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G20 Compact with Africa reaffirms commitment to securing Africa’s recovery from Covid-19 pandemic through private sector development and vaccine manufacturing

G20 Compact with Africa reaffirms commitment to securing Africa’s recovery from Covid-19 pandemic through private sector development and vaccine manufacturing

Participants of a G20 Compact with Africa meeting this week assessed Africa’s progress in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are meeting at a pivotal time in the relationship between Africa and the rest of the world,” said Italian prime minister Mario Draghi.

The Compact with Africa is a G20 initiative that promotes macroeconomic, business and financing reforms to attract more private investment in Africa, including in infrastructure.

The conference brought together heads of state of the 12 Compact members and institutional partners, including the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It involved strategy discussions around attracting higher inflows of foreign direct investment to Africa and the urgent imperative to develop vaccine manufacture capability on the African continent. Securing the continent’s recovery from the impacts of Covid-19 is one of the Compact’s near-term objectives.

Vaccine inequity was a recurring theme, and heads of state shared reforms that they had undertaken as part of the initiative. Closer international cooperation was urged to address climate change, debt levels and investment shortfalls. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa emphasized that “Africa will not be able to recover until Africans are vaccinated.” President Emmanuel Macron said France had committed to providing $10 million vaccine doses for Africa.

African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina said the African Development Bank had committed to investing $5 billion to support vaccine manufacturing across Africa, while World Bank President David Malpass highlighted vaccine financing programs set up in 54 countries, noting that more than half of these are in Africa.

African leaders expressed consensus on the need for vaccine self-sufficiency as a longer-term solution. President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana said there should have been lessons learned from Ebola. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen drew attention to the initiative to develop mRNA technology in Africa across different regional hubs.

African Development Bank President Adesina referred to gains made by Compact members. “We have seen a lot of improvement in public private partnerships and in the cost and ease of doing business but also in terms of the companies that are investing in a lot of African countries.” He also underscored the African Continental Free Trade Area and its expected impacts.   

Other constraints discussed included rising levels of debt and restricted fiscal space resulting from the pandemic. “The reduction of liquidity,” hit us hard,” said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. Although Ghana sustained growth through 2020, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that national debt had risen to 77.1% of GDP.

Many speakers noted that reforms were yielding results. The IMF’s Georgieva said that Compact countries outperform their peers. Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country had stabilized its debt through prudent management and opened up its telecom sector for investment.  

A virtual session held on the sidelines of the conference provided a forum for German and African private sector representatives to discuss investment opportunities on the continent.

The Conference also included a follow-up session that focused on how to overcome economic, skills and intellectual property constraints to developing domestic mRNA vaccine manufacture across Africa.

SOURCE

Ukheshe Technologies and dzcard announce partnership to expand digital payment solutions in Asia Pacific

Ukheshe Technologies and dzcard announce partnership to expand digital payment solutions in Asia Pacific

Leading fintech enablement partner, Ukheshe Technologies has announced a new partnership with global next-generation card solutions and digital security company, dzcard. The partnership will enhance dzcard’s customisable solutions for various digital ecosystems and locations.  

The partnership will leverage Ukheshe’s Eclipse API platform and its market leading digital payments solutions, allowing both companies to deliver digital strategies within their respective markets.

Donovan Drew, President: Asia-Pacific of Ukheshe says the company’s digital payments enablement platform has expanded and evolved significantly as the financial services market seeks innovative solution providers that can address fundamental payment gaps. “The partnership will provide further channels for dzcard to expand upon within the existing customer base and remain current in the fast-evolving digital payments domain. With this Ukheshe will expand its footprint into Asia Pacific.”

He adds the partnership is a natural fit for both organisations through the combination of  Ukheshe’s position as an award-winning digital payment platform provider and dzcard’s influence as leaders in secured smart card solutions and digital security.”

