Information And Communication Technologies Research Articles

A two-tier database architecture framework for combating cyber threats

The 21st century has witnessed a lot of advancements in science and technology. One may not be wrong to assert that the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and its allied disciplines like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Nanotechnology have taken the lead as we witness new developments in these areas year by year. The products and services we utilize and enjoy are evidence of the usefulness of this advancement in science and technology. It is worthy of note that the interest of many (both good and bad in the discipline of ICT), is being ignited by the fact that ICT finds its applicability virtually in every area of human endeavor. In this study, we propose a two tier database architecture that employs an Object-Oriented Analysis Design Methodology (OOADM) using the Unified Modelling Language (UML). The choice of this methodology is because we need to present every stage of the study from analysis to the design phases. With the help of the chosen methodology, we analyzed the existing frameworks, identified the weaknesses, and as a result, we further surveyed algorithms used for reliable data security. From the results obtained from the survey, we employed the SHA-256 algorithm because of its strength in data security, and the Argon2 hashing algorithm which is one of the best algorithms for securing database credentials. In the end, we provide an enhanced framework made up of the chosen algorithms and a two-dimensional database (2-DDb), which could be implemented to effectively combat attacks on important databases.

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP: ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF ICT DIFFUSION ON INCOME INEQUALITY IN INDONESIA

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has significantly transformed the socio-economic structure of society, particularly in terms of income distribution. This study aims to analyse the impact of ICT development on income inequality across 34 provinces in Indonesia from 2012 to 2020, employing econometric methods based on panel data through a fixed effects model. Empirical findings reveal that ICT readiness and ICT skills tend to exacerbate income inequality, while ICT use and its quadratic form contribute to reducing it. These results suggest that although ICT infrastructure and skills are crucial, their uneven distribution and utilisation can widen income disparities. Consequently, this study highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to ICT across Indonesia to mitigate economic inequality. The study's recommendations stress the pivotal role of the government in expanding ICT infrastructure, fostering a research and innovation climate conducive to digital transformation, and formulating policies that enhance ICT skills nationwide. These measures would improve digital literacy, upgrade workforce capabilities, and promote inclusive digital economic growth. Ultimately, comprehensive and equitable ICT development can play a critical role in reducing income inequality across Indonesia.

Training of women in the methodology of Gamification for the promotion of healthy habits in children

Abstract Background It has been evidenced that gamification has scope in the change of people behavior and in the acquisition of knowledge, therefore this methodology contributes to the promotion of health and adapts to the needs of children from the language of play, which increases their motivation in health literacy processes, so it is necessary to encourage the acquisition of new methodologies for community mothers and women caregivers, who are configured as promoters of healthy habits with their children. Objectives To train 150 women in the methodology of Gamification for the promotion of healthy habits in children; for which 20 sessions were developed addressing the following modules: a) Empowerment of women b) Gamification methodology c) Healthy habits and lifestyles d) Healthy eating e) Physical activity. Results The training of women evidenced a) the empowerment and recognition as health promoters for their life and that of their community b) the identification of the methodology of gamification and its application in processes of promotion of healthy habits c) a high adherence in the participation and learning through gamification methodology, training 150 women through sessions mediated by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Learning and Knowledge Technologies (TACs) and Technologies of Empowerment and Participation (TEP) enabling the participation of women from urban and rural territories, which accounts for an inclusive process and democratization of health knowledge, impacting both women and their families, communities and children under their care, an average of 5 members per woman, benefiting 750 people in health promotion actions. Conclusions 150 women were certified, who from the application of the gamification methodology promote healthy habits in children, in their families and their communities, starting from the recognition of the experience of these in themselves to be health promoters in their territories. Key messages • Training women in gamification methodologies to promote healthy habits in children strengthens the health system by empowering them in their role as health literacy teachers in their territories. • ICT, TAC and TEP enable access to health education from an inclusive process that democratizes knowledge so that communities are active agents in health promotion activities.

