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FG to Spend Additional $3.1bn on Digital National Identity

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday in Abuja, said the Federal Government required additional 3.1 billion US dollars to achieve digital national identity for all citizens.

Osinbajo disclosed this at the Stakeholder Workshop on Strategic Roadmap for Digital Identity, Eco-system in Nigeria.

The VP, represented by his Senior Special Assistant to the President on ICT, Mr Lanre Osibona, said a World Bank research of 2015 showed that Nigeria spent 1.2 billion US dollars since the 1970s on the project

He explained that the digital identity ecosystem was aimed at having a basic data of all Nigerians, which could be built upon by the functional identity stakeholders.

“This is over two years of relentless effort to get to where we are today, the issue and challenges to ensuring a successful national identity are many and they must be addressed collectively.

“However, one thing I can assure you of is that funding has never been one of those challenges.

“According to World Bank research in 2015, Nigeria spent 1.2 billion dollars since the late 1970s but much work remains undone.

“We are projected to spend an additional 3.1 billion US dollars, if we are to follow the existence approach of developing identification in Nigeria.

“The incredible benefit of this programme is at stake and we must get it right this time,’’ Osinbajo said.

The vice president said further that the major challenge facing identity programme was the lack of a working record system and practical approaches.

He said changes had been made to the process of enrolling on the digital national identity to ease the procedure, which included reduction of identity attributes from 75 to 10.

Osinbajo emphasised on the gains of the digital identity number, stating that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) would easily enforce traffic offences through unified identity system.

He added that bank transaction would also become easier, saying that the benefit derivable from the technology cannot be quantified.

He said: “it covers over all security benefits in an environment of current anonymity’’.

Mr Aliyu Aziz, Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), had called for collaboration among agencies handling data to help actualise the eco-system approach of national identity.

He said the digital identity was meant to give every Nigerian a unique identity, boost development and promote security in the country.

“The plan of giving every Nigerian a unique identity within a period of three to five years programme can only happen if we all work together.

“Nigeria is a very special country where people without identity live well and eat three square meals and there has been a lot of issues related to this identity.

“Policies developed must be articulated and refined in such a way that government agencies will work together, share infrastructure and investment to serve their customers who are potentially the same citizens and residents.

“We should give Nigeria a world class identity management, infrastructure, which will boost security and socio-economic transformation,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Mahmood Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on National ID commended the Federal Government for the huge amount spent on the project so far.

Mohammed, therefore, assured the stakeholders of the National Assembly’s support in actualising the digital national identity.

He also called on similar agencies to work together and ensure a unified database and identity for Nigerians.


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Cabals Still Fighting our Refinery – Dangote

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Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of Dangote Refinery, has insisted that the ‘cabal’ in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is still fighting against the success of his 650,000 barrels per day plant.

Cabals Still Fighting our Refinery – Dangote

Aliko Dangote

Dangote disclosed this, according to Semafor, a global news platform, at an investor forum in Lagos at the weekend.

He said, “For a very, very long time, those that have made a lot of money from government-subsidised oil imports into Nigeria were the ones trying to sabotage the $20 billion worth of refinery situated in Lekki, Lagos.”

He further stressed that “those groups have funded resistance to the Bola Tinubu government’s removal of petrol subsidies and are opposed to the refinery operating easily in the country.”

However, Dangote was confident that the battle between him and the groups would be won, priding himself on being a long-time fighter.

“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 percent sure I will win at the end of the day,” he was quoted.

Recall that Dangote Refinery kicked off the sale of petrol in September 2024, which had led to a significant drop in fuel imports into Nigeria.

In May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech.


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NPAN Hails Tribunal’s Ruling on FCCPC’s $220M Fine Against Meta

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Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has welcomed the decision of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCT) upholding the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In a statement signed by its President, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, and General Secretary, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, NPAN described the ruling as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enforce digital accountability and protect the rights of its citizens.

“The decision affirms the importance of compelling global digital platforms to adhere to Nigeria’s laws and respect the rights of users,” the association said.

NPAN noted that the fine, resulting from a 30-month investigation spanning 2021 to 2023, was imposed due to Meta’s alleged unauthorized data sharing and discriminatory practices affecting Nigerian users.

The association also emphasized that Nigeria’s regulatory action aligns with global trends, citing similar penalties imposed on Meta in Europe, as well as actions against other tech giants such as Amazon, TikTok, Google, and Apple.

As an advocate for media freedom and fair digital practices, NPAN reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring fair remuneration for publishers in the evolving digital landscape.

It further urged sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and industry players to strengthen Nigeria’s digital regulatory environment.


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NITDA, RHI, Commission IT Community Centre in Ibadan

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L-r: Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, DG, NITDA; Wife of Oyo State Governor Engr (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde; Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria; Dr Bosun Tijani, HM, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; former Minister of Trade, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower youth and women across the state.

The centre, which was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, and is aimed at providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people. It is expected to offer participants a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry.

Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON OON, delivered special remarks at the event, emphasising the centre’s role in achieving one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which is to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative arts.

She disclosed that the commissioning of the centre is a step forward in the collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

“We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she added.

While noting that other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in 5 other states, she urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre.

She said, “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources.”

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who delivered a goodwill message during the event, praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state.

He highlighted the high standards of the facility and pledged the state government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of Oyo State.

“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State, and I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it,” he promised.

In his remark, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani stated that the centre will serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that can compete on the global stage.

While giving his welcome remarks earlier, the DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool.

He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to provide a smart and personalised learning experience and lauded Senator Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.

“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.

Noting that the newly commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across the country, Inuwa disclosed that the agency has worked with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that will be infused as part of the formal education in schools.

While encouraging the school administrators and community leaders to ensure its accessibility and sustainability, the NITDA DG said, “The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”

 


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