USSD services due to outstanding debts. In a public notice dated 15th Day of January 2025 and signed by Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs, the NCC stated that it will allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to disconnect USSD Codes from January 27, 2025, if the affected financial institutions fail to settle outstanding invoices owed to the telcos. This action follows a directive issued in the Second Joint Circular of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC…

By Martin Ekpeke The United States and Nigeria have signed a $2,095,000 grant to assess the feasibility of deploying at least 90,000 kilometers of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria. This significant step, announced during the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Technology Dialogue, aims to bolster Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts. Led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, the Technology Dialogue brought together high-level officials from both nations, including Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani. The event followed several high-level engagements between the two countries, including the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission and a series of events focused on…

By Martin Ekpeke The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen consumer protection within the telecommunications industry. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both institutions to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian consumers. “Today marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between two crucial regulatory bodies, both dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Nigerians through fair competition and robust consumer protection frameworks,” stated Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, during the signing ceremony in Abuja. In the face of rapid technological advancements, collaboration…

The need for resilience in an evolving financial landscape has never been more important. Economic pressures and digitalisation are reshaping the financial services industry. Technological advancements, such as those resulting from the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), are providing enterprises with more effective tools to discover insights from ever-expanding and complex data. However, the solutions do not lie solely in technology. Financial services providers must leverage strategic thinking, embrace collaboration, and be committed to responsible innovation. Consider the issue of financial inclusion. An estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide are still unbanked, leaving them vulnerable to economic…

Amarachi Nnochiri stands at the intersection of innovation and strategic vision, redefining the ecosystem of product-led growth with a systematic pattern that goes beyond the fleeting trends of contemporary product management. Her journey, deeply infused in the evolution of AI-driven strategies, is not one defined by adherence to industry principles but by an unrelenting pursuit of customer retention methodologies that redefine how businesses engage, sustain, and expand their user base. In a scenario where customer churn remains the silent predator creeping in the shadows of business growth, Amarachi remains adamant to play defense. Instead, she engineers offensive strategies powered by…

By Martin Ekpeke The Federal Government has launched the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk with the ambitious goal of attracting $5 billion in annual funding for Nigerian startups, a post by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani on LinkedIn has shown. The initiative, which is a joint effort between the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment aimed to significantly boost the contribution of the ICT sector to Nigeria’s economy, currently estimated at 14-18%, to 21% within the next three years. The Trade Desk will play…

MTN Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Nigerian organization, the first company in the telecommunications industry, and the first within the MTN Group to receive the prestigious Compliance Management System (CMS) certification from the International Accreditation Service (IAS). This globally recognized certification underscores MTN Nigeria’s dedication to upholding the highest compliance standards across its operations, encompassing telecommunications, digital services, mobile voice and data, innovative digital platforms, and more. “This achievement reflects our robust compliance framework and proactive approach to managing risks in the dynamic digital landscape. It reinforces our commitment to providing Nigerians with secure, reliable,…

New global research conducted by Ipsos on Google has revealed a high degree of optimism and excitement about Artificial Intelligence (AI) among the Nigerian online population.  Also, four key takeaways from the research titled “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” include: High Generative AI Adoption: 70% of survey participants in Nigeria reported having used generative AI in the past year. This figure surpasses the global average. Positive Sentiment Towards AI: 87% of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh its risks. Optimism for Economic Impact: 81% of the surveyed Nigerian online adults believe that AI will positively…

By Martin Ekpeke Application-to-person (A2P) messaging has become an indispensable part of the modern telecommunications landscape, as it allows businesses to communicate directly with consumers via text messages. It can also facilitate a wide range of interactions from crucial bank alerts and healthcare reminders to marketing campaigns and government updates. In a welcome address at a Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum on the Draft A2P Licensing Framework recently, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted that A2P messaging has become a vital technology in driving efficiency, enhancing communication, and supporting socioeconomic development. “A2P has become the…