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The Kogi State Government, through the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners, has officially flagged off the 2025 Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and HPV Vaccination Campaign, a major public health intervention aimed at protecting children and adolescents across the state from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The ceremony, performed by Ahmed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, underscored the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of every child and adolescent in the state. The campaign marks a significant step towards the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases and the protection of young girls against cervical cancer through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Speaking at the state flag-off ceremony held at the Old Market PHC, Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the vaccination campaign as a renewed commitment to saving lives and strengthening primary healthcare across the state, emphasising that it represents ‘a commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State.’

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build a healthy and productive Kogi, stressing that the vaccines are free, safe, and effective. He further urged that no child in Kogi should be left behind in the journey to a healthier life.

He called on parents, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders to support the campaign, assuring that the vaccines are completely free, safe and essential for every eligible child. He appreciated development partners and health workers for their continued support and dedication to improving the well-being of Kogi’s citizens.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, lauded the governor’s leadership and highlighted the growing community support for the revitalisation of Primary Health Centres across the state. He expressed gratitude to religious, traditional, and community leaders for their invaluable roles in advancing public health awareness and promotion.

Earlier in his address, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, announced that Kogi State was launching a vaccination campaign targeting 1.9 million children aged 9 months to 14 years against Measles and Rubella, with additional coverage for Polio and HPV.

He explained that the campaign, running from October 6th to 15th, was a coordinated, cost-effective, and evidence-based approach to protecting the state’s future generation.

Mu’azu expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their support and commended healthcare workers for their dedication, urging households and the media to ensure that all eligible children receive the life-saving vaccines.

In a goodwill message, Abdulrazaq Babatunde Ishola of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) praised Kogi State for achieving 100% immunisation coverage and commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to public health. He also called for the recruitment of additional frontline and auxiliary health workers to further strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The event underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering primary healthcare delivery and safeguarding women’s and children’s health. It also reflected the administration’s comprehensive approach to improving healthcare access, enhancing immunisation coverage, and reducing preventable diseases across Kogi State’s communities.

From the discussions at GITEX Nigeria, held earlier this month in Abuja and Lagos, one message was clear: Africa’s digital transformation is already underway. Government leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs gathered to chart how technology can drive the continent’s next chapter of growth. For IFC, it reaffirmed a central conviction: artificial intelligence (AI), when scaled responsibly, can fuel inclusive growth and job creation at scale.

Artificial intelligence is redefining global economies. Studies suggest AI could contribute up to $15 trillion to global GDP by 2030, one of the most significant productivity shifts in modern history. Research also shows it could boost labour productivity by 0.6 percentage points annually through 2040. For Africa, with over 60 percent of its population under 25, rising smartphone penetration, and a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, AI offers a pathway to leapfrog longstanding barriers and create jobs at scale.

‘In finance, AI credit-scoring tools used by fintechs are enabling millions of unbanked individuals and small businesses to access loans, fuelling entrepreneurship and inclusion.’

AI is already reshaping sectors linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. In Nigeria’s Edo State, a teacher-led pilot using GPT-4 helped 800 students achieve learning gains equivalent to two years in just six weeks. In Senegal, IFC invested in Kera, a digital health platform whose AI-driven insurance product has cut claims processing from months to seconds, making healthcare more affordable and accessible. In finance, AI credit-scoring tools used by fintechs are enabling millions of unbanked individuals and small businesses to access loans, fuelling entrepreneurship and inclusion.

Today, three priorities stand out as Africa charts this AI-powered future:

1. Africa needs strong digital foundations.

To seize this opportunity, Africa must first address the basics. Today, only 36 percent of Africans have internet access, while unreliable electricity and limited data centre capacity slow adoption.

In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $8.5 billion to digital infrastructure across Africa, including investments in data centres, fibre networks, and broadband. That same year, we invested $1.1 billion specifically to boost digital connectivity. This includes backing Raxio Group’s Tier III data centre expansion across six countries and financing to expand WIOCC’s subsea cables and fibre in Nigeria, DRC, and South Africa. In Lagos, IFC-backed Rack Centre became the first EDGE-certified green data facility in Africa, setting a global benchmark. In Ethiopia, a $1.3 billion collaboration with Safaricom is expanding access to 4G and 5G networks.

