National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has allocated N35 million in its 2025 budget for enhancing cybersecurity measures, following a cyber attack on its website on December 18, 2024.

Shortly after releasing its crime experience and security perception survey, the NBS website was compromised.

The bureau had reported that Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024.

In addition to bolstering cybersecurity, the NBS’s N9.85 billion budget includes several significant initiatives.

These consist of N500 million for the Labour Force Survey, N80 million for the production of the Consumer Price Index, and N60 million for compiling quarterly GDP reports.

Other notable allocations are N55 million for the National Agricultural Sample Survey, N50 million for monitoring the 8-Point Agenda, and N45 million for service delivery capacity building.

Additionally, there are projects like N15 million for demographic statistics and N9 million for the Annual Abstract of Statistics.

Credit: newsdigest

World Bank has raised Nigeria’s target for National Identification Numbers (NIN) issuance under the Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project from 148 million to 180 million, reflecting confidence in the country’s progress despite earlier setbacks.

The ID4D project, launched in February 2020 with a $430 million budget, aims to establish an inclusive digital identity system to facilitate access to services, financial inclusion, and participation in the digital economy.

Nigeria has gotten $228.59 million from the $430 million earmarked for the Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project, which was meant to facilitate the enrolment of 148 million National Identification Numbers by June 2024.

Nigeria failed to meet the enrollment target of 148 million by June 2024, and the World Bank agreed to extend the $430 million facility for the project until 2026.

In a new document detailing the terms of the restructuring, the World Bank noted that the project disbursement rate stood at 53.16 per cent as of November 2024.

The project’s total financing amounts to $430 million equivalent, $115 million of which are from the World Bank’s IDA, $100 million equivalent from the French Development Agency (AFD), and $215 million equivalent from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The bank disclosed that, so far, 53.16 per cent of the fund has been disbursed but added that Nigeria has made significant progress toward fulfilling the final disbursement condition, which is the amendment of the NIMC Act to promote an inclusive and non-discriminatory legal and regulatory framework.

According to the latest restructuring document, the new target is part of a two-phase extension plan to support Nigeria in completing critical project milestones and expanding its reach to underserved populations.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued 115 million NINs as of October 2024, a significant achievement but still shy of the original June 2024 target.

The World Bank emphasised the importance of closing the existing gap, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities.

To accelerate progress, Nigeria secured a six-month extension earlier this year to design and launch a new national identity management system built on open-source, scalable, and interoperable architecture. Having met this condition, a second-stage extension for an additional 24 months is now proposed, pushing the project’s closing date to December 2026.

The restructuring also prioritises legal reforms, including amendments to the NIMC Act and the introduction of critical bills to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy.

The NIMC Act amendment, which has already passed two readings in the National Assembly, aims to create a non-discriminatory regulatory framework, with final approval expected by February 2025.

Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.

L-r: Co-Founders of Ozionline.com: Ikenna Ani (CEO), Azubike Augustine (COO) and Engr. Christian Chime (CTO)

By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.

Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.

With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”

“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.

“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.

He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.

“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in another country outside Nigeria but for our thrust in the Nigerian dream and its potentials made us choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, Engr. Chime said.

“Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.

Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.

Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.

In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process.

“By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.

“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.

To enhance security further, the CTO said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.

“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the Azubuike added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”

“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.

“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.

Ikenna added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025.  Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.