Across the world, countries are racing to integrate AI into their economies, from digital governance and financial services to health and education.

Yet in Nigeria, the conversation remains fragmented, weighed down by institutional inertia, leadership wrangling, and a lack of coherent national direction.

The uncomfortable question is: has Nigeria’s software industry lost its voice in the age of AI?

Nigeria’s software and digital services market, estimated at over US$2.4 billion in 2024, continues to grow steadily, driven by fintech, government digitisation, and education technology. But growth has not translated into global competitiveness or policy leverage.

For a country of over 220 million people, and Africa’s largest concentration of software talent, Nigeria still lacks a clear AI strategy or institutional coordination framework to guide local innovation. Instead, the sector’s most visible professional bodies are caught in endless turf wars and leadership crises.

The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), once the torchbearer for local software advocacy, has grown moribund. Its silence on critical issues like AI ethics, software sovereignty, and indigenous intellectual property protection has been deafening.

Similarly, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for IT professionals, has seen its influence weakened by internal divisions and inconsistent engagement with government.

These fissures mean that as the world accelerates into the AI era, Nigeria’s software community lacks a unified voice capable of shaping national policy or safeguarding local innovation.

Legendary serial entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group, cautions that the AI race is meaningless without reliable infrastructure. “We can’t compete on AI with unstable power and inconsistent broadband. You can’t build intelligence on inefficiency,” he told a recent tech forum.

Veteran software advocate Chris Uwaje, former ISPON president, has long warned that “if Nigeria does not protect its software sovereignty, it risks becoming a digital colony.”

He has repeatedly argued that indigenous software  not imported systems  should power government operations, citing success stories like Remita, the homegrown platform that revolutionised Treasury payments.

Their words echo a shared frustration, Nigeria has the talent, but not the structure.

Globally, AI is transforming the software industry. Machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI architects are the new rock stars.

In 2024 alone, global investment in AI startups surpassed US$70 billion, with Africa attracting less than 1%.

In Nigeria, only a handful of firms, mainly in fintech and healthtech, are building AI-driven products. Universities are still catching up, with outdated curricula and limited access to computing infrastructure. The result is a widening skills and competitiveness gap.

Meanwhile, international tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and AWS are embedding AI in every layer of their products, consolidating global dominance, while Nigerian developers remain trapped in survival mode, fighting for funding and visibility.

Nigeria’s software practitioners are not short on ideas. What’s missing is coordination and political will.

A revitalised ISPON and a forward-thinking NCS could:

Push for a National AI Policy that balances innovation with ethics and sovereignty.

Champion local content laws mandating government and critical sectors to prioritise indigenous solutions.

Create an AI Fund to support startups building local-language models, agricultural analytics tools, and public-sector automation.

Without this kind of unified agenda, the country will continue to import digital intelligence instead of exporting it.

Nigeria stands at an inflection point. Its young population, entrepreneurial energy, and expanding digital infrastructure are undeniable strengths. But to seize the AI opportunity, it must first repair its foundations — governance within industry bodies, collaboration among stakeholders, and credible policy engagement with government.

As Chris Uwaje often says, “Software is the DNA of national development.”
If that’s true, then AI is the new evolution of that DNA  and Nigeria must decide whether to lead, follow, or be left behind.

*Don Pedro Aganbi is a digital advocate, tech journalist, and convener of the Titans of Tech Conference and Expo. He writes on innovation, governance, and the future of Africa’s digital economy.

The post Is Nigeria’s Software Industry Powerless in the Age of AI?  appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking on the topic; “Rewriting the Digital Playbook: The Rise of Broadband as a Tech Game Changer”, Ore who spoke through Yinka Isioye, the company’s chief experience officer, at the Titans of Tech Conference 2025 in Lagos, described broadband as “as essential as oxygen” and a critical enabler of modern digital economies, impacting sectors such as education, healthcare, fintech, SMEs, and smart cities.

“Over 60% of Nigerians and more than 70% of Africans still lack reliable broadband access. This exclusion is costing us dearly, in GDP, innovation, jobs, and human potential,” Ore said.

Ore shared a personal anecdote about missing a life-changing opportunity due to poor internet, underscoring the real-world impact of limited connectivity. He pointed out that Nigeria’s internet speeds are 5–10 times slower and up to 4 times more expensive per Mbps compared to developed markets.

Citing the World Bank, he emphasized that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP by 1.4% in developed nations. For Nigeria, a 30% increase in broadband coverage could unlock at least $19 billion in value, with a possible GDP multiplier effect of over $45 billion annually.

“The $15 billion we lose yearly due to the broadband gap is nearly four times the nation’s combined health and education budgets,” he said. “That’s equivalent to the yearly federal allocation of an entire state.”

Barriers to Broadband Growth

Ore outlined the challenges stifling broadband expansion as exorbitant fiber rollout costs of $30,000–$50,000 per km due to civil works, RoW charges, security and local levies; unstable power supply, with up to 40% of ISP OPEX going into diesel and alternative energy, and low Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), $10–$20 in Nigeria versus $50 in developed markets, making ROI timelines less attractive to investors.

Despite the hurdles, he praised ISPs and MNOs for continued innovation and investment, and acknowledged government efforts led by President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in steering Nigeria toward a digital-first economy.

Ore proposed several bold strategies to close the gap such as mobilizing pension funds and local capital for long-term broadband infrastructure financing; encouraging shared rural fiber consortia and MNO/ISP resource pooling, and promoting community networks, solar-powered micro base stations, and MVNOs for rural delivery.

“Launch ‘Broadband for Jobs’ schemes, offering tax incentives to ISPs delivering discounted access to unemployed youths undergoing digital skills training.

“Broadband is not just about cables; it’s about life-changing connectivity. It empowers education, innovation, inclusion, and national transformation,” Ore concluded.

In his opening address, Don Pedro Aganbi, convener of the Titans of Tech Conference, emphasized the event’s mission as a convergence of government, innovators, and private sector leaders.

“Our goal is to create a platform where policies meet practical insights, and where bold ideas about shaping Nigeria’s digital future can thrive,” Aganbi said.

He described this year’s theme, “Game Changers: Shaping the Future of Technology”, as a call to action for those daring enough to disrupt norms, reimagine solutions, and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

The post Nigeria Losing $15bn Yearly to Broadband Gap – FibreOne CEO appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Yet, millions of Nigerian telecom consumers continue to suffer in silence under the weight of hidden charges, poor service quality and a lack of accountability.

Digital justice means more than access—it means equity. It demands that telecom providers treat consumers not as data points or revenue sources, but as king and as stakeholders in the digital economy.

It means ensuring that every consumer, regardless of location or income level, is treated as a king with dignity, fairness and transparency.

For far too long, telecom subscribers in Nigeria have been at the mercy of dropped calls, vanishing data, unsolicited messages and customer service systems that offer little recourse. We are told to “wait,” to “understand,” to “be patient”—while we pay full price for half-delivered services.

Consumers are billed for services they didn’t request, enrolled into promotions they never opted into and penalized by silence when they lodge complaints. The systems designed to protect them often respond too slowly—or not at all.

This is not just a service failure. It is a justice failure.

We must hold service providers accountable—but we must also demand more from the regulator. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is already strengthening its consumer protection frameworks, enforcing penalties for breaches, and pushing for transparent billing systems across all networks.

Regulation should no longer be reactive. It must be proactive, preventive and people-centric. The NCC seems to be on the right track in this regard.

A digitally just Nigeria will ensure:

• Transparency in data usage and billing
• Swift, accessible complaint resolution channels
• Protection from unsolicited and paid content
• Automatic compensation for service failures or disruptions
• A regulatory system that listens to and prioritizes the consumer voice

Digital justice also means putting systems in place to protect the most vulnerable—low-income users, rural dwellers and those unfamiliar with complex service terms or digital platforms.

This call is not just a critique; it is a call for advocacy groups, legal minds, tech entrepreneurs, the media and everyday Nigerians to rise in defense of the consumer.

Let us no longer normalize the abnormal. Let us demand fairness in how we connect, communicate and contribute to the digital space. The digital economy must not be built on consumer frustration—but on consumer trust.

As we look ahead to a future powered by artificial intelligence, 5G, digital banking and virtual platforms, we must not forget the basics: respect, transparency and fairness.

Digital justice is not a request. It is a right.

The post A Call for Digital Justice | By Don Pedro Aganbi appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

At the start of 2025, Nigerian telecom subscribers faced a significant 50% increase in tariffs on voice, data, and SMS services.

This hike led to a decline of approximately one million internet users in February, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Data consumption also dropped by 12% in the same month, reflecting consumers’ cautious usage in response to increased costs.

The tariff adjustments were attributed to escalating operational costs for telecom operators, driven by factors such as high inflation, currency devaluation, and increased energy expenses.

In 2023, MTN Nigeria reported losses of approximately ₦137 billion, while Airtel Africa experienced a 15.55% decline in Profit Before Tax, largely due to foreign exchange and energy-related losses.

