TECHDIGEST – While he held sway as the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, between 2019 and 2023, Prof. Ibrahim Isa Ali Pantami was the target of all forms of malicious attacks by persons who have an axe to grind with him.

Unfortunately, they are still not yet ‘done’ with him, even after he bowed out graciously and gloriously, about a month two weeks ago, as Nigeria’s Digital Economy Minister, with unrivalled achievements to showcase.

Some of their agents, recently futilely attempted to discredit Pantami’s landmark feat in the passage of the NITDA Bill, this year.

In an incendiary article titled “Telecom: How Gbajabiamila saved Nigeria from Pantami’s curious Bill”, highlighted some baseless issues that apparently manifested their stark ignorance about the NITDA Bill, and the high-flying Digital Economy maestro Pantami is.

It would be recalled that in March 2021, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, proposed the realignment of the agency’s act with “tenets and ideals of the fourth Industrial Revolution” and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy.

What followed the proposal on 30th August 2021 was an official announcement by NITDA’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relation, Hadiza Umar, calling on all stakeholders in the IT sector to participate in its 2007 Act re- enactment.

NITDA had clarified that the agency does not seek to regulate telecoms business, but regulate Information Technology for development.

The NITDA bill seeks to introduce a licensing regime for operators in the Information Technology Industry and Digital Economy. The bill empowers the agency to issue regulations that provide for licensing and authorisation criteria, including renewal, suspension, and revocation conditions to promote free market operation and competition, among other things within the sector.

She clarified that NITDA only regulates Information Technology for development and does not intend to regulate Telecommunications operators.

After studying the draft NITDA Bill 2021 and NCC Act 2003, 2007 critically, I make bold to state that there is absolutely no basis for such reasoning or belief except of course the intention of the critics is to pursue a sinister agenda. While Tahir and other armchair critics attempted to hide facts in plain sight, the recurring question they have failed to address convincingly and empirically remains, where is the clash of mandate between NITDA and NCC?

The facts are obvious in the history of both the NCC and NITDA Acts.

The mandate and authority of NCC is derived from the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), which was signed into law, after having been passed by both Houses of the National Assembly, by President Olusegun Obasanjo on July 8, 2003.

The NCA 2003 applies to the provision and use of all telecommunications services and networks, in whole or in part within Nigeria or on ships or aircraft registered in Nigeria. (see fact on the NCC website via thislink: https://ncc.gov.ng/accessible/licensing-regulation/legal/nca-2003)

The laws that guide and enable the operations of the Commission include: NCC decree 75 of November 1992, the National Telecoms Policy (NTP) 2000. (New one under review), Wireless Telegraphy Act , 1990 and Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The major mandates of Nigerian Communications Commission – NCA 2003 include to facilitate telecom investment and entry into the market, protect the rights and interests of service providers and consumers; management, monitoring and use of scarce national telecommunications resources and ensure efficient and qualitative telecom services and advise the minister on the formulation of policies and other matters.

In a nutshell, one can understand that the key function of NCC is to regulate and oversee the telecom industry in Nigeria.

I don’t know why Pantami has suffered more than a fair share of abuses from ignorant folks for no other reason other than his determination to leave the digital space in Nigeria far better than he met it which he did.

I don’t know why critics always mentioning Pantami with NCC palava, after all, NCC is not the only Agency under him as a minister and they all obeyed his instructions as a supervisor of the ministry. I wonder why all these cowards are now attacking him despite his unprecedented track records.

Unfortunately for the sponsored writers and propagandists, who behave as if they were sponsored by NCC officials, the EVC himself, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta was not only loyal and trustworthy public officer, he respects the Minister’s gut efforts and sacrifice in the digital economy to the extent that he praises Pantami actions and utterances. Why the brouhaha now just because the Minister is no more in the saddle, when the minister

Since his foray into public service, Pantami has no doubt exceeded expectations by consistently working round the clock to come up with innovative ideas to expand the digital space to accommodate more young Nigerians who would have been left jobless.

The Ex-minister of Communications and Digital Economy succeeded in putting Nigeria’s digital economy on the global map.

