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Nigeria’s Digital Economy Sector To Generate N18.3bn By 2026 – Minister

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…as NASS say national digital economy bill will revolutionise Nigeria
 
By Gloria Ikibah 
 
Nigeria’s digital economy sector is estimated to generate about N18.3 billion by 2026, this is as stated by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.
 
The Minister revealed this at a press briefing on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill organised by the Senate Committee on Information, Communication Technology (ICT) and Cybersecurity and House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology.
 
According to him, the bill was long overdue to properly and fully harness the potential of the sector in the country, especially as the sector is the backbone for any economy and a prerequisite for any prosperous nation. 
 
He said, “For those who follow the growth and trajectory of our economy in Nigeria, you should probably know that the ICT sector contributes about 13 to 18 percent of GDP. In Q4 2023 the sector contributed about 16.6 percent of GDP.
 
“The digital economy recorded about N5.49 billion in revenue in 2019. This sector is being projected to generate up to N18.3 billion by 2026.
 
“Nigeria is one of the top two destinations for capital foreign direct investment to technology staff in Africa. Last year we recorded about 2 billion dollars in FDI to tech startups, 
 
“It will create jobs. The sector is extremely special and unique because of its capacity to unlock opportunities and raise productivity in every sector. If the digital economy is strong, it will catalyse development in every other sector.
 
“The bill we are here today is a bill that will accelerate the progress in our digital economy. There is no clear legislation that is pushing competition and ensuring development in that digital space.
 
“Today this bill which we are here to support, our hope is also that it will also be the first bill that would travel across the entire country. We have to ensure we take it to every state. It’s an important bill for all Nigerians and we want to give them the opportunity to give us feedback.
 
“The bill will support the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through the application and use of the digital economy in all facets of life in Nigeria. it will create the enabling environment for fair competition to promote innovation, growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy”, the ministeradded.
 
Chairman of Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, said the Bill is important as it is the first attempt to put an omnibus legislation to cater to online activities.
 
This he said would revolutionise the economy and also unleash the full potential of the ICT sector. 
 
“ICT is not just a sector like other sectors. It is a sector that without it other sectors cannot function. This Bill was introduced in the senate less than a week ago. We are engaging the media first because the media is critical to the success bill.
 
“We don’t want this bill to be misunderstood. We want you to have an understanding of what this Bill seeks to do. This Bill is not about levies, it’s not about commission but creating an environment for the digital economy to thrive and we cannot do that without the partnership of the media”, Senator Salisu said.
 
He therefore called on Nigerians to hold them accountable for the bill.
 
Chairman, House Committee on Digital and ICT, Rep. Stanley Olajide, said it is a crucial legislation thst has the potential to transform the Nigeria’s digital economy and position it for sustainable development.
 
“The bill which has undergone first reading in the National Assembly aims to provide a legal framework for the development and regulation of our digital economy. Furthermore as we gather here today, I want to emphasise our commitment to an inclusive process in the development of this bill.
 
“It is going to be very inclusive. We recognise the importance of collaboration and stakeholders in ensuring legislation that reflects the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
 
“This event marks the beginning of a series of engagements with various stakeholders and the general public.
 
“It is comprehensive legislation that seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the digital economy for digital literacy and skills development, enhanced cyber security and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. It has the potential to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential and improve the lives of Nigerians”, he stated.
 
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, representated by Ag. Director, Emmanuel Edet,  explained that the essence of the bill is to serve as an enabler to ensure that they are able to achieve the goals designed for Nigeria especially under the present government.
 
He said, “It is to enhance the use of the digital economy in the entire country, especially in government as well as in the private sector. As you may understand, the ecosystem is growing and there is a need for us to harness the potential of this ecosystem in order for us to develop our economic desires based on the advantages we have in terms of population, capacity and other facilities that are available. The Bill basically tries to ensure that digital technologies are accommodated in our day to day lives and experiences.”
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JUST IN: Again, APC loses battle to disqualify PDP candidate, Ighodalo in Edo guber poll

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By Ojomah Austin.

 

The APC suit filed at the federal high court in Abuja seeking to oust Ighodalo from the gubernatorial race was dismissed on Friday evening by Justice Peter Lifu.

