The Federal Government has launched a National Digital Cloud Policy aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for cloud hosting, data infrastructure and digital services across Africa.

The policy targets $750 million in private investment within two years, with an initial goal of attracting $250 million in the first 12 months.

According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the framework will expand Nigeria’s cloud and data-centre capacity while supporting sectors such as artificial intelligence, financial services, healthcare, education and digital government.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria must move beyond being mainly a consumer of global cloud infrastructure and become a competitive destination for investment, infrastructure, skills and digital services.

The government also plans to use its purchasing power to create steady demand for cloud services by consolidating the needs of government agencies through a National Digital Marketplace.

Implementation will take place over a 24-month period, beginning with policy activation and investment facilitation, followed by government cloud migration, increased infrastructure capacity and efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital service exports.

The government expects the policy to attract investment, create jobs and skills, strengthen digital infrastructure and position Nigeria to serve both its domestic market and the wider African continent.

Davido and James Faleke Clash Over Osun Governorship Election

GistZone — A war of words has erupted between Afrobeats superstar Davido and Lagos lawmaker Hon. James Faleke over the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

The dispute began after Davido accused Faleke of interfering in the election and allegedly attempting to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The singer also urged the lawmaker to respect the choice of Osun voters.

Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, rejected the allegations. He said he was in Osun to support his party’s candidate and maintained that INEC is an independent body that cannot be influenced by him or anyone else.

The lawmaker also denied ever participating in election rigging and advised Davido to focus on his music career while politicians handle politics.

Davido responded sharply, arguing that politics should not be treated as a lifelong profession and suggesting that Faleke should consider getting a proper job.

The exchange has since generated mixed reactions online, with fans and political observers debating the remarks from both sides.