Opinion
Exploring AI to bridge digital divide
By Sonny Aragba-Akpore
As humanity grapples with the race to bridge the digital divide, global inequality remains a threat .
For instance an estimated 2.6 billion people around the world remain offline, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Agency for Digital Technologies.
While overall Internet use is increasing, the benefits of access are unevenly distributed, reinforcing persistent digital divides affecting women and people in countries with lower economic development.
The elderly and people with disabilities are among other groups being left behind.
“Broadband is fundamental to ensure that everyone can benefit from digital technologies when so many people are still offline around the world,” according to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Co-Vice Chair of ITU Broadband Commission.
“AI and other emerging technologies can help efforts to achieve universal meaningful connectivity, and it’s our job to make sure this happens in a way that is responsible for people and the planet.”
ITU Broadband Commission recently reviewed progress on its 2025 Advocacy Targets, comprising seven objectives for action in broadband development and universal connectivity. One target for mobile broadband affordability is close to being achieved. A target for gender equality in access to broadband has been achieved for some countries, although not globally.
The Commission noted that AI and emerging technologies can drive progress on broadband and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
But balancing the promotion of AI benefits while managing the challenges is a key task for policy-makers who are “racing to catch up” to the implications of the technologies according to ITU documents.
A worried ITU boss lamented recently about the divide which she and her team think could be addressed before 2030 under the SDGs.
“With one-third of humanity still offline and women and other vulnerable groups on the wrong side of the globe’s digital divides,regulators should raise standards if this one third offline population could be accommodated in the dividends of digital services.”
She spoke at the 2024 Global Regulators Symposium (GSR-2) whose focus was on “Best Practice Guidelines that highlight the innovation, trust, and inclusivity that we need in the policy and regulatory environment,”
She told the regulators that “With change being the only certainty facing regulators and policymakers, we must work together to pursue regulatory approaches to leverage transformative technologies such as AI, promote the space economy, encourage innovation, and support climate action and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
The regulators who met in Kampala,Uganda endorsed a set of guidelines to maximize the benefits of transformative information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24) which closed July 4 .
GSR 24 highlighted Africa’s National Broadband Mapping Systems project, supported by the European Commission, to help establish broadband mapping systems to foster investment and digital transformation in Africa. With a budget of EUR 15 million over four years, the project will initially benefit 11 countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The “GSR-24 Best Practice Guidelines” agreed by ICT regulators include a series of considerations for balancing innovation with regulation to create a positive impact on societies and economies from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Prior to the opening of GSR-24, the Regional Regulatory Associations (RA) and Digital Regulation Network (DRN) meeting shared experiences and knowledge as well as areas for collaboration. The meeting also featured the achievements of the successful first year of the DRN, focusing on capacity building, thought leadership, and regulatory experimentation and innovation.
Key activities presented include knowledge sharing through the ITU Academy, the broadband mapping project, capacity building activities, contributions to ITU-D Study Groups, RA participation in interactive workshops and engaging on twinning experiences to learn from other Regional Regulatory Associations.
Also ahead of GSR-24, the Industry Advisory Group on Development Issues and Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (IAGDI-CRO) convened industry and private sector thought leaders to share experiences and proposals with regulators to address the complex regulatory and business landscape of digital ecosystems.
Apart from digital infrastructure development, implementation of regulatory ”sandboxes,” strategies to enable high-speed connectivity, participants discussed regulation of the future, including new domains such as AI, and technologies for the future.
A session of Network of Women (NoW) in ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector at GSR-24 explored mechanisms for greater participation of women in ICT-related fields and addressed the leadership gender gap in the ICT sector.
Ms. Jessica Alupo, Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, opened GSR-24 on July 1, on behalf of Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.
Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Agency for Digital Technologies – the symposium brought together over 600 participants including Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, industry executives and academics to discuss pressing regulatory issues.
“We are excited that the GSR provides a platform where all thought leaders, regulators, industry players and other key ICT stakeholders converge to dialogue and set the policy and regulatory agenda that will guide the global digital industry over the near future,” according to Uganda’s Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.
