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Category: Science & Tech

  • Biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks—NBRDA D-G

    Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, D-G, NBRDA

     

     

    Biotech

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks to overcome regulatory hurdles facing its adoption.

    Mustapha made this submission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The director-general, who was reacting to the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology in Nigeria, said it needed ethical guidelines, stakeholder engagements and technology transfer mechanisms.

    According to him, in understanding biotechnology, it harnesses biological processes, organisms or systems to develop innovative products and solutions.

    “The benefits of biotechnology are far-reaching, cutting across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, environment and industry.

    “Biotechnology offers environmental solutions such as environmental sustainability through bio-remediation, waste management and renewable energy production.

    “Bio-remediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use of microbes and bacteria to decontaminate affected parts.

    “Microbial bio-remediation techniques clean up contaminated environments, reducing environmental degradation and associated economic costs.’’

    The NBRDA boss also explained that in the area of sustainable industrial development, industrial biotechnology promoted sustainable production processes and products.

    “Bio-based materials, renewable fuels, and biodegradable plastics are examples of industrial biotechnology applications.

    “Adoption of industrial biotechnology fosters environmental conservation and economic opportunities in renewable industries.

    “In the area of healthcare advancements, healthcare adoption of biotechnology reduces healthcare costs and stimulates economic growth.

    “Biotechnology innovations transform healthcare through personalised medicine, advanced diagnostics and novel treatments,” he said.

    Mustapha added that biopharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology processes offered targeted therapies for various diseases. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SET/AYO/CJ/

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    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Reps seek increase in budgetary allocation to science research, technology

    Budget
    By Olasunkanmi Onifade
    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country’s socio-economic development.
    Chairman of the committee, Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.
    “We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work.
    “We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or lack of other issues,” he said.
    Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the organisation, in line with international best practices.
    “Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nigeria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now.
    “Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,” he said.
    Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose.
    He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems.
    The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector.
    The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee on their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the organisation.
    He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OEO/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • NOTAP tasks companies on registration of technology transfer agreements

    Registration

    By Tolu Aiyegbusi

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has urged companies that operate on foreign technologies to submit their technology transfer agreements to NOTAP for proper evaluation and registration.

    Its Director-General, Dr Obiageli Amadiobi, gave the advice on Monday at a news conference in Abuja.

    Amadiobi said companies that failed to submit their agreements to NOTAP for proper evaluation and registration would face stiff penalties and prosecution.

    “Available records show that a greater percentage of companies in Nigeria operate on imported technologies which run into millions of dollars without NOTAP registration necessitated by Law, thereby shortchanging the Nigerian economy.

    “By law, it is mandatory that NOTAP should be involved during the technology negotiation stage to ensure that the Nigerian entrepreneur acquires appropriate technology in best contractual terms,’’ she said.

     

    The D-G expressed NOTAP’s commitment in synergising with companies that strictly comply with its rules, adding that there would be stiff punishment for erring ones.

    She stated that NOTAP was established to regulate the inflow of foreign technology through the registration of technology transfer agreements to promote the development of locally motivated technologies.

    According to her, NOTAP is working assiduously to ensure that Nigerian companies are offered the best contractual terms in acquisition of foreign technologies,

    “This act is shortchanging the system because they have lumped up software and hardware together, thereby not giving room for proper evaluation and registration.

    “Some companies are hiding under non-registration of hardware to avert registration of their agreements,’’ director-general said.

    According to her, this will enable rendition of services commensurate with the money expensed on it.

    “In line with the renewed hope mantra of the present administration, no company is allowed to continue to avoid registration of technology transfer agreements with NOTAP.

    “Some operators lump acquisition of foreign hardware with the software with the claim that the technology cannot be registered since it is hardware.’’

     

    She emphasised that such companies were doing great disservice to the nation and should henceforth desist from such practices. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    TOLU/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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  • Expert advocates agricultural innovation, technology to drive productivity

    Prof Olalekan Akinbo

     

    Expert advocates agricultural innovation, technology to drive productivity

    Technology

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Prof.  Olalekan Akinbo, expert at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has called for adoption of agricultural innovation and technology to increase agricultural productivity, sustainability and growth in the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

    Akinbo, Technical Lead, Genome Editing Programme of AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    The expert said agricultural innovation and technology adoption play a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector.