An eleventh-hour attempt by the All Progressives Congress, APC to get the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo disqualified from the Edo State Governorship election has been dismissed.

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The Judge agreed with Ighodalo’s lawyer, Chief Akinlolu Kehinde that the suit was frivolous, baseless, and unwarranted and was thrown out.

In his judgment in the suit, Justice Lifu rejected the prayer of the APC to use another judgment of the same court that had queried the validity of the primary election that produced Ighodalo to kick him out of the race.

In a suit marked THC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, Justice Inyang Ekwo had on July 4 held that PDP was wrong in excluding 378 delegates from its February 22 primary election that produced Ighodalo.

Although Justice Ekwo did not categorically declare the primary election invalid, the APC cashing in on Ekwo’s finding, filed a fresh suit to disqualify Ighodalo on the strength of the alleged unlawful exclusion.

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However, Justice Lifu upheld the submission of the senior lawyer that the federal high court cannot sit as an appellate court in its own judgment.

The Judge also agreed that APC was a busybody and meddlesome interloper by dabbing into the internal affairs of PDP.

Besides, Justice Lifu also upheld the argument of Kehinde SAN that the high court judgment being used to press for Ighodalo’s disqualification had since been voided and set aside by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The Judge subsequently dismissed the APC’s disqualification request on the ground that it lacked merit and substance.

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The APC had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Asue Ighodalo and PDP as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

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Tight security in Benin as Edo governorship election draws near

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By Ojomah Austin.

 

A large number of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mobilized across the city, causing traffic congestion in several areas.

Security personnel were spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, securing strategic locations, with some awaiting further deployment to other parts of the state.

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This follows the recent deployment of 35,000 police officers to maintain law and order during the elections, With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election.

The NSCDC also deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters has stationed soldiers to ensure a safe environment for voters.

In addition, authorities have implemented a “show of force” with security agents patrolling key areas.

In anticipation of the election, the Edo State Government declared Friday a work-free day to allow voters to travel to their polling units.

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Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin, calling for peace and the election of a credible leader who will govern with integrity.

INEC has also commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas, ensuring readiness for Saturday’s vote.

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New video of Zinoleesky gets tongues wagging

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……“E remain small make breeze blow am away”

By Ojomah Austin.

 

Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky stirs a buzz online due to a recent video of him circulating on social media.

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In the video, Zinoleesky dons a white shirt alongside black trousers as he brags about being worthy to be used as a Valentine’s gift.
Reacting to the video, netizens commented on his skinny appearance.

Famous musician, Oniyide Azeez, better known as Zinoleesky trends online due to a new clip serving the rounds on social media.

In the video, the ‘Element’ hitmaker is spotted wearing a white shirt and a stylish black trouser. While being filmed, Zinoleesky bragged mightily about his looks.

He reiterated that he could be used as a Valentine’s gift to any girl.

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The video generated a buzz online with a large number of netizens commenting on his thin body shape. Some swiftly leveraged it to make fun of the artiste.

One @janicekate_x wrote: “E remain small make breeze blow am away 😂.

soromotoochukwu wrote: “I like how music can take you to another place. For example, this restaurant is playing Zinoleesky so now I’m going to a different restaurant.”

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dave.dexter27 wrote: “Make breeze sha no blow as we wan deliver the valentine gift😂😂😂.”

oluwatamilore_xx wrote: “Bro,drank all the whole slimming tea and nothing is left to slim down.”

isco_west_whil wrote: “Chaii dem don set this Guy up for dragging again😂😂.”

scheargoon wrote: “Try put stone for your pocket guy”

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bouncequotes wrote: “My boy 😂😂😂😂 slim daddy for dem girls.”

just_eniola_olayemisi wrote: “No be your fault zino, u no just get choice that to continue to dey craze 🥺 I feel for u my bro.”

zaza_mula112 wrote: “Zino Dey enjoy, while seyi vibe Dey cry under record label 😂😂.”

jamesmike7837 wrote: “See person be like broom stick😂.”

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sheis_shuga wrote: “Who Dey decive you werey 😢😢see as u slim like who get HIV 😢😔🙄🥺Dooh.”

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