This landmark edition, themed “Sustaining WSIS Vision with Multistakeholder Synergy in Nigeria,” served as a vibrant backdrop for celebrating the pioneering individuals and corporate giants anchoring the nation’s digital evolution.

The high point of the forum was the official induction of industry titans into the DigitalSENSE Africa Hall of Fame; an elite circle reserved for trailblazers who have dedicated decades to defending digital rights, shaping technology policy, and building critical national infrastructure.

Dr. Olusola Teniola, who masterfully presided over the day’s proceedings as the Forum Chairman, was received into the Hall of Fame to a resounding ovation.

A veteran with over 32 years of global technology experience, Dr. Teniola, currently the Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at ipNX Nigeria and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); was honored for his relentless advocacy in broadband expansion, internet affordability, and his steadfast guidance within Nigeria’s multi-stakeholder space.

Joining him in the Hall of Fame was the highly respected Ebeledike, whose strategic contributions to infrastructure resilience and ecosystem sustainability were formally enshrined. The induction celebrates a legacy of deep institutional dedication, recognizing leadership that successfully bridges the gap between complex digital policy and grassroots national development.

In a deeply emotional and poignant segment of the ceremony, the forum paid a special posthumous tribute to the late Gbolahan Awonuga, the beloved former Executive Secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

Recognized for his foundational contributions, unparalleled dedication, and decades of structural service to the telecommunications sector, the special posthumous honor was met with immense reverence by industry leaders. The organizers noted that Awonuga’s enduring legacy as a bridge-builder between operators and regulators remains a vital cornerstone of Nigeria’s modern digital infrastructure footprint.

In the corporate categories, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) emerged as a standout winner. Charged with managing Nigeria’s country-code Top-Level Domain (.ng), NiRA was named the ‘Custodian of the Decade’ in recognition of its monumental strides in digital sovereignty and cybersecurity.

The organizers praised NiRA’s leadership for aggressively localizing Nigeria’s online identity, lowering barriers to domain acquisition, and fortifying the underlying Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure against evolving global threats.

Simultaneously, telecom giant MTN Nigeria was honored with the DigitalSENSE Africa 2026 Mobile Inclusion and Connectivity Award.

The accolade recognizes MTN’s unmatched contributions to expanding the Nigerian telecommunications landscape, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring millions of citizens are linked to the digital economy.

Adding to the stellar corporate honors, infrastructure giant Digital Realty was recognized with the DigitalSENSE Africa 2026 Infrastructure Backbone Award: Digital Realty Nigeria.

The milestone award highlights Digital Realty’s foundational role in scaling Nigeria’s cloud readiness, anchoring local data hosting capabilities, and providing the robust data center framework necessary to power a secure, resilient African internet ecosystem.

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s awards, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Lead Convener of NDSF and Group Executive Editor of ITREALMS Media Group, noted that the 2026 honors list represents the perfect intersection of regulation, infrastructure, and identity.

“Achieving true digital trust requires honoring the people who build the networks and the institutions that protect our identity on those networks,” Nweke stated. “Dr. Teniola, Ebeledike, MTN, Digital Realty, the late Gbolahan Awonuga, and the team at NiRA embody the exact multi-stakeholder synergy required to keep the WSIS vision alive and thriving in Nigeria.”

The 2026 NDSF enjoyed robust support from institutional heavyweights and industry pillars, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), IHS Nigeria, Digital Realty, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), NiRA, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria Chapter, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), and the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA).

With this successful outing, the forum has once again solidified its position as the ultimate barometer for progress in Nigeria’s digital economy; celebrating foundational triumphs while actively mapping out the policy breakthroughs of tomorrow.

The post Teniola, Ebeledike Inducted into DigitalSense Hall of Fame as NiRA Honored appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The first phase of the exercise, which commenced at Toyin Street, Ikeja, and adjoining streets, revealed widespread cases of improperly deployed over-the-air fibre cables, with several cables found dangerously hanging on gates, utility poles, gutters, and bare floors.

Some of the exposed cables were observed to be live and hanging dangerously close to the ground, posing risks to public safety, environmental aesthetics, and telecom service quality.

Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos Zonal Office, said the initiative forms part of nationwide efforts to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure and improve quality of service delivery.

Represented by Mr. Deji Roberts, Assistant Director at NCC, Jimoh expressed concern over the poor manner in which some telecom infrastructure had been deployed across parts of Lagos.

“The Commission is concerned about the manner these telecom infrastructures are deployed. Neglecting them exposes critical infrastructure to damage and can negatively impact quality of service delivery to subscribers,” he said.

He noted that the exercise is a national initiative currently piloted in Lagos State and commended LASIMRA for its collaboration and support toward sanitising the environment and ensuring proper infrastructure redeployment.

Jimoh also assured residents and subscribers that the cleanup and redeployment process would not disrupt telecom services within the affected areas.

Also speaking, Mr. Akinbiyi Akindipe, Head of Monitoring and Enforcement at LASIMRA, described the exercise as evidence of the Agency’s commitment to maintaining a “human-face” regulatory approach while ensuring compliance with infrastructure standards.

According to him, allowing telecom infrastructure to remain improperly deployed would continue to affect network service quality, public safety, and the urban environment.

“Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu places high priority on the protection of critical national infrastructure. However, improper deployment of such infrastructure must be addressed,” he said.

Akindipe added that LASIMRA was giving operators, through ATCON, the opportunity to urgently correct identified infractions before enforcement actions become necessary.

He stressed that the Agency was not in a hurry to impose sanctions but insisted that operators must take immediate responsibility for redeploying infrastructure according to approved standards.

On his part, Mr. Segun Okuneye, chairman of the ATCON Clean-up Committee, said the exercise demonstrates the telecommunications industry’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and improving the aesthetics of Lagos State.

“The telecommunications industry remains committed to supporting initiatives that create a cleaner, safer, and more organised environment for residents and businesses across Lagos State,” he said.

Okuneye disclosed that ATCON would convene an urgent industry-wide stakeholders’ meeting to develop a comprehensive roadmap for correcting legacy infrastructure deployment issues and preventing future occurrences.

He further urged Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecom operators to strictly comply with laid-down infrastructure deployment procedures and assured regulators of ATCON members’ readiness to collaborate fully with NCC and LASIMRA throughout the exercise.

The cleanup exercise attracted participation from several telecom infrastructure and service providers, including Galaxy Backbone Limited, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, FibreOne, TNL, ipNX, IHS Nigeria, OneData, African Data Centres, and other industry players.

The initiative is expected to continue across different parts of Lagos State as regulators and industry stakeholders intensify efforts to improve infrastructure standards, public safety, environmental orderliness, and telecom service reliability.

The post EXCLUSIVE: NCC, LASIMRA, ATCON Begin Telecom Infrastructure Cleanup Exercise in Lagos appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event, themed “The Convergence,” is designed to spotlight 19 emerging startups that have participated in the Hub’s accelerator and incubation programs, and invite them to pitch their solutions to investors, venture capital funds, corporate partners, and the media.

The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a partnership between the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria, began operations in February 2025 with programs managed by Co-creation Hub and Future Africa.

The Demo Day presents an opportunity to take stock and assess how the Ilorin Innovation Hub is helping to nurture and bring to life groundbreaking ideas and solutions supporting economic resilience and addressing real-world societal challenges.

The event is expected to help unlock funding opportunities, foster strategic collaborations, and amplify visibility for these startups that are developing solutions across critical sectors including agriculture, health-tech, green energy, lifestyle, and digital services.

Beyond the startup showcase, the Demo Day highlights Kwara State’s continued commitment to driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and IHS Nigeria’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and deepening the digital economy in Nigeria.

Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented,

“We believe innovation and digital technology are powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. This is why we partnered with the Kwara State Government on the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is impressive and very fulfilling to see the diverse portfolio of ideas and solutions showcased today from the hub within a year of the commencement of operations. This speaks to the depth of creativity among Nigerians and what is possible when they are equipped and supported. Today’s event makes me proud of our investment in the space and underscores IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation in Nigeria.”

Temi Kolawole, Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, commented,

“Today, we showcase 19 startups that have shown that when you combine talent with the right support, the results speak for themselves. The Ilorin Innovation Hub exists to ensure that geography is never a barrier to building something extraordinary, and this Demo Day is proof that we are on the right track.”

The post IHS Nigeria and Ilorin Innovation Hub Showcase 19 High Growth Startups appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Commissioned by Hannatu Musawa, the minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the project is a significant step towards restoring and improving critical facilities at the museum complex, while supporting the long-term preservation of Nigeria’s cultural assets and heritage.

The project has improved the overall aesthetic appeal of the museum site and featured extensive restoration of the museum’s main gallery.

The restored gallery incorporates the installation of modern display and lighting systems, air‑conditioning units, a solar inverter system to enhance energy efficiency, and surveillance cameras to aid safety, security and operational performance across the facility.

These renovations and upgrades follow on from IHS Nigeria’s sponsorship of the museum’s efforts to digitize Nigeria’s cultural heritage and launch Nigeria’s first digital museum of antiquities.

Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented,

“Having seen the rich historical and cultural heritage housed in this national museum complex, we believed it was important to go a step further after supporting the development of the digital museum, to also improve the aesthetics, security and structural integrity of the main physical complex. This aligns with our broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and the preservation of Nigeria’s history. I am proud of these renovations and that visitors, including tourists, researchers and art enthusiasts, can visit the museum to be immersed in Nigeria’s rich history in an environment that is safe, beautiful and welcoming. The artifacts can also now be better preserved, protected and presented in a way that celebrates the history they represent. I thank the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for this ongoing partnership which continues to exemplify the power of a collaborative effort in driving innovation, fostering national pride, and enhancing the creative economy.”

Olugbile Holloway, director general, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, commented,

“On behalf of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, I wish to express our deepest gratitude to IHS Nigeria for their generous support of the restoration of the National Museum, Lagos. This landmark gesture goes far beyond bricks and mortar, it is a profound commitment to preserving the soul of our nation. The National Museum Lagos is home to some of Nigeria’s most treasured antiquities, from the ancient terracotta of the Nok civilization to the magnificent bronzes of the Benin Kingdom and the classical works of Ife. To restore this institution is to restore our collective memory. We thank IHS Nigeria for choosing to renew not just infrastructure, but the heritage, identity, and the hope of our people. Their support ensures that generations of Nigerians yet unborn will walk through these halls and encounter the full greatness of who we are and where we come from.” 

The post IHS Nigeria Funds Renovation at National Museum Lagos appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking at the ceremony, Titilope Oguntuga, director of Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, described the project as more than infrastructure, highlighting the social and human value of shared public spaces.

“At IHS Nigeria, we believe infrastructure goes beyond connectivity and technology. It is about people and the environments in which they live, work, and thrive. Recreational and green spaces are critical to promoting well-being, inclusion, and stronger communities,” she said.

She noted that the presence of the IHS team at the event reflected the company’s dedication to the project and the host community.

“The turnout today also shows our commitment and excitement to witness the commissioning of this park,” Titilope added.

Delivered within a four-month timeline, the project was realized through collaboration with the Omole Estate Executive Committee, Lagos State Government representatives, and the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).

In her welcome address, Abimbola Osikoya, chairman, Omole Phase 1 Resident Association, expressed gratitude for IHS Nigeria’s generous donation.

“In a city as dynamic as Lagos, spaces like this are essential. This park will serve as a place for relaxation, family bonding, healthy living, and neighbourly interaction. The measure of a society is how it cares for its people, and IHS has demonstrated this through meaningful community investment,” she said.

Other leaders within the community   also welcomed the initiative. Elder Segun Fayemi, Chairman of the Titilayo Adedoyin Community Development Association, described the park as a landmark achievement.

“Out of the 18 sectors in this area, only mine has such a facility. I am the happiest man today,” he said.

Representing LASPARK, Temitope Okumuyide, head of Partnerships, added that the project aligns with the agency’s mandate to promote healthy and safe environments across Lagos State.

“This park contributes to creating functional and enjoyable green spaces for the citizens of Lagos,” she said.

She concluded by thanking IHS Nigeria for helping them further the agency’s goals of promoting a greener environment across Lagos state.

The post IHS Nigeria Backs LASPARK Recreational Projects appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The honours highlight the company’s sustained commitment to innovation, sustainability, ethical business practices, and nationwide social impact.

On Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Social Impact Sustainability Awards (SISA) held at the MUSON Center, Lagos, IHS Nigeria was celebrated for its contributions to digital inclusion and responsible business conduct.

The company received the Digital Access and Learning Empowerment Champion Award, recognising its efforts to expand digital access and support education across underserved communities.

IHS Nigeria also earned the Ethical Business Leader of the Year Award, a testament to its transparent corporate governance process, strong compliance culture, and dedication to ensuring ethical business practices.

The winning streak continued on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the SERAS CSR Awards, Africa’s most influential sustainability recognition platform.

IHS Nigeria emerged as the Best Company in Innovation winning the Deborah Leipziger Africa Prize for Innovation, which honours its forward-thinking programmes and cutting-edge solutions that address social and environmental challenges.

In addition, Titilope Oguntuga, the director of Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, was named the First Runner-Up for the Africa Sustainability Professional of the Year, underscoring her strong leadership in driving the organisation’s Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.

On the same night, at the Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, the company secured three more accolades.

IHS Nigeria received the Renewable Energy and Green Site Initiative Award for its leadership in adopting clean energy solutions across its network and the Telecom Tower Infrastructure Leadership Award, affirming its position as a leading provider of critical communications and digital infrastructure in West Africa.

The Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, Dapo Otunla, was also recognised at the TIA for his outstanding contribution to industry advancement and leadership excellence as Telecom Chief Corporate Services Leader of the year.

Reflecting on the company’s recent honours, Dapo Otunla, senior vice president & chief corporate services officer, IHS Nigeria, expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“These recognitions across three respected platforms reaffirm our belief that sustainability, innovation, and ethical business practices are not just corporate ideals, they are responsibilities we owe the communities we serve. At IHS Nigeria, we have made a deliberate commitment to expand digital access, deepen our renewable energy investments, and strengthen the integrity of our operations. These awards belong to our people, our partners, and the millions of Nigerians whose trust inspires us to keep raising the bar,” he said.

The awards and acknowledgements reflect IHS Nigeria’s ongoing investments in sustainable technology, community empowerment, climate-conscious operations, and responsible business practices, and serve as a testament to the company’s vision of a digitally empowered, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious Nigeria.

IHS Nigeria remains committed to driving Nigeria’s progress toward inclusive digital access and a greener future.

The post IHS Nigeria Sweeps Multiple Awards appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event which held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja, marked an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s national security coordination and response architecture.

Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Mr. Dapo Otunla, senior vice president and chief corporate services officer (CCSO) for IHS Nigeria, who represented the company, reaffirmed the company’s continued commitment to partnering with the NCTC to advance Nigeria’s security priorities through secured and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.

“Our towers, fibre networks, and other connectivity infrastructure are more than physical assets, they are digital lifelines that connect and propel the economy. They are also critical for national security,” he said, while emphasizing the company’s long-standing partnership with national security institutions. “With the number of towers and other infrastructure we own and operate across the country, we consider ourselves strategic partners to the Government for the enhancement of national security. We congratulate the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NCTC, and all partners on the successful launch of the Strategic Plan. IHS Nigeria remains committed to providing the infrastructure and collaboration required to safeguard Nigeria’s future,” he added.