“Best practice now calls for a coordinated and collaborative approach that is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders – if we are to achieve the impact that we all desire. We commit to align our national policies and regulatory frameworks around the well-thought-out Best Practice Guidelines that will encourage investment, innovation, and growth in the ICT sector.”
Regulators at GSR-24 noted that equal, global access to existing digital services would help countries leverage transformative technologies.
AI, for example, could help network operators conduct better planning and prevent fraud, but it also raises challenges associated with privacy, bias, job displacement, and the reliability of information.
“At GSR-24, we discussed core policy and regulatory issues to maximise the potential of digital technologies to improve lives. We addressed key topics, including new developments in the field of generative AI and robotics, building an inclusive, safe, and sustainable space economy, and required interventions in addressing climate change challenges,” according to Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau adding “We brought the global community of regulators together to strengthen our collective capacity to navigate the fast-changing technology landscape and drive sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. We heard from young innovators and entrepreneurs and adopted action-oriented Best Practice Guidelines to help us chart the course of transformative technologies for positive impact.”
“As we navigate the transformative landscape of digital technologies, the importance of impactful regulation cannot be overstated,” according to the Chairman of GSR-24 and Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), George William Nyombi Thembo. “Our shared learnings and collaborative efforts are crucial in shaping a regulatory environment that not only fosters innovation but also ensures that the benefits of technological advancements are widely shared. By recognizing the interdependencies with other sectors, we can create a cohesive framework that supports sustainable development, economic growth, and inclusivity. Together, we have the power to turn technology into a force for positive change, illuminating pathways to a brighter, more connected future.”
A session of Network of Women (NoW) in ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector at GSR-24 explored mechanisms for greater participation of women in ICT-related fields and address the leadership gender gap in the ICT sector.
Opinion
MOHAMMED MAIGARI DINGYADI: A QUINTESSENTIAL PATRIOT JOINS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RENEWED HOPE CABINET
BY. DELE AILEMEN
Having been involved for most of my life in working class and progressive activism, and journalism nationally and globally, I must admit my hopefulness at the inspirational nomination of Hon. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi for the Labour and Employment portfolio. These are simultaneously defining and trying times for President Bola Tinubu administration. Undeniably, the helms of the labour and employment is an existential artery for oxygenerating our national socio-economic health. The choice of President Tinubu for the phenomenal task of the ministry is vitally consequential.
After months of speculations and serial rumour, President Tinubu announced changes and rejuvenation in the federal executive council. In swift action, he named seven ministerial nominees supplanting five others. As expected, the ministerial-shake up has elicited energetic comments in the media and other platforms.
While some have vilified and minimized the efforts of Tinubu saying that the changes were not far reaching, others believe that the administration deserves commendation for the courage to effect potentially profound reforms.
Amid the cacophony of talks about the cabinet changes, there are indisputable silver linings of positivity; for the first time, since the birth of the fourth republic in 1999, Tinubu attached portfolios to the list of ministerial nominees for the Senate screening. With this audacious decision, the President has responded to the yearning of Nigerians who have clamoured for such feature in the nomination process in a way that enables the Senate to engage in direct interrogation and thoughtful scrutiny of every nominee.
To every discerning, and informed mind interested in national growth and development, the labour and employment portfolio is very paramount. In developed climes, necessary, and imperative details are devoted to who manages this strategic ministry in every administration. From empirical studies, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia conscious of the importance of labour and employment to growth and development ensure that whoever heads the sector must possess criterion fitting for necessary collaboration, and realistic synergies between the government, organised labour, and private sector.
For every Nigerian that has followed the distinguished public service career of Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, his choice as a ministerial-nominee by Tinubu is well-deserved. Also, his expected deployment to labour and employment is akin to putting a round peg in round hole. Indeed, it is apposite to commend Tinubu for the nomination which depicts his commitment, and determination towards having all-round, all-inclusive, robust, and results-yielding labour-government relations as necessary impetus for national development.
In his over four decades post-graduation career as a dedicated civil servant; consummate administrator; resourceful security expert; responsive lawmaker; altruistic politician; and serial philanthropist, Dingyadi has carved enviable niches for himself. Deploying boundless energies, bountiful courage, consistent candour, and ceaseless competencies in the discharge of every duty, assignment and responsibility, Dingyadi has recorded unblemished records of excellence, and achievements in his numerous services to the country, state, community, and humanity.
