Headlines
Buhari commissions national tier IV data centre in Kano
Aminu Abdullahi
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Kano commissioned the National Tier IV Data Centre under the supervision of Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and Northwest regional office complex of Galaxy Backbone Limited.
KANO FOCUS reports that the President was in Kano for a one-day official visit where he commissioned several projects executed by the Federal and State governments and the private sector.
‘‘The Tier IV Data Centre is the highest anywhere in the world and this is the best Centre in the country and the first in Northern Nigeria’’ Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, told the President at the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate the formal inauguration.
Pantami added that the Datacentre, in the first stage, has a provision for storage of 2.2 petabytes and a possibility for expansion.
Pantami said the President has directed his Ministry to complete the Project as part of the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NIPTIP 2).
According to him NIPTIP 2 covers Nothern Nigeria and some Southern part of the country.
The Minister further said the North West Tier Four Data Centre is the first ever in the entire world with 99.999 percent reliability.
“The President came here today to implement the project and it is one of great achievement of his administration in ICT.
“The Data Centre is established under Galaxy Backbone Limited, which is the Federal Government owned Agency,” the minister stated.
Pantami pointed out that the Centre is another plus to both public and private sectors, stressing that ” you cannot be a knowledge based economy without having where to keep the data.
He further maintained that the Kano Data Centre will help in security reliability and functionality.
He further stated that the Centre will go a long way in supporting Nigeria to continue to consolidate Digital Economy noting the Centre will also support Nigeria to diversify economy as well as increasing Government revenue and job creation.
Professor Pantami explained that the Kano Galaxy Data Centre which started in March 2021 is 100 percent completed in March 2022.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Galaxy Backbone Limited Muhammad Bello Abubakar said the Kano Data Centre will contribute in the grow of the Nation GDP.
He said the Centre will bring more achievements and provide enabling environment for doing business.
He commended President Buhari and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami for his foresight and innovation towards ensuring Nigeria maintained its tempo in Digital space world wide.
While at Kano government house Buhari described ongoing infrastructure development across the country as ‘fantastic’, urging citizens to appreciate what they have as the situation in the country is not dire when compared with other countries.
‘‘We have a great country but we do not appreciate it until we visit our neighbors and other countries where the preoccupation is for people to have one good meal a day.
‘‘When I fly by helicopter, the number of high-rise buildings I see and the amount of development on the ground are fantastic. We thank God. We thank God. We thank God,’’ he said.
President Buhari urged the elites to encourage and inspire young people to embrace education, saying whether we like it or not we are going to leave the country for them.
‘‘They must embrace education for education’s sake. Technology has made it possible for short cuts but nothing can replace real learning. Please encourage the children to learn.
He congratulated Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State for doing very well on infrastructure, adding that his recent State visits to Kogi, Yobe, Lagos and Katsina have shown that the respective governors have done very well, within the confines of funds available to them.
On security, the President, who described Boko Haram as a fraudulent organization with links to international groups bent on destroying Nigeria, said his administration has succeeded in decimating the terror group, limiting their capacity to inflict harm.
Earlier, while paying homage to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, President Buhari urged Nigerians to respect traditional institutions and accord them the honour they deserve.
The President, who also inaugurated the Emir’s Council Chambers at the Palace, said of the traditional institution:
‘‘This system is good. It is good in the sense that our traditional institutions are respected and honoured.
‘‘It is very important that we have understood the politics and we are respecting people from the bottom to upwards and this is common sense because people matter.
‘‘What the children see now is what they will hope to be in the future and the older ones hope that they can make their influence felt and improve the governance in the country from bottom upwards.’’
He thanked the Emir of Kano for associating him with the success of the traditional institution, lauding him for the vast improvement in the lot of his people, since he ascended the throne three years ago.
The Emir of Kano, who underscored the importance of the visit, thanked President Buhari for granting approval to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the deadline for the phasing out of old currency notes, and by implication the implementation of the cashless policy.
‘‘This is an indication that the President is focused on alleviating the plight of the citizenry and indeed a listening leader,’’ he said.
The Royal Father expressed appreciation to the Federal and States Government for the developmental projects in the State as well as the support to the Emirate.
He added that the ongoing electioneering campaigns should serve as an opportunity for politicians to understand the challenges facing the people and devise a means to solving them.
He prayed for peaceful elections, as well as peace and prosperity of the country.
The President had commenced his visit to the State with the inauguration of Dala Inland Dry Port hosted by Kano State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government.