Also in attendance was Mr. Ayotade Oyinlola, group chief human resources officer (CHRO) of IHS Towers, whose presence underscored the company’s strong commitment to national development and public–private partnership.

The event commenced with remarks by Major General A.G. Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, who spoke on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. He highlighted the evolving nature of terrorism in Nigeria and stressed the need for a coordinated, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-centered approach. He described the Strategic Plan being launched as a renewed national commitment to prevention, countering violent extremism, and strengthening Nigeria’s regional leadership in counterterrorism.

Additional goodwill messages came from representatives of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and the African Union Commission, who joined other partners in commending the Federal Government and the NCTC for providing a clear and coordinated framework to strengthen counterterrorism efforts across the country. They emphasized that collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained investment remain critical to securing long-term national stability and resilience.

The Strategic Plan was reviewed by Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, who outlined the document’s core priorities. He emphasized that the plan provides a measurable, results-driven roadmap that strengthens intelligence capabilities, enhances interagency coordination, integrates technology-enabled solutions, and promotes community-based and non-kinetic strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism.

He noted that the plan also aims to strengthen Nigeria’s regional leadership role and position the NCTC as a centre of excellence.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his keynote address described the document as a clear, pragmatic, and forward-looking national commitment to safeguarding communities and strengthening institutional resilience.

He noted that the unveiling marks a renewed collective resolve to advance national security, emphasizing that its successful implementation will require shared responsibility across government, the private sector, and local communities.

Following the unveiling, dignitaries and partners made financial commitments to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Commodore Ahmad Madawaki.

The post IHS Nigeria Throws Weight behind Nigeria’s NCTC Strategic Plan 2025-2030 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This initiative aimed at promoting clean household energy and increasing public awareness on the health impacts of air pollution in the FCT was recently launched at the Kashim Shettima Hall, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, following an earlier MOU signing between both organisations in September and underscores IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable energy adoption and strengthening environmental health standards across Nigeria.

This initiative aligns with IHS Nigeria’s broader sustainability agenda especially the ‘our people and community’ and ‘environment and climate change’ pillars, particularly its focus on adopting cleaner energy across its operations and improving environmental health outcomes in host communities. IHS Towers, the Holding company has set a target to reduce the company’s kilowatt-hour emissions intensity by approximately 50% by 2030.

In his remarks, Mohamad Darwish, the chief executive officer of IHS Nigeria, spoke about the everyday realities of smoke exposure and the importance of transitioning to healthier cooking options.

“When you think about how much smoke our mothers and sisters inhale while cooking every day, you immediately understand why this project matters. If we can help thousands of families breathe cleaner air, we should all be proud to be part of it,” he said.

Darwish noted that discussions with the Mandate Secretary of the FCT-HSES made it clear that the initiative is designed to grow beyond this first rollout, with future phases expected to attract government funding as well as private-sector support.

In her keynote address, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of FCT-HSES, highlighted the growing impact of both indoor and outdoor air pollution on the health outcome of households, particularly women and children.

She cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal continues to contribute to respiratory illnesses including lung cancer and other health conditions.

Dr. Fasawe described the programme as the start of a multi-phase effort to promote cleaner energy alternatives across the FCT.

She also unveiled the Sustainability Champions Initiative, a youth-focused platform that will drive advocacy and environmental education in schools and communities.

Representing the legislature, Hon. Dr. Emil Inyang, Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on FCT Health, commended IHS Nigeria for its commitment to the initiative and pledged to support the inclusion of the programme in the 2026 FCT budget. He later led the symbolic presentation of gas cylinders to selected beneficiaries.

Dr. Babagana Adams, the permanent secretary, FCT-HSES, also delivered a goodwill message, acknowledging IHS Nigeria’s support and reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment to improving public health outcomes across the FCT.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement by IHS Nigeria of a six-month LPG refill support for all beneficiaries of the gas cylinders distributed at the launch.

The ceremony concluded with a demonstration of the clean-cooking equipment, and distribution to beneficiaries including some members of the disabled community.

The post IHS Nigeria, FCT-HSES Begin Smart Cooking Gas Distribution in Abuja appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This reaffirmation came during the Sustainability Table Discourse Series (STS) themed “Sustainability in Action: Scaling the Impact of a Thriving Future to Achieve the SDGs,” where industry leaders, policy makers, and private sector players converged to discuss the role of collaboration, innovation, and circular economy models in achieving Nigeria’s sustainability goals.

Representing Kazeem Oladepo, senior vice president and chief operating officer, IHS Nigeria, Gimba Mohammed, director, of Government and External Relations, delivered the keynote address titled “Sustainability in Action: Scaling Impact for a Thriving Future Through Sustainable Telecommunications Infrastructure – A Provider’s Perspective.” 

In his remarks, he emphasized that sustainability remains central to IHS’s operations and long-term strategy.

 “Sustainability is at the heart of who we are. It is embedded within our corporate values and reflected in every aspect of our operations, from powering sites sustainably to nurturing the communities we serve and promoting sound ethical practices throughout our business,” he said.

He further highlighted Project Green, describing it as an IHS Group initiative and a key step in the company’s carbon reduction roadmap.

“Through Project Green, IHS Towers continues to prioritize alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on diesel. Across our markets, we have reduced diesel consumption by nearly 50 million litres, and in Nigeria fitted over 6,000 power sites with hybrid energy solutions, and connected almost 4,000 sites to the grid,” Gimba noted.

In addition to its clean energy initiatives, IHS Nigeria has made significant strides in community and environmental development. These include planting 4,000 trees across eight states, installing solar streetlights in underserved communities, and collaborating with Green Hope Africa to launch the Climate Action Superheroes (CASH) initiative, an educational program aimed at empowering students to become climate ambassadors.

The company’s efforts in e-waste management were also highlighted, following its partnership with the Electronic Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (EPRON).

“We trained 214 participants, including collectors and regulators, and supported the establishment of 69 waste collection centers across six states and the FCT. Our goal is to drive sustainable waste management practices through advocacy and strategic collaboration,” Gimba said.

During the panel session, Ghaith Al Hasan, Director, Engineering and Design, IHS Nigeria, elaborated on the success of Project Green and the importance of strong partnerships in achieving scale.

“Our experience has shown that the right partnerships, technologies, and maintenance structures are essential for sustainability. Today, IHS operates renewable energy systems across more than 10,000 sites in Nigeria, demonstrating what is possible when innovation meets commitment,” he stated.

Adding a regulatory perspective, Grace Majekodunmi, principal environmentalist scientist and Regulatory Specialist, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) spoke on the circular economy model being adopted across Nigeria’s manufacturing sectors.

“Producers must now take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from production to disposal. The Extended Producer Responsibility framework ensures that manufacturers adopt cleaner technologies and minimize waste,” she explained.

Representing the agricultural sector, Aisha Raheem-Bolarinwa, chief executive officer, Farmz2U discussed the role of technology and collaboration in building climate-resilient value chains.

“We don’t have a production problem as much as we have a distribution problem. Technology can enable resilience, but without hard infrastructure and supportive policy, farmers cannot access the full benefits,” she noted.

From a financing and investment standpoint, Adaobi Nnorukah, Investment director, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Limited, highlighted the importance of early engagement with equity partners to secure climate infrastructure funding.

“Successful climate projects require institutional investors at the table from the start. Early collaboration helps identify and manage risks, ensuring projects remain bankable and sustainable,” she said.

In concluding his keynote speech, Gimba reaffirmed IHS Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to sustainable growth and partnership.

“At IHS Nigeria, we are deliberate about scaling impact through sustainable infrastructure. Our mission is to ensure that our assets not only connect people digitally but also empower them environmentally, economically, and socially,” he concluded.

The post IHS Nigeria Highlights Sustainable Telecom Infrastructure at Sustainability Table Discourse Series appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, from October 6 to 8, this year’s summit, themed “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”, convened public and private sector leaders to explore actionable strategies for inclusive economic growth.

IHS Nigeria participated as a platinum sponsor and thought leader, driving conversations on digital infrastructure, innovation, and national competitiveness.

National Visibility and High-Level Engagement

A major highlight for IHS came during the opening day when the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON) officially declared the summit open. During a tour of the exhibition stands, the Vice president who was received at the IHS booth by Senior executives of the company, commended IHS for her commitment to corporate social responsibility and for her contributions to expanding broadband access and advancing economic inclusion through connectivity.

Plenary Session – “Smart Growth, Digital Leap”

Later that afternoon, IHS hosted a high-profile plenary session themed “Smart Growth, Digital Leap,” moderated by technology leader Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho.
In his keynote address, Mohamad Darwish, Executive Vice President and CEO of IHS Nigeria, stated that “digital infrastructure has become the backbone of national productivity.” He highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, rural connectivity, and digital skills development, noting that bridging Nigeria’s digital divide requires robust public–private collaboration.

Darwish emphasized the need to reposition digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent as “core inputs for economic growth, not peripheral sectors,” while outlining IHS’s contributions; including over 16,000 towers nationwide and 15,000 kilometers of fiber network that power Nigeria’s connectivity backbone.

Panel Discussion Insights

The panel discussion that followed brought together leading voices in technology, finance, and policy — including Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Founder, Future Africa), Fernando Barros (CFO, I-Systems Brazil), Nneka Enwereji (CEO, CitiBank Nigeria), and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Discussions focused on how Nigeria can leverage digital infrastructure and innovation as engines of economic transformation. Panelists agreed that achieving “smart growth” requires bold private-sector investment, a stable regulatory environment, and large-scale talent development.

Dr. Tijani highlighted ongoing government efforts, including broadband expansion, AI research funding, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, emphasizing the need for “policy execution with measurable impact.”
Aboyeji advocated for digital economic zones to serve as innovation testbeds, while Barros urged cross-country learning through data-driven strategies, highlighting case studies from Brazil which Nigeria can learn from. From the finance perspective, Enwereji stressed the importance of predictable policies and transparent governance to attract long-term investment.

The session concluded with consensus that Nigeria’s digital leap depends on three critical enablers namely: infrastructure, investment, and talent, all working together within a clear and innovation-friendly policy framework.

Day 2 – NES31 Design Workshops

On Day 2 of the summit, IHS Nigeria contributed actively to one of the NES31 Design Workshops, which focused on translating discussions into actionable initiatives.
Working groups addressed three priority areas: Value Chain Development, Investment, and Policy and Regulatory Environment, generating practical solutions around traceability, data standards, and inclusive access.

Participants proposed six-month pilot projects emphasizing data integrity, education, and cost efficiency, alongside measurable KPIs to evaluate progress.
The discussions reinforced the role of private-sector innovation in accelerating Nigeria’s digital and economic reform agenda.

Driving Forward

Through its engagement at NES #31, IHS Nigeria strengthened its reputation as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s journey toward a digitally enabled and inclusive economy.
The company reiterated its commitment to expanding broadband infrastructure, supporting national policy reforms, and investing in youth digital skills.

By championing collaboration between public institutions and private innovators, IHS Towers continues to position itself at the center of Nigeria’s digital future; connecting communities, powering industries, and enabling growth.

The post IHS Nigeria Pushes for a Digitally Inclusive and Prosperous Future appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.