    He said farmers can increase their productivity, enhance food security, and contribute to rural development by embracing innovative technologies

    “Nigeria, blessed with a large agricultural base, promoting innovation and technology adoption, is key to addressing challenges, such as low productivity, post-harvest losses and limited access to markets.

    ” Agricultural innovation and technology adoption can significantly increase productivity by improving farming practices, enhancing crop yield and optimising resource utilisation ,” Akinbo said.

    According to him, genome editing is an example of innovative technology that can boost productivity and efficiency in Nigerian agriculture.

    The expert said that with a growing population and increasing food demand, ensuring food security was a critical challenge for Nigeria.

    Akinbo said that sustainable agricultural practices were essential for preserving the environment, conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SET/NNO/JPE

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas/ Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • 100% of SIM cards used in Nigeria locally manufactured – NCC

    SIM

    By Christiana Fadare
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says 100 per cent of the SIM cards used in the country are manufactured locally.

    Engr. Babagana Digima, the Head, New Media and Information Security, NCC, said this at a training for media executives in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day training had the title: “Upskilling Media Stakeholders on Trends in Telecommunications.”

    Digima attributed the feat to the commission’s commitment in encouraging local content and indigenous participation in the industry through the Nigeria Office for Development in Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT).

    “The NCC by Section 1D to F of our Act has spelt out our function to encourage indigenous participation of telecom companies as well as the national policy for promotion of indigenous content in the Telecommuncations Sector which established NORDIT.

    “Indigenous participation is one of the key areas NORDIT has played a major role.

    “Previously, in the last two years, almost 99 per cent  to 100 per cent of SIM cards in Nigeria were imported.

    “And when NORDIT came, we made it one of our key low-hanging fruits that in five months to six months manufacture of SIM cards will be indigenous.

    “We directed all the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to source their SIM cards locally, and in fact, as at now 100 per cent of all the SIM cards used in Nigeria are manufactured locally, no importation,” Digima said.

    Digima, the former Head of NORDIT, noted that the commission through NORDIT engage in advocacy work to encourage indigenous participation of companies and people in all aspects of telecoms.

    He said that NORDIT had also provided grants and incentives to some companies to ensure the development of the industry.

    “For now, we are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Ordinal Duct, and the company that will be established will be the first in the whole of Africa to manufacture such kind of product.

    “We also encourage tower manufacture, fibre manufacture and have been in touch with Coleman Cables, which are currently manufacturing fibre cables.

    “They have even overtaken the only company in Egypt in manufacturing capacity and they are expanding.

    “I am sure a lot of companies are very happy with what we have done,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative to upskill senior media executives was borne out of the need to bridge the gap between the commission and how it was understood by its publics.

    Maida, who was represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, said the commission needed to develop a mechanism that would enable the consumers and stakeholders understand how things work in the industry.

    “These have led to the birth of this beautiful initiative. If our industry must succeed, there must be proper enlightenment and education.

    “So, your physical role cannot be overemphasised and that is why these are carefully selected executives from across all platforms including print, broadcast, and the online media.

    “It is to enable you understand the commission and to see the operational interventions that the commission has engaged in over the time, as well as challenges we are having.

    “This will enable us to work together to shape the landscape and also to help consumers understand what is really happening,” he said.

    He added that the aim of the training was to develop a reliable database of core partners within the geography of media systems and to cultivate a strategic relationship with media stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    COF/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • AI has introduced new challenges in Cybersecurity – Expert

    AI has introduced new challenges in Cybersecurity – Expert
    Security
    By Funmilola Gboteku

    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olatunji Igbalajobi, the Executive Director/co-Founder of cyber security consulting firm, Cybercode Ltd., says that the advent of Artificial Intelligence into the cyber space has introduced new challenges in cybersecurity.

    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Lagos on Sunday, Igbalajobi said that the advancements in AI was good but carried implications for the country.

    He said that Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered fraud was projected to reach 350 billion between 2023 and 2027 globally.

