E-Business
MDAs Device Means to Flout Directive on .ng Domain Registration

Some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government are still flouting the federal government directive that all MDAs should register their websites on the country’s top level domain name .ng.
They have devised means through registration of different websites outside of .ng and linking such websites from their various main websites as against creating them as subdomains.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek investigations revealed that among agencies that flout the directive and maintaining a standalone website registered on another domain not .ng is Federal Road Safety Corps with website www.frsc.gov.ng.
A visit to this agency’s website you will notice some banners that supposedly should be a subdomain but in the case of Nigeria Driver’s License it is a website registered on www.nigeriadriverslicence.org which is a clear violation of the federal government directive on registration with.gov.ng.
Responding to this, Mohammed Rudman, president, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (Nira), decried none compliance of some agencies to the directives on registration of website and hosting of servers locally after years it was issued.
“The ideal thing for FRSC is to create a subdomain for Nigeria Driver’s License instead of registering it as a standalone website in contravention of federal government directive. It could be that the agency lacks the technical skill on how to create sub domain which is part of the advocacy programme of Nira to educate ministries and agencies on website registration,” he said.
He added that complying with federal government directive on registration of its agencies and ministries website on .ng prevent government websites from been clone by cyber criminals as well avoid inconsistency just like some agencies that are operating two websites identity.
Mrs. Mary Uduma, chairperson, Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria chapter, decried action of Federal Road Safety Corps and wondered why any federal government agency will indulge in such action after NITDA has developed and launch a domain name policy for ministries and agencies of government and also established Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR) aimed at looking at evaluating and ranking websites of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
She frowned at such practice which according to her is aimed at frustrating efforts of government to give the country visibility in the superhighway and promised to take the action up with NITDA.
Meanwhile, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned government agencies from hosting public data on cybers and clouds outside Nigeria
In a statement signed by Isa Ibrahim, agency’s director general, NITDA said though government data is substantially hosted locally, some agencies still host their data outside the country.
“It should be noted that the government considers the data of government as national resources which must be stored in Nigeria and analysed within existing regulations for improvement of governance and development of the country.”
The statement said violators of the guidelines would be sanctioned in accordance with the agency’s enabling laws.
The Agency noted that prior to the operation and full implementation of the Regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT, a sizeable component of Government data was hosted outside Nigeria.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Leverage Digital Assets to Drive Diversification Goal

The need to maximise local digital assets, amid dwindling Oil revenues and a struggling economy, has been reiterated by the Chief Executive Officer of Quomodo Systems Africa, Oluwole Asalu, who maintained this measure remains the path to prosperity.
Asalu, while addressing the press in Lagos, recently asserted that global shift towards digital economies, presents a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria at this time to mobilise sufficient resources towards effective governance.
He emphasised harnessing the burgeoning local digital economy to expedite national diversification goals, while break away from overdependence on oil output.
Asalu, boasted further that Nigeria’s tech-savvy, youthful population and increasing recognition from global tech giants already position its digital sector as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation.
“Nigeria’s overreliance on oil is no longer tenable. As global markets shift towards renewable energy, the urgency to diversify has never been greater. Technology stands out as the most promising avenue, not merely as a sector, but as an enabler of growth across all facets of the economy,” he explained.
According to him, Nigeria’s tech talent remains the new oil, a renewable resource with the potential for significant returns, if strategically harnessed.
Like India’s successes in information technology services, Asalu want Nigeria to tap into lucrative outsourcing industry to draw foreign investment.
“Foreign investment in Nigeria’s tech sector is rising. Programmes like Digital Explorers have led European firms such as Telesoft to establish operations in Nigeria. Tech giants like Microsoft and Facebook have followed suit, injecting capital and creating jobs,” he stated.
He again pointed to the emergence of three unicorns within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem as a breakthrough and sign of maturity.
“Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is already showing signs of maturity, with three unicorns emerging from its soil. These success stories, powered by local innovation, underscore the viability of a home-grown, world-class tech sector,” he affirmed.
He however emphasized urgent need to close existing gap in skills and