Technology

FG Unveils Visionary Strategies for Telecoms Industry Growth

Published

1 year ago

January 19, 2024

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has outlined comprehensive strategies for the growth of the telecommunications industry during his tenure and beyond, as he marks 100 days in office.

Addressing Information Technology reporters at Mariott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, Dr. Maida emphasized collaboration, data centricism, compliance, and digitization as the core pillars of his administration’s approach.

In his reflection on the first 100 days, Dr. Maida highlighted the significance of collaboration, considering stakeholders such as the government, media, and consumers in the telecoms service. He expressed a commitment to strengthening collaboration to drive the telecoms sector forward.

Data centricism emerged as another major driver, acknowledging the global reliance on data and its pivotal role in businesses. Dr. Maida stressed that the NCC would adopt a more data-centric approach, working within regulatory frameworks to ensure quality and affordable services for consumers. The commission aims to collect extensive data from stakeholders, enhancing transparency in its operations.

Compliance is identified as a crucial driver, with Dr. Maida asserting that licensees will be held accountable for meeting their obligations. He emphasized the use of technology to facilitate compliance, making it easier for licensees to adhere to regulatory requirements.

Dr. Maida also discussed the focus areas and strategies for stakeholders, which include consumers, industry players, and the government. For consumers, the NCC aims to enhance the total quality of experience, empower consumers to make informed choices, and reduce reliance on multiple SIM devices.

Regarding industry players, the NCC plans to collaborate on data tariff, speed, and coverage, simplifying tariffs for transparency. The commission will address consumer complaints and hold stakeholders accountable for issues in the value chain.

For licensees, the NCC intends to review operating standards, aligning them with international best practices. Technological leverage will enhance regulatory services, improving turnaround time.

On government collaboration, Dr. Maida expressed alignment with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s blueprint. The NCC’s policy direction is focused on growing the industry, contributing significantly to the GDP, creating jobs, and fostering collaboration with other industries.

Dr. Maida underscored the importance of accountability, stating that service providers will be held accountable, and sanctions will be imposed for non-compliance.

Regarding the National Identity Number Policy, he emphasized total compliance, citing the improvement and security of digital services in the country’s telecoms sector.

In conclusion, Dr. Maida highlighted ongoing efforts to foster collaboration and drive positive changes in the industry, with a focus on simplicity, transparency, and accountability.

Technology

OpenAI’s Sam Altman Acknowledges DeepSeek as Major AI Rival

Published

1 week ago

January 28, 2025

Admin

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has praised Chinese startup DeepSeek as a serious competitor in the global AI race, citing its ability to deliver high-quality AI at significantly lower costs.
In a post on X, Altman highlighted DeepSeek’s R1 model, lauding its performance and affordability.
DeepSeek’s open-source V3 model has disrupted the industry, achieving results comparable to OpenAI’s advanced systems for a fraction of the cost.
The startup’s rapid rise has unsettled U.S. tech markets, triggering a selloff in shares of Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta.
DeepSeek’s R1 app has even overtaken ChatGPT as the top-rated free app on Apple’s App Store.
While acknowledging the competition, Altman assured that OpenAI remains focused on innovation, promising groundbreaking advancements in upcoming releases.

News

Nigeria’s First AI University to Open in Lagos

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

Nigeria is set to open its first artificial intelligence (AI), university in Epe, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in advancing AI education across Africa.

Named Wini University, the institution aims to equip young Nigerians with advanced AI skills, addressing unemployment and positioning the continent as a hub for technological innovation.

Inspired by the first AI university in Qatar, Wini University aspires to attract top-tier academics and innovators from around the globe.

The project, initiated in 2016 by a visionary collaboration between Nigerian and Boston-based experts, has undergone years of planning, securing National Universities Commission (NUC), interest, and building stakeholder support.

Wini University is envisioned as Africa’s first AI-focused institution and the foundation for an AI-powered Silicon Valley on the continent.

It aims to foster a thriving community of academics and students passionate about leveraging AI and quantum computing to drive progress in Africa and beyond.

Beyond academics, the university seeks to transform Lagos into Africa’s innovation hub, where technology is harnessed to solve real-world challenges.

The curriculum will include cutting-edge fields such as blockchain, cloud computing, generative AI, data science, and machine learning, preparing students to lead in the global AI market.

This bold initiative underscores the growing importance of AI, echoing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2013 declaration that dominance in AI would define the next global superpower.

Abuja Reports

CNG Conversion Will Cut Costs, Boost Local Content, PiCNG Boss Assures

Published

2 weeks ago

January 22, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ade Iyamoye

The CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Initiative, Engr Michael Oluwagbemi, has assured Nigerians that the government’s CNG conversion program will significantly reduce transportation costs while fostering local content development in the sector.

Speaking during an exclusive interview, Oluwagbemi outlined ambitious plans to expand the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles nationwide.

He revealed that over 10,000 commercial vehicles in Abuja and Lagos are targeted for conversion within the next 10 weeks under the “10 for 10” program, with projections to increase this figure to 250,000 vehicles within a year.

“We are starting with critical urban centers like Lagos and Abuja to achieve the critical mass needed to lower transportation costs,” he said.

To sustain the initiative, Oluwagbemi emphasized the importance of local content, noting that over 80% of the program’s spending so far has been directed toward Nigerian companies.

He also highlighted growing investments in local manufacturing of CNG kits, cylinders, and vehicles.

“This program has created over 9,000 jobs and attracted $470 million in investments, with more opportunities on the horizon,” he added.

The CEO acknowledged the challenges of scaling up, such as increasing conversion centers and training technicians.

Plans are underway to double the current 193 conversion centers to 500 by year-end, with a capacity to convert 250,000 vehicles annually.

Additionally, partnerships with state authorities aim to implement CNG policies at the local level, with Abuja poised to become a model for full adoption of CNG-powered taxis.

Oluwagbemi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing energy transition policies and urged Nigerians to embrace the program.

He assured that ongoing investments in refueling stations and modular refilling units will ensure adequate CNG supply across the country.

“CNG conversion is not just about reducing costs; it’s about driving local capacity and positioning Nigeria as a leader in energy transition,” Oluwagbemi said.