The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has lauded Nigeria’s partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), describing it as a key driver of the nation’s growing startup and innovation ecosystem.

Inuwa, who was represented by Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, Deputy Director, e-Government and Digital Economy Development Department, made this known at the closing ceremony of the *Survey on the Digitisation of Supply Chains in Small-Scale Nigerian Farms*. The event was organised by AGROVESTO, a JICA-funded agritech startup and beneficiary of NITDA’s iHatch Incubation Programme Cohort 2.

He said the collaboration is playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation, adding that the country has become one of Africa’s most vibrant startup hubs. According to him, young Nigerian entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to solve local problems with global relevance.

“Nigeria is home to over 200 fintech startups revolutionising financial services, fostering inclusion, and empowering millions,” Inuwa said, citing the successes of Paystack, Flutterwave, and Paga as examples.

Highlighting the role of iHatch, the NITDA boss explained that the joint incubation and acceleration programme with JICA provides training, mentorship, seed funding, and ecosystem support for startups across multiple sectors.

He also pointed to the Nigeria Startup Act as a policy framework that has lowered barriers for innovators through incentives such as tax holidays, simplified business registration, government-backed grants, innovation hubs, technology parks, and regulatory sandboxes.

“These interventions are designed to stimulate investment, nurture talent, and position Nigerian startups for global competitiveness,” he said, urging government, investors, and other stakeholders to sustain their support.

“Through strategic partnerships such as the one we enjoy with JICA, we are laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth, inclusive development, and global competitiveness. Nigerian innovations will not only solve local challenges but inspire the world,” Inuwa added.

Also speaking, JICA’s Chief Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Ishigame Kenji, praised AGROVESTO for their innovation and urged the startup to expand its project to benefit more farmers nationwide.

In his opening remarks, AGROVESTO Co-founder and CEO, Bayo Adewoye, commended Nigerian farmers for their resilience and vital contributions to national food security.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa,  has called on Nigeria’s construction industry to embrace digital transformation by adopting technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain to drive innovation and efficiency.

Inuwa made the call in a keynote address titled *“Digital Transformation in the Nigerian Construction Industry”* at a two-day workshop organised by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), FCT Chapter. The event, themed *“Policy Shifts and Industry Trends,”* brought together stakeholders to explore new directions for the sector.

Represented by Dr. Yahaya Onimisi, Acting Director of Project Management at NITDA, the DG stressed that emerging technologies are no longer optional upgrades but essential tools for the industry’s future. He noted that BIM, AI, Data Analytics, Blockchain, and Cloud Collaboration could improve project delivery, reduce delays, enhance accuracy, and foster smarter project management systems.

“The future of construction lies in digital transformation. By embracing innovation, Nigeria’s Quantity Surveyors can drive smarter, faster, and more transparent infrastructure development,” Inuwa said.

He identified common industry challenges such as project delays, cost overruns, inefficiencies, and resistance to change, describing digital transformation as both a disruption and an opportunity. According to him, innovation would reposition Quantity Surveyors from routine cost measurement roles to strategic, data-driven functions.

Inuwa also emphasized that transformation requires not just technology adoption but changes in business processes, culture, and skills. He called for stronger collaboration between NITDA and NIQS in areas such as capacity building, policy alignment, innovation labs, and the development of a digital transformation roadmap aligned with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0.

Highlighting similar partnerships with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), he said strategic investments, government support, and continuous professional development would unlock new opportunities for the construction sector.

“With a mindset of continuous learning and strong collaborations, Nigeria’s construction industry can not only survive the technological disruption but thrive in the evolving landscape,” the NITDA boss added.

The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its significant strides in delivering basic infrastructure across the Niger Delta region.

The Minister, who spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement forum on Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, in Port Harcourt, for proposed road projects in Rivers State, lauded the NDDC’s commitment to sustainable development and its efforts towards addressing the long-standing infrastructural gaps in Niger Delta communities.

The forum, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, focused on three critical projects: The construction of a 4 km Bonny Internal Road in Degema and Bonny Local Government Areas; the construction of Luebe-Agbani -Lueku Road in Khana LGA; and the construction of 6 km Egelebia Road, Phase 2, in George-Ama, Okrika LGA.

The Minister, represented by an Environmental and Chemical Engineer in the Ministry of Environment, Engr. Manji Justine, extolled the NDDC for subjecting the proposed projects to the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, before commencement.

He said, “We are not here to stop the project but to ensure it aligns with environmental laws to protect the future and guarantee sustainability. Once approval is granted, the Ministry, along with the state government and affected communities, will monitor the projects through baseline data collection and post-construction site assessments.”

He highlighted the importance of incorporating proper drainage systems to mitigate flooding and stressed the need for covered drainage channels in residential areas to prevent waste dumping and blockages.

According to him, “The NDDC has taken a bold and commendable step by addressing road infrastructure gaps that have long affected these communities. Every identified impact in the EIA process must have a mitigation strategy.”

The NDDC Director II, Environmental Protection and Control, Engr. Aniefiok Iniokut, said the forum aimed to provide a platform for engagement between the Commission, the Ministry, and the affected communities before project commencement.

“It’s only through such engagements that we can understand the full social and environmental implications of these projects. The feedback so far shows overwhelming community support and a clear understanding of the project’s benefits,” he said.

He noted that the forum confirmed no objections from the communities and that the positive impacts significantly outweigh the negatives. He assured stakeholders that the NDDC would ensure the successful completion of the projects.

Head of the Dokube Royal House in Okrika, Chief Godknows Tam-George, expressed appreciation to the NDDC and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for initiating the projects.

“For years, Egedeme lacked basic infrastructure. Within a short period under the current NDDC leadership, we’ve received a 2km road, a 6km road, and a water project. These are life-changing developments,” he said.
In his speech, the Paramount Ruler of Baa-Lueku, Chief Samson Barilugbene Obrien, praised the project’s potential to enhance economic opportunities.

“This road will bridge the gap between our community and others. It will open up access for trade, ease transportation, and serve as a vital link to Akwa Ibom via Aba,” he noted.

In her remarks, the NDDC Deputy Director, Environmental Protection and Control, Dr. Mrs. Ukpe Eno, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable development.

….Call for Probe of MSM Group’s Connection to Missing Funds

Hundreds of protesters, led by the Concerned Lawyers and Citizens Network (CLCN), stormed the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja on Thursday demanding an immediate investigation into what they described as a massive $4 billion fraud involving the MSM Group and missing funds meant for Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation.

In a speech delivered by Sambari G. Benjamin, Esq., the CLCN accused the MSM Group, a conglomerate with ties to Engineer Mele Kolo Kyari, former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), of being a front for laundering stolen public funds.

The group pointed to the mysterious disappearance of $2.896 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, which remain non-functional despite the massive investment.

“We are here because something is deeply wrong,” Benjamin declared to a crowd of supporters and journalists.

“MSM Group is not just a business; it is a vessel of money laundering, a shell of secrecy, and a front for repurposing stolen public funds.”

The CLCN highlighted MSM Group’s recent $2.4 billion deal with the Kebbi State Government to build a cement plant, questioning the source of the funds and the company’s sudden emergence in industries ranging from oil and gas to cement and agriculture.

The protesters raised concerns about a conflict of interest, noting that a former bank account officer of Kyari is now a director at MSM Group, and the conglomerate has refused to disclose its investors or funding sources.

“How did MSM Group secure $2.4 billion with no prior footprint in cement?” Benjamin asked.

“Why do these funds correspond with the missing money meant for our refineries? This is not coincidence. This is corruption with a family name.”

The protesters demanded that the ICPC launch a full-scale investigation into MSM Group’s financial operations, uncover its links to Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL, expose its investors and directors, and recover every kobo diverted from the refinery funds.

They also called for accountability for all individuals involved, regardless of their influence.

“We speak for the mechanic in Kaduna, the mother in Warri, and the youth in Port Harcourt who have been robbed of opportunity, dignity, and truth,” Benjamin said.

“This is about justice and restoring faith in our institutions.”

The CLCN vowed to continue their agitation until the truth is revealed and justice is served, warning that Nigerians will not be silenced or intimidated.

“Let this day be remembered as the moment Nigerians stood up and said: Enough is enough with the theft of our commonwealth,” Benjamin concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Aare Atunluse of Oro-Ago Kingdom, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a goodwill message on Thursday, the President described Senator Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central and serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services, and Rural Development, as a dedicated public servant who embodies humility, loyalty, and commitment to national development.

President Tinubu commended the lawmaker’s contributions to advancing Nigeria’s food security and agricultural transformation agenda through impactful legislation and passionate advocacy. He noted that within just two years in the Senate, Senator Mustapha has distinguished himself as a loyal party man, a team player, and a role model for younger generations of leaders.

“As he marks his birthday today, I join his family, friends, associates, and the people of Kwara Central in celebrating him. I wish him renewed strength, wisdom, and good health for years of fruitful service to the nation,” the President said.