That Tinubu has found him worthy to oversee the labour and employment portfolio speaks volumes about his high-rating, and affirmation of his achievements as the police affairs minister, between August 2019 and May 2023 in the Buhari administration. That he is the sole nominee; from the last government to deserve a positive look-in confirms, in many ways the acknowledgement of his performances in the last administration, and recognition of his consistency, character, capabilities, and competencies.
From available records, Dingyadi is arguably, the best police affairs minister since 1999. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Police Force, and other agencies such as the Police Academy, Wudil; Police Training Colleges; and Nigerian Police Trust Fund witnessed improved operations, and service deliveries. Numerous initiatives were emplaced towards capacity building, ethical standardization, and operational sustainability of agencies under the ministry.
Under his supervision, the police affairs ministry posted many laudable achievements including:- presidential assent to the elevation of the Police Academy, Wudil to a full-fledged degree awarding institution; presidential assent to the establishment of the federal government Public-Private Security Fund; review, and upgrade of training curriculum for police institutions to align with contemporary policing realities; full implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) at all agencies; establishment of the Interpol Cybercrime Reportorial Platform; commissioned the NPF Crime and Incident Database Centre; establishment of the NPF Cybercrime Control Centre; deployment of ICT-based apparatus at strategic commands and units in fighting crime; improved operational apparatus of the Interpol Cybercrime Unit; and launch of “NPF Rescue Me” application.
Dingyadi also ensured that officers, personnel, and staff of the ministry, and agencies benefited from various operational, empowerment, and welfare initiatives towards encouraging commitment, and service deliveries at all levels. These included:- construction, renovation and rehabilitation of police stations and barracks at FCT, Lagos, Gombe, Kebbi, Abia, Plateau, Edo, Ogun, Borno, Sokoto, Niger, Bayelsa, and other states; construction and rehabilitation of hospitals and health centres; provision of operational vehicles, arms and ammunition, and others; provision of intelligence equipment at Abuja Force Headquarters, and Headquarters Annex in Lagos; provision of medical equipment, kits, and other consumables; recruitment of about 100,000 constables through open, transparent, and credible processes; recruitment of young WASC holders into the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil for Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) training; and many others.
Given his broad-based experiences, and multi-disciplinary competencies which has attracted national and global recognition over the years, Dingyadi is best-suited to be the labour and employment minister. As a top civil servant in Sokoto state where he rose to the position of Secretary to State Government; having functioned as Permanent Secretary in the Career, Special Services, and other strategic ministries, he had excellent working relationship with civil servants such that at no time did workers embarked on any strike action. As a federal lawmaker, he played useful roles in every legislative intervention with the organised labour. At the ministry of police affairs, labour unions, and workers had productive synergies with him. One is confident that leveraging on his manifested love for humanity, and the general well-being of people, Dingyadi would help advance smooth, better, and fruitful government-labour relations towards immense benefits to the Nigerian worker, and the nation.
* DELE AILEMEN, Co-Convener, 2002 Los Angeles (California)People’s Convention; and Chairman, defunct Bendel State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists writes from Benin.
Opinion
IN DEFENCE OF THE DEFENSELESS JUDGES WHO ARE DOING THEIR JOB ACCORDING TO THE DICTATES OF THEIR CONSCIENCE
By Achi. William-Wobodo
Being a judge, is a tough personal call to make. It is a highly demanding and ethical job to do, which makes a judge vulnerable and prone to bullying. A judge is trained to rise up in defence of the defenseless, yet he cannot defend himself. The rot in our society has made the job even more hazardous.
For every judgement that does not go in the way of public opinion and expectation, the judge is blamed and accused of corruption. This is unpatriotic. Judges are not employed to pander to public opinion. I am not in anyway suggesting that there are no corrupt judges in the system, but I honestly believe that the incorrupt ones are much more than the corrupt ones.