Among the major achievements of Pantami include the unprecedented 18.44 per cent highest ever contribution to the country’s GDP by the ICT sector in a quarter.

Also, apart from securing the approval and supervision of the distribution of 6000 ipads to Nigerian institutions to promote virtual teaching, learning and other scholarly activities, Pantami secured a partnership with Microsoft to train five million Nigerians in ICT related and emerging technology courses.

He also secured a partnership with HUAWEI that attracted free training for over 30,000 Nigerians and promoted the establishment of 300 HUAWEI ICT Academies in Nigeria.

Pantami was credited with securing a partnership with KOICA that attracted a total grant aid of $13 million for the Federal Government to support the project for building foundation towards digital governance in Nigeria in the second phase of the e-Government Project for Nigeria.

Others are: the implementation of broadband connectivity across the country, reinvigorating Nigeria’s digital economy sub-sector, implementation of a Digital Identity Programme, implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, digitalizing government functions and processes, launching of 5G network as well as deployment of 4G across the country.

The stuff of career cowards is to hit below the belt when their target is no longer in office and can no longer defend himself using the paraphernalia of office. But a lie is a lie irrespective of when it is being told and how often it has been told.

Posterity will be kind to Pantami.

Abbas Abdulazeez writes from Federal Housing Lugbe, Abuja

The post Pantami: A Minister’s Glorious Exit and his Detractors’ Anguish appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – Most organisations backing the NITDA Bill at the National Assembly are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC. This was the conclusion of a fact-check done by PRNigeria.

In a report, it dubbed as “fact check,” an online platform, ITREALMS, claimed that its “investigation” unraveled 12 fictitious stakeholders supporting the National Information Technology Development (NITDA) Bill 2022.

However, PRNigeria reached out to the respective organisations mentioned by ITREALMS to confirm if they are truly not operational and not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as claimed by the self acclaimed digital news blog. In response, most of the organisations sent their CAC Certificates as proof of legal standing. https://prnigeria.com/2023/05/24/fictitious-organisations-nitda-bill/

Based on the documents screened by PRNigeria fact-check desk, the Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) was officially incorporated in February 2023 with registration number 6880172 as against the claim by ITREALMS that it was an unregistered entity.

Further checks revealed that NADIR, a non-political organisation that counters misinformation and fake news and promotes digital inclusion and fact-checking to enhance positive narratives and digital literacy, has been active and existence since 2021 before it was officially registered with the CAC.

A simple online check revealed that in April this year, a serial award-winning journalist and fact-checker, Mohammed Dahiru Lawal, was appointed as Executive Secretary of the Network.

Also, Mansurah M Abdullah, the Chief Executive Officer of Heroic Discovery and Community Development Centre told PRNigeria fact-check desk that the organisation was incorporated in February 2014 with registration Number CAC/IT/NO 67586.

Besides the document she shared to support her claim, a simple online keyword check revealed a site map for the organisation, its registered presence with NG-Check and its affiliation with other NGOs like the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN).

Furthermore, findings revealed that the North East ICT Development Initiatives was incorporated on the 11th day of November, 2021 as limited by guarantee with registration number 1859972 with Abdulrahman Barkindo Alkali as the Project Lead. It also has a registered domain http://www.neicti.com.ng but a click visit indicates that the site is currently under renovation.

Similarly, documents obtained from Zainab Abdulkadir, the Senior Program Officer, Digital African Youth Forum revealed that it was incorporated in March 2023 with registration number 68720162. An inquiry by PRNigeria into the record of the CAC corroborated the legal registration status and corresponding documents to be genuine.

Based on facts unravelled by PRNigeria and documents accessed in both the CAC record and founders of the affected organisations, the claim by ITREALMS that some stakeholder organisations supporting NITDA Bill 2022 are unregistered, is unreliable.

PRNigeria therefore concludes that the claim by ITREALMS that its “investigation” unraveled 12 fictitious stakeholders supporting the NITDA Bill 2022 is not only FALSE but also MISLEADING.