Sutat Suksawat, Managing Director of dzSolution at dzcard says “At dzcard, we aim to address the changing needs of our customers who are craving advanced services and seamless experiences. By fusing the physical and digital spaces, customers can enjoy secured cashless payments solutions. With this partnership, Ukheshe and dzcard bring a unique service offer in terms of accessibility, availability and usability to customers from fintech to financial institutions reinforced with reduced time-to-market, good cost-effectiveness, and a customer-first approach.”

Currently Ukheshe provides the platforms and technology that support nine issuers comprising four telcos, six banks and fintechs, 334 029 merchants and 2 271 880 apps.

NCC Announces Public Inquiries on the Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, SIM Replacement Guidelines and The Spectrum Trading Guidelines

NCC Announces Public Inquiries on the Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, SIM Replacement Guidelines and The Spectrum Trading Guidelines

With over 150 million active telecommunication subscribers and still counting in Nigeria, it is unarguably that Nigeria has the biggest mobile telephony and spectrum market in sub-Saharan Africa. This situation has necessitated the need to put measures in the industry as it concerns the buying of new SIM cards and retrieval of lost SIM cards, spectrum management and trading.

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has called for Public Inquiries on the Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, SIM Replacement Guidelines and The Spectrum Trading Guidelines in the country. This move is to bring the industry to the best practice and in line with what is obtainable in developed world.

The NCC is in line with its exercise of its functions under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (the Act) and this is in accordance with Section 57 of the Act, Public Inquiries in respect of the above-mentioned draft regulatory instruments have been scheduled to hold virtually at 11.00am on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

The issue of SIM card replacement is coming at a time the nation is trying to harmonize the national identities. NCC is in sync with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure that SIM cards aren’t used to perpetuate crimes. The Public Inquiries will be looking at gray areas that would be addressed.  

In line to encourage Transparent process of allocation of frequency spectrum,The Commission encouraged the stakeholders to submit their proposition on Spectrum Trading Guidelines. These would address issues such as spectrum trading, warehousing and other forms of spectrum management.    

This is coming at a time the National Digital Economy Policy (NDEPD) is showing commitment in the development of Nigerian digital space and how digitization would power the economy. As we all know that SIM card is a form of digital identity where transactions such as banking and other USSD are made, the need to look have a public inquiry becomes imminent in an ever-growing ecosystem as Nigerian telecoms space.

The Commission states that Interested stakeholders are by this notice invited to make written submissions on the subject and participate in the Public Inquiries. Details of the virtual meeting will be forwarded to interested attendees prior to the Public Inquiries. All submissions must reach the Commission on or before Friday, September 24, 2021 and should be addressed to:

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja and to the Director, Legal and Regulatory Services.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

NCC TO OFFER RESEARCH GRANTS TO TERTIARY INSTITUTION FOR TELECOM BASED RESEARCH

NCC TO OFFER RESEARCH GRANTS TO TERTIARY INSTITUTION FOR TELECOM BASED RESEARCH

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) the regulator of telecommunication sector, a sector that has seen growth over the years and contributed immensely to the economy of the country, presently, under the leadership of Prof. Danbatta has overtime demonstrated that not only telecoms ecosystem that their strides are seen they have made positive impact in other sectors through capacity building and intervention.  As it stands now, the NCC have the academic system in view. The Commission recently made this intention known when they made a Request for Proposals for Telecommunications Based Research from Academics in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.

Capacity building is one of the things that drive the telecoms sectors and ability to localize research in the country matters. This knowhow will help the industry stakeholders, players and regulator to take informed decision as it regards to telecommunication space and information and technology (IT) ecosystem. The NCC is taken the bull by the horn when they made Nigerian tertiary institutions to submit proposals on the strides, adaptation and impact the telecommunication space is making in the lives of Nigerians and the economy.

NCC EVC,PROF. DANBATTA

Headed by a seasoned man from the academic space, Prof. Danbatta has shown that the Commission has confidence in the Nigerian education sectors unlike some other MDAs or government bureau that would contract such an important assignment to either private sector players or international body. This singular move that the EVC (Prof Danbatta) made has been described as a welcomed development by the stakeholders in the educational space, now that Nigerian academics are emigrating to other countries where they will be well renumerated.

