The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the alleged diversion or mismanagement of ₦26.9 billion at the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). The allegations stem from the 2022 Auditor-General’s Report, published in September 2025, which highlights systemic financial failures and breaches of public trust within the agency. SERAP has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to initiate a probe and begin recovery efforts before the organization considers legal action. SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare emphasized that access to the internet is an enabler of fundamental human rights, and the failure…
Author: ITPulse
Airtel Africa plc has reported a landmark financial performance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, characterized by a significant increase in profitability and record-breaking customer acquisitions. The telecommunications giant saw its Profit After Tax soar to $813 million, more than doubling the $328 million recorded in the previous year. This resurgence was driven by robust operational growth and a favorable swing in foreign exchange impacts, turning a previous $179 million loss into a $127 million gain. The company’s customer-first digital strategy led to its highest-ever net additions, increasing the total customer base to 183.5 million. Notably, data has…
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has received a resounding vote of confidence from tech industry leaders and policymakers following its successful 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos recently. The assembly, which drew a diverse group of members, industry giants, and civil society representatives, celebrated NiRA’s operational resilience while sparking a national conversation on the urgent need for policy frameworks to accelerate the adoption of the .ng country code top-level domain (ccTLD). During the proceedings, members praised NiRA’s leadership for maintaining a stable and secure registry despite fluctuating global and local economic conditions. Stakeholders emphasized that the .ng…
Numbers don’t lie! We have seen figures and statistics of regions with high internet usage and adoption and South West Nigeria led the pack! For decades, the Igbo people of South-Eastern Nigeria have been celebrated across Africa as one of the continent’s most commercially gifted ethnic groups. From spare parts markets in Nnewi to large trading hubs in Onitsha and Aba, the region built a reputation for entrepreneurship, resilience, and grassroots capitalism long before startup culture became fashionable. Yet beneath this proud commercial history lies a growing crisis that many within the region are increasingly reluctant to confront: the South-East…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its iHatch startup incubation programme aimed at supporting early-stage Nigerian founders. ONDI announced the opening in a post shared on its official X account on Wednesday, calling on founders at the idea and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to apply for the programme. According to the agency, the programme is designed to help entrepreneurs move from the idea stage to building workable products through mentorship, training, and startup support. “iHatch is built for founders at the idea…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a cybersecurity warning over a new artificial intelligence-powered malware known as “DeepLoad,” saying it is actively targeting Nigerian government agencies, banks, businesses, and individuals. The agency, through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT.NG), released the advisory on Wednesday, warning that the malware could lead to theft of passwords, bank details, sensitive documents, and other personal information stored on infected devices. According to NITDA, DeepLoad spreads through fake website error messages that trick victims into copying and pasting malicious commands into their computers. Once activated, the malware silently installs itself,…
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has entered into strategic partnerships with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), setting a new standard for data governance, ensuring that privacy is woven into the fabric of both federal procurement and state-level administration. The synergy between these agencies is designed to deliver high-impact results across the Nigerian digital economy. Nigeria enhances its reputation in the global digital ecosystem and fosters an environment of trust, confidence, and credibility by integrating robust data protection standards into the procurement sector. The partnership with the BPP addresses the critical need to…
Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G feature a sleek design, powerful camera and upgraded Awesome Intelligence to give users the confidence for everyday use. Samsung Electronics West Africa announced the new Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the latest Galaxy A series devices that bring Samsung’s newest mobile innovations, including enriched Awesome Intelligence to more users worldwide. They made this announcement at a press briefing held in Lagos, Nigeria. The latest Galaxy A series reflects Samsung’s commitment to expanding AI capabilities across more devices and empowering more users to harness the power of intuitive AI that simplifies everyday tasks.…
By Martin Ekpeke For years, the suburban dream in areas like Ikorodu in Lagos or Kubwa in Abuja came with a digital asterisk: spotty connections and the dreaded searching for signal icon. But as of mid-2026, the landscape has shifted into a high-stakes arena. With Starlink firmly entrenched as Nigeria’s second-largest ISP and Amazon Kuiper launching its commercial Ka-band services, global tech giants are descending on Nigeria’s residential hubs. Yet, local players like Spectranet and FibreOne aren’t backing down. Instead, they are doubling down on hyper-local service models to protect their home turf. Starlink’s ascent to the number two spot…
Meta has announced a significant upgrade to its age assurance ecosystem, leveraging sophisticated AI and streamlined verification to create a safer digital environment for young users. By combining proactive detection with parental support, the company aims to ensure that teens are placed in age-appropriate experiences by default. Meta is deploying a multi-layered technological approach to identify and protect underage users more effectively: Contextual AI Analysis: Systems now scan profiles, posts, and captions for “life markers”—such as mentions of school grades or specific birthdays—to flag potential age discrepancies across all Meta apps. Advanced Visual Analysis: New AI interprets general age-related cues…