    Igbalajobi, who is also a member, Board of Trustees, Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), was speaking about the implications of the growing knowledge and embrace of Artificial Intelligence around the world, with Nigeria not being left behind.
    Recently, June 10, 2024 precisely, a Nigerian-based company, Insolify invented and introduced Safi, an  AI tool, into Nigeria.
    The cyber security expert said that AI-driven attacks were more adaptable and could potentially bypass traditional security measures, adding that this evolution in cybercrime tactics made defending against these threats more complex and demanding.
    According to him, there are different methods of attacks within the AI application and environment, which includes data poisoning attacks and model evasion attacks among others.
    “AI poisoning attack occurs when threats actors injects malicious or corrupted data into training data sets, aiming to cause the AI to produce inaccurate results.
    “Model evasion attacks on the other hand is when attackers feed the AI with contradictory examples in order to create inaccurate predictions,” he said.
    The cyber security expert said that this showed that there was need to prepare for what was coming, noting that lots of cyber attacks were on the way and if care was not taken, it would result in financial impacts.
    He also noted that the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) had been calling the attention of organisations in the supply chain and manufacturing industry to consider cyber security as an integral part of their organisations.
    He explained that with this awareness, they were beginning to get info on how cyber attacks happened and how their industry could also be susceptible to it.

    “Now, most manufacturing industries are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of their machines and using less human labour.

    “A manufacturing company using AI has to know that the same way it is programmed to do a perfect job, a hacker could also carry out a malicious attack on the algorithm of AI.
    “This attack could destabilise the AI from doing what it was programmed to do before, hence, industries are beginning to see the need for cybersecurity,” Igbalajobi said.
    On reasons why cybersecurity adoption was slow, he said that Nigerians were more reactive than proactive, noting that most organisations waited to experience cyber attacks before doing the needful.
    The expert noted that the cost of mitigating cyber attacks were usually outrageous, noting that companies ended up spending triple the amount that should have been used to prevent it.
    Igbalajobi also explained that the public-private partnership sector-driven collaboration was still not where it should be, saying that the country had some international partnership with notable organisations around the world, who were trying to invest in Nigeria’s cybersecurity.
    The expert said these countries, which included the UK and U.S. among others were trying to see the opportunities Nigeria and Africa at large could present in the area of cybersecurity.
    He urged the government to look into the area of limited funds, access to skill and technology, skilled workforce in terms of talent shortage, continuous training and infrastructural limitations in order to bridge the gap in cybersecurity.

    Igbalajobi noted the effectiveness of cyber security companies in Nigeria, so far, but said that there were still challenges.

    He said that the few certified cybersecurity experts in the country are not sufficient to address the growing challenges that Nigeria faced in the area of cybersecurity.
    According to him, there is no doubt that Nigeria has a growing alignment of expertise, but the challenge in the country is losing most cybersecurity experts to the western world.
    “On a daily basis, we see cybersecurity experts who have been able to acquire relevant skills to be  professionals and mitigate cyber threats looking for an opportunity to leave the country for greener pastures.
    “Most of them opt to go abroad because the environment there is more competitive and favourable for the job.
    “It is quite unfortunate that we are losing our experts to the global community,” Igbalajobi said.
    He added that the number of cybersecurity professionals leaving Nigeria would increase as long as the economic, political, and social situation in Nigeria did not improve.
    The cyber security expert, however, said that there were a good number of alignment with government regulatory agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
    He noted that CBN had been helping Nigerians to grow cyber security wise, adding that if not for the regulator, the financial sector would still be scratching the surface in terms of cybersecurity.
    Igbalajobi noted that the regulation CBN had put in place had helped the financial sector to be on its toes and up-to-date in protecting its institutions with cyber security programmes.
    Speaking on what the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria had been doing, he said they had been fostering and championing cyber security education in terms of creating awareness.
    He added that the association had also been engaging the government on best approaches to go about cyber security projects and programmes in Nigeria.
    NAN reports that Nigeria has been identified with having one of the lowest numbers of cybersecurity experts, signalling a pressing need for enhancing digital security within the nation.
    According to a global report, as of 2023, Nigeria had a mere 8,352 professionals, adding that “with the increasing digitisation of various sectors and the pervasive use of the internet, Nigeria faces a range of cybersecurity challenges that need to be addressed effectively.
    “Cybersecurity is not a game of choice, it is the new normal. Unlike in the past, modern hackers are now coordinated, well-funded and operate like corporations.”
    The Central Bank of Nigeria also noted that Nigerian financial institutions are losing millions of dollars to cybersecurity-related frauds and threats. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FOG/COF
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • NIMC dismisses alleged data breach, assures safety

