The four-day meeting, which begins on November 4 in Abuja, is expected to gather over 400 delegates from more than 50 countries, including government officials, academics, and industry leaders.

The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), organised by the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is being held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. 

This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” highlights the growing influence of Africa’s largest economy in global technology policy and governance.

ICEGOV has been staged in major cities including Beijing, Athens, Bogota, and Galway. Abuja now joins that list, making it the first city in West Africa, and only the second in Africa, to host the conference since its inception in 2007.

NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the event as a major endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership in digital transformation.

“This moment affirms Nigeria’s place at the table of digital policy and innovation. Our guiding principle has always been to build digital systems that reflect our context, empower our people, and contribute to global progress. 

“Hosting ICEGOV 2025 allows us to exchange knowledge, celebrate innovation across regions, and work together toward a more inclusive and digitally sovereign future.”

Under Abdullahi’s leadership, NITDA has become central to Nigeria’s digital strategy, driving reforms in public administration, advancing local digital skills, and strengthening international partnerships. 

Earlier this year, the Agency co-hosted GITEX Nigeria, further strengthening the country’s standing as an emerging technology hub. ICEGOV 2025 builds on that, placing Abuja as a platform for dialogue on digital sovereignty, collaboration, and innovation in governance.

The programme will feature keynotes, panel sessions, and technical workshops covering digital inclusion, cybersecurity, data governance, and public-sector innovation. 

Researchers will also present academic papers and participate in a doctoral colloquium, while exhibitions will showcase new solutions shaping digital public services.

Ahead of the main conference, two key side events will take place. The West African Governance Forum (WADGoV), scheduled for 3–4 November, will bring together policymakers from across the region to discuss joint efforts on digital governance and cross-border cooperation. 

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) session will focus on refining the E-Governance White Paper and strengthening indicators that guide digital transformation across the African Union.

With the world’s attention turning to Abuja this week, Nigeria’s part in enhancing Africa’s digital economy is coming into sharper focus, anchored on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

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This comes as the agency’s top donor, the United States, reduced foreign aid spending following Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025, prompting the UN to cut down on its humanitarian expenditures.

The UN search for funds is also coming at the time Iran and Israel are pounding each other with fears of full-scale war.

The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the revised “hyper-prioritized” appeal, which is the agency’s deepest funding cut to date.

The new target of $29 billion is a sharp reduction from the $44 billion initially requested in December.

Commenting on the difficult decisions, Tom Fletcher, OCHA chief said,

“We have been forced into a triage of human survival. All we ask is one percent of what you chose to spend last year on war. But this isn’t just an appeal for money – it’s a call for global responsibility, for human solidarity, for a commitment to end the suffering.”

According to the UN, only $5.6 billion of the original $44 billion requested has been received so far, just 13% of the initial budget.

The original plan aimed to cover more than 70 countries and assist about 190 million vulnerable people. However, with the funding cut, the agency says it will no longer be able to support as many people in need.

Fletcher added that support will now be prioritised for those in most urgent need, as the agency focuses on delivering life-saving aid where it’s most important.

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The event aimed to commemorate the immense potential of girls as catalysts for progress and change globally.

This year, the UN spotlighted the theme of “Digital Generation,” advocating for digital inclusion and literacy as powerful tools to unlock opportunities for girls in learning, earning, and leading.

Elizabeth Mwangi, the Aurora Tech Award Winner, personifies this theme. Her innovative startup, which connects cleaners in Nairobi’s slums with employment opportunities, exemplifies the potential of technology in addressing social challenges.

During her interaction with the girls at St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Elizabeth emphasized the significance of curiosity in leveraging technology to create tailored solutions for local challenges. Her startup not only earned her the prestigious Aurora Tech Award but also highlighted the growing number of female leaders boldly addressing Africa’s pressing issues.

“Empowerment through technology isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about connecting with purpose,” shared Elizabeth. “When we combine innovation with intention, we can transform communities from the inside out.” Her words reverberated with the audience, inspiring young girls to explore the endless possibilities that technology offers.