As we know it, Nigeria operates an adversarial legal system, which means that the parties are responsible for providing evidence upon which the court predicates its judgement. This is different from the inquisitorial system where the Court gets involved in the investigation of the facts of a case. Our legal system forbids a judge from applying extraneous facts in the determination of a case, except those brought before it by the parties in accordance with the law of evidence. In others words, even if a judge witnesses an event, he cannot apply his eye-witness account/evidence in his determination of the case. At best, he may recuse himself from such a case.
In the last few months, on account of THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN RIVERS STATE, Judges of the Federal High Court, especially, have come under serious public attacks and aspirations from some misinformed members of the public and MISCHIEVOUS LAWYERS, some of whom are either ignorant of courtroom practices and procedures or are indulging in clout chasing ventures. It is even more reprehensible and shameful when lawyers, who ought to have known better, are the ones indulging in such unethical and unprofessional conducts. These lawyers know that JUDGES HAVE NO RIGHT OF PUBLIC REPLY, yet they chose to castigate and cast aspersions on them; Most times, based on unsubstantiated allegations.
It is AN ACT OF COWARDICE TO CONTINUOUSLY ATTACK A DEFENSELESS PERSON.
LET ME EVEN CONSIDER TWO SCENARIOS FROM RIVERS STATE AS EXAMPLES.
In the wake of the crisis now rocking the Rivers State Government, between the Executive arm (the Governor) and Legislature arm; over the “alleged division” in the Rivers House of Assembly (RSHA) at the time. The Speaker of the RSHA (Rt. Hon. Martins Amaehwule) and the RSHA itself approached the Federal High Court for the determination of several questions, including: whether or not the “ALLEGED CRISIS/DIVISION IN RSHA” had crystallized to the point that the National Assembly (NASS) can takeover the functions of the RSHA pursuant to SECTION 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, whether there was division in the RSHA, who was the authentic Speaker of the RSHA, etc.
Based upon which Rt.Hon. Amaehwule and the RSHA asked for declarations that Rt.Amehwule is the authentic Speaker of RSHA, that the crisis in RSHA did not warrant the NASS to takeover the functions of the RSHA, that the RSHA is entitled and empowered to make Appropriation Laws for Rivers State, including 2024 Appropriation Law, etc. Most of the Defendants in the case put up nominal appearance and defence in the matter, EXCEPT FOR the Governor of Rivers State and Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie (factional speaker at the time) who put up contest in the case.
Before or on the day fixed for the hearing of the case, Mr. Governor through his Counsel withdrew his Counter Affidavit/Defence (for reasons best known to the Governor and of course he is entitled to) and his Defence to the case was accordingly struck out. In same vein, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie not only withdrew his own Counter Affidavit/Defence to the case, he presented a letter indicating his resignation as a Member of the RSHA. In other words, he also affirmed to the Court that he has lost his right, if any, to the claim of Speakership of the RSHA.
Invariably, there was NO CONTENDING DEFENCE to the case of Rt. Hon. Amaehwule and the RSHA. Justice Omotosho reviewed the evidence before him, which were DEEMED UNCHALLENGED and then reached conclusions and entered judgement for Rt.Hon. Amaehwule and RSHA to the effect that THERE WAS (IS) NO DIVISION in the RSHA, that Rt.Hon Amaehwule is the AUTHENTIC SPEAKER of the RSHA, that the RSHA led by Rt.Hon. Amaehwule is the rightful RSHA to make Appropriation Laws for Rivers State, that the Governor should present the 2024 Appropriation Bill before the appropriate RSHA.
It is important to mention that one of the issues raised by the Governor in his withdrawn Defence/Preliminary Objection was the fact that no Pre-Action Notice was served on the NASS before the action was commenced. Yes, the issue was jurisdictional in nature, but it a PROCEDURAL JURISDICTION ISSUE, not a substantive jurisdiction issue. The law is settled that a procedural jurisdiction question touching on non-service of pre-action notice can only be raised by the person directly affected, in that case NASS. The reason is because, the party concerned has an option to waive the right and proceed to defend the case against him without objection. The NASS took part in defense of the case.
In any case, the Governor withdrew his objection.