Despite the higher costs, service quality issues persist. The NCC identified data depletion and billing issues as the top consumer complaints in 2024.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, noted that the complexity of tariff plans and the impact of high-resolution devices contribute to these concerns.

To address this, the NCC issued a ‘Guidance for the Simplification of Tariffs,’ mandating operators to provide clear information on data plans and

Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), acknowledged that many consumers are unaware of background data usage by smart devices, leading to unexpected data depletion.

He emphasized the industry’s commitment to transparency and consumer

The increased costs and service issues have led to a surge in subscribers switching networks. In January 2025, over 8,700 subscribers ported their numbers to different operators, a 190% increase from the previous month. 9mobile experienced the highest customer losses, while MTN, Airtel, and Globacom gained subscribers during this period

Despite these challenges, the telecom sector saw growth in active subscriptions, rising to 169.3 million in January 2025. MTN led with 87.5 million subscribers, followed by Airtel with 57.6 million, and Globacom with 20.5 million

Telecom Giants vs the People

Nigeria’s telecom operators have made significant investments in expanding broadband coverage, with initiatives like 4G and 5G rollout, fiber infrastructure, and partnerships with global tech firms. However, these investments are often driven by profit, not inclusion.

Despite NCC’s efforts to regulate pricing and improve service delivery, consumers regularly complain about data zapping, network downtimes, and non-transparent billing practices. Competition has done little to force down prices meaningfully, as all major players face similar infrastructural hurdles and operational costs.

A Call for Digital Justice

If Nigeria is serious about becoming a digital economy powerhouse, it must confront the high cost of connectivity head-on. This means investing heavily in:

• Rural broadband infrastructure
• Affordable data pricing models
• Improved electricity access
• Consumer protection regulations

Public-private partnerships must be strengthened to reduce costs while maintaining profitability. Local innovation in satellite internet, community Wi-Fi, and solar-powered connectivity hubs must be encouraged and scaled.

Conclusion: Connectivity Is a Right, Not a Privilege

The internet fuels education, commerce, healthcare, and governance. For Nigeria’s youths, startups, and underserved communities, access to affordable and reliable internet can mean the difference between opportunity and exclusion.

The cost of staying connected should not cost Nigerians their dignity, income, or peace of mind.

It’s time we reframe internet access in Nigeria not as a commercial commodity—but as a public utility, a human right, and a catalyst for national development.

The Path Forward

As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, ensuring affordable and reliable connectivity is crucial. Stakeholders must collaborate to address infrastructural challenges, simplify tariff structures, and enhance service quality. Only then can the promise of a connected Nigeria be fully realized.

The post The Price of Staying Connected in Nigeria appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The rapid expansion of mobile telephony, internet connectivity, and digital services has spurred economic development, innovation, and job creation.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), “Activities in ICT contributed 16.66 per cent to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q4 2023.”

The industry is, however, fraught with perennial challenges threatening its sustainability and long-term viability.

Key among these challenges include issues of right of way (RoW), multiple taxation, rising electricity costs, and the inflation-eroded consumer spending power all of which threaten to impede the industry’s progress.

Addressing these obstacles is crucial for ensuring the continued growth of the ICT sector and its contribution to Nigeria’s economic future. 

Right of Way: The Infrastructure Bottleneck

The right of way (RoW) issue is one of the most significant impediments to the expansion of ICT infrastructure in Nigeria.

RoW refers to the legal right to pass through property another party owns. For telecom operators, obtaining RoW is essential for laying fibre optic cables and other critical infrastructure.

However, exorbitant fees and bureaucratic delays imposed by various state and local governments and private landowners have hampered progress.

Adding to the challenge are unofficial demands by local strongmen in some states, making it hard to predict the total cost. This delays network expansion and increases costs, hindering service accessibility and affordability.

To mitigate this, a unified national policy on RoW charges is imperative. The Federal Government’s recent efforts to harmonize RoW charges and reduce fees are steps in the right direction, but consistent implementation across all states is essential.

Collaboration between federal and state governments can facilitate smoother processes, lower costs, and accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure, ultimately enhancing connectivity across the country.

Clear and standardized guidelines can expedite approvals and incentivize infrastructure development in underserved areas.

Multiple Taxation: The Financial Burden

Multiple taxation is another significant challenge that stifles growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector. Telecom operators and ICT companies often face an array of taxes and levies from different levels of government, from federal to local.