The post Registered Organisations Back NITDA Bill, Says Fact-Check appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The National Information Technology Development Agency has disclosed that the agency does not seek to regulate telecoms business, but regulate Information Technology for development.

This disclosure was made by the spokesperson, NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar, who further explained that as a result, telecommunications operators would be excluded from the NITDA Bill currently being debated at the National Assembly.

Umar better clarified this position in an interview with The PUNCH while reacting to the telecommunications operators’ agitation, seeking exclusion from the regulation under the planned NITDA Bill.

The NITDA bill seeks to introduce a licensing regime for operators in the Information Technology Industry and Digital Economy. The Bill empowers the Agency to issue regulations that provide for licensing and authorisation criteria, including renewal, suspension, and revocation conditions to promote free market operation and competition, among other things within the sector, Deal Solicitor explained.

Under the proposed regime, the Agency will register operators in the Information Technology Industry and Digital Economy, and publish such a register.

She disclosed that NITDA only regulates information technology for development and does not intend to regulate telecommunications operators.

Umar said, “NITDA does not seek to regulate telecoms business, rather, we regulate Information Technology for development. The only place in the Bill that involves telcos is the payment of the National Information Technology Development Fund. Our Head of Legal and Board matters, Barr. Emmanuel Edet has confirmed that they will be excluded.”

The post NITDA bill not to regulate telecoms business – Hadiza Umar appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Mohammed Dahiru Lawal

TECHDIGEST – Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but the application of professional discretion, rational thinking, reasonable deductions and logical recommendations is what separates the quality and value of an expert perspective from what could be derived from motor-park gossip, especially in the pen profession.

I don’t even know where to place an article by one Okoh Aihe entitled “NITDA Bill deserves a place in the trash” with its arrogance and ignorance on the current position on the so-called proposed NITDA Bill?

Earlier this year, in March 2021, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, proposed the realignment of the Agency’s Act with “tenets and ideals of the fourth Industrial Revolution” and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy.

What followed the proposal on 30th August 2021 was an official announcement by NITDA’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relation, Hadiza Umar, calling on all stakeholders in the IT sector to participate in its 2007 Act re- enactment.

She said the re-enactment had become necessary because the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) replaced the Nigerian National IT Policy of 2000 that instituted the agency and its activities.

Sadly, what is a clear cut inclusive agenda put forth by an agency mandated by law to superintend over the Nations Digital and Technological evolution and advancement has been warped in a theatre of conspiracy theories championed by accomplished and well-respected communications experts who should know better.

One can therefore imagine what the piece by one Sir Okoh Aihe with his outright condemnation of a proposed bill that is yet to be deliberated upon by concerned stakeholders and put on the table of the National Assembly, is trying to achieve. More embarrassing is the fact that the entire piece of Aihe looks like a weaving of parables and fallacious concoctions meant to create a frame in the mind of unsuspecting readers. In other words, his argument was advanced on a template that is completely untrue by claiming that the bill was put forth by NITDA at the detriment of stakeholders most of whom have condemned it.

With due respect to a very senior colleague who may have even been a boss or mentor should our paths have crossed outside the virtual world, the entire submission – a hurriedly put up intro, a faulty premise and an irrational conclusion doesn’t pass off the reality, insight and vision of the proposed bill.

First off, the agency had in its official statement emphasised that the bill was undergoing the necessary review procedure such as engaging stakeholders before its anticipated adoption by the National Assembly and eventual assent by the President.

“This current reality has necessitated the reimagination for the establishment of NITDA. It is a known fact that digital technologies have created new forms of economic activities that have been beneficial to the global economy,” Hadiza had said.

From the foregoing it can be deduced that the bill is a work in progress and probably still at the draft stage since it is engaging necessary stakeholders, so, demanding that its entire workings be trashed without giving the stakeholder a chance to make their own contributions, is not only insensitive but portrays that there are some people in some quarters trying to achieve something sinister and the best bet in driving the media war by this same Okoh Aihe who surprisingly was Head of Public Relations at the National Communications Commission (NCC).

