WhatsApp, a leading messaging platform in Nigeria, may soon suspend its services in the country. This potential move follows the imposition of a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms for allegedly breaching data privacy laws. According to TechCabal, Meta is considering withdrawing certain services in Nigeria in response to the recent regulatory demands. Sources familiar…
Subscribers of major networks in Kano have lamented poor internet and call services in the metropolis. The subscribers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews on Tuesday in Kano, said that the situation causes them untold hardship. Moses Isiyaku, a subscriber, lamented that he grappled with unreliable internet and call services…
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has registered 522,778 artisans under its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, covering 20 trade areas. This was disclosed by ITF director general Dr. Afiz Ogun, during a joint briefing with the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) on special certification for Nigerian artisans trained under the SUPA programme…
Meta has taken down 63,000 Facebook accounts associated with Nigerians allegedly involved in financial sextortion schemes. The U.S.-based company announced this action in a statement on Wednesday titled, “Combating Financial Sextortion Scams From Nigeria.” This development comes shortly after the Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined Meta and its messaging platform, WhatsApp,…
Nigeria is on the verge of securing a commitment from CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, to establish a manufacturing plant in Evergreen City. This development emerged following a visit by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, and his team to CATL’s Global Headquarters in Ningde,…
Spanish authorities have detained three individuals allegedly involved in cyberattacks targeting Spain and several NATO countries, purportedly for terrorist motives. The suspects, arrested for their suspected roles in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on public institutions and critical sectors, have not yet been publicly identified or formally charged, according to the Civil Guard. The…
The Federal Government has imposed a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms for unauthorized personal data appropriation, discriminatory practices against Nigerian users, and abuse of its dominant market position. In a statement released on Friday, a 38-month joint investigation with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) found that Meta’s data privacy practices and…
Meta announced on Friday that it is lifting certain restrictions previously imposed on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. The company stated that the decision was made to ensure that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, has equal access to the platforms as Democrat President Joe Biden. “Our responsibility to allow…
Approximately an hour after Falcon 9 launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Thursday night, the rocket’s second stage failed to reignite, resulting in the deployment of its 20 Starlink satellites on a shallow orbital path. These satellites are expected to reenter and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere soon. The attempt to reignite…
The Federal Government has introduced Nigeria’s first technology-based media audience measurement system. This groundbreaking initiative was formally launched by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to provide accurate and reliable data on television viewership in the country. Minister Idris emphasized the significance of the Audience Measurement System in ensuring broadcasting efforts are…
The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial steering committee to review Nigeria’s intellectual property policy and strategy draft. The committee includes Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, as the chairperson; Ms. Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, as co-chairperson; and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce as a member….
The European Union has committed €201 million in aid to support the most vulnerable populations affected by the humanitarian crises in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria. This announcement coincides with the Senior Officials Meeting on Sahel and Lake Chad, held today, May 28, 2024, in Brussels. According to a statement from…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering an efficient, accessible, and competitive telecommunications industry in Nigeria. Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, made this commitment during the launch of a two-day public inquiry into three key regulatory instruments. He emphasized the Commission’s consultative approach to ensure inclusivity in regulatory development….
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella unveiled a new category of PC on Monday that features generative artificial intelligence tools built directly into Windows, the company’s world leading operating system. The tech giant estimates that more than 50 million “AI PCs” will be sold over the next 12 months, given the appetite for devices powered by…
Musk, Indonesian health minister, launch Starlink for health sector Musk, wearing a green batik shirt, said the availability of the Starlink service in Indonesia would help millions in far-flung parts of the country to access the internet. The country is home to more than 270 million people and three different time zones, “I’m very excited…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has temporarily suspended the issuance of new licences for operators in three specific categories, effective May 17, 2024. Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, announced that the affected categories are the Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence, the Interconnect Exchange Licence, and the Value-Added Service Aggregator Licence. This suspension aims…
Google has announced it would introduce AI-generated answers to online queries made by users in the United States, in one of the biggest updates to its search engine in 25 years. “I’m excited to announce that we will begin launching this fully revamped experience, ‘AI overviews,’ to everyone in the US this week,” Google…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco International to enhance skills development and implement national training programs aimed at nurturing new talent while reskilling and upskilling existing professionals to meet future demands. Dr. Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa, the Director General of NITDA, and Clayton Naidoo, Cisco’s…
The Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, David Ajang, has delivered a cautionary message urging Nigerians to uphold human values while integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into daily life. Speaking during a homily at St. John Catholic Church in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Bishop Ajang emphasized the importance of maintaining humanity in the face of…
Four individuals associated with the popular social media platform TikTok have been formally charged with spreading false information. This action follows their apprehension subsequent to the filming of a fabricated robbery scene outside a police station in coastal Kenya, as reported by local media outlets. The incident, which garnered significant attention globally through social media…
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP) have collaborated to introduce Electronic tags (E-tags) aimed at enhancing cargo delivery efficiency at ports. The Managing Director of TTP, Mr. Jama Onwubuariri, highlighted that this innovative solution will be provided to truckers at no cost and is expected to bring about significant improvements…
Social media app, TikTok on Tuesday, May 7, sued to block a new US law that could force a nationwide ban of the popular app. Tiktok’s move comes after legal threats the company issued after US President Joe Biden signed the legislation last month. The lawsuit sets up a historic legal battle, one that will…
Meta has released Liama 3, its new open-source AI Model, claiming it’s state of the art and better than the free version ChatGPT. This move put Meta in competition with Google and Open AI, known for keeping their AI work private. Meta believes an open sourcing will boost innovation and usage diversity. Liama 3 aims…
In a recent address at a convened stakeholders meeting spearheaded by the House of Representatives committee on Power, Sanusi Garba, the Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), underscored the necessity of a staggering N3.2 trillion subsidy injection to revert the recent surge in electricity tariffs. Garba underscored the insufficiency of current investments in…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have revealed a strategic partnership focused on bolstering National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to foster synergy among digital identity frameworks, payment systems, and facilitate seamless data exchange in Nigeria. Announced through NITDA’s official communication channel on…