This fragmented tax system creates an uneven playing field and increases the operational costs for businesses, discouraging investment and expansion.

Streamlining the tax regime is crucial for creating a conducive business environment. Implementing a standardized tax framework that minimizes redundancies and promotes transparency can alleviate the financial burden on ICT companies.

Additionally, tax incentives for investments in rural and underserved areas (universal access) can encourage broader infrastructure development, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.

Rising Electricity Costs: The Power Challenge

Electricity costs in Nigeria remain prohibitively high, with service notoriously unavailable, posing a significant challenge to the ICT industry.

Reliable and affordable power is essential for operating data centres, telecom towers, and other critical infrastructure.

However, the inconsistent power supply and high costs have forced many ICT companies to rely on diesel generators, further inflating operational expenses.

Investing in renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, can offer a sustainable alternative. Government policies that support the adoption of renewable energy technologies, coupled with incentives for ICT companies to transition to green energy, can reduce reliance on costly and environmentally damaging diesel generators. Public-private partnerships in the energy sector can also drive investments in infrastructure, ensuring a more stable and cost-effective power supply for the ICT industry. 

Inflation and Consumer Income: The Demand Side

The impact of inflation on consumer income is another critical factor affecting the sustainability of Nigeria’s ICT sector.

As inflation erodes purchasing power, consumers have less disposable income to spend on digital services and products. This decline in consumer spending can limit the growth of ICT companies and stifle innovation.

To address this, ICT companies need to adopt innovative pricing strategies that cater to the economic realities of their customers.

Offering flexible payment plans, affordable data bundles and value-added services can attract and retain customers even in challenging economic times. Additionally, investing in digital literacy programs can empower more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy, expanding the customer base and driving demand for ICT services. 

The Path Forward

A sustainable ICT industry in Nigeria hinges on a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and civil society.

Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its ICT sector by addressing the existing challenges and fostering an enabling environment. This will not only drive economic growth but also empower its citizens, bridge the digital divide, and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital age.

It is clear, that by implementing unified policies, streamlining tax regimes, investing in renewable energy, and adopting customer-centric strategies, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of its ICT sector.

A sustainable ICT industry will not only drive economic development but also position Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa, promoting innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth for years to come.

 *Don Pedro Aganbi is the founder TechTV Network and  Convener of the popular annual Titans of Tech Conference, Exhibition and Awards. He can be reached via: getdonpedro@gmail.com

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In an increasingly digital world, technology holds immense potential to drive positive social change and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

This brought about the term Tech for Good.  

Tech for Good refers to the intentional use of technology to generate positive social outcomes. It encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at solving social, economic, and environmental problems through innovative technological solutions.

• These initiatives often focus on areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

The core principle of Tech for Good is leveraging technology to empower communities, enhance quality of life, and create a more equitable world.

This is currently happening everywhere across the globe. Individual countries must now explore the path forward to maximize its impact.

Consider Hello Tractor. Hello Tractor, often referred to as the “Uber for tractors,” addresses agricultural challenges in Nigeria and other African countries. It is a digital platform connecting tractor owners and smallholder farmers through a farm equipment-sharing app and GPS fleet management solution. It enables efficient and affordable access to mechanized farming.

In the financial inclusion space, there is M-Pesa. Launched in Kenya in 2007, and now expanded globally, M-Pesa is a mobile money platform that has transformed financial inclusion.

By allowing users to send and receive money, pay bills, and access credit via mobile phones, M-Pesa has empowered millions of unbanked individuals to participate in the formal economy.

Its success has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, showcasing the power of mobile technology to drive financial inclusion.

The healthcare space in Nigeria has LifeBank. The company uses Google Maps API technology to deliver supply chain sensitive medical products such as blood, vaccines, and oxygen.

With LifeBank, doctors can now request a blood type and immediately access a map that tracks the journey of the delivery. Lifebank is today, transforming access to critical healthcare in Africa.

In addition, telemedicine platforms such as South Africa’s Hello Doctor and Nigeria’s EzzyCare and GoCare offer virtual consultations and healthcare services, increasing access to healthcare in the continent.

Ubenwa in Nigeria uses AI-powered wearable devices to detect birth asphyxia.

Education is not left out. In online learning there are several platforms including South Africa’s Obami and Nigeria’s EduTech which offer online learning platforms for African students, providing access to quality education.

Kenya’s Eneza Education uses AI-powered adaptive learning tools to improve learning outcomes for students, while South Africa’s Rethink Education uses AI to personalize learning.

These examples illustrate the innovative ways technology is being used to address the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.

