By Samuel Adeola

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has partnered with the Abuja Technology Village (ATV), to accelerate local tech development, manufacturing, and investment in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

During a tour of the 300-hectare ATV site in Abuja on Tuesday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the collaboration as a bold move to transform the area into a vibrant hub for factories, renewable energy solutions, and tech startups.

“We want to create a self-sustaining community where people can live and work, while innovation thrives,” Halilu said.

He noted that NASENI has developed 35 viable products in the past year and is committed to transitioning them from prototypes to full-scale production, particularly in the renewable energy space.

The initiative is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, boost local content, and create jobs through technology-driven industrialization.

Acting Managing Director of ATV, Isa Yusuf Shafeek, applauded NASENI’s transition from research to commercialization, calling it timely for Nigeria’s current economic needs.

NASENI’s Adviser on Foreign Partners and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, added that investor interest is already surging, and the 300-hectare space may soon be inadequate.

Established in 2009, ATV is a Special Economic Zone created to foster innovation in ICT, energy, biotechnology, and mineral technology sectors.

By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

In a move set to redefine Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has unveiled a ₦720 billion investment in a national fuel distribution system powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Launching August 15, the initiative features 4,000 CNG-powered trucks and a network of CNG “mother and daughter” stations, aimed at reducing pump prices and easing inflation.

The project is expected to absorb over ₦1.07 trillion annually in fuel transportation costs, eliminating logistics expenses currently borne by marketers and consumers, and potentially saving the economy as much as ₦1.7 trillion each year.

By replacing traditional fuel transport methods with CNG logistics, Dangote will deliver refined products directly to stations and industrial users, streamlining the supply chain and lowering the average distribution cost of ₦45 per litre.

This shift is also designed to benefit over 42 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), by reducing energy costs and boosting profitability.

More than just a cost-cutting effort, the project promotes cleaner energy, supports environmental sustainability, and aims to revitalize dormant filling stations nationwide.

It is also expected to generate over 15,000 direct jobs in logistics, including drivers, station managers, and attendants.

Beyond domestic gains, the model will help curb cross-border fuel smuggling by improving transparency and efficiency in product delivery.

The Dangote Group’s adoption of CNG-powered distribution marks a major step in modernizing Nigeria’s fuel infrastructure, combining economic impact with environmental responsibility for a more sustainable future.

By Huldah Shado

Dutch navigation technology company TomTom has announced plans to cut approximately 300 jobs; about 10% of its global workforce, as it accelerates its transition towards artificial intelligence-driven operations.

The company disclosed the move on Monday as part of a broader organizational realignment aimed at reducing financial losses and adapting to the growing role of AI in its business model.

In a statement, TomTom said the restructuring will primarily affect roles within the application layer, as well as sales and support functions.

The company noted that these changes are necessary to better align with its AI-focused strategy and streamline operations.

Once a pioneer in digital navigation, the Amsterdam-based firm has struggled in recent years with declining demand for standalone navigation devices, as in-built vehicle systems and smartphone apps have gained dominance.

TomTom also revised its sales forecast downward, projecting a drop from €574 million ($674 million) in 2024 to between €505 million and €565 million this year.

With the layoffs and restructuring, the company aims to enhance efficiency, boost innovation, and stay competitive in a fast-evolving technological landscape.