A Strategy for Predicting the Performance of Supervised and Unsupervised Tabular Data Classifiers

AbstractMachine Learning algorithms that perform classification are increasingly been adopted in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and infrastructures due to their capability to profile their expected behavior and detect anomalies due to ongoing errors or intrusions. Deploying a classifier for a given system requires conducting comparison and sensitivity analyses that are time-consuming, require domain expertise, and may even not achieve satisfactory classification performance, resulting in a waste of money and time for practitioners and stakeholders. This paper predicts the expected performance of classifiers without needing to select, craft, exercise, or compare them, requiring minimal expertise and machinery. Should classification performance be predicted worse than expectations, the users could focus on improving data quality and monitoring systems instead of wasting time in exercising classifiers, saving key time and money. The prediction strategy uses scores of feature rankers, which are processed by regressors to predict metrics such as Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) and Area Under ROC-Curve (AUC) for quantifying classification performance. We validate our prediction strategy through a massive experimental analysis using up to 12 feature rankers that process features from 23 public datasets, creating additional variants in the process and exercising supervised and unsupervised classifiers. Our findings show that it is possible to predict the value of performance metrics for supervised or unsupervised classifiers with a mean average error (MAE) of residuals lower than 0.1 for many classification tasks. The predictors are publicly available in a Python library whose usage is straightforward and does not require domain-specific skill or expertise.

Efficient and Compressed Deep Learning Model for Brain Tumour Classification With Explainable AI for Smart Healthcare and Information Communication Systems

ABSTRACTThe detection of brain tumours presents a significant challenge in the medical domain, where prompt and precise diagnosis is crucial as patient outcomes depend on it. Conventional deep neural networks perform well in carrying out various imaging tasks within the healthcare sector; however, their effectiveness often falls short of expectations in practical applications due to the substantial computational resources required and issues with reliability. In this research, an optimised and effective deep learning model founded on the DenseNet‐169 architecture is introduced for the classification of magnetic resonance imaging brain tumours, which is particularly advantageous for smart healthcare systems and information and communication technology (ICT) settings with limited computational capabilities. The model compression methodologies, including pruning and quantization, have been employed to significantly diminish the dimensions and intricacy of the model while achieving a classification accuracy of 97.07%. Furthermore, this endeavour necessitates the enhancement of the model's interpretability through the utilisation of explainable artificial intelligence methodologies such as Gradient‐weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad‐CAM) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), which will aid clinicians in highlighting crucial areas of the images and validating feature importance concerning the decisions rendered by the model. A comparative performance evaluation is conducted against DenseNet‐169, ResNet‐50 and various other models to delineate the superior efficacy of our model, rendering it exceptionally adept for knowledge‐driven, real‐time brain tumour diagnosis within smart healthcare and ICT systems where resources are constrained.

Navigating the Social Shift: A Preliminary Study of Consumer Behavior on Malaysia's Social Commerce Platforms

The proliferation of online businesses coupled with the advancement of information and communication technologies (ICT) has led to the emergence of social commerce. The integration of social media platforms into e-commerce offers businesses a convenient avenue for engaging with consumers and a novel method for capturing additional sales volume. This seamless integration of social media platforms into current e-commerce practices has significantly increased its success. Research on the factors that affect purchase intentions in social commerce is still sparse, especially in the context of Malaysian consumers. In general, the causal model of purchase intentions on social commerce in this study aims to investigate the impact of the constructs of visibility and metavoicing on purchase intentions among Malaysian millennial consumers. Henceforth, this initial study specifically aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the IT affordance constructs of visibility and metavoicing through rigorous assessments. At the items-construct level, the internal consistency assessment was conducted using McDonald’s Omega, which is known for its robustness in measuring the reliability of multi-item constructs. At the construct level, discriminant validity and the strength of linear relationships among variables were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. The pilot dataset gathered was analyzed with SPSS 29, and the results have validated that the predictive model achieved high levels of reliability and validity at both the item and construct levels. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the independent variables, metavoicing and visibility, have a significant association with purchase intentions, underscoring their importance in understanding consumer behavior.