Ekaterina Smirnova, Executive Director of the Aurora Tech Award, praised Elizabeth’s achievements as a testament to the potential that lies within every individual. “Elizabeth’s accomplishments showcase what’s possible when we recognize and nurture potential. The Aurora Tech Award not only honors these exceptional founders but also provides tangible support to help them further their visions. We’re dedicated to offering mentorship resources to amplify the success of our participants,” stated Smirnova.

The collaboration between inDrive’s Aurora Tech Award and Elizabeth Mwangi demonstrates the power of technology and innovation in empowering the Girl Child. This initiative paves the way for a future where girls can thrive, lead, and shape the world around them.

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Boreholes have become the go-to solution for communities, businesses, and individuals who can afford them. But then, the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria is a growing concern that threatens our environment and the health of our people.

Why are boreholes indiscriminately sunk in Nigeria?

There are various reasons why boreholes are indiscriminately sunk in Nigeria. One of the major reasons is the lack of access to clean drinking water. Many communities in Nigeria do not have access to clean water, and boreholes are seen as a quick fix to this problem. Also, the erratic supply of water by the government has made people turn to boreholes for a reliable and constant supply of water. In addition, the lack of enforcement of regulations by the government has allowed individuals and businesses to sink boreholes without proper regulations.

What is the quantity of drinking water consumption in Nigeria, Lagos in particular?

According to the United Nations, an individual needs at least 50 liters of water per day to meet their basic needs. However, in Nigeria, the average consumption of water per person per day is estimated to be about 9 liters. In Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, the average consumption of water per person per day is estimated to be about 41.1 liters. This is below the recommended amount and highlights the need for increased access to clean drinking water in Nigeria.

Has the government made pronouncements regarding indiscriminate sinking of boreholes?

The Nigerian government has made several pronouncements regarding the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes. In 2017, a Bill stipulating prison term or fine for residents who drill boreholes without government authorization in Lagos State was passed by the state House of Assembly. The National Water Resources Bill, seeks to regulate and protect Nigeria’s water resources. The bill proposes that drilling companies must obtain a permit before sinking boreholes and that the government will monitor and regulate the drilling process to ensure that it does not have negative environmental consequences.

In the same year, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, NIWRMC, commenced the regulation and licensing of borehole drilling and water usage in the country.

In 2018, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources issued a directive that all boreholes must be registered with the ministry. Section 75 of a Bill passed by the House of Representatives in 2020 states that no corporate organization or individual shall commence borehole drilling business in Nigeria unless such driller has been issued a water well driller’s license by the commission.

The President of the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Michael Ale, also warned against indiscriminate drilling of boreholes in 2022, stating that it is of great danger for the country.

However, these directives have not been effectively enforced, and many boreholes continue to be sunk without proper registration. Also, the Lagos State government has recently issued a regulation that all boreholes must be sunk with a permit from the government. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to effectively regulate the sinking of boreholes in Nigeria.

What are the dangers?

The indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria poses several dangers to our environment and the health of our people. One of the major dangers is the depletion of groundwater resources. Groundwater is a finite resource and the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes can lead to the depletion of this resource. 

This can cause the drying up of rivers, lakes, and wetlands which will have negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. Also, the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes can lead to contamination of groundwater sources. This can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

The over-extraction of groundwater can lead to land subsidence, which can cause buildings and infrastructure to sink or collapse. This can result in the loss of lives and property. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater can lead to saltwater intrusion, which can contaminate the freshwater supply and render it unusable.

Can technology save our environment from the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria?

Technology can play a major role in mitigating the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria. One technology that can be used is the installation of water treatment plants. This will provide communities with access to clean drinking water, reducing the reliance on boreholes. 

Also, the use of solar-powered boreholes can reduce the impact of the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes on the environment. 

