Nigeria has taken a historic step in its digital transformation journey with the inauguration of its first homegrown edition of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Abuja. The landmark event brought together global investors, startups, policymakers, and innovators, underscoring the country’s ambition to position itself as Africa’s technology and innovation powerhouse.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that the state has attracted over $6 billion in direct foreign investment into its technology startup sector between 2019 and 2024. He said the milestone affirms Lagos as Africa’s “innovation capital,” noting that the city now accounts for more than 70% of Nigeria’s tech inflows and serves as a breeding ground for most of Africa’s unicorns.

“Lagos is no longer aspiring to transformation—it is living it,” Sanwo-Olu declared. “We are not just an economic powerhouse, we are Africa’s innovation capital.”

Highlighting Lagos’ digital infrastructure—including hyperscale data centres, submarine cables, and a city-wide fibre grid—the governor pointed to projects like the Blue Line electric rail system, powered by a locally designed digital Cowry Card, as proof of homegrown innovation driving real-world impact.

Sanwo-Olu also emphasised Lagos’ investment in talent development, with a Science and Research Fund that has supported startups with seed grants ranging from ₦50 million to ₦80 million over the past six years.

Earlier, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, unveiled a roadmap to expand the digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP from the current 16–18% to 21% by 2027. He said Nigeria is now “a digitally connected and globally competitive nation” backed by infrastructure, talent, and creativity.

Tijani noted that Nigeria’s stock exchange lists technology firms among its top performers, surpassing oil companies, and highlighted Nollywood and Afrobeats as examples of Nigeria’s thriving creative-tech fusion. He further announced plans for a 90,000-kilometer fibre backbone under Project BRIDGE, nationwide digital skills training through the 3MTT initiative, and landmark legislation on e-governance and the digital economy.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed that Nigeria is “ready to lead the future economy,” crediting resilience and deliberate policies for making the country home to five of Africa’s unicorns. He traced the journey back to the introduction of Nigeria’s cashless policy over a decade ago, which catalysed fintech growth.

At the event, Ms. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN, described Nigeria as “a global beacon of innovation and resilience,” noting that Lagos serves as a unique testbed for technology: “If your product survives Lagos, it can thrive anywhere in the world.”

The inaugural GITEX Nigeria attracted over 650 startups, 200 investors, and participants from more than 40 countries, marking the country’s arrival on the global tech stage.

As the conference unfolds, the message from Nigerian leaders is clear: the country is not only participating in the digital economy—it is shaping it. With Lagos leading the charge, Nigeria is positioning itself as Africa’s premier investment destination for technology, innovation, and creativity.

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has clarified that those involved in the recent tragic incident on Mabushi Bridge were not its staff or representatives.

In a statement signed by Kingsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman, AMAC, the council expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the occurrence as deeply regrettable.

“Our investigation reveals that the perpetrators are touts, commonly known as *agbero*, who operate around the Area 1 Roundabout,” the statement said. “They allegedly dragged a commuter from the roundabout to Mabushi Banex junction, where the incident occurred, leading to loss of lives.”

AMAC stressed its commitment to residents’ safety and urged relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence.

It recalled that on February 13, 2025, AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, had raised the alarm over touts impersonating council officials and harassing motorists in the FCT. He noted that genuine AMAC staff undergo biannual training, often in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure lawful and professional conduct in revenue collection.

“Unfortunately, many touts are tarnishing AMAC’s image by harassing motorists in our name. Our staff are trained to operate within the law, unlike these impostors. They wear jackets and claim to be AMAC staff, but when apprehended, they identify themselves as members of NURTW or DOAS under the FCTA,” Maikalangu stated.

To address the menace, the Chairman has directed the creation of a special task force to apprehend touts and restore public confidence.

AMAC appealed for continued cooperation from residents, assuring them of its dedication to maintaining peace, safety, and integrity in its operations.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has again appealed to corporate organisations in the state to complement his administration’s effort in sports development.

According to a press release on Thursday September 4, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri particularly called on them to support Nigeria’s representatives in this year’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League, Bayelsa Queens.

The state-run football team are in the final of the zonal WAFU B Champions League qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, and will play the host, ASEC Mimosas, on Friday.

The Bayelsa governor made the appeal on Wednesday during
the state’s 172nd executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

He stressed the need for corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to emulate the shining example of Premium Trust Bank in demonstrating their corporate social responsibility.

He said during the last edition of the Governor’s Prosperity Cup competition, the financial institution donated a Coaster bus to Bayelsa Queens, and that the bank had been a good corporate citizen in the state.

The governor congratulated Bayelsa Queens on their remarkable performance in the championship and enjoined Bayelsans and investors to encourage the team.

He said: “We should have our Bayelsa Queens in prayers and whatever substance you have as a Bayelsan in support of what the state government is doing for our team should be done.

“Businesses and oil companies operating on our land should encourage our girls in whatever way that they can to promote sports.”

In the maiden edition of the continental tournament in 2022, Bayelsa Queens won the WAFU B qualifiers, also in Côte d’Ivoire, and went on to place third in the Champions League competition held in Morocco.

…. Explains Why Sawyer Was Chosen
…. Directs Redeployment Of Pension Board Staff

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, swore in Dr. Wisdom Sawyer as the state’s 12th Head of Service.

According to a press release on Wednesday September 3, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Dr. Sawyer was appointed on Tuesday, September 2 following the retirement of his predecessor, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema on August 31.

Governor Diri also swore in two Special Advisers on Legal Matters, Dr. Alabo Ozubide and Inemo Oruebimiekumo, during the 172nd state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

The governor, who charged the 55-year-old HoS to exhibit a high sense of professionalism in executing his duties and ensure that the civil service remained loyal and disciplined, explained that he was appointed on merit.

He also stated that Sawyer was chosen based on integrity and as the most senior Permanent Secretary and not on any other primordial considerations.

His words: “You were appointed as Head of Service not because you are from the governor’s local government area but that you have proven to be a man of integrity. Also, among your peers, you are the most senior.

“There are some who are qualified by several other parameters but their dates of retirement are just one or two years left and l do not want to appoint another HoS before l leave office. Having gone through your resume, clearly you will outlive my administration the way l inherited your predecessor.”

The state’s helmsman appreciated the immediate past HoS, who he noted discharged her duties with utmost responsibility, describing her as among the finest in the civil service.

The governor directed the new HoS to ensure the redeployment of all staff of the state Pensions Board, including heads of departments, and that new postings be done.

“You are hereby directed to post out every civil servant in our Pensions Board, including those coming from the Ministry of Finance, from the Accountant General’s Office and all the heads of departments. New postings should be done and ensure that men and women of integrity are posted there. A report should be sent back to me.”

Diri equally charged the two Special Advisers to display the highest standards of integrity in the performance of their duties and continue to create synergy with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has met with a delegation from Greenville CNG/LNG, led by its Chairman, Mr. Eddy van den Broeke, as part of efforts to fast-track the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Hub in Gombe State.

The meeting, held at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was attended by the Company’s Managing Director, Ritu Sahajwalla and the Chief Executive Officer, Mutiu Sommonu.

They held talks to finalize plans for a major energy infrastructure project designed to deliver cleaner, safer and more cost-effective fuel options for both transportation and industrial purposes in Gombe and beyond.

The planned CNG hub will include Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) Refill Stations.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya confirmed that the State Government has already allocated land for the project and approved engineering designs.

“We are committed to leveraging natural gas to make transportation more affordable, reduce environmental pollution and stimulate industrial growth in our region.”

Mr. Eddy VdB, noted that
One of the biggest challenges in Northern Nigeria has been the absence of gas pipelines, which limits access to affordable clean energy.

The Greenville-led project, he said, will help bridge this gap through trucking of LNG from the South to Gombe, where it will be regasified and distributed as CNG for various uses.

He praised the leadership and vision of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, noting that the strategic location and enabling policies of Gombe make it ideal for such a regional gas hub.

The CNG hub is expected to significantly reduce the cost of transportation by providing cheaper fuel alternatives for vehicles, including public transport systems.

Plans are already underway to introduce CNG-powered tricycles and other vehicles as part of the State’s evolving transportation master plan.

In addition to public use, CNG conversion centres will be established to help vehicle owners transition from petrol and diesel to natural gas, further boosting energy security and lowering emissions.

According to officials at the meeting, the next phase involves mobilizing equipment and resources to the project site, finalizing technical documentation, and the ground breaking to ensure smooth implementation and adoption.

Recall that a Director from Greenville CNG/LNG, Alhaji Yusuf Zaiyana, was recently in Gombe alongside a technical team to inspect and collect drawings as well as approvals for the four hectares of land allocated to the company by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

According to him, Greenville plans to invest more than $2 million CNG and LCNG projects with mobilization to site set to commence soon.

Once completed, the CNG hub in Gombe will serve the state, the North-East and parts of the North-West, contributing to job creation, cost reduction and a cleaner environment.