Ict/Telecom
Lawyer Urges RSIEC To Embrace ICT
The Rivers State Government has been urged to introduce full technology into its state electoral system if it wants to make an improvement in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
A Port Harcourt – based lawyer, Emperor Nnaoma, made the call in a chat with The Tide in Port Harcourt, on Monday .
Nnaoma said that the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the state’s electoral system would produce a better result in future elections.
According to him, the current Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) under the watch of Retired Justice George Omereji, would come up clean if it introduces full electronic system into the electoral system.
He added that the introduction of full e-voting into the state electoral system would also be a huge plus to the Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration.
The lawyer opined that both speed and accuracy would be achieved with the introduction of e-voting system, leaving no room for election manipulation and rigging.
“The wave of technological advancement and globalisation which has swept through various aspects of modern transactions should not be denied in the electoral system”, he said.
He explained that technology including ICT now plays a quintessential role in every sector of human life, stressing that without technology, the needed electoral reform in the country cannot be achieved.
On why fair and credible elections have continued to elude the nation, he alleged that the drivers of the process were not sincere in handling the e-voting scheme.
He pointed out that the powers-that-be would not be pleased to run a fair electronic system in order not to expose their shady deals.
The Tide reports that Nigeria is yet to embrace full e-voting in the conduct of its general elections, which according to political pundits, has been a major factor responsible for electoral frauds in the country.
Ict/Telecom
Technology, Others Responsible For Nigeria’s Bonga Oil Operations
The Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Company Limited (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni, said Bonga, Nigeria’s first deep-water asset, has recorded major milestones, due to effective leadership, cutting-edge technology, continuous improvement and collaboration with stakeholders.
She noted that since coming on stream in November 2005, Bonga has maintained a track record of production that saw it achieve one-billion-barrel export on February 13, last year.
In her presentation, titled “The Bonga Journey to a Billion Barrels”, at the ongoing 2024 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, United States, Aiboni, said: “SNEPCo is grateful for the contributions of all the parties to the Bonga story and we can all be proud of the milestones.
“Bonga has been consistent. In 2014, nine years after coming onstream, it achieved half a billion barrels of crude and doubled it in 2023. We have worked relentlessly to ensure excellent asset management, project and wells delivery and deployment of technology and innovations in our operations”.
According to her, these factors, “coupled with the supportive partnership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and our co-venturers – TotalEnergies, EP Nigeria Limited; Nigerian Agip Exploration; and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, make Bonga stand out as a world-class investment case”.
She continued that, “SNEPCo also enjoyed the support of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in the success of Bonga operations”.
Aiboni also listed the challenges of keeping the Bonga Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel full as the asset ages and dealing with unexpected developments with subsea wells and equipment.
She said: “SNEPCo responded with a campaign of operational excellence, which among other initiatives, led to the creation of a programme known as the Bonga Business Improvement Plan that continually reviews and identifies improvement initiatives and drives sustainability in operations and upskilling of staff.
“The Bonga success story has been led by Nigerians who have been managing directors of SNEPCo since it was established in 1993, in a deliberate policy by Shell to develop indigenous manpower for deep-water operations in Nigeria.
“Today, some 97percent of the SNEPCo workforce is Nigerian and overall, Bonga has helped to create a new generation of Nigerian deep-water professionals.
“Our vision at SNEPCo remains to be the best deep-water business, powering growth and achieving net zero emissions in line with Shell’s Powering Progress strategy”.
Ict/Telecom
Banks Cut Borrowing From CBN By 44%
Banks’ borrowings from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) fell month-on-month, (MoM) by 44 percent to N12.16 trillion in April from N21.7 trillion in March.
Analysis of latest data from the CBN shows that the 44percent drop represents the first MoM decline in banks borrowing from since January when it increased by 268.7 percent to N3.6 trillion from N976.29 billion in December 2023.
However, further analysis showed that banks’ deposits in the CBN SDF grew MoM by 118.4 percent to N428.97 billion in April from N196.37 billion in March 2024.
Banks make use of the SLF to access liquidity to run their day-to-day business operations while the Standing Deposit Facility window (SDF) on the other hand, is an overnight deposit facility that allows banks to lodge excess liquidity (money) with the CBN and earn interest.
The decline in banks’ borrowing from SLF may reflect an increase in banking system liquidity and also the decision of the apex bank last year to remove the limit on the remunerable daily placements by banks at the SDF.
According to the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the CBN removed the cap on the remunerable SDF to increase activity in the SDF window and manage liquidity.
Ict/Telecom
Expert Highlights Technology Impact On Fintech Industry Growth
A Financial technology expert, Olatunji Akinrinola, has highlighted the exponential growth of the FinTech industry, which according to him, was driven by technological advancements.
Akinrinola made this assertion in a press release recently, where he stressed that the role of technology in driving this exponential growth in the FinTech sector was very outstanding.
According to him, Technology has revolutionised the way financial services are delivered, making them more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.
“Through innovations such as mobile banking, digital payments, and blockchain technology, FinTech companies have been able to reach a larger population and provided them with access to financial services”, he stated.
Akinrinola emphasised the role of technology in enabling financial inclusion, adding: “Technology has democratised access to financial services, particularly in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
“Mobile money platforms and digital wallets have empowered individuals to conduct financial transactions conveniently and securely, without the need for traditional banking services”.
He also underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics in driving innovation within the FinTech industry, noting: “AI-powered algorithms and predictive analytics have revolutionised risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer personalisation in financial services.
“These technologies enable FinTech companies to provide tailored solutions and mitigate risks more effectively, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience”.
Akinrinola stressed the importance of regulatory frameworks in fostering the growth of the FinTech industry.
“While technology has accelerated the growth of FinTech, it is essential to establish robust regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer protection and maintain market stability. Regulators play a crucial role in balancing innovation with risk management, thereby creating a conducive environment for the sustainable growth of the FinTech sector”, he stated.
Akinrinola underscored the role of technology in driving the exponential growth of the FinTech industry, saying, “Technology has been a game-changer for the FinTech sector, enabling innovation, expanding access to financial services, and driving economic growth.
“As technology continues to evolve, the FinTech industry will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of financial services ecosystem”.
Corlins Walter
-
Rivers2 days ago
IAUE Students Win 2024 Campus Debate
-
News2 days ago
Our Govt Not Inflicting Pains On Rivers People – Fubara
-
Business8 hours ago
NCDMB Achieves 56% Local Content In Oil, Gas Industry … As FG plans FIDs On Gas
-
Editorial3 hours ago
Making Rivers Investment Destination
-
News2 days ago
Nchaka Festival: Monarch Drums Support For Oba
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria, UK To Strengthen Bilateral Ties
-
Business7 hours ago
Group Partners Police Against Piracy In Nigeria’s Waterways
-
News2 days ago
Army Destroys 34 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 11 Oil Thieves In N’Delta