Solar-powered boreholes are more efficient and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional boreholes. Furthermore, the use of satellite imagery can aid in the monitoring of the sinking of boreholes, ensuring that they are done in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Another technology is the use of geophysical surveys to map groundwater resources. By using geophysical surveys, drilling companies can identify areas with a high potential for groundwater and avoid areas where the over-extraction of groundwater can have negative environmental consequences.

Again, the installation of smart meters to monitor water consumption is an important technology. Smart meters can provide real-time data on water usage, which can help to identify areas where water is being wasted and promote efficient water use.

In conclusion, the indiscriminate sinking of boreholes in Nigeria is a growing concern that threatens our environment and the health of our people. The government needs to enforce regulations to ensure that boreholes are sunk sustainably and responsibly. Also, technology can play a major role in addressing this problem. The use of water treatment plants, solar-powered boreholes, and satellite imagery can help to ensure that boreholes are sunk in a sustainable and responsible manner, ultimately protecting our environment and the health of our people.

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This will be done through programmes conducted as workshops where digital technologies will be used to train 200 women business owners for e-commerce and marketing, enabling them to grow sustainably.

The workshops will be conducted quarterly, and the programme will be officially launched through a virtual platform on 28 September at 11am SAST.

Partners included in this initiative are Meta, The Commonwealth, United Nations, African Women in Digital Leadership, .ZA Domain Name Authority, National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, and the University of Limpopo.

Veronica Motloutsi, Founder and CEO of Smart Digital Solutions, said the programme aims to equip women entrepreneurs with tools to use digital and online platforms. They will also leverage digital infrastructure to help them join the global supply chain and contribute toward developing the global economy.

“The initiative is inspired by BRICS Women’s Business Alliance’s position on closing the digital divide and ensuring women are central to the COVID-19 recovery plan. The economic disruption by the pandemic has been profound, and women have been hit the hardest,” Motloutsi added.

“The programme will focus on providing insights and tools on e-commerce and digital marketing, search engine optimisation, digital marketing using social media platforms, domain name registration, artificial intelligence and machine learning skills,” highlighted Ipeleng Mkhari, founder and CEO of Motseng Investment Holdings, also a representative of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance National Chapter.

According to Smart Digital Solutions, the programme will have high-profile dignitaries, such as the general secretary of the Commonwealth Secretariat; deputy minister in the office of the Presidency; chairperson of BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Trade and Industry; lead for the Commonwealth Digital Connectivity Cluster, and African Union director for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

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Energy Compacts are voluntary commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to affordable, reliable, clean and modern energy – with specific, trackable actions to advance progress on the energy transition and net-zero emissions.

SEforALL spearheaded the process as a key outcome to the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy and COP26 in 2021.

Key points:

Specifically, Husk Power Systems’ compact put forward seven goals for the year 2030:

• Building at least 5,000 minigrids
• Establishing 1 million connections
• Powering 500,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
• Benefitting 11 million people
• Installing 500MW of rural commercial & industrial (C&I) solar 
• Selling 5 million energy efficient appliances
• Avoiding 7Mt of CO2

According to the World Bank, minigrids have the potential to provide power to nearly 500 million people.

To do that, over 200,000 minigrids and $200 billion would be needed. However, today there are only 19,000 minigrids globally and the industry has only attracted $5 billion.

“The minigrid industry is starting to scale and is demonstrating significant socio-economic impact, but we still have a long way to go to reach our full potential,” said Husk Power Systems CEO and Co-founder Manoj Sinha. “Our compact with the UN is intended to put forward a more ambitious vision not only for Husk, but the entire minigrid industry and by doing so, to mobilize a much higher level of climate finance and more supportive government regulation and policy.”

Added Kanika Chawla, UN Energy and SEforALL programme manager: “We welcome the Energy Compact commitments made by Husk Power and appreciate their leadership. It showcases the business opportunity presented by the global energy transition, and how private enterprises can drive accelerated action on ending energy poverty, expand renewable energy solutions for consumptive and productive load, and improve the adoption of energy efficiency solutions by end consumers.”

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