I have asked all those who fault the decision of Hon. Justice Omotosho in the media to point a finger to a fault, either in procedure or decision, in the judgement and I am yet to see o finger. Assuming anyone still had doubts about that judgement, the Court of Appeal had cleared the doubt.
The Governor who submitted to judgement by withdrawing his defence refused to obey the same judgement.
Not surprisingly, the Governor who in law is DEEMED TO HAVE CONSENTED TO THE CASE of Rt. Hon Martins Amaehwule before the Federal High Court, went to the Court of Appeal to challenge a JUDGEMENT OF FHC DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ENTERED BY “HIS CONSENT”, WITHOUT THE LEAVE OF COURT to so do, contrary to SECTION 241(2)(c) of the 1999 CONSTITUTION and decided cases: See: ABDULKARIM VS. INCAR (NIG) LTD, (1992) LPELR-26(SC) (Pg.23-24, para D-A). The Governor also challenged the procedural jurisdiction of the Federal High Court predicated on non-service of pre-action notice on the NASS, a personal right of the NASS which was waived by the NASS by participating in the case without objection.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit, and the Court is blamed; it is corrupt.
ANOTHER CASE: All People’s Party (APP) filed an action before the Federal High Court seeking a declaration that Rt. Hon. Amaehwule and 26 others have lost their seat. The APP commenced the action through an ORIGINATING SUMMONS, which is a procedure used for determination of non-contentious and non-hostile facts. Perhaps, the APP and its lawyers had expected an easy sail from Rt.Hon. Amaehwule and members of the RSHA. They are used to defection cases where the Defendants would say, “yes we defected because our party has dispute or division”: and then the court is called upon to interpret the admitted facts vis-a-vis the law.
They had expected Rt. Hon. Amaehwule and co to say we defected. Unfortunately, they met an unanticipated shocker, a brick wall; Rt.Hon. Amaehwule and co stated that they did not defect. A case which APP and it’s lawyers had thought would be heard based on non-contentious facts, had automatically become contentious and hostile by that singular denial.
The APP and it’s lawyers had three (3) options open to them by that material denial: (1) withdraw the case and file a fresh suit via Writ of Summons, (2) apply to the Court to order the parties to file pleadings, which would allow them to call oral evidence to prove the allegation of defection or (3) continue the case in its form with ruptured foundation and foreseeable pitfalls. They opted for number (3) and proceeded with their Originating Summons, then filed FURTHER AFFIDAVIT to which they ATTACHED A FLASH DRIVE that “allegedly” contained video clip of a certain defection.
The questions and challenges then arose: how and where does the court watch or see the content of the flash drive? ls it while in his chambers writing the judgement? If there is anything that needs clarification from the flash, who does he turn to in his chambers? Would he call the APP or its lawyers for explanation?
On realizing the procedural error, the APP still had an option of applying to that Court to convert the case by filing pleadings and to call oral evidence in order to resolve the allegation of defection, they did not. Rather, they pushed on with yet another and graver procedural error. The APP decided to play the video in the flash drive in open court, WITHOUT ANY WITNESS TO DEMONSTRATE THE VIDEO, TO IDENTIFY THOSE IN THE VIDEO OR WHERE THE “MOVIE” WAS SHOT, OR TO IDENTIFY THE MAKER OF THE MOVIE (VIDEO) (the CONTENT CREATOR). They pushed the procedural comedy and errors to a finish and left.
The the Judge was expected to perform a miracle, regularize the errors and grant them judgement.
Anyways, based on settled position of the law as decided by the apex Court, the Federal High Court Judge had no difficulties trashing and discarding the flash and its content as a piece of document dumped on the court. With that trashy piece of evidence made worthless by the inadvertence of counsel off the way, the Court was left with reviewing any other means of proof of membership of the said RSHA members, which should include, either APC membership register, PDP membership register, letter of resignation, etc. Unfortunately, these evidence were not before the Federal High Court. The Court therefore had no difficulty in reaching a finding that the APP did not prove defection.