World over, it is a known fact that drafts are what they are, DRAFTS, a preliminary version of a piece of writing in order to expand upon, clarify, and modify initial plans and ideas and in the eyes of the law, it is the most important instrument in legal communication.

So, rushing to attack an initiative that is at the preliminary stage and has shown all evidence of going along with the due process, exposes the fact that some vested interests are jumping the gun, a move that smacks of a lack of good sense of judgement and patriotism.

The end product of the bill will eventually be passed to the National Assembly for consideration after inputs from IT sector stakeholders and the general public as it is not a NITDA monopolised bill as the writer portrays and wants Nigerians to think!

In the piece, Aihe tried to create a non-existent enmity between NIITDA and other agencies and their heads under the ministry of communications and digital economy ministry when in fact the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Professor Umar Garba Dambatta and his colleagues are correlating very well. The whole world witnessed when both men along with their colleagues led by the minister of communications and digital economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami converged at the Abuja head office of PRNigeria to launch a book on digital technology.

In fact, Pantami had recognized Dambatta to speak on behalf of all heads of agencies present at the book presentation and the synergy amongst all men were devoid of friction, so why would Sir Aihe offer himself as an agent of bad blood creation between people who have a good understanding among themselves?.

By the way, I had expected and would have personally loved to see the writer exercise some discretions at writing a sensitive article of such nature, considering his position at the NCC.

Even if we rely on the leaked amended bill for reference, Mr. Okoh has failed to point out that section 1 was very categorical about the purpose of the draft which states that was to “create an effective, impartial, and independent regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian information technology sector and digital economy, which shall include: (1) promote and implement policies and strategies on national information technology and digital economy, as created by the Government; (2) promote and support initiatives that provide access to digital services in an efficient, inclusive, secure, and affordable manner; (3) encourage local and foreign investments in information technology and digital economy through regulatory interventions; (4) promote the deployment and use of indigenously produced goods, services and platforms for the development of the digital economy;

The objective of the proposed bill continues thus: “(5) promote the use of innovative digital services, systems, practices and emerging technology in Nigeria; (6) promote indigenous research and development in information technology and digital economy; (7) protect the rights and interest of all consumers, investors in the Nigerian information technology and digital economy; (8) ensure digital inclusion for persons with special needs, minors and vulnerable persons; and (9) promote and safeguard national interests, safety and security of citizens and foreigners in the use of information technology and digital services.”

Of the about 33 sections in the draft amendment, he chooses to dwell only on Section five, probably for mischief which served as a convenient wrapper to advance his agenda of folly.

Obviously, taking control of one’s own responsibilities, the writer failed to differentiate between fines and fees. A fine serves as deterrence to violations while a fee has always been a revenue model of its own right. What should probably be the issue is the limit, which I am certain stakeholders will iron out amongst themselves.

Mr, Aihe had gone further to try to discredit the bill in order to achieve his agenda of killing it before arrival by name dropping some few IT sector stakeholders that have reportedly raised concern about the bill. We have seen a similar pattern manifest when Sahara Reporters published a piece claiming that the American Business Council – an American chamber representing the interest of US Companies and working in partnership with local businesses – had condemned the bill when in fact, on the 23rd of August 2021, they had written to deny the false media report and praised the bill.

In fact, the American Business Council published a public retraction of the claim on page 21 of the Guardian of Friday, September 3rd, 2021, sooner or later, other fallacies will surely be exposed.

Meanwhile, Nigerians must understand there is a need for unreserved support in achieving the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) especially in boosting the morale of concerned MDAs towards harmony and inter-agency collaboration. Dr. Pantami is no doubt performing wonders in this regard and professor Dambatta is a highly respected achiever who is also supporting his other brother and Colleague, Kashifu Inuwa, the NITDA boss. They should not allow people to come in between them.

It is an open secret that many stakeholders agree that the bill, which established NITDA as the agency to oversee Nigeria’s technological transformation, is quite outdated. This past decade, Nigeria has arguably become Africa’s most attractive destination for venture capital. It is also home to Flutterwave and Jumia and a billion-dollar fintech company Interswitch, so if NITDA is coming up with a bill to engage stakeholders for mutually acceptable copy, then what’s Okoh’s fuss?

