Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled alphanumeric digital postcode system aimed at modernising the country’s national addressing framework.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in a post shared on X.

According to Tijani, the approval was granted under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to achieve targets outlined in the ministry’s strategic blueprint for strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.

The minister explained that the new system would be developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), working closely with the agency’s Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, and her team.

He said the country would introduce a modern, geospatially intelligent addressing system designed to improve location accuracy nationwide and enable faster, more reliable mail and parcel processing.

“Beyond strengthening postal operations, the Digital Postcode System will also serve as an important national enabler supporting better national planning, improved emergency response, more efficient logistics and e-commerce, and the delivery of government services,” Tijani stated.

He added that foundational infrastructure such as a digital addressing framework is critical as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, helping to connect citizens, businesses, and public services more efficiently across the country.

Tijani described the council’s approval as another step toward building an enabling environment for a modern, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

Nigeria currently operates a standard numeric postal code system, such as “100001 – Lagos Island,” where regions, districts, and delivery areas are identified by six-digit codes mainly used for sorting and routing mail. The system, managed by NIPOST, has existed for decades to support basic mail delivery nationwide.

However, the traditional system has faced several limitations. Many locations across the country still lack clearly defined street names or house numbers, and a significant number of addresses cannot be reliably located on digital maps. These gaps have made efficient mail delivery and logistics more challenging, particularly in informal settlements and rapidly expanding urban areas.

The new GIS-enabled alphanumeric postcode system is expected to address these issues by assigning each property a precise digital location. Experts say this will improve the efficiency of mail delivery and logistics while also supporting digital services such as e-commerce platforms and ride-hailing applications that depend on accurate geospatial data.

As Nigeria’s digital economy grows rapidly, the need for reliable location-based data has become increasingly important for businesses and public services.

In recent years, NIPOST has also intensified efforts to transform into a more digital and revenue-driven institution. The agency began plans last year to expand financial services nationwide by leveraging renewed International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) and Super Agent licences that had remained inactive for nearly eight years, enabling cross-border remittances and strengthening financial inclusion.

To modernise its operations, NIPOST also partnered with technology firms to introduce a digital payment solution for inbound parcels. The platform integrates customs payments, real-time tracking, and door-to-door delivery, addressing long-standing customer complaints over hidden fees and inefficient processes while improving trust in cross-border e-commerce services.

The agency has further updated its international parcel services, requiring a prepaid customs duty of $80 or its naira equivalent for shipments destined for the United States.

The post FEC Approves Alphanumeric Digital Postcode System for Nigeria appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The Federal Government plans to bankroll the construction of 3,700 telecom towers in rural areas, a move aimed at connecting millions of citizens who currently lack reliable mobile and internet services.

Telecom operators often avoid sparsely populated rural areas due to low profit potential, focusing instead on urban centres where investment can be recouped. The government’s intervention will extend mobile and internet services to over 23 million Nigerians who presently lack access.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the initiative has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.

“At the recent Federal Executive Council meeting, the President approved investment in close to 4,000 towers in rural areas. About 20 million Nigerians, mostly in the north, north-central, and northwest, are currently unconnected,” Tijani told Channels TV.

In the video clip seen on Monday, he explained the social and developmental rationale for the project. “Commercial companies may avoid these areas because there are few people and limited profit opportunities. The government is investing in these towers to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind,” he said.

The tower deployment is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. This includes the 90,000-kilometre Project Bridge fibre-optic backbone, which will connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government area, and the expansion of NIGCOMSAT, with the replacement of its existing satellite and the launch of two new satellites to improve coverage and resilience.

Officials say the towers will enable rural populations to access mobile services, the internet, and e-government platforms for the first time, bridging a critical gap in Nigeria’s digital economy. The project is expected to support development, education, financial inclusion, and economic growth in previously underserved communities.

Minister Tijani emphasised the government’s commitment to nationwide connectivity. “This is not just about profit or commercial interest; it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access reliable communication services and participate fully in the digital economy,” he said.

The Federal Government’s investment in rural telecom towers, the national fibre-optic backbone, and satellite infrastructure reflects a broader effort to address gaps in digital connectivity that currently limit economic opportunity, restrict access to services, and pose development and security risks.

Earlier this year, in February, the Nigerian Communications Commission launched the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, a policy initiative aimed at expanding internet access nationwide. NBAN seeks to connect key sectors such as schools, healthcare facilities, religious centres, and markets, creating a sustainable model for broadband adoption.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s strategic blueprint. Its targets include increasing broadband penetration from 44 per cent in December 2024 to 70 per cent by 2025, delivering minimum data speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas, and boosting broadband investment by 300–500 per cent by 2027. NBAN is rolling out a pilot programme in eight states: Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa.

Tijani emphasised that the government’s interventions aim to address both social and economic inequalities. “Digital infrastructure is not just about commercial profit; it is a national priority. Ensuring that every Nigerian can access reliable communication services is central to development, inclusion, and long-term economic growth,” he said.

The combined effect of the 3,700-tower rollout, Project Bridge, NIGCOMSAT enhancements, and NBAN is expected to deepen connectivity, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and create opportunities for education, business, and e-governance across previously underserved areas.

The post FG to Expand Telecom Infrastructure with 3,700 Towers appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Oluwole Alao

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital governance transformation, emphasising research, collaboration, and digital literacy as key drivers of inclusive national development.

This is in alignment with the presidential redefined priority areas of Reforming the Economy for Sustained Inclusive Growth, Enhancing Infrastructure as an Enabler of Growth, Improving Governance for Effective Service Delivery and Accelerating Economic Diversification through Digitalisation, Industrialisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation.

The DG made this known at the 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2025, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion”, held at the Shehu Musa Yara’dua Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.

ICEGOV was conceived in 2007 as an annual gathering to bring together academia, governments, international organisations, civil society, and industry to share the latest insights and experiences in the theory and practice of Electronic Governance.

It brings together diverse teams from multiple disciplines and cultures to tackle complex issues and emerging global challenges, with a focus on sustainable development, social inclusion, and active citizenship.

While describing the event as a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward digital leadership, Inuwa said, “Tonight marks a remarkable milestone in our journey to making Nigeria a leader in digital governance. Our participation in previous ICEGOV events inspired us to take on the challenge of hosting the 2025 edition, the first ever in West Africa.”

Inuwa recalled that Nigeria’s increased involvement in ICEGOV was driven by the vision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who insisted that Nigeria must not only attend but also contribute through research and capacity building.

“Honourable Minister said he wants us to host workshops at the ICEGOV 2024 because he believes in research, and that if we really want to build a robust and sustainable economy, especially in the digital era, we need to invest heavily in deep research, especially in deep tech,” he stated.

According to him, hosting ICEGOV 2025 aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification through digitalisation, industrialisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.

Asserting that the event’s theme mirrors the core of Nigeria’s digital strategy, the NITDA DG explained that co-creation and collaboration are central to the Ministry’s policies, ensuring that digital solutions are designed inclusively and reflect the needs of citizens.

He further disclosed that the conference theme aligns with the Ministry’s strategic plan of Accelerating the Nation’s Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency, which is anchored on five pillars: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Trade, and ‘Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital’.

He also spotlighted Nigeria’s youth advantage, noting that the country’s young, digitally native population presents a major opportunity for growth.

“Digital transformation is not just about technology. it’s about improving how we serve our citizens, and governance must meet citizens where they are, which is online. Our goal is to build trust, efficiency, and better service experiences,” Inuwa averred.

To support this vision, Inuwa detailed NITDA’s wide-ranging initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and public sector capacity which include, the National Digital Literacy Framework, aimed at ensuring every Nigerian acquires digital skills from early education to adulthood, a collaboration with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula by next year, a partnership with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to train all public servants, with over 24,000 already enrolled, and nationwide campaigns to extend digital skills training to market traders, transport workers, senior citizens, and faith-based groups.

He underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration across Africa, calling for a united effort toward digital self-determination.

“Our goal is to build the capacity, infrastructure, and right policies for Africa’s digital self-determination. ICEGOV gives us the platform to learn, share, and shape that future together,” Inuwa concluded.

The post Nigeria Showcases Digital Governance Vision As NITDA DG Opens ICEGOV 2025 appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The Nigerian Data Protection Commission has officially unveiled the Data Protection Virtual Academy, a pioneering initiative designed to promote digital security across both the public and private sectors.

The launch took place during the opening ceremony of the 8th Edition of the Network of Data Protection Authorities Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, presided over the launch, describing the academy as a global first.

“It is therefore my honour to formally launch the Data Protection Virtual Academy, a bold and innovative step towards building a digitally secure and globally competitive workforce for Nigeria,” Tijjani stated.

He explained that the academy aims to provide virtual training on data protection and privacy, targeting civil servants, private sector employees, and young job seekers.

He said, “The academy that is being launched today offers every Nigerian, from civil servants to private sector employees, to young job seekers, access to practical training on data protection principles and basic cyber hygiene.”

In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, emphasised the government’s commitment to balancing innovation with data privacy protection in the era of emerging technologies.

“Nigeria’s journey in data protection has been an evolving narrative of progress, proof that when a nation commits itself to privacy and dignity, transformation follows,” Shettima said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s significant strides in data protection, including the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation that came into effect in 2019, and President Bola Tinubu’s swift action in signing the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law within 14 days of assuming office.

“We reassert our alignment with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Shettima added, noting that Nigeria’s data protection framework is globally recognised as one of the most progressive.

He further stated, “Our data protection ecosystem is now directly tied to the delivery of the eight presidential priorities of this administration.”

National Commissioner of NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, stressed the importance of increased collaboration among African data protection authorities to shape a resilient and trusted digital future for the continent.

“I am optimistic that the outcomes of this conference will further shape a resilient and trusted African Digital future. NADPA must continue to evolve as a central platform for continental data governance,” Olatunji said.

He called for deeper collaboration among African Data Protection Authorities to strengthen enforcement, cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.

The Network of African Data Protection Authorities was established in September 2016 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to promote collaboration and harmonise data protection frameworks across Africa.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions that will help shape the future of data protection across the continent.

The post FG Launches Nigeria’s First Virtual Data Protection Academy appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The Groupe Special Mobile Association (GSMA) has released a comprehensive report shedding light on Nigeria’s digital connectivity landscape, revealing that only 29% of Nigerians have regular access to mobile internet services, leaving 71% without consistent connectivity.

The report, titled the Digital Economy Report, underscores the critical importance of addressing industry challenges to expand telecom coverage in Nigeria.

According to GSMA, achieving the full potential of Nigeria’s digital transformation necessitates an enabling policy and regulatory framework, as outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 and the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) by the Federal Ministry of Communication.

GSMA emphasizes that universal access to digital connectivity is paramount for broader digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.

With the right policies in place, GSMA estimates that Nigeria could add 15 million internet users by 2028.However, the report identifies several challenges hindering infrastructure deployment, including the complex process of securing Rights of Way (RoW) and the burdensome tax environment.

Increased costs, driven by factors such as fuel price hikes and forex demands, pose obstacles to sustainable investment in the sector.In response to these challenges, GSMA recommends initiatives to support policymakers, including implementing a legal framework for Critical National Infrastructure, simplifying the process for issuing RoW, reducing the industry’s tax burden, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to sustainable investment.

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at GSMA, highlights the pivotal role of high-speed connectivity in Nigeria’s digital development, emphasizing the need for policies that reduce infrastructure costs and encourage investment, which could lead to significant economic growth and job creation.

The release of the GSMA report coincides with ongoing discussions regarding Nigerian telecom operators’ demand for a tariff increase.

While operators argue for tariff adjustments to address industry challenges, the government, represented by Minister of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions beyond tariff adjustments to create a conducive business environment for investors.

As Nigeria navigates its digital future, the insights provided by the GSMA report underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and policymakers to overcome challenges and realize the country’s digital potential.

The post GSMA Reports 71% of Nigerians Lack Regular Access to Mobile Internet appeared first on Tech Digest News.

In a clash over credit and achievement, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has criticized his successor, Bosun Tijani, for the relaunch of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).

The NCAIR, established to drive research and development in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, was recently relaunched by Tijani with the support of global tech giant Cisco, boasting enhanced capabilities.

However, Pantami expressed discontent, suggesting that the relaunch sought to claim credit for his administration’s efforts.

In a social media post, Pantami highlighted the original establishment of the NCAIR in November 2020, emphasizing its effectiveness in training thousands of Nigerians in cutting-edge technologies.

He emphasized that legacy is earned through tangible achievements, not merely claimed by successors.

“The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics has been built and commissioned in November 2020, almost 4 years ago.

“The first of its kind in Africa. It has been very effective, and thousands of Nigerians have been trained and trained. Legacy is achieved, not claimed.”

Responding to the criticism, Minister Tijani outlined the enhancements to the NCAIR, including access to advanced computing infrastructure, dedicated research labs, and connections to AI hubs nationwide.

He underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering AI research, supporting local startups, and leveraging AI for governance.

“To achieve these, here are some new initiatives we’ve introduced to support this relaunch:

“NCAIR now has access to over 2500 virtual CPUs for use by the Nigeria AI Collective. NCAIR is now connected to 1 petabyte of storage at GBB.

“NCAIR will manage the new computing infrastructure for projects of national interest and academic research. There is now adedicated lab at NCAIR for State and enterprise AI research projects.

“NCAIR will allow AI hubs and pods across the country connect remotely to the new computing infrastructure.

“In addition, NCAIR will now report and academically publish on all projects carried out at the institution,” Tijani said.

Additionally, Tijani announced policy initiatives emerging from the Ministry’s National AI Workshop, including the launch of Nigeria’s first Multilingual Large Language Model, signaling a broader strategic push towards AI development and innovation in the country.

The post Former Minister, Isa Pantami, Criticizes Successor Over NCAIR Relaunch appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has drawn attention to the hindrance posed by infrastructural deficits within the telecommunication sector on the creation of digital jobs.

ATCON emphasized that unless these deficiencies are addressed, achieving success in the application layers, where a majority of digital jobs are found, would remain challenging.

The association’s stance came in response to the appointment of Mr. Bosun Tijani as the new Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

While outlining the sector’s hurdles, ATCON underscored the necessity for developing, securing, and expanding communication infrastructure across the nation.

ATCON affirmed that by establishing a robust infrastructure foundation, the telecom sector could foster innovative digital services that leverage the burgeoning digital economy, enabling its growth and expansion across both served and underserved regions.

Tony Emoekpere, President of ATCON, expressed, “A paramount need exists to bolster communication infrastructure development, security, and expansion nationwide. Strengthening infrastructure will pave the way for innovative digital services to thrive, capitalizing on the surging digital economy and extending their reach to all corners of the country, particularly areas currently lacking access.”

READ ALSO: NITDA Committed to Creating Life-transforming Opportunities for Girls, Women in Nigeria 

Emoekpere also highlighted ongoing industry challenges encompassing funding, security, and regulatory permissions.

Enumerating key priorities for the new minister’s agenda, he stated, “Priorities should include creating a specialized foreign exchange window for industry operators, enacting the Critical National Infrastructure Bill, implementing Right of Way agreements, and addressing issues related to multiple taxation and regulation.”

Emoekpere emphasized that the minister’s accomplishments would directly impact the industry’s trajectory, suggesting the establishment of an industry-focused think-tank team to expedite sectoral growth and development.

The post ATCON Highlights Infrastructural Deficit as Barrier to Digital Job Growth appeared first on Tech Digest News.