    Data
    By Olasunkanmi Onifade
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed as misleading reports insinuating breach of its database.
    This is contained in a statement by Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications of the commission, on Saturday in Abuja.
    He said the data of Nigerians have not been compromised as being insinuated, adding that the commission had not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN), and other sensitive information of the citizens.
    “The following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorised by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data.
    “NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” Adegoke said.
    He said that commission had adopted proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats, and provide a secure, world-class, full-proof database.
    According to Adegoke, the commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standards, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.
    While advising Nigerians against giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites, Adegoke reiterated commitment of the commission to uphold ethical standards in data protection in line with Federal Government’s directives and data privacy regulations.
    He also warned that licensed partners or vendors could only verify NINs through approved channels and not authorised to scan or store it.
    According to him, NIMC is currently working with security agencies to apprehend the culprits for prosecution.
    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to be vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.
    “The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets”. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
    OEO/RSA
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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Nwifuru’s wife inaugurates free ICT training for youths in Ebonyi

  • Ministry collaborates to foster youths self reliance, development in Plateau

    Collaboration
    Jos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Goselle Nanjul, the Plateau Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, says the state is  collaborating  with the  Federal College of Forestry in area of technology to develop the youth.

    Nanjul, who received the Acting Provost of Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Prof. Stephen Chomini who was on  courtesy visit on Friday in Jos,  said that the partnership would stimulate technological revolution.

    Chomini said that the aim of the visit was to foster self reliance and development among the youth.

    The provost said that it was in line with the colleges’ mandate to train middle-level manpower to sustain and enhance the environmental ecosystem management.

    He said that the collaboration would also provide education programmes for young people  who could be interested in forestry.

    The commissioner said that the mission of the school had been to leverage technology to make the environment green and friendly.

    He also observed that the collaboration would improve the lives of many youths by providing new jobs and providing new tools that would make forest work more efficient.(NAN)
    OIZ/CHOM/KAY
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Kayode Olaitan

  • FG needs to develop climate-smart food production calendar – UAC Foods 

    Calendar
    By Funmilola Gboteku
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Oluyemi Oloyede, the Managing Director, UAC Foods Ltd. has urged the Federal Government to develop a national climate smart food production calendar to boost sustainability.
    Oloyede said this at the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/NIFST Day 2024 celebration on Thursday in Lagos.
    The theme of the event was:  “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Food for Nigerians Through Food Science and Technology.”
    He noted that the country could no longer afford to plant only when it was rainy season.
    Oloyede stressed the need for development of effective systems for climate resilient crops varieties and animals due to global warming and climate change.
    He said it was necessary to build data from weather forecasting, early warning signs of flooding to effectively and efficiently manage the impacts of climate change on food and livestock production.
    “Nigeria has 34 million hectares of arable land where we produce some staple foods in large quantities and it must amplify and prioritise it to meet national requirements and export.
    “We are a large producer of cassava, yam, cocoyam, beans, melon seeds and we are among the largest producers of groundnuts,maize, rice and plantain.
    “Instead of trying to compete in wheat or sugar or milk, at least for a start, we should first scale where we have competitive advantages.
    “We need to increase acreage, support mechanisation, release improved seeds that will increase yields, subsidise scaled production and use some of these as  substitutes where we do not have competitive advantage, “he said.
    He also stressed the need to boost nutrition in children and young adults, noting that 32 per cent of children under five in Nigeria were malnourished.
    Oloyede noted that nowadays, most Nigerian households considered price, taste, sufficiency over and above nutrition, adding that this was responsible for the quality of food that were available in our markets and shelves.
    Citing an example, he said an average consumer wanted protein such as cow milk but because of the challenges of accessibility, the consumer had to step down from skimmed milk or full cream,  to non-dairy creamer.
    Oloyede explained that consumers now sacrificed nutrition ( protein levels as high as 30 per cent) for affordability (protein levels as low as two per cent)
    “We must view the current global, national and sub-national challenges as opportunities to develop plans to guarantee food security at all levels and this is everyone’s responsibility, including government and donor agencies.
    “As a country,  we cannot produce all foods, no country in the world does, hence we need to decide on what is to be produced and exported.
    “We must operate an open market that allows us to export and import.
    “Nigerians need to stop seeing imports as evil, especially when we are battling with food inflation and other countries are able to produce these foods cheaper,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFT also held an award ceremony and inter-school debate competition for secondary school students.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FOG/CHOM/JNC
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma