
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced the Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme, an initiative to provide Nigerians with affordable access to laptops, internet-enabled devices, and other digital tools through structured consumer credit. Implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation CREDICORP in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the program aims to deepen digital inclusion and expand technology access nationwide. It aligns with the government's objective of democratizing consumer credit, creating economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians through responsible borrowing. The initiative, unveiled in partnership with the Three Million Technical Talent Programme, will initially focus on locally assembled laptops to boost digital inclusion, support skills development, and enhance productivity. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of a sound credit system for societal progress and commended President Bola Tinubu and CREDICORP for spearheading the program. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, announced that 1,000 locally assembled laptops would be provided to eligible fellows, with the rollout beginning in Abuja where 77 beneficiaries received devices. This intervention seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27. NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, stated that rising water levels at key river monitoring stations have increased the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains. The affected states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. River levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River have exceeded watch and warning thresholds. Sixteen gauging stations nationwide are recording elevated river levels, putting nearby communities at risk. Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities, and residents of flood-prone communities to take immediate precautionary measures. Bauchi has the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities, and eight markets identified as vulnerable. Vulnerable communities and public facilities were also identified in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue states. Mohammed called on the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agencies, local governments, and community leaders to activate emergency response plans, recommending the relocation of residents, livestock, and valuables from floodplains. He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies, and w

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council PEBEC announced it will provide body cameras to truckers and freight forwarders operating along the Apapa and Tin-Can port corridors. This initiative aims to gather evidence against officials involved in extortion at illegal checkpoints, as previous enforcement efforts were hampered by a lack of footage. Zahrah Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, stated that the cameras are part of a broader strategy, which includes stakeholder sensitization and the establishment of clearly marked legal checkpoints with QR codes linking to the ReportGov escalation portal. The council plans to prosecute those found engaging in rent-seeking or malpractice. PEBEC is also working to reduce Nigeria's average cargo dwell time from 21 days to seven days, implementing measures such as joint cargo inspections, a shift to scanner-based processes, and the National Single Window digital platform. Additionally, the Nigerian Ports Authority is developing a unified access pass system to prevent unauthorized access and curb extortion networks. Audu acknowledged the need for more support for informal sector businesses and announced an upcoming initiative called Enable Her to assist them with formalization and scaling.

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa retd., announced his intention to take legal action against individuals circulating rumors of his resignation. Following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Musa stated he was "shocked" by the reports and denied any plans to resign. He described the rumors as a deliberate attempt to undermine public confidence in the administration's improving security record. Musa clarified that his meeting with the President was a routine security briefing, during which President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the military's performance. He also called for continued civilian cooperation with security forces to combat terrorism and banditry, highlighting that such support has been massive and is contributing to improving security.