The Commission stated that the proposal would include” The Telecommunications-based research Innovations from the Academics in the Nigerian Tetiary Institutions programme is designed to achieve the following: Feasible Research ideas, capable of replacing or enhancing foreign technologies in the telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria i.e development of indigenous content in sector factor. Support development of capacity in the tertiary institutions (researching on emerging technologies) and promote Nigeria’s contribution to the pool of technologies in use in the Communications industry.”

The commission added that “Viable prototypes commercialization should result in spin-off companies, creating wealth for the tertiary institutions and job opportunities for the students that worked on the projects. The programme is part of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s agenda for enhancing indigenous content and ensuring “industry-ready” graduates for sustainable development of the Nigerian telecommunications industry. The published research proposal outline included sections on Evidence of Local Content Realization up to Prototype Stage and, Relevance to the Telecom and related Industry. The Research Grant is awarded to the Tertiary Institutions and therefore paid into the Tertiary Institution’s nominated account. The institution will disburse the Grant to the Lead Researcher of each team.”

The Nigerian Communication Commission would be giving grants to the research teams, this would enable them to do a thorough job and make their presentation when approved by the Commission. The published research proposal outline included sections on Evidence of Local Content Realization up to Prototype Stage and, Relevance to the Telecom and related Industry.

Anthony Nwosu

” The Telecommunications-based research Innovations from the Academics in the Nigerian Tetiary Institutions programme is designed to achieve the following: Feasible Research ideas, capable of replacing or enhancing foreign technologies in the telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria i.e development of indigenous content in sector factor. Support development of capacity in the tertiary institutions (researching on emerging technologies) and promote Nigeria’s contribution to the pool of technologies in use in the Communications industry.”

SSANU/NASU: FG TO CLEAR ARREARS OF MINIMUM WAGE BY OCTOBER END

SSANU/NASU: FG TO CLEAR ARREARS OF MINIMUM WAGE BY OCTOBER END

The Federal Government will clear the arrears on the consequential adjustment on minimum wage owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational an Associated Institutions (NASU), by end of October.

Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, disclosed this at the end of a meeting between the Federal Government and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the two unions, convened to examine the level of implementation of the Memorandum of Action it signed with the unions in February, 2021.

Ngige commended the unions for their understanding and maturity in cooperating with government to resolve their issues, emphasising that government did not take them for granted.

The Minister disclosed that the meeting was a continuation of an earlier one held on 25th February, 2021 at his instance, and at which agreements were reached on various issues concerning members of the unions.

He stated that the meeting agreed that the payment of the arrears be fast-tracked between now and the end of October, adding that arrears in salary and promotion had been captured in the 2021 Supplementary Budget.

Ngige stated that it was not Government’s intention to owe that payment, but that the delay was caused by the difficulty in getting the actual number of people qualified for the arrears, as a lot of people had joined the Service from 2020 up, while the period of the arrears spanned 19th April – 31st December, 2019.

On Earned Allowances by relevant organisations (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education), Ngige said the JAC would update the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the outstanding amount owed its members, while the NUC was given two weeks to do the appropriate reconciliation.

The meeting agreed to correct the anomalies in the payment of Hazard allowance, caused by an error in printing, which had seen all members collecting the same sum of money across board, with no distinction between senior and junior.

Regarding the Responsibility Allowance, where Heads of Unit were omitted, Ngige disclosed that their employers had been given two weeks to rectify the anomalies to enable the affected people get the appropriate allowance due to them.

On the issue of the Renegotiation of FGN/SSANU/NASU 2009 Agreement, Ngige stated that the unions and NUC would agree on a date to meet, as the Secretariat of the Renegotiation Committee was ready.

The Minister stated that as the Visitation Panels for Universities, constituted by government, had finished their work and would present their reports next week, the meeting agreed that Government should, as soon as possible, issue the appropriate White Paper for implementation.

Ngige also stated that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation reported that out of 293 claims received, all had been processed with 273 paid, and the 20 outstanding would be paid as soon as possible.

