Technology
Stakeholders in Tech Sector Raise Alarm Over Fresh Move by FG
By Adedapo Adesanya
Innovation has been the buzzword on the lips of many stakeholders in Nigeria in the past few years, especially as revenue from oil, which accounts for a huge chunk of Nigeria’s wealth, is depleting due to prevailing conditions in the global oil market.
This has since created an opportunity for many Nigerians, who have quickly moved in to disrupt the space with several startups that are disrupting traditional methods and creating new markets with technology.
With technology, many Nigerian entrepreneurs are doing wonders. It has made investing, saving, crowdfunding, logistics and even accountability easier. It has also done one key thing – reduced the power of dependence on the government and its unfriendly policies.
However, it has not been an easy ride for these companies who have had to deal with the constant governments’ policies believed to be anti-growth like in the case of Lagos State placing a ban on bike hailing and moving to collect 10 per cent on ride-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt, and others in the state.
This has not been the only case so far. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) appears to be the biggest villain at the moment.
In February, it hit the budding cryptocurrency market with a surprise as it ordered all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) and Non-Banks Financial Institutions (NBFIs) to with immediate effect shut down the accounts operated by entities that facilitate the trading of digital currencies.
Yesterday, all was looking well until late evening when a court ex parte order froze the bank accounts of six online investment platforms for 180 days over claims that they were using the foreign exchange sourced from the Nigerian market for purchasing foreign bonds/shares in contravention of a July 2015 CBN directive.
Affected by the court order are Rise Vest Technologies Limited, Bamboo Systems Technology Limited, Bamboo Systems Tech. Ltd OPNS, Chaka Technologies Limited, CTL/Business Expenses and Trove Technologies Limited.
Uproar followed the decision as many Nigerians have recounted the moves carried about regulators and government in hurting innovation especially as economic conditions continue to worsen with inflation, COVID-19, and conflict gripping the nation.
Yet, the government is not done as another policy in the pipeline as a leaked bill circulating on social media shows that the Nigerian Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is proposing amendments to its regulatory Act, giving the agency more control over the technology ecosystem.
The general consensus is that regulation is a necessity, however, some regulations can stifle growth as evident in the latest move by the NITDA to review its outdated laws and make them more beneficial for startups.
The leaked bill is proposing that tech companies operating in Nigeria must get a license, pay pre-tax profit levies and sanction whoever (person or company) operates contrary to the new Act’s provisions.
It proposes a developmental bill funded by a levy of one per cent of the profit before tax of companies and enterprises with an annual turnover of N100,000,000 and above.
In Section 20 of the leaked bill, NITDA said it will issue licenses and authorizations for tech companies regardless of their size. The licenses are classified into three sections: product, service provider and platform provider.
The bill provided no additional information about what these licenses entail and how startups qualify to get them.
Stakeholders in tech sector have raised the alarm that further moves to regulate a space where the Nigerian government’s investment is minimal may drive these companies offshore leading to loss of tax revenue, jobs, and future investments while still serving Nigerians.
Technology
Interswitch Inducts New Interns into Developer Academy to Fortify Tech Talent Pipeline
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A cohort of developer interns has been inducted into the Developer Academy of Interswitch as part of efforts to deepen Africa’s tech talent pipeline.
The new cohort emerged through a rigorous multi-stage process involving technical assessments and interviews. They were chosen from over 20,000 applications.
The talents were sourced from across key engineering tracks, including Backend Development, DevOps, Mobile Development, Frontend Engineering, and Quality Assurance.
Their induction highlights both the scale of interest in software engineering opportunities in Nigeria and Interswitch’s role in nurturing the next generation of highly skilled technology professionals.
During the 9-month programme, participants will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, exposure to enterprise-grade systems, and the development of workplace readiness skills essential for today’s dynamic work environment.
Designed as an intensive and structured learning experience, the Developer Academy combines theoretical instruction with real-world application, equipping participants with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly global and competitive technology landscape.
At the end of the programme, top-performing interns may be offered full-time roles within Interswitch, while others are well-positioned to pursue opportunities across the broader technology landscape.
“At Interswitch, we have always believed in the capacity to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on long-term impact. While the migration of skilled talent remains a reality, our approach is to actively shape the outcomes by building a strong and sustainable pipeline of technology professionals,” the chief executive of Interswitch, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, said.
“We are therefore committed to equipping individuals with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the broader technology ecosystem, locally and globally, not just for our own needs at Interswitch. In doing so, we are not only strengthening the industry but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a source of globally competitive engineering talent,” he added.
Also commenting, the Human Resources Officer, Mr Franklin Ali, said, “The Developer Academy reflects our long-term commitment to building talent at scale. We are equipping these young professionals not just with technical skills, but with the mindset, discipline, and adaptability required to thrive in diverse environments.
“Whether they build their careers within Interswitch, contribute to the local ecosystem, or explore global opportunities, they represent the strength and potential of Nigerian talent and carry forward the standard of excellence we are committed to building.”
Beyond its immediate training objectives, Interswitch’s Developer Academy is anchored on a broader strategic vision, one that addresses the ongoing migration of skilled talent from Nigeria and other developing economies.
As global demand for software engineers continues to rise, many highly skilled professionals are increasingly recruited by international organisations.
Interswitch’s approach reframes this trend, positioning talent development both as a means of local capacity building and as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a global hub for technology expertise.
Technology
Flexmobile to Disrupt Nigeria’s Telecom Landscape
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigeria’s telecom landscape is about to be abuzz, with the much-anticipated launch of Flexmobile from Hazon Technologies.
Feelers indicate that the company will soon make a commercial debut, as the regulatory approval is now in the final stage.
It was gathered that the commercial rollout for Flexmobile should be June 1, 2026, as this depends on the authorisation of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates the sector. The telco will have the distinctive 081 number series.
Early signals suggest a product ecosystem engineered around flexibility, data-centricity, and user control—an approach aligned with the evolving expectations of Nigeria’s digitally connected population.
For seamless operations, Flexmobile has sealed commercial agreements with its MVNE, IMBIL, and Airtel Nigeria.
“What lies ahead is more than a launch—it is the beginning of a new way to experience telecoms in Nigeria,” the chief executive of Hazon Technologies, Mr Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi, said at a recent media briefing.
“After years of building the right partnerships and infrastructure, we are approaching a defining milestone. Flexmobile is designed to challenge conventions and introduce a smarter, more flexible telecom experience for Nigerians,” he added.
While full details of its offering will be unveiled at launch, Flexmobile is expected to introduce a suite of value-added services designed to go beyond traditional connectivity—positioning the brand at the intersection of telecoms, lifestyle, and digital enablement.
Backed by strong institutional partnerships and a robust MVNE framework, Flexmobile enters the market not just as another operator, but as a platform with the potential to reshape how telecom services are consumed and experienced.
Technology
ipNX, NCC to Drive Inclusive Digital Growth Across Nigeria
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, ipNX Nigeria, is joining forces with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to accelerate broadband penetration and drive inclusive digital growth across the country.
Recently, an executive delegation of the organisation paid a visit to the chairman of the regulatory agency, Mr Idris Olorunimbe.
“We are pleased to engage with the new chairman of the NCC and show our support as he takes on this important role.
“Strong leadership and a clear policy direction are essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“At ipNX, we remain committed to working closely with the commission and other stakeholders to expand broadband access, enhance connectivity in educational institutions, and ultimately bridge the digital divide.
“This collaboration will empower millions of Nigerians and further position the country as a leader in Africa’s technological evolution,” the Managing Director of ipNX Nigeria, Mr Ejovi Aror, said at the visit.
In his remarks, Mr Olorunnimbe thanked the firm for the show of support, reiterating the commission’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private sector participation in achieving universal broadband access across Nigeria.
This collaboration is expected to advance Nigeria’s transformation agenda in technology and help boost the federal government’s broadband agenda for the country.
ipNX Nigeria has said it remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge broadband and ICT solutions, and this engagement underscores its unwavering dedication to supporting national development through technology-driven initiatives.
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