Cloud-Based Automatic Configuration and Disaster Recovery of Communication Systems Applied in Engineering Training

Network management and troubleshooting require not only a grasp of advanced concepts but also the development of analytical and problem-solving skills. To bridge this gap, this paper introduces a novel network administration system, DRACSC (Spanish acronym for device for automatic recovery and configuration of communication systems), designed for the automatic configuration and disaster recovery of communication equipment. This system transcends the limitations of current hardware and software solutions by combining their advantages, boasting portability, automated functions, and a cloud-based repository as its main features. The DRACSC system, undergoing a comprehensive large-scale evaluation involving diverse user groups across multiple institutions, was tested with 89 users, including students and teachers at educational centers and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) professionals. The benefits of the system were evaluated through a training program based on simulated real-world ICT environments, focusing on both quantitative results on the reduction in time to complete user tasks, as well as qualitative results on the interface and usability of the system. Statistical analysis, including Welch’s t-test on opinion surveys, indicated a significant increase in knowledge and understanding, demonstrating the system’s potential to enhance education and practice. Moreover, the evaluation shed light on the user experience, with positive impacts observed for learning and teaching implications. As a result, the study has verified that the system has the potential to significantly influence network management practices, enhancing both learning and professional application through improved efficiency and usability.

Synergizing Systems Thinking and Technology-Enhanced Learning for Sustainable Education Using the Flow Theory Framework

In an era where digital technologies are integral to daily life and sustainable education is increasingly critical, developing higher-order thinking skills with appropriate information and communication technology (ICT) support is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The purpose of this study was to examine synergies of systems thinking and technology-enhanced learning from the perspective of flow theory within the context of sustainable education. We surveyed more than 65 pre-service preschool teachers engaged in a design, technology, and engineering (DTE) course at the University of Ljubljana. Mapping of systems thinking revealed that pre-service preschool teachers needed support regarding feedback and understanding the interrelationship dimension of systems thinking—essential components of sustainable education. Predictive and mediation analyses yielded noteworthy results. Participants in the ICT-enhanced DTE course rated their cognitive and social engagement above the mid-point of the scale, with this higher engagement correlating with higher systems thinking crucial for sustainable education. In contrast, their aesthetic engagement was below the mid-point of the scale. Experiencing a flow state during ICT activities positively influenced systems thinking, particularly in terms of clear goals and autotelic experiences. Flow theory thus emerges as a solid and appropriate framework to use for studying synergies in technology-enhanced systems thinking for sustainable education. These findings underscore the importance of integrating systems thinking into curricula to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future challenges, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs through sustainable education.

The Challenges and Opportunities of NEP-2020 in the Reference of Inclusive Education in India: An Overview

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a transformative vision for India's education system by emphasizing inclusive education and offering equal learning opportunities for children from varied socio economic, cultural and ability backgrounds. This paper looks at the challenges and opportunities given by NEP 2020 for promoting inclusive education in India. Infrastructure deficiencies, insufficient teacher preparation, and social biases are major hurdles, but policy-driven changes, technological integration, and financial support mechanisms present potential. This report gives an overview of the challenges and opportunities for implementing inclusive education in light of NEP 2020. Poor infrastructure, a lack of specialized teacher training and entrenched social attitudes about disability and marginalization all impede progress. However, opportunities arise as a result of policy-driven efforts, growing use of information and communication technology (ICT), and financing provisions aimed at fostering more equal learning settings. The research emphasizes the need of teacher capacity building, community participation, and long-term policy commitment in overcoming these challenges and realizing NEP 2020's inclusive vision. According to the findings, successful policy implementation requires stakeholder engagement to establish a more inclusive and easier to able education system in India.

Current Trends in ICT Security: A Comprehensive Overview of Machine Learning and Soft Computing Applications

In an era marked by pervasive digitization, information and communication technology (ICT) security stands as a cornerstone of our digital infrastructure. The rapid evolution of cyber threats necessitates equally agile defence mechanisms. This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the contemporary landscape of ICT security with a specific focus on the emergent trends in machine learning (ML) and soft computing (SC) applications. The paper commences by outlining the escalating challenges posed by cyber adversaries, underlining the inadequacy of traditional security paradigms in contending with the intricacies of modern-day attacks. This backdrop emphasizes the need for innovative, adaptable, and intelligent approaches to bolster ICT security.

The impact of information and communication technologies on export diversification: Evidence from developing countries

As economies increasingly rely on digitalization, information and communication technologies (ICT) have become critical in shaping global economic transformations. This study explores the impact of ICT on export concentration and diversification in emerging markets and developing countries. Using a panel data set of 110 countries from 2000 to 2019, the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator has been employed to assess the short- and long-term effects of ICT on these economies. To summarize information on various ICT channels, an ICT index has been constructed through principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, the study examines the combined influence of ICT and human capital on export concentration. Findings indicate that ICT development significantly accelerates export diversification in developing countries, aligning their export structures with global standards. The interaction between ICT and human capital positively impacts export concentration, suggesting that higher levels of human capital enhance ICT's effects. Overall, ICT not only boosts human capital but also equips developing countries with the skills needed to enter new markets, develop high-value products, and compete globally. Consequently, governments in developing countries should prioritize investments in ICT infrastructure to lower trade costs, diversify exports, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Analysis of intangible assets reporting standards and automation in KSA within an Islamic context – a case study

Purpose This paper aims to the significance of intangible assets in boosting financial credibility and accounting transparency in Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Moreover, it articulates the indispensable role of information and communication technology (ICT), including cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, inefficaciously mitigating manual challenges while safeguarding the authenticity and reliability of financial information. Design/methodology/approach This study examines relevant literature on national and international standards to define the significance of intangible assets within conventional and Islamic Shari’ah principles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It delves into how automation technologies can improve accuracy and verifiability in reporting intangible assets while adhering to Islamic Shari’ah Compliance (ISC) principles, providing valuable insights into standardization and automation benefits. Findings The study highlights that ISC laws affect intangible asset reporting. Integrating conventional accounting principles with ISC is necessary to establish a unified international standard. Adopting ICT, AI and blockchain is crucial for automating and ensuring consistent, verifiable reporting of intangible assets. Research limitations/implications This case study highlights the importance of intangible assets in KSA, but its findings require validation through workshops with scholars, stakeholders and policymakers to ensure broader acceptance and applicability beyond the specific context. Practical implications This study provides guidance on using AI, blockchain and other ICT tools to ensure accurate financial reporting by validating and verifying intangible assets, benefiting stakeholders, policymakers, accountants, auditors and ISC professionals. Originality/value This study underscores the importance of reporting intangible assets according to Islamic principles in KSA, with relevance to other Islamic countries. Promoting International Financial Reporting Standards and Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants standards enhances accurate reporting and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goal of boosting global investment and trade.

Student Perceptions of Project-Based Learning When Studying ‘Information Systems’ in an ICT Engineering Program: Taking Advantage of Active Learning

This article presents a case study on the way of teaching and learning the subject ‘Information Systems’ to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) engineering students, which is based on an active learning strategy implemented through a Project-Based Learning (PjBL) method, a practice that facilitates knowledge acquisition in addition to enhancing diverse learning outcomes such as teamwork, critical thinking, and analysis, or communication skills. This study aims to present the students’ perceptions once they have undertaken the whole subject, to better understand the different positive and negative elements associated with PjBL implementation according to their opinions. Students’ perceptions of PjBL were obtained through a survey utilizing the Bipolar Laddering (BLA) technique, which allows them to identify their experiences in terms of both beneficial and challenging aspects, as well as potential improvements to their experiences. On one hand, the most relevant findings on their PjBL experience assessed as positive are presented as follows: to work by themselves on a real project related to the working world; to be able to apply the theoretical topics explained during the class sessions; to have highly talented instructors; to experience a very dynamic and effective way of learning; to give a final presentation to their classmates and the instructors; and to work in groups. On the other hand, when analyzing the core negative perceptions, the following ones were highlighted by the surveyed students: undertaking just a single project; having an overly theoretical context; and having too much freedom, which could lead to confusion.

Electronic governance in advancing sustainable development goals through systematic literature review

E-governance has become a crucial element in transforming government institutions globally. In the digital era, governments are increasingly adopting information and communication technology (ICT) to improve efficiency, transparency, and public participation in decision-making processes. This article conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies from 2018 to 2023, examining the intersection between e-governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a rigorous inclusion and exclusion process, 52 articles were identified, focusing on the relationship between e-governance and SDGs. This study aims to highlight critical trends and knowledge gaps in the current literature and offers insights into how e-governance can contribute to achieving SDGs. Additionally, it provides policy recommendations and suggests future research directions to enhance governance practices. While this research significantly advances understanding of e-governance’s role in sustainable development, it is limited by its reliance on a single database and narrow search terms, which may constrain the comprehensiveness of the findings. Expanding the scope of future research to include multiple databases and broader search terms is recommended to provide a more holistic view of the field.

Transforming respiratory diseases management: a CMO-based hospital pharmaceutical care model

IntroductionRespiratory diseases encompass a diverse range of conditions that significantly impact global morbidity and mortality. While common diseases like asthma and COPD exhibit moderate symptoms, less prevalent conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and cystic fibrosis profoundly affect quality of life and mortality. The prevalence of these diseases has surged by approximately 40% over the past 3 decades. Despite advancements in pharmacotherapy, challenges in drug administration, adherence, and adverse effects persist. This study aimed to develop and perform an interim validation of a Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity (CMO) model tailored for respiratory outpatients to enhance pharmaceutical care, which is the direct, responsible provision of medication-related care for the purpose of achieving definite outcomes that improve a patient’s quality of life, and overall wellbeing.MethodologyThis cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted from March 2022 to March 2023. It comprised four phases: 1) forming an expert panel of 15 hospital pharmacists, 2) selecting respiratory pathologies based on prevalence and severity, 3) developing the CMO model’s pillars, and 4) integrating and conducting an interim validation of the model. The Capacity pillar focused on patient stratification and personalized care; the Motivation pillar aligned therapeutic goals through motivational interviewing; and the Opportunity pillar promoted the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for telemedicine.ResultsThe model included eight respiratory diseases based on expert assessment. For the Capacity pillar, 22 variables were defined for patient stratification, leading to three priority levels for personalized pharmaceutical care. In a preliminary test involving 201 patients across six hospitals, the stratification tool effectively classified patients according to their needs. The Motivation pillar adapted motivational interviewing techniques to support patient adherence and behavior change. The Opportunity pillar established teleconsultation protocols and ICT tools to enhance patient monitoring and care coordination.ConclusionThe CMO model, tailored for respiratory patients, provides a comprehensive framework for improving pharmaceutical care. By focusing on patient-centered care, aligning therapeutic goals, and leveraging technology, this model addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals with respiratory conditions. Future studies are necessary to validate this model in other healthcare systems and ensure its broad applicability.

Institutions as a determinant of Foreign Direct Investment inflows into the Southern African Development Community

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Southern Africa has been one of the drivers of infrastructure development and economic growth especially in sectors such as mining, agriculture, energy, information, and communications technology (ICT). However, although important economic and institutional reforms have been undertaken by some SADC countries to encourage the inflow of FDI--particularly in low-income countries in the region, the flow of FDI to SADC member states remains low and concentrated in few countries and sectors and is still largely attracted to natural resources sectors. This paper examines the institutions and infrastructure development in the promotion of FDI inflows into the SADC region. Institutions and infrastructure development typically have a positive effect on FDI inflows through their impact on the investment climate. The paper uses panel data econometric analysis with OLS and PCSE to ascertain the impact of governance institutions on FDI inflows into the region. The results obtained reveal that the quality of governance, together with the level of economic development, market size, and openness to trade with the external world play a critical role in attracting FDI into SADC countries. There is however a need to control rampant corruption and reduce the political instability common in some of the countries of the region.

ICT and academic achievement in secondary education: A hierarchical linear modelling

AbstractBackgroundThe unprecedented access to information in the 21st century entails a deep understanding of information and communication technology (ICT)‐related factors in education and their impacts on learning and teaching. The role of attitudes towards ICT is a proven factor in student achievement. However, there is no consensus about the direction of this impact.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the relationship between student attitudes towards ICT including interest in ICT (INTICT), perceived ICT competence (COMPICT), perceived autonomy related to ICT use (AUTICT) and ICT in social interaction (SOIAICT), and their achievement scores for mathematics, reading, and science by analysing student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.MethodsThe study group was determined as 300,279 15‐year‐old students from 21,903 schools in 53 countries. Descriptive and correlational analyses were carried out in addition to the hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) employed to reveal the relationship between attitudes towards ICT and academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and science through the investigation of student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors hierarchically in the quartiles of performance.Results and ConclusionsThe results detected moderate to weak relationships among the constructs of INTICT, COMPICT, AUTICT and SOIAICT. Based on the HLM findings, complex interactions between ICT attitudes and academic performance were identified with a tendency towards positive associations between specific attitude components and high achievement levels, particularly in mathematics and science. The research identified the significance of considering student‐, school‐, and country‐level factors for high, above‐average, below‐average, and low achievers to comprehensively understand the role of ICT attitudes in shaping educational outcomes.TakeawaysPolicymakers should design educational policies, subject‐specific strategies and ICT‐related interventions by considering the multifaceted factors influencing student performance across different subjects and achievement quartiles. Particularly at the school and country levels, contextual factors should be evaluated when designing interventions to support low achievers.

Impact of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) infrastructure on the returns to higher education in Mexico: A gender analysis

This paper aims to analyze the impact of access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the private returns to higher education (HE) focusing on gender inequality in 2020. Methodology: To evaluate the above impact a set of Mincerian equations will be estimated. The proposed approach mitigates biases associated with self-selection and individual heterogeneity. Data: The database comes from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares, ENIGH) from 2020. Results: Empirical evidence suggests that individuals that have HE have a positive and greater impact on their salary income compared to those with a lower educational level, being women that do not have access to ICT those with the lowest wage return. Policy: Access to ICT should be considered as one of the criteria that integrate social deprivation in the measurement of multidimensional poverty. Likewise, it is necessary to design public policies that promote the strengthening and creation of educational and/or training systems in technological matters for women. Limitations: No distinction was made between individuals that graduated from public or private schools, nor was income from sources other than work considered. Originality: This investigation evaluates the impact of access to ICT on the returns to higher education in Mexico, in 2020, addressing gender disparity.

Pedagogy and ICT in Crisis Situations or the Games and Issues of a Win-Win Relationship

"Let a micro-processor never become a micro-professor". This allegation by Francis Meynard (1989) certainly reflects the relationship of complementarity or conflict that may exist between teaching and digital technology. In fact, the present research is interested in the presumed or proven problematic between pedagogy and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). In a more subtle but demonstrative way, the aim is to study the tangible and/or alleged contributions of ICTs in the various teaching-learning methods of secondary school learners in priority education zones (PEZ), in a crisis situation. Three data collection tools allow us to carry out this work, namely non-participant observation, the semi- directed interview and finally the documentary exploitation. The results that emanate from this work reveal a triptych: firstly, convergent as well as divergent characteristics of the two notional approaches in these places, secondly, an incapacity of ICTs for a conjunctural pedagogy, and thirdly, a rigorous conditioning of ICTs for an improved and continuous pedagogy in a crisis situation in PEZs.

The Resource-Backed Lending Model: An Economic Limitation to Sovereignty of Developing States

The 21st century developing and under-developed economies are being relegated to the status of neo-colonial states. Developed economies like China, Russia and the United States of America are really in the scramble for more neo-colonial states, mostly in Africa. This has presented itself through the economic relationship among states. The economic relationship under consideration here is taking new turns with emerging global trends and the desire of developing states to alleviate or eradicate poverty. The economic relationship between developed and developing states has grown from exchange of goods and investment to the execution of infrastructure loans on the understanding that the receiving states (borrower in this instance) shall mortgage its local resources to secure the loan. This is clearly the greatest limitation to the sovereignty of developed states under the guise of business agreements. The objective of this article is to examine a number of resource-backed lending systems between developed and developing states, delving more into the business relationship between China and Nigeria; this examination is further related to the relationship between China and states like Angola and Congo. The question sought to be answered is whether this system has proved to be beneficial or detrimental to the sovereignty of developing states is considered in this study. This is done by examining the Nigeria-China Bilateral Investment Treaty and the $400 million Loan Agreement (“Loan Agreement”) executed by the Ministry of Finance on behalf of Nigeria and the Export –Import Bank of China for the Nigeria National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure Backbone Phase II Project in 2018.