As we now know, a judge, based on our adversarial legal system, cannot apply his residual knowledge of or any extraneous facts, not duly presented before him in accordance with the Law of Evidence, in the determination of any case before him. So, it remains immaterial if the judge’s wife was a camera person who made the “alleged” video or that the judge himself was in the chambers of RSHA on such a day or that he read or saw on news media any of the facts in contention. The law is that such facts MUST NOT ONLY BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT, BUT ALSO IN LINE WITH THE EVIDENCE ACT, otherwise the judge cannot rely on them.
Sadly, we do not see the public blame lawyers, who either by inadvertence, overconfidence, indiscretion, desire for speedy trial, etc, destroy a hitherto actionable and legitimate cause of action and eventually their clients’ case. All we see are aspersions on Judges.
If non-lawyers feign ignorance of the workings of the Court, it may be justified and pardonable; but should same go for lawyers, who should haven better. Every lawyer knows when he has made a mistake in the prosecution of case, he is human who is prone to errors. If he is not courageous enough to own his mistakes, he should at least be honourable enough to keep quiet and not pass his blame by alleging corruption against the Judge.
It is a moral issue for both the lawyers and the litigants who cast aspersions on the courts. For instance, In 2023, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division and the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed the Governor of Rivers State as the duly elected governor of Rivers States, the Governor organized thanksgivings, where he eulogized the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Justices as men of honour and integrity. Those who lost took it in good faith and obeyed the orders of Courts.
At that time, no one heard the Governor make any insinuations of corruption against these courts. Few months afterwards, the Governor was ordered to present Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the RSHA recognized by the same Court that had recognized the Governor few months earlier, and what we now hear from SAME Governor who eulogized SAME Courts are insinuations of corruption against the courts. It seems hypocritical to me.
Litigants and lawyers must stop this act of casting aspersions on judges simply because the judges are not allowed by the ethics of their job to react. Should any one have proof of corruption against a judge, let him seek redress lawfully rather the public opprobrium. And for lawyers, whom I believe to be legal scholars in the college of continuing legal education, if anyone strongly feels that a decision of a court is wrong in law, and he cannot resort to appeal because he is not counsel in the matter, then such a lawyer can do a legal essay to query/critic decision based on acceptable legal review mechanisms, not by deploying blackmail and defamation.
Judges are human, they also have feelings and emotions which are bruised by these aspersions.
Please, SAY NO TO SOCIAL MEDIA BLACKMAIL, BULLYING, IRRITATION, ASPERSIONS on judges doing their legitimate jobs according to the dictates of their conscience. If they err or are corrupt, seek legitimate redress.
Achi. William-Wobodo
Lawyer writing from Port Harcourt
Opinion
CBN: THE DIASPORA EXPLORATION
By Dr Ibrahim Modibbo
In the race towards globalisation and multiculturalism in modern economies, consensus is built around strategic thinking for the common good of the people. Conscious of the enormity of myriad of problems confronting the Nigerian economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria is strategising with focus on exploring the threshold of the problems with a defined trajectory of revamping the economy.
In a world increasingly driven by the movement of people, the financial contributions of Diasporas are becoming indispensable to many nations’ economic development.
For Nigeria, a country with one of the largest diaspora populations globally, remittances should be considered as a critical lifeline, not only for millions of households but for the national economy.
Recognising this potential, the CBN under the leadership of Governor Olayemi Cardoso has embarked on a strategic campaign to strengthen the ties between the Nigerian diaspora and the country’s financial system, with the objective of turning remittances into a powerful engine for sustainable economic growth.
At the heart of this initiative is the CBN’s recent engagement in Houston, Texas, United States of America, where the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, led a team of stakeholders in a forum titled: “Optimizing Remittances to Nigeria: A Vision for the Future.”
The forum, which featured representatives from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, major Nigerian banks, and International Money Transfer Operators, was part of a larger series of engagements to improve remittance flows and maximise their impact on Nigeria’s economic development.
Remittances are a crucial component of Nigeria’s economy, with the World Bank reporting average inflows of $20.5 billion annually over the past decade. However, much of this money is directed towards consumption, with only a fraction being utilised for investments that could foster long-term development.
This is where the CBN’s current efforts are groundbreaking. Governor Cardoso’s administration is focused on transforming remittances from mere tools of consumption into catalysts for growth, highlighting the importance of strategic investments in sectors like real estate, technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
In addressing the Houston forum, Abdullahi highlighted the importance of engaging the Nigerian diaspora in this vision, stressing the need to channel remittances into productive sectors that can spur inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and foster financial inclusion.
