The workshop, held in Abuja was aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of procurement procedures, negotiation techniques, compliance frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms in IT contracting.

Representing Kashifu Inuwa, the director-general of NITDA, Mr. Emmanuel Edet, the director of Regulations and Compliance, emphasised the pivotal role IT contracts play in shaping governance and service delivery in the digital age.

“Digital transformation is no longer an ambition but a necessity. The agreements guiding technology adoption and deployment carry long-term consequences for Nigeria’s development,” he stated.

“The contracts we negotiate, draft, and execute in the IT space must be technologically sound, legally robust, commercially fair, and strategically aligned with our institutional mandates,” he added.

Inuwa urged participants to view the workshop not merely as a training exercise, but as a springboard for collaboration and institutional reform.

“Let this event be more than a training. It should be a prompt for collaboration, a forum for critical thinking, and a commencement for institutional reform. Engage actively, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and leave here not just informed, but empowered,” he charged.

Participants, drawn from diverse professional backgrounds including law, technology, finance, and administration, were commended for their commitment to raising standards in public contracting. Their active engagement, according to the DG, reflects a shared dedication to transparency, efficiency, and innovation across government institutions.

The workshop also offered valuable opportunities for networking and peer learning, enabling officers to exchange experiences and propose solutions to common challenges in IT contract management. Many attendees described the training as timely, given the increasing complexity of technology agreements and the growing need for clear legal safeguards in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.

Through this initiative, NITDA has once again reaffirmed its leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The programme aligns with the Agency’s core mandate of capacity building, equipping legal officers with the expertise needed to guide their institutions towards sound and effective technology contracting practices.

This proactive approach enhances institutional capabilities while promoting greater transparency and efficiency in public sector technology engagements.

The training is expected to strengthen institutional processes across ministries, departments, and agencies, thereby contributing to improved public service delivery and advancing Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.

This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s digital economy through substantial investments in critical digital infrastructure and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance digital connectivity and inclusion across Nigeria.

Represented by Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the minister, and Mr. Darren Bedford, WIOCC Group’s chief development officer, the agreement outlines a shared vision for fostering technical efficiency and collective prosperity.

The partnership focuses on enhancing stakeholder engagement by jointly reviewing and improving the National Policy on Telecommunications to meet digital economy needs.

WIOCC Group commits to investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, deploying a hyperscale open-access digital platform for internet service providers (ISPs) with advanced fibre and colocation facilities.

Additionally, through this partnership, the collaboration with the Nigerian Broadband Alliance for Nigeria aims to improve broadband quality and accessibility, with WIOCC expanding fibre infrastructure and partnering with ISPs to connect more homes and businesses.

The partnership also includes WIOCC providing digital infrastructure training and supporting job creation for Nigerian youth.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Darren Bedford, WIOCC group’s chief business development officer, said,

“The MoU with the Ministry of Communications underscores our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, by working together, we aim to create a robust digital ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders and drives sustainable economic growth”.

Dr ‘Bosun Tijani stated that,

“This collaboration with WIOCC Group represents a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to reliable and high-quality telecommunications services. We are committed to building a resilient digital infrastructure that fosters innovation, inclusion, and economic growth. Working with the private sector to deliver last-mile connectivity to homes and businesses, amongst other key benefits, is essential to achieving this vision, and we are excited about the opportunities this collaboration creates for empowering communities across Nigeria”.

The National Girls in ICT Competition invites secondary school girls to unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills, tackling real-world challenges through technology.

Benefits

This competition goes beyond technical expertise. It’s a launchpad for young girls to:

• Develop invaluable skills: Learn coding, programming, web development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, sharpening abilities and building a foundation for future success.

• Gain recognition and support: Receive valuable exposure from government agencies, educational institutions, and industry leaders. This recognition will validate individuals’ hard work and open doors to new opportunities and mentorship.

• Network and learn: Collaborate with fellow aspiring innovators, participate in enriching workshops and mentorship programs, and forge connections that will last a lifetime. This network will provide epic support and guidance as they walk through their journeys in the ICT field.

• Stage 1 Participants: E-Certificate and guidelines to set up girls in ICT clubs.

• Stage 2 Participants: Honourable mentions, certificates, and access to online courses.

• Stage 3 Participants: Scholarships, laptops, trophies, and certificates for winners.

Eligibility

Open to all girls currently enrolled in secondary schools in Nigeria.

How to apply

Registration: The first step is taking the leap! Sign up individually or gather your team with the support of your teachers. This is where the adventure begins.

Problem-solving: Look around your community. Identify a challenge that resonates with you, a problem that cries out for a solution. Then, unleash your creativity and develop a tech-driven answer that has the potential to make a real difference.

Training Boost: Participate in a 5-day state-level training program designed to refine your skills and polish your solution. This intensive program will empower you to compete confidently.

Regional Competitions: Showcase your innovative solution in regional competitions, impressing judges and vying for a coveted spot in the national finals. This is where your dedication and ingenuity shine.

Virtual Pitching: The grand finale! Present your polished solution to a panel of qualified judges in a virtual pitching competition. Captivate them with your vision and passion, and win recognition for your outstanding work.

The National Girls in ICT Competition will enable young girls to discover their potential, make a difference in their communities, and become the architects of a brighter future. So, take the leap, unleash your creativity, and join the movement.

Apply via the website to kickstart your journey of skill development, innovation, and leadership. Let’s bridge the digital divide and empower girls to become the changemakers of tomorrow. Application deadline is on Sunday, February 18, 2024.