Ict/Telecom
Wi-fi Will Address Nigeria’s Security Issue – ICT Expert
To contain the increasing security challenges in Nigeria, the use of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-fi) in the dissemination of information, especially among security operatives, has been advocated.
The managing director Brain Box Matrix Services Limited, Engr. Samuel Kwelle who spoke with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Wednesday said Wi-fi which enables wireless access to deliver voice, data and video streams with no cables attached devices said the device not only keeps disseminated information safe but also facilitates the spread of video, evidences of events, thus making crime investigation easier.
Kwelle said it was also beneficial to the nation’s education as study materials could be shared between teachers/lecturers and students via Wi-fi enable smartphones.
According to him, the strain on our already burdened healthcare system would be reduced as health information that would keep our generation healthy and more productive are publicised through the Wi-fi device.
He however said that Wi-fi has its challenges which include security, range, reliability and even speed but was quick to add that “they are increasingly being overcome by improving technology”.
He therefore urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to live up to its responsibility by ensuring that the quality of relevant imported Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and electronic gadgets meet the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards.
This, he said, would ensure quality service and control associated health hazards given the fact that wireless technology was driven by electromagnetic radiation of radio waves.
“Also users need continuous enlightenment on how to apply available encryption technologies to their wireless network in order to prevent hacking. Nigeria needs the best of technology in this information age, and our telecoms industry will grow if the operators are committed to abiding by internationally accepted codes and using only certified equipment” the ICT expert advised.
Wi-fi is a brand identity chosen by industry leaders in 1999 from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) based on IEEE 802.11 code, with the goal of adopting a single World-wide acceptable standard for high speed wireless networking, transfer and sharing of data and other internet resources.
Wi-fi was chosen because it was a more memorable and user- friendly name for the wireless standard compared with several options such as Dragon Fly, Hornet, Skybridge, Torch light among others.
According to January 2013 report by the Analyses Mason on Wi-fi Adoption in Mobile Network an estimated 75 per cent of US and selected European Countries US Wi-fi
On the whole, the percentage of smartphone data carried via Wi-fi is over 50 per cent already in Europe and the US with Ericsson predicting 65 percent of laptops using Wi-fi as preferred connectivity.
Most operators are responding to users’ data consumption needs by deploying Wi-fi. Seventy percent of the operators already have a Wi-fi proposition in place and those that have not yet deployed Wi-fi plan to do so in the near future, the report said.
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”.
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.
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