Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Technology

  • Federal Government Seals Major Electric Vehicle Deal with South Korean Partners

    Federal Government Seals Major Electric Vehicle Deal with South Korean Partners

    According to The Guardian reporting on February 1st, 2026, the Nigerian government has officially entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) to pioneer domestic electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The agreement, signed by John Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, outlines a comprehensive roadmap for establishing assembly plants and a robust national charging network.

    Reporting by Daily Trust confirms that the initiative is part of a broader “Green Industrialization” agenda aimed at reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. The publication notes that the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has already identified potential sites in Lagos and Kaduna for the first phase of the rollout. “This partnership marks a definitive shift from importation to domestic production, positioning Nigeria as a hub for green technology in West Africa,” a Ministry spokesperson stated.

    In an update published by The Cable, it was highlighted that the South Korean partners are committing an initial investment of $250 million toward technical training and infrastructure. The outlet quoted AEDC representative, Kim Sung-ho, who remarked: “Our goal is to integrate Nigerian ingenuity with Korean technology to create affordable, sustainable transport solutions for the African market.”

    Echotitbits take: This move is a significant pivot toward international economics and sustainable industrialization. By partnering with South Korea, Nigeria is not just looking at environmental benefits but also job creation in the high-tech sector. Watch for the legislative framework that will likely provide tax incentives for early adopters of EVs in the coming months.

    Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/nigeria-south-korea-sign-deal-to-launch-electric-vehicle-plant/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: NigeriaInfo

     

  • Nigeria to Host Major Conference on Africa’s Digital Economy

    Nigeria to Host Major Conference on Africa’s Digital Economy

    ThisDay reports that Nigeria has been selected to host the 2026 Conference on Africa’s Borderless Digital Economy.

    The event is expected to convene policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss digital payments integration and harmonized data regulation across Africa, with an AfCFTA implementation lens.

    The Nation and BusinessDay also noted anticipated focus areas such as reducing cross-border transaction costs and showcasing Nigerian innovation to a global audience.

    Echotitbits take: Hosting is an opportunity for Nigeria’s fintech and enterprise tech ecosystem, but credibility will depend on fixing the basics: affordable data, reliable power, and predictable regulation. Expect deal-making around cross-border payments, digital identity, and AfCFTA-compliant trade digitization.

    Source: This Day – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/30/nigeria-to-host-2026-conference-on-africas-borderless-digital-economy/  2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: This Day

  • Global Tech Giants Face Fresh Scrutiny Over Nigerian Data Privacy Compliance

    Global Tech Giants Face Fresh Scrutiny Over Nigerian Data Privacy Compliance

    The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has opened an investigation into three major international social media platforms over alleged breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

    Regulators warned that non-compliant firms could face fines of up to 2% of annual global turnover, signaling a tougher posture on digital-economy governance and user-data transparency.

    The NDPC says the inquiry will run for 30 days and requires the affected platforms to submit data audit reports, while industry stakeholders argue the move could push stronger local compliance investments.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria is asserting digital sovereignty in a GDPR-like direction. That can protect users, but regulators must avoid creating an unpredictably hostile environment that discourages investment. Enforcement should be firm, transparent, and rules-based.
    Source: Independent – https://independent.ng/fg-institutes-investigations-into-meta-dhl-opay-for-alleged-data-breaches/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: Independent

  • Nigeria Emerges as Hub for Africa’s Top Content Streamers in 2026

    Nigeria Emerges as Hub for Africa’s Top Content Streamers in 2026

    New data from Twitch and Kick platforms for January 2026 indicates that Nigerian creators dominate Africa’s most-followed live streamers, occupying the majority of the continent’s top 10 positions. The shift reflects growing audience engagement and a broadening of content formats—from gaming to lifestyle and celebrity-driven programming.

    Analysts attribute the surge to rising digital participation and the increasing viability of streaming as a full-time career for young Nigerians. The momentum has also drawn interest from international brands seeking credible entry points into Africa’s youth demographic.

    Separate reporting has published lists of the highest-ranked streamers and described the trend as a transfer of “streaming leadership” from Southern Africa to West Africa, with Nigeria at the center. Industry observers say this is likely to intensify competition for advertising budgets as streamers become more influential within entertainment and pop culture.

    Echotitbits take: This is the new “Nollywood” of the digital age. As internet penetration increases, expect these streamers to rival traditional media for advertising revenue and cultural influence.
    Source: Pulse.ng – https://www.pulse.ng/story/africas-biggest-streamers-2026012414530720943  2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: Pulse.ng

  • Lagos Hospital Achieves Breakthrough with First Robotic Gynaecological Surgery

    Lagos Hospital Achieves Breakthrough with First Robotic Gynaecological Surgery

    A private clinic in Lagos has reportedly performed the first robotic gynaecological surgery in West Africa, using robotic technology to remove two large tumors on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

    Medical Director Kingsley Ekwueme stated that the milestone expands the scope of robotic surgery in the region from earlier applications in prostate treatments to women’s health. The patient was reported to be recovering quickly, aided by the minimally invasive nature of the procedure and the prospect of a shorter hospital stay.

    Healthcare observers see the development as a potential boost for medical tourism and a sign of growing private-sector capacity to deliver advanced procedures that previously required overseas treatment. Separate reporting also highlighted the technological significance of the operation and referenced commentary from the clinic’s leadership about extending innovation into women’s surgeries.

    Echotitbits take: This is a major win for the “Reverse Brain Drain” in the medical field. If more private clinics invest in this tech, Nigeria could become a regional hub for advanced surgery in West Africa.
    Source: GenezLandHospital – https://genezlandhospital.com/news/lagos-university-teaching-hospital-successfully-performs-first-robotic-surgery-in-nigeria 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: GenezLandHospital

  • FG Announces National AI Centre of Excellence to Drive Homegrown Innovation

    FG Announces National AI Centre of Excellence to Drive Homegrown Innovation

    In a dispatch by Premium Times, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence.

    The centre is expected to support research and practical AI applications in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and education, with a collaborative model involving academia and the private sector.

    Officials also spoke about funding support for startups building solutions tailored to Nigeria’s local needs, including language and productivity tools.

    **Echotitbits take:** This could be transformative—but only if the basics (power, connectivity, and stable funding) are handled. Watch for where the centre will be hosted, how grants are administered, and whether talent pipelines are built beyond Abuja and Lagos.
    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-to-establish-ai-centre-at-unijos/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: The Punch