There are hundreds of firms in this space operating in different sectors across the African continent. But to fully realize the potential of Tech for Good, several strategies need to be pursued.

The First is inclusive innovation. Innovation must be inclusive, ensuring that technological solutions are designed with and for the communities they aim to serve.

Engaging local stakeholders, understanding cultural contexts, and addressing specific needs are crucial for creating impactful and sustainable solutions.

Secondly, public-private partnerships are essential ingredients to drive Tech for Good. Collaboration between governments, the private sector, and non-profit organisations can amplify the reach and effectiveness of Tech for Good initiatives.

Public-private partnerships can mobilize resources, foster innovation, and scale successful models to broader populations.

In addition, digital literacy and accessibility are imperative. Enhancing digital literacy and ensuring access to technology are fundamental to bridging the digital divide.

Investment in education and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions, is essential to empower individuals and communities to leverage technological advancements.

Moreover, ethical considerations are indispensable. Ethical considerations must be at the forefront of Tech for Good initiatives. Ensuring data privacy, security, and equitable access to technology are paramount to building trust and achieving long-term positive outcomes.

Furthermore, there must be a focus on sustainable business models. Developing sustainable business models that align social impact with financial viability is key to the longevity of Tech for Good projects. Social enterprises and impact investment can play a vital role in fostering innovations that deliver both social and economic returns.

 Tech for Good embodies the promise of technology as a force for positive change. By addressing critical challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and beyond, technology can indeed create a more equitable and sustainable world.

As we move forward, fostering inclusive innovation, strengthening collaborations, and upholding ethical standards will be essential to maximizing the impact of Tech for Good initiatives globally.

The journey towards a better future is paved with the responsible and visionary use of technology, transforming lives and societies for the greater good. 

Don Pedro Aganbi is the Convener of the popular annual Titans of Tech Conference, Exhibition and Awards. He can be reached via: getdonpedro@gmail.com

The post Tech for Good: Harnessing Technology for a Better World appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos during the week, Don Pedro Aganbi said the focus becomes necessary in light of how digital innovation is driving economic transformation in Nigeria through accelerating connectivity, access to finance and job creation.

“There is an urgent need to ramp up protection for digital infrastructure across the country,” he posited ahead of the event with the theme “Infrastructure Protection, Cyber Security & Connectivity as Growth Drivers in the Digital Age.”

Aganbi said.

The event, which is scheduled to hold Thursday and Friday, July 20 and 21, 2023 at the prestigious Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria has emerged as the place where the most influential players in the African information communications technology (ICT) markets meet to exchange ideas and positively influence and promote ICT agenda for the public good.

According to Don Pedro, the theme of the conference points to the design to explore how the widespread deployment of digital technology infrastructure is both creating opportunities for socio-economic development and the rise of attacks, physical and cyber.

He noted that the consensus among experts is that the digital transformation, combined with a rapid explosion of technologies, has paved the way to greater vulnerabilities and newer forms of threats to enterprises.

He explained that digital infrastructure protection involves protecting and defending against attacks – whether cyber or physical – that could potentially damage or disrupt the services that are provided by critical infrastructures.

He added that cyber security is the protection of digital information and the infrastructure on which it resides to ensure round-the-clock service availability.

While reiterating the call for the national assembly to make the protection of critical national digital infrastructure a priority as the country pursues its digital economy agenda, he suggested that members of the Legislative chamber will also benefit from participating in the Pan African Digital Initiatives Summit and Exhibition.

The technology enthusiast revealed that in addition to the seminar sessions, PADISE will equally provide an exhibition platform for organisations to showcase emerging innovative products and solutions; actively engage the government and other relevant agencies in the widespread deployment of digital technologies innovations across the continent, and expose the abundant Investment Opportunities in the tech sector to attract more investors in the sector.

He posited that PADISE 2023 will create opportunities for establishing strategic alliances and partnerships amongst local and foreign investors to expand ICT networks in Nigeria and Africa.

At PADISE 2023, the seminal conference will run simultaneously with the exhibition with thousands of visitors expected both live and online.

The two-day Pan African Digital Initiative Summit & Expo (PADISE), will close with the 19th annual Titans of Tech Awards and Heroes Night on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 5 pm.

The Titans of Tech Awards, popularly called Nigeria’s Tech Industry Grammy, is held In Nigeria and given extensive local and international media coverage.

The post Why We Are Focusing on Critical Infrastructure Protection, Cybersecurity at PADISE 2023 – Aganbi appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.