The Minister disclosed that the meeting stepped down some issues billed for discussion because of the unavoidable absence of the relevant officers –Inconsistencies in IPPIS payments, and update on Teaching staff usurping headship of non-teaching units in clear violation if condition service and establishment procedures.

He disclosed that the meeting was adjourned to the end of October, adding that meanwhile, all the complaints would continue to be handled administratively, as timelines had been put on some of the outstanding issues.

Spokesperson, Joint Action Committee, Peters Adeyemi, described the meeting as fruitful, and their interactions with Government as a work in progress, which would continue till the agreements are fully implemented.

He said the meeting was essentially to take stock of the implementation of the agreements the unions signed with the Federal Government on 25th February, 2021.
Peters said that the issues they raised at the meeting were being looked into.

PRESIDENT BUHARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROF. GRILLO, VETERAN ARTIST

PRESIDENT BUHARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROF. GRILLO, VETERAN ARTIST

President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the Grillo family, friends, associates and art lovers on the passing of Professor Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo, the pioneer Head of the Department of Art and Printing, Yaba College of Technology.

From his stained glass paintings, to showcasing the rich Yoruba culture and heritage in his works, the President believes that the legendary artist and founding President of the Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA) was a master in promoting creativity and raising awareness on the beauty in indigenous traditions.

The President affirms that one of the greatest legacies of Grillo was his devotion to educating and mentoring a younger generation, who, expectedly, through the power of the visual arts will continue to promote dialogue, understanding and appreciation of the uniqueness of the Nigerian society.

The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for his many fans that will sorely miss him.

ARMY IS NOT ABBETING CRIMINALITY IN ISUIKWUATO LGA OF ABIA STATE

ARMY IS NOT ABBETING CRIMINALITY IN ISUIKWUATO LGA OF ABIA STATE

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a spurious allegation by an assembly member representing Isuikwuato constituency of Abia State who alleged that when security agents arrested suspected kidnappers of Abia State University lecturers, a certain call came from a high military formation ordering the release of the arrested suspects despite strong evidence linking them with the said crime.

Much as we do not want to join issues with the insinuators, it is is crucial to set the record straight. If truly the claims in the said report emanated from the lawmaker, then we must state without mincing words that they are not only unfounded but a travesty of facts and reality. The claim is completely devoid of truth. It is most unfair for anyone at that height of the social ladder to sponsor a smear campaign against the Nigerian Army for whatever reason; particularly knowing that he has access to the leadership of the military.

Contrary to the narrative being peddled in the said report, it took the gallantry of our men on patrol to rescue the victims of the said kidnap incident before handing them over to the police. How then could the same Army that was instrumental to the rescue of the victims, turn around to order the release of the suspects. Evidently, this is illogical and a blatant lie.

The Nigerian Army therefore, wishes to state that the misguided report is actually an abysmally failed attempt at blackmailing the NA for denying unscrupulous elements the freedom of action to foist lawlessness and violence on the good people and government of Abia state.

The honourable lawmaker should have abinitio, sought clarifications from the Army before resorting to media trial.

We therefore appeal to members of the public to approach the Army on any issue requiring clarification rather than resorting to blackmail.

The Nigeria Army is firmly commited to the fight against banditary and criminality in the country. Nigerians, including residents of Abia state are assured of their security as we relentlessly continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities.

SMEs CRUCIAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, STABILITY – DG NITDA

SMEs CRUCIAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, STABILITY – DG NITDA

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are predominantly the backbone of economic growth in any country and have accounted for the successes of most businesses globally, with ICT being a major driving force for enhancing efficiency.

This was made known by no other than the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, at the Abuja Enterprise Agency Entrepreneurial Complex in Abuja where he delivered a keynote address titled; ‘Leveraging on Technology and Innovation for Enterprise Productivity’ at the 8th edition of Business 360 Clinics by the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA).

Mallam Abdullahi described the topic as apt and timely. He affirmed that innovation and entrepreneurship are essential for long-term economic gains and prosperity. “SMEs provide cornerstones on which economic growth and stability of any country solidly depends,” he noted.

He said; “according to World Bank Report on finances, SMEs were pronounced to represent 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment globally.” The NITDA boss argued further that in Nigeria, according to report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, SMEs contribute 48% of the National GDP and account for 96% and 84% of businesses and employment respectively. “SMEs are therefore key contributors to employment, economic and export growth to the Nigerian economy” the DG averred.

He also explained how increase in revenue, operational cost reduction, customer service improvement, employee experience improvement and constant innovations are important for enterprise productivity while laying emphasis on ‘Technology’ as a driving force in achieving success.

The DG mentioned that NITDA has always been at the forefront of supporting SMEs and disclosed how the Agency through one of its subsidiaries have supported over 200 local startups that leverage on technology as tool for entrepreneurship.

“You may be aware that, as part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, we launched and unveiled a four-year Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021 – 2024). One of the pillars of this roadmap, Pillar 4 – Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has initiatives targeted at identifying and prioritizing areas of support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in addition to strengthening the Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) ecosystem – through the implementation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT-REAP),” Abdullahi stated.

He gave a reassurance of the Agency’s commitment to supporting SMEs through the development of the Nigerian Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Start up Policy (NDIESP) which is in line with the Nigerian Digital Economic Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) aimed at boosting the economic growth and diversification of the country.

“As an Agency that is focused on issuing regulations that will positively impact the society and not stifle innovation or growth, we are keen on collaborating with relevant stakeholders to co-create regulations that will enable SMEs leverage digital technologies to contribute meaningfully towards economic prosperity”, the DG concluded.

NCC Mourns Ex-Board Chairman, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye

NCC Mourns Ex-Board Chairman, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye

The Board, Management and entire members of staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have commiserated with the family of the immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the Commission, Distinguished Senator Otunba Olabiyi Durojaiye, who answered the call of God on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

In a condolence letter to the family in which the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta described the late Durojaiye as a Patriarch, grandfather and great-grandfather, Danbatta extolled his life-time of service as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Banker, Lawyer, Economist and evergreen Administrator per excellence.

“He was a renowned fighter for freedom, a consummate statesman, an honest, courageous and hardworking man during his life time”, Danbatta Said.

Born in 1933 in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, late Durojaiye, represented Ogun State at the Senate from 1999 to 2003 and was a member of the Constituent Assembly from 1988 to 1989. He served as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Commission from November 2016 to January 2019.

The Commission, will forever, remember him for the diligent conduct of the Businesses of the Board and for his notable achievements during the brief period he served as the Chairman.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the entire family at this grieving period as we pray for his soul to continue to rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty God in His infinite mercy grant the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”, Danbatta

Your reign has ushered in peace, massive devt in Ibadanland, Makinde felicitates Olubadan at 93

Your reign has ushered in peace, massive devt in Ibadanland, Makinde felicitates Olubadan at 93

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, described the reign of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, as eventful, noting that Ibadanland has continued to witness massive developments across all spheres.

Makinde, who stated this while felicitating the Olubadan on his 93rd birthday anniversary, rejoiced with the monarch for witnessing another year.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor prayed to God to grant the Kabiyesi more years and good health to be able to lead Ibadanland to greater heights.
He said: “I celebrate with our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanji Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, as he marks his 93rd birthday.

“Kabiyesi, under your eventful reign, Ibadan and indeed, Oyo State, have grown in leaps and bounds and have witnessed massive developments across all spheres.
“It is not a coincidence that these achievements and the overall transformation of Oyo State through several insightful and innovative policies of our administration are happening at this time. These are products of leadership that enjoys the acceptance of the people and leaders that are truly loved.

“No one is in doubt, Kabiyesi, that all your children in Ibadanland and around the world love you genuinely and will continue to do everything possible to make you proud and successful as our monarch.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, I pray that God grants you more years and good health to lead Ibadanland to greater heights.
“Happy birthday, Kabiyesi!”

Signed
Taiwo Adisa