“We are committed to doubling the volume of capital inflows and remittances to Nigeria,” Abdullahi said, reiterating Governor Cardoso’s focus on strengthening Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals to create an enabling environment for private sector growth.
The point cannot be overemphasised that the Governor Yemi Cardoso-led CBN has taken a bold and laudable step. With over 20 million Nigerians living abroad, most of whom are professionals doing exceptionally well, the potential for remittance inflows is enormous.
If well-harnessed through targeted policies, roadshows, and greater financial literacy, the Nigerian diaspora can become a significant driver of the country’s economic resurgence.
Nigeria is not the first country to recognise the potential of diaspora remittances as a key driver of economic development.
Countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines have successfully tapped into their diaspora populations, transforming remittances into long-term investments that have fuelled economic growth.
India, for example, has one of the largest diaspora populations in the world, and remittances have played a pivotal role in its economic development. In 2022 alone, India received over $89 billion in remittances, accounting for approximately 3% of its GDP.
The Indian government created various investment-friendly policies and programs that encouraged its diaspora to invest in infrastructure, real estate, and business ventures. These initiatives transformed remittances from a safety net into a source of capital that has helped modernise India’s economy, improve infrastructure, and boost employment.
Similarly, Mexico’s remittance inflows – largely from the United States – have been instrumental in reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare in rural areas. By fostering financial inclusion and providing investment opportunities, the Mexican government ensured that remittances were not just a stop-gap measure for consumption but also a foundation for long-term national development.
Nigeria can – and should – follow this examples. The bold step by Governor Cardoso and his team in initiating direct dialogue with the diaspora is a critical first move in this direction. With the right policies, including lower transfer costs, improved access to financial services, and incentives for investment, Nigeria could not only increase remittance inflows but also ensure they contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
One of the more immediate effects of harnessing remittances effectively is the potential impact on the value of the Naira. As more foreign currency flows into the country, the supply of foreign exchange increases, helping to stabilise the local currency. With Nigeria’s current struggles with exchange rate volatility, boosting remittance inflows could play a significant role in strengthening the Naira.
Governor Cardoso’s strategic vision is timely. If, without targeted efforts, Nigeria has been receiving $20.5 billion annually, there is no reason to believe that with proper engagement, these figures cannot double or even triple in the next few years. As the CBN continues its outreach to Nigerians abroad, more opportunities will open up for the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s development in meaningful ways.
This is a point some of us have been advocating for years: with the unprecedented number of Nigerians in the diaspora, if a proper roadshow and guidelines are put in place to encourage more remittances, it will not only boost development in the country but also strengthen the value of the Naira. Governor Cardoso’s initiative marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing discussion and deserves applause for taking such a bold and innovative step.
One of the key takeaways from the Houston forum is that collaboration is crucial. No single institution can unlock the full value of remittances alone. As noted by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director of UBA, the combined efforts of banks, regulators, fintechs, and international transfer operators are essential to creating an ecosystem where remittances can thrive. This is especially important as remittances transition from being a safety net for individual households to a tool for national development.
The collaboration among the stakeholders is key as seen at the Houston event, ensuring that remittances are not only easier to send but also more cost-effective. By doing so, remittances can serve as a powerful instrument for financial inclusion, giving more Nigerians abroad access to banking services, savings products, and investment opportunities.
With the current initiative, the CBN is positioning Nigeria to unlock the full potential of its diaspora population. The $20.5 billion in annual remittances is just the beginning. This figure could easily skyrocket in the coming years, providing the necessary funds for infrastructure development, job creation, and overall economic growth.
The bold steps taken by Governor Olayemi Cardoso and his team at CBN will soon mark a turning point in Nigeria’s economic journey.
With the vision of transforming remittances from a tool of consumption to an instrument of development, the CBN is not only empowering the diaspora but also driving the nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future. This is an initiative that deserves both recognition and support.
Ibrahim Modibbo Ph.D, writes from Abuja, Nigeria
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