The Inland Dry Port Project was conceived as part of the Federal Government’s Ports Reform Programme designed to decongest the seaports, while also taking shipping and port services closer to importers and exporters in the hinterland.
The President also inaugurated the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-funded 10MW Haske Solar Plant in a 24-hectare land in Kumbotso Local Government of Kano State.
The plant, which links industrial customers to an additional power supply, represents a significant step towards efforts to provide clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for all Nigerians.
The 10MW plant is the largest completed solar plant in Nigeria and the first under the NSIA renewable energy platform.
President Buhari also commissioned the Family Homes Funds Estate, Darmanawa, Kano, which consists of 469 affordable housing units with ancillary infrastructure.
The inauguration is coming on the heels of the inauguration of the 2,600 Housing Estate on Potiskum road, Damaturu, Yobe State, a project executed by Family Homes in partnership with Yobe State Government.
On the Dala Inland Dry Port, the Minister of Transport, Mu’azu Sambo, recalled that in March 2006 the Federal Executive Council had granted approval for the establishment of this critical transport infrastructure at chosen locations across the country.
He said the infrastructure would undergo a concession to private sector operators on Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) with a strategic framework to Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model.
‘‘Dala Inland Dry Port at Zawachiki in Kano State was among the six Inland Dry Ports approved and the concessioned went to Messrs Dala Inland Dry Port Nigeria Limited,’’ he said.
He stated that the dry port has been designated a Customs port with all the prerequisites of an international port including Customs, Immigration, Port Health Officials and Government security agencies.
He thanked Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State for his investments on infrastructural development particularly, road networks amongst others which has made the Dala Inland Dry Port a reality.
Reiterating that the Dala Inland Dry Port (DIDP) is a Port of Origin and Final Destination, the Minister called on national and international maritime practitioners, shippers, shipping companies, landlocked countries and port users to take full advantage of this facility for import and export of their cargoes.
On the 10MW Haske Solar Plant, the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, described the solar plant as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s power generation, achieving the energy transition goal as well as increasing the share of renewable energy in the power mix.
The Minister revealed that the construction of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant project is almost completed, while other power plants projects are at various stages of completion.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, disclosed that over 16,000 houses have been successfully built in the past 4 years by Family Homes Funds Limited, under the guidance of the Ministry.
She recalled that the Ministry together with the NSIA established Family Homes Funds Limited with a structured approach to address the housing deficiency issue in the country.
‘‘We had a vision to support your government’s housing agenda by ensuring we cater for the low-income earners of Nigeria by providing quality houses that are affordably priced,’’ she said.
According to the Minister, the agency now has a strong presence in all the six geopolitical zones and through its projects, created over 75,000 direct and indirect jobs.
‘‘There are completed and ongoing housing projects funded by Family Homes Funds in 12 states of the Federation and in the next two years, we intend to build additional affordable houses in all 36 states including the FCT,’’ she said.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken a decisive step to address the prolonged challenges faced by Kano students unable to access their academic certificates throughout Ganduje’s administration.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday, it was revealed that Governor Yusuf held a critical meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to tackle the issue.
The discussion focused on the overdue release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.
Many of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.
The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.
However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.
“This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise,” the governor remarked.
“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who much need for immediate employment with Kano state government, it is a shame on him”
“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”
Governor Yusuf’s intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to address systemic challenges in the education sector.
The anticipated resolution of this issue is expected to enable the graduates to fulfill their potential and make meaningful contributions to Kano State’s development.
This effort signals a new chapter of hope for the affected graduates and reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a brighter future for its citizens.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Bayero University, Kano (BUK) received five teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on Monday, December 9, 2024, to accredit nine academic programmes.
KANO FOCUS reports that the programmes under review include BSc Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, BSc Forensic Science, Masters in Entrepreneurship, Early Childhood Education, and Primary Education.
This marks the third phase of BUK’s ongoing accreditation process, following the successful review of 30 programmes between November 18 and 30, 2024 under phase one and two.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, emphasized the significance of accreditation as a peer-review exercise that enhances the quality of teaching and research at the university.
Professor Bashir Maina, speaking on behalf of the teams, highlighted their mission to assess the programmes and provide recommendations in line with global best practices.
The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yusuf Garba, explained that the current accreditation process is part of the final phase, which involves the evaluation of 22 programmes in total.
The NUC accreditation teams are expected to submit their findings and recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor later this week.
Zulaiha Danjuma
The rise of digital payment systems in Nigeria has transformed the way people conduct financial transactions.
KANO FOCUS reports, In Kano, traders in the Hausawa Sabon Titi community have been at the forefront of this shift, embracing digital payment solutions to facilitate their daily business activities.
The introduction of the MoniePoint POS machine has revolutionized businesses in the area. Mr. Kabiru Yahaya, a provision store owner, noted that the cash squeeze prompted him to adopt the MoniePoint POS machine. “Most of our customers prefer to pay electronically, so we had to adapt to meet their needs,” he explained.
Similarly, Yusuf Usman, a bread and tea vendor, reported that 85% of his customers use ATM cards, mobile wallets, or phone transfers to make payments. “The MoniePoint POS machine has made it easier for me to receive payments and make payments to suppliers too,” he said.
Provision Shop at Sabontiti, Kano
Benefits of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems
The adoption of inclusive instant payment systems has not only improved business operations but also enhanced financial security. Mr. Usman noted that the use of digital payments has reduced the risk of robbery and burglary.
Inclusive instant payment systems offer several benefits
Increased financial inclusion: IIPS provides access to financial services for underserved populations, promoting economic growth and development. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the number of Nigerians with access to financial services increased from 36.8% in 2016 to 63.2% in 2020.
Improved economic efficiency: Digital payments reduce transaction costs, increase the speed of transactions, and enhance the overall efficiency of the economy. A study by McKinsey found that digital payments can increase GDP by up to 6% in some African countries.
Reduced risk of cash transactions: IIPS minimizes the risks associated with cash transactions, such as robbery, burglary, and counterfeiting. According to the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the value of digital transactions in Nigeria increased by 50% in 2022, reaching ₦10.9 trillion.
Bread seller
Nigeria’s Cash Crunch Drives Digital Payments
Nigeria’s economy has traditionally relied heavily on cash transactions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns accelerated the adoption of digital banking and inclusive instant payment systems. The government’s efforts to curb excess cash circulation and promote digital payments have further driven the growth of IIPS.
According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the number of active mobile money agents in Nigeria increased from 10,000 in 2019 to over 1.4 million in 2022.
Challenges and Limitations of IIPS
Despite the benefits of IIPS, there are challenges and limitations to its adoption. Some of these challenges include:
*Infrastructure constraints:* The lack of reliable internet connectivity and electricity in some areas can hinder the adoption of IIPS. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s internet penetration rate stood at 44.6% as of 2022.
*Security concerns:* The risk of cyber attacks and data breaches can deter some individuals and businesses from adopting IIPS. According to a report by KPMG, the average cost of a data breach in Nigeria is estimated to be around ₦2.5 billion.
*Regulatory issues:* The lack of clear regulations and guidelines can create uncertainty and confusion for providers and users of IIPS. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the regulator is working to develop a more comprehensive regulatory framework for digital payments in Nigeria.
Expert Reaction
Dr. Tijjani Ahmed, a Senior Lecturer at the Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Kazaure and a Research Fellow at the African Center for Tax and Governance, explained that the advancement of digital technology and the introduction of digital instant payments have increased financial inclusion for small businesses.
Dr. Tijjani Ahmed
“Prior to 2015, Nigeria had experienced low financial inclusion, with over 40% of the populace financially excluded,” he explained. Dr. Ahmed noted that this excluded demographics were not just individuals but also businesses that were in need of financial inclusion.
“Largely, the businesses in Northern Nigeria are informal, and one of the requirements in this modern age is to be banked and run a business account,” he said.
Dr. Ahmed added that with the advent of inclusive instant payment services like MoniePoint, the majority of small businesses are now able to be involved in the financial system, making and receiving payments, paying bills, and keeping track of their financial inputs and outputs.
“The Nigerian government has a target to phase out cash transactions by 2030; these digital financial technologies will help this transition, making businesses resilient because without these financial inclusive platforms and no cash, business will die,” he said.
The adoption of inclusive instant payment systems in Nigeria has transformed the way people conduct financial transactions. As the country continues to navigate its cash crunch, the growth of IIPS is expected to drive financial inclusion, improve economic efficiency, and reduce the risks associated with cash transactions. With the increasing adoption of IIPS, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in promoting financial inclusion and driving economic growth.
As the country continues to evolve and adapt to the changing financial landscape, it is essential to address the challenges and limitations associated with IIPS to ensure its sustainable growth and development.
This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus Newspaper online.
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