These infrastructure projects reduce data costs, connect communities, and enable scalable digital services. These foundational investments are vital for AI-powered innovation to take root and position Africa for global competitiveness.

2. Startups as engines of jobs and innovation

Startups are where innovation meets opportunity. Africa’s startups are solving real-world challenges, from financial inclusion and healthcare access to supply chain inefficiencies. The Google-IFC e-Conomy Africa 2020 report states that Africa’s internet economy could grow from $180 billion by 2025 to $712 billion by 2050, roughly 8.5 percent of GDP.

IFC supports this ecosystem with a $275 million Venture Capital Platform and a $120 million Startup Catalyst Program, which have supported over 1,200 startups spanning fintech, healthtech, edtech, and climate tech. In Nigeria, IFC invested $110 million in TradeDepot, a B2B e-commerce platform empowering women-led retailers with credit and digital tools. Wave Mobile Money is scaling financial inclusion in West Africa; Andela has trained over 175,000 African technologists, creating pathways to global markets; and IFC’s TechEmerge programme is piloting AI diagnostics in Nigeria and Kenya.

Together, these efforts have created over 300,000 jobs, with more than 100,000 women employed, showing that Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can deliver jobs, innovation, and inclusion.

3. Private capital is central to Africa’s AI future.

Public funds alone will not drive Africa’s digital transformation. Currently, less than 1 percent of global AI investment flows into emerging markets beyond China. The role of private capital through equity, blended finance, and public-private partnerships is essential, and it must step up.

IFC is helping catalyse that shift. We partner with African private equity firms such as Africa Capital Alliance, Verod, Uhuru, and Cardinal Stone, combining capital with governance and market expertise to grow resilient, scalable businesses. Our investments also emphasise sustainability, such as the $500 million RIPLE initiative, ensuring that digital growth aligns with climate goals.

Across Africa, IFC’s role is to de-risk investments, crowd in private capital, and create models that can scale across borders.

A shared vision for inclusive development

AI is not just about algorithms and data; it’s about people. It is about equipping young Africans with digital skills, giving small businesses access to new markets, and building infrastructure that is affordable, green, and inclusive.

But the future hinges on today’s choices: governments must set policies enabling digital economies, investors must bring long-term capital, and entrepreneurs must keep driving bold ideas. IFC’s role is to stand at the centre of this ecosystem as a partner and facilitator.

The question for Africa is no longer whether to embrace AI. It is about how inclusively, how quickly, and how boldly the continent moves to make AI a driver of shared prosperity.

Microfinance in Nigeria has grown from humble beginnings in community savings groups to a key player in today’s financial sector.

First formalised through the Community Bank programme in the late 1990s and given a nationwide framework in 2005, microfinance banks (MFBs) were designed to provide financial services to the unbanked, reduce poverty, and support small businesses.

Today, the sector has expanded significantly. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as of late 2024 there are 729 licensed microfinance banks, including nine national, 121 state-level, and 599 unit-level banks. The rise of digital players such as Kuda MFB, Fairmoney MFB, and Moniepoint MFB has also reshaped the landscape, making borrowing even more accessible.

For many Nigerians, the worsening economy-marked by high inflation, rising unemployment, and the increasing cost of living-has made access to quick credit more urgent. Borrowers say microfinance banks have stepped in where commercial banks often fall short.

Daniel, a borrower, explained that speed and accessibility were the main reasons he chose a microfinance bank. ‘They are fast when it comes to processing,’ he said. ‘Unlike commercial banks that may take three months, I was able to access ?2 million without collateral.’ While repayment was demanding-he was given just a week to balance up-he noted that the loan helped him manage priorities: ‘I don’t spend money on things that are not important.’

Glory shared a similar experience, pointing to flexibility as the deciding factor. ‘They were more approachable and willing to consider my financial situation than bigger banks,’ she said. With her loan, she was able to restock her shop and cover urgent family needs. She added that when repayment delays occurred, the bank allowed her to reschedule. Her advice was cautious: ‘Yes, I would encourage others, but they should borrow only what they can repay and use the funds wisely.’

Olusegun emphasized the personal connection that MFBs foster with customers. ‘The workers are approachable and have built relationships with their customers,’ he said. In his case, bank officials even visited his shop before approving the loan. The funds enabled him to buy goods in bulk at lower prices, giving his business a cushion during tough times. However, repayment came with pressure. ‘I was unable to pay back on the deadline, so I was allowed another day, but the bank was on my neck,’ he recalled. His advice was direct: ‘Don’t do more than yourself. Only borrow what you can return.’

From these accounts, a pattern emerges. Borrowers choose microfinance banks not because the loans are easier to repay, but because they are easier to access. Shorter processes, fewer collateral requirements, and flexible terms make them attractive to small business owners and low-income earners who often feel shut out by commercial banks.

As the economy worsens, this accessibility explains why more Nigerians are turning to microfinance institutions. Yet, borrowers are also clear about the risks: repayment can be stressful, and only careful financial discipline prevents loans from becoming burdens.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified security operations across Abuja, directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to raid uncompleted buildings, abandoned structures, and other suspected criminal hideouts in a renewed push to curb insecurity in the nation’s capital.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ajao Adewale, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, said the directive takes immediate effect as part of measures to prevent criminals from exploiting unguarded or abandoned construction sites as operational bases.

Under the new security order, DPOs are to conduct regular patrols of such areas and apprehend unidentified persons found loitering on construction sites after 6:00 p.m.

The commissioner also mandated the profiling of artisans, labourers, and night guards working at active sites, warning developers to comply before the end of October 2025.

Property developers have been urged to visit the nearest police divisions to ensure all workers and security personnel operating at their sites are properly documented.

According to the command, this measure aims to identify and weed out individuals using construction zones as cover for criminal activity.

Ajao also reaffirmed that scavenging, popularly known as ‘Baban Bola,’ remains banned within the FCT, cautioning residents against allowing scavengers access to their neighbourhoods.

He advised the public to report anyone engaging in scavenging or other suspicious behaviour to the police without delay.

‘Security is a collective responsibility,’ the commissioner stated, urging estate associations, community leaders, and residents to collaborate with security agencies by reporting strange movements and ensuring that domestic staff and security guards are properly profiled by the police.

The statement, signed by Josephine Adeh, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining safety and order across the territory.

Residents are encouraged to report emergencies or suspicious activities through the following numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

The recent nomination of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sparked significant debate among energy experts and stakeholders. While many acknowledge the progress NERC has made over the past decade, there are growing concerns that this nomination could destabilise the sector and derail the hard-won gains.

NERC’s Decade of Progress and Institutional Growth

Over the last ten years, NERC has evolved into a critical institution for Nigeria’s power sector. A key achievement has been guiding the sector through significant reforms, culminating in the landmark Electricity Act of 2023. This Act empowered states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their boundaries, moving Nigeria away from a solely centralised model.

NERC has been instrumental in managing this transition, systematically transferring regulatory oversight to states like Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Ekiti, and Oyo that have established their own electricity markets. The commission has actively worked to share its regulatory knowledge, holding multiple engagements with state regulators to ensure a smooth and effective decentralisation process. This institutional maturity and focus on stability is now seen as being at risk.

How an Inexperienced Chairman Could Derail Progress

Experts argue that nominating a chairman with no prior background in the complex Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) threatens to undo years of progress. The primary risks include:

– Erosion of Investor Confidence: The power sector relies heavily on local and international investment. Adetayo Adegbemle of PowerUp Nigeria warns that the controversial and ‘illegal’ nature of the takeover signals that ‘NERC, the crucial referee, may now be compromised.’ This perception could freeze urgently needed investments in generation and distribution infrastructure, transforming the sector into a ‘politically toxic asset class’.

– Regulatory Instability and Legal Challenges: Any decision made by Ramat before Senate confirmation-whether on tariffs, licenses, or market rules-is vulnerable to being nullified by the courts. This creates immense uncertainty for distribution companies (DisCos) and generation companies (GenCos), potentially halting critical projects and reforms.

– Lack of Sector-Specific Expertise: Stakeholders point out that while Ramat has qualifications in engineering and management, the NERC chairmanship requires deep familiarity with the sector’s unique challenges, such as liquidity crises, tariff setting, and subsidy management. One stakeholder bluntly stated, ‘This is not the right time for NESI to have a student regulator,’ emphasising that the learning curve is too steep for the sector’s current challenges.

Expert Recommendations: A Path Forward

To avert a crisis, experts and consumer advocacy groups propose a logical solution that balances recognition of the President’s prerogative to appoint with the need for sector stability.

The consensus advice is for President Tinubu to reassign Engr. Ramat to a different government department where his skills in strategic management and digital innovation can be better utilised without jeopardising a critical sector. Subsequently, a seasoned professional with direct experience in the power sector should be appointed to lead NERC. This would help restore credibility, assure investors, and ensure that the regulatory framework remains stable and effective.

This approach would allow the new chairman’s academic promise to be applied appropriately while safeguarding the institutional progress NERC has achieved over the past decade.

Mahmood Yakubu has handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting National Chairman of the Commission.

The transition was confirmed on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, October 7.

The handover marks a significant change in Nigeria’s electoral leadership, as Yakubu’s two-term, 10-year tenure is set to conclude in November. He has led the Commission since his appointment in 2015.

Announcing the transition, Yakubu said: ‘I have today handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission until a substantive replacement is appointed.’

He also urged INEC management staff and commissioners to extend their full cooperation and support to Agbamuche-Mbu as she takes charge of the Commission’s affairs.

Sproutly Tech Limited, a leading EdTech company providing financial and technology solutions for education, has launched two major financing programmes designed to expand access to digital tools and education financing in Nigeria.

The announcement was made at SproutFest 2025, Sproutly’s annual teachers’ seminar held in Lagos.

The event convened educators, private school owners, innovators and financial institutions under the theme, ‘Bridging the Gap: Integrating Professionalism, Technology and Welfare Systems for 21st Century Teaching Excellence.’

The newly launched initiatives include the Teachers’ Laptop Financing Programme, which aims to provide one million Nigerian teachers with access to affordable laptop financing by 2028, and the Tuition Credit Programme, developed in partnership with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation and Ecobank Nigeria to help parents conveniently and affordably pay school fees.

Sproutly added that teachers and parents can apply for the new financing schemes through the Sproutly platform at https://sproutly.africa .

Speaking at the event, Pierre Nwoke, chief executive officer of Sproutly, said: ‘SproutFest is our way of celebrating education by turning ideas into action. With affordable laptops for teachers and tuition credit for families, Sproutly is helping Nigeria build a more empowered and future-ready education system. With over 1.9 million teachers nationwide, most of whom cannot afford digital tools outrightly, this initiative is about giving teachers the means to shape the future,’ he noted.

The programme featured discussions around education financing, teachers’ welfare, financial sustainability, school management, and technology integration in classrooms.

Prominent panelists included Azuka Ezemakam, regional manager, Corporate Governance in Schools, Ecobank; Adaobi Ekwuno, Lagos coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Nissi Madu, managing partner, Co-Creation Hub (Technology for Schools and Growth); alongside representatives from Sproutly, Zoho, Oak Pensions, Providus Bank, and PEPSO.

Corporate partners, including Zoho, Ecobank, Providus Bank, and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), reaffirmed their commitment to advancing financial inclusion in education, pledging tailored solutions and credit programmes to empower schools, teachers, and parents nationwide.

The event also honoured long-serving teachers for their resilience, innovation, and lifelong dedication to nurturing the next generation.

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has charged property owners who have received Land Use Charge Demand Notice to pay in order to fulfil their obligation to the State.

Sule Salihu Enehe, Chairman of KGIRS, gave the charge in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital, on Monday while having a chat with Journalists on the significance of Land Use Charge and early payment of the tax, adding that the Land Use Charge introduced by the Government was aimed at eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, provision of a more streamlined and efficient system.

Enehe urged property owners that had received their Land Use Charge (LUC) Demand Notice to pay as soon as possible to enable them enjoy early payment incentives.

He said, ‘Payment within 5 days of receipt of Demand Notice attracts 15% discount while payment within 15 days of receipt of demand notice has 10% discount and payment within 25 days of receipt of Demand Notice also has 5% discount to encourage prompt payment of the LUC.

‘Payment can be made in all bank branches across the State as well as Kogi State Revenue POS Agents’, he stated.

He assured that Government would continue to use the revenue for infrastructure development, maintenance of the environment, and provision of adequate security for the State , as he re-emphasised the significance of the tax.

He said, ‘The Land Use Charge offers several benefits, including; Accurate assessment of property values for taxation purposes, Identification and registration of property in the State, Allocation of land for government projects and social amenities, Employment opportunities for enumerators from the District, and Creation of a reliable database on the property makeup of the State to inform decision-making.

‘The tax obligation section of the Land Use Charge focuses on property used for lease and commercial purposes, but there are exemptions, and they include; Property owned and occupied by religious bodies for public worship or education, Public cemeteries and burial grounds,

‘Others are non -profit educational institutions and public libraries, palaces of recognised traditional rulers, community property like town -halls used for community meetings, and Property owned and occupied by pensioners’.

Global work satisfaction has plunged to its lowest level since tracking began, according to HP Inc.’s 2025 Work Relationship Index, which warns that burnout, disconnection and waning trust in leadership are defining the modern workplace.

Only one in five knowledge workers now report a healthy relationship with work. That’s down eight percentage points from last year while business leaders themselves recorded the steepest year-on-year drop of 17 points, HP said in the report released on Sept. 30. The findings point to what the company calls a ‘crisis of connection’ across organisations.

Yet, the report also offers hope: about 85 percent of the factors that shape workplace fulfillment such as leadership behaviour, recognition, flexibility, and access to the right tools, remain within an employer’s control.

‘Work should enable people to flourish, not just fulfill a financial function,’ said Yesh Surjoodeen, managing director of HP Southern Africa.

‘Fulfillment isn’t a luxury, it’s a leadership imperative for the health and future of organisations.’

Rising pressures, shrinking trust

The study paints a picture of increasing workplace strain. Roughly 62 percent of desk-based workers said their employers’ expectations have grown, while 45 percent believe profit is being prioritized over people. Only 16 percent of employees trust senior leaders to make the right decisions for their workforce.

Just 44 percent of respondents said their jobs provide a sense of purpose, and less than four in ten feel adequately recognised for their efforts. Those who describe themselves as fulfilled, however, are three times more likely to feel connected to colleagues and achieve work-life balance, HP said.

AI emerges as a bright spot

Artificial intelligence is proving to be one of the few positives in an otherwise grim landscape. Four in ten knowledge workers now use AI daily, and employees with access to AI tools are twice as likely to report a healthy relationship with work.

Still, gaps in proficiency persist. The report finds that only 21 percent of workers describe themselves as AI-savvy, compared with 56 percent of IT decision-makers.

Companies that invest in AI access and training see measurable gains in optimism, productivity and retention, HP found.

‘The connection between fulfillment and performance has never been clearer,’ Surjoodeen said. ‘When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more connected, creative and committed – all of which fuel business growth.’

Generational shift

Gen Z and Millennials, now the majority of the global workforce, are pushing for change, demanding purpose-driven leadership and flexibility.

More than half of Gen Z employees reported having a side hustle, and 80 percent said they would sacrifice part of their salary for greater autonomy and flexibility.

These younger workers are also leading AI adoption, signaling that the future of work will be shaped by their digital fluency and insistence on values-led management.

The HP Work Relationship Index 2025 surveyed 18,200 desk-based workers across 14 countries, including the U.S., U.K., India, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa, comprising 14,000 knowledge workers, 2,800 IT decision-makers, and 1,400 business leaders.

HP’s findings suggest that while global work fulfillment is at historic lows, the solution remains largely in the hands of employers – through leadership that prizes recognition, inclusion, and innovation over short-term profit.

You are one of very few professionals in your field. What opportunities are there for young Nigerians who may want to build a career in that space?

I’ve spent almost 20 years building secure cloud and AI platforms in the UK and US. The same opportunities exist here if young Nigerians focus on the right skills-data and ML engineering, platform engineering, and applied AI for local challenges like payments, agriculture, and energy. My advice: don’t just chase certificates-learn Python, Linux, Git, Cloud, Kubernetes, Terraform, and actually ship projects. Employers value results, not buzzwords.

How does a tech professional like yourself stay updated with new technologies and tools?

I treat learning as part of the job. Every quarter I focus on one new tool, one upgrade, and one security theme. I track release notes, follow expert communities, and most importantly, I test things hands-on. Breaking and fixing a system teaches me more than any article.

Do you think Nigeria is developing enough tech talents to challenge the rest of the world?

The talent is here. What’s missing is the conversion into industry-ready professionals. We need proper apprenticeships, shared computing resources, and better links to global opportunities. If we fix those gaps, Nigeria can compete-and even lead-in digital capabilities.

Why do you think Africa lags behind in tech growth?

It’s not talent-it’s environment. We deal with high infrastructure costs, patchy power, and inconsistent policies. Procurement often rewards talk over delivery. To catch up, we need stable policies, shared infrastructure, and contracts that pay for uptime and reliability, not just proposals.

You once mentioned that Nigeria can build digital services other countries will pay to use. What are some of these services?

Services around payments, identity, and fraud detection are clear opportunities. Agriculture and energy solutions also have export potential-think climate intelligence APIs, or fintech tools for prepaid power. And we shouldn’t forget African language AI models, which can power contact centres and digital services across the continent.

What challenges may hinder the country from achieving this?

The big ones are unreliable power, expensive infrastructure, inconsistent regulation, and cybersecurity gaps. We also have to avoid vendor lock-in. The solution is to build on open standards, strengthen security, and commit to maintaining systems-not just launching pilots.

Do you feel governments in Nigeria are adopting technology fast enough?

There are good examples, but overall, it’s too slow. The government needs dedicated delivery teams-engineers, product managers, security experts-who can move fast. Shared digital services like ID, payments, and notifications should be built once and reused everywhere.

Quantum computing is touted as a gamechanger. Will quantum have a similar or higher impact as GenAI in the coming years?

In the near term, GenAI will have the bigger impact-it’s already reshaping industries. Quantum will be transformative, but in specialised areas and over a longer horizon. For now, the real preparation is in post-quantum cryptography, making sure our systems are secure for that future.

What tech trends from other climes should Nigeria adopt to accelerate economic growth?

We should adopt digital public infrastructure-digital ID, instant payments, secure data exchange. Shared compute resources for startups and universities are also key. Add zero-trust security, open data for innovation, and FinOps to tie cloud spend to value, and we’ll see real acceleration.

What are the latest cybersecurity issues organisations need to be mindful of?

Supply-chain risks, MFA fatigue attacks, ransomware targeting backups, and API abuse are top threats today. With GenAI, we’re also seeing risks like prompt injection and data leakage. The fix is zero-trust security, signed software, posture management, and security built into every pipeline.

Beyond land registries, what blockchain use cases should governments pursue?

Company registries, public procurement, verifiable education certificates, healthcare claims, and trade documentation are strong use cases. The key is to start small, prove value, and scale gradually.

If Nigeria set up a National Compute Commons, what would it look like?

It would be shared GPU clusters and storage, managed with Kubernetes, open to startups and researchers. Access would be credit-based, with governance built in. It would host agriculture, health, and climate datasets, lowering barriers for innovation.

If you were asked to lead a Federal AI/Cloud Taskforce, what 12-month playbook would you execute?

In year one, I’d secure the cloud foundation, deliver a national MLOps platform, launch a Compute Commons pilot, and scale digital services like ID and payments. By the end of the year, we’d have working AI services for fraud detection, citizen engagement, and revenue protection-plus a new procurement model that pays for outcomes, not hours.

Any other thoughts?

Nigeria’s advantage is young talent and real problems at scale. If we build the right infrastructure, adopt open-source and cloud-native tools, and maintain consistent policies, we won’t just catch up-we’ll export solutions. That’s been the story of my career abroad, and it can be Nigeria’s story too.