Lawal a development Journalist, is coordinator Network of Advocates for Digital Reporting (NADIR) and writes from Kano mdlawal001@gmail.com

The post Okoh Aihe’s Folly on the NITDA Bill appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – In light of the proposed National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA Act) repeal bill recently released, there have been some misconceptions in relation to the Nigeria Startup Bill.

TechEconomy had a conversation with Babatunde Akin-Moses, the founder and CEO of Sycamore, a Nigerian fintech company, and a member of the communications team working on the Nigeria Startup Bill.

Apparently, the NITDA bill is a proposed amendment to its regulatory Act enacted in 2007, solely for the information and technology sector and the digital economy.

There is a total distinction between this bill and the Nigeria Startup Bill. NITDA is a broader law focused more on established companies than startups, not entirely ruled out, within the information technology sector.

This can be seen from the N100 million revenue limits from which the stated 1% levy would be paid.

Establishing this, Moses explained: “Startups are defined as companies that are either technology-focused or tech-enabled with less than 100 employees and have been in business for 10years or less,” he said.

“An example of a tech-enabled business would be a boutique with an ecommerce website where goods can be purchased. The boutique would qualify as a startup but a normal boutique shop would not because it is neither tech-enabled nor focused. But then, just because a boutique is tech-enabled, doesn’t mean it’s covered by NITDA. This is due to the fact that it is not in the information technology sector,” Moses pointed out.

Based on NITDA’s definition, tech-enabled companies in the information and technology sector, with a turnover of up to N100 million will pay 1% of their profit before tax (PBT).

According to Moses, the 1% is a levy entirely different from tax. An example is the 1% profit paid to NITDA, since 2007, by banks and telecom businesses. The reason being that they are highly technology-driven. The 30% of their taxable profit is paid to FIRS.

The essence of the 1% levy is to develop the sector, for the benefit of everyone.

Does that mean CAC has no more power in the sector? The answer is NO!

CAC registers all limited liability companies; NITDA is more like a regulatory body for the IT sector. ‘It’s not an “either-or” situation’. An entrepreneur within the sector has to register his or her business with both bodies.

Some instances include – banks register with CAC and CBN, the telecom sector registers with CAC and NCC, the petroleum sector registers with CAC and DPR. Hence, NITDA and CAC are essential for the information technology sector.

The Nigeria Startup Bill

On Monday, August 16, 2021, and Tuesday, August 17, 2021, a meeting in view of the NBS was held in Abuja. Startups, rectors, the minister of the digital economy, and the special adviser to the government on technology and digital matters, among other stakeholders were participants in the meeting.

According to Moses, startups were well represented. These startups among several legal firms are the ones drafting the bill. Hence it is very startup-friendly, Moses said.

The Nigeria Startup Bill has not been passed, neither has a draft been released. In conjunction with startups and key volunteers, the Presidency is currently reviewing the bill.

What should we expect from the Nigeria Startup Bill yet to be released?

Nigeria Startup Bill
Attendees at the MDA Consultation Session for the NSB

“Expect a law that recognises the peculiarity of startups,” Moses said.

The bill addresses three main aspects referred to as the “WHY” of the NSB.

The first is the Regulatory Certainty for Startups. This is to put an end to the haphazard laws and policies that pop up every day.

The second reason is to provide an enabling environment for startups through incentives. These include tax incentives, benefits for being an employee of a startup, among others. “The essence is basically to provide a more enabling environment for startups to thrive in Nigeria,” Moses said.

The last reason is to encourage local content. The Nigeria Startup bill seeks to encourage Nigerians and Nigerian companies to engage in startups. Incentives would be given to Nigerians starting up tech-enabled businesses.

For startups to access these incentives, they have to undergo a process to get registered as a recognised startup.

The post What to expect from Nigeria Startup Bill and how it differs from NITDA Bill appeared first on Tech Digest News.