E-Business
Proper National Identity Required to Deepen Tech in Nigeria
A number of experts have argued that, although, Nigeria may have millions of people on the internet, less than 5% of them are currently engaged in online transactions for various reasons.
It is believed that one way to truly deepen the tech ecosystem is to get more Nigerians to receive and make payments electronically.
I recently had a chat with John Obaro, MD/CEO SystemSpecs and Remita, a payment gateway solution.
He shared his thoughts on how to improve financial inclusion and strengthen online payments in Nigeria.
John stressed that, technology in Nigeria, is not where it should be, but it is certainly better than it used to be. “People are now getting used to using mobile phones and mobile phones are also getting more powerful, hence, to that extent, a lot of positive things are happening in the technology sector in Nigeria”, he stated.
John is of the view that, in order for us to better use technology to manage our economy in Nigeria, we need to, first of all, solve the issue of “Digital Identity”, once and for all.
“Solving our Digital Identity issues will create a very strong multiplier effect. We need to know who we are dealing with”, he maintained. He stressed the need for something to be put in place to ensure that something needs to be put in place to ensure that, in a not too distant future, we address who each person is, in Nigeria.
He stated that the second thing we need to address to enable us use technology to effectively run our economy is the issue of “Home Addressing” in Nigeria. Homes, he maintained, needs to be well mapped out.
John stated that technology will be able to ride on digital identity and well mapped out home address to create a multiplier effect to boost the economy and this will make it easier for people to do other things with the data generated. John is of the view that a knowledgeable centre should take charge of the splinter databases that we have at the FRSC, CBN, INEC, etc., as these need to be coordinated by a central identity body which we can all revolve around.
“NIMC, by the Act that established it, should be playing the role, but I don’t know how much support they have and what other issues and challenges they may be having, but they come closest to being able to make it happen”, he stated. That will solve the problem of individual identity, but he said he is not sure of which outfit should deal with the issue of home addressing.
John stated that, for digital identity, we have the BVN, which has succeeded, but it is not inclusive enough. He suggested a merger of INEC and the National Census project coming up next year, so they can work together to create a real usable national home identity database.
John believes that, if the project is well put together, it will more than pay for itself. Government may put in the initial funding, but with the right data in place at the end of the project, businesses, in and out of Nigeria, will be more than willing to pay to offset the cost through patronage.
With payment collection being a problem in Nigeria, John stated that, although, he is not too sure that it is now as bad as it used to be, but there are a number of firms that have sprung up that are addressing the situation such that, businesses get their customers get their customers to pay, using cards, transferring directly from their Bank accounts, use of POS as well as walking to the banks to pay, whichever is convenient for them.
John stated that he is reasonably satisfied with the level of progress being made in the Startups ecosystem presently in the country.
“A lot of positive things are happening and you have a number of young people who have taken their fate in their hands, so, many of them are now doing a number of things that are positive”, he emphasized. He further stated that he is amazed at some of the good ideas that some of these young people are coming up with and the interesting thing, he also noted, is that a good number of them did not even study Computer Science or any related courses, but just took an interest and they are unleashing their creative minds, hence, he sees a bright future for Nigeria in that respect.
John is of the view that, in terms of user education in the ecosystem, the key thing to do, is to make the Applications easier for the users to use, such that, the need for user education itself, will continue to reduce.
On how we can ensure that Nigerian solutions are exported to other countries in Africa and the rest of the world, John stated that the first thing to do is to belief in ourselves as Nigerians by using these solutions in our country. After doing this, it will then become very easy for us to start exporting them to other countries in Africa and the rest of the world, he stressed. “Once a solution works in Nigeria, the challenges one will meet in other countries in Africa are relatively a pie in the cake”, he maintained.
On a final note, John encouraged Nigerians to use “Made in Nigeria” (products, services and solutions), because, the quality of or software and creativity are very good and we should not run down our own things, but think positively of our own, so, it will become easier for outsiders to respect us.
CFA is the Founder, www.CFAtech.ng & Co-producer/Presenter,Tech Trends on Channels Television
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
l-r: Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of NIMC, during the meeting at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja..
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
NELFUND Says UTME, NIN, BVN Mandatory for Student Loans
Sun International Finalizes $14.4M Exit from Nigeria, Sells Interests to RFC
Sam Darwish, US-Nigerian Businessman Suffers $6m Loss as IHS Shares Plunge
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
FG Plans EO to Criminalise Fiber Cable Damage Costing Telcos Billions
See Full List of Fake Loan Apps Blacklisted By CBN
FIRS Files Tax Evasion Charges against Binance
IFC Invests in New 4DX Ventures Fund to Support Tech Startups in Africa
AXA Mansard Empowers Female SMEs with Financial, Digital Skills
Moniepoint Study Reveals How Strong Cultural Bonds, High Levels of Trust Drives Nigerian Family Businesses
News2 days agoQNET Raises Alarm over Fraudulent Use of Foundation’s Name in Nigeria
News2 days agoSoftTalk Messenger Introduces Chat and Make Calls without Sharing your Phone Number
Telecom2 days agoStarlink Users in SA to be Cut Off April 30
Telecom2 days agoNCC Advises Subscribers to Opt for Strong Passwords to Beat Hackers
Broadcasting2 days agoCanal+ Offer for MultiChoice Gains Shareholders’ Support
E-Financial2 days agoFidelity Bank Reports N124.3Bn Pre-Tax Profit for 2023
Telecom2 days ago9mobile Clinches 2 Trophies at the Prestigious SABRE Awards 2024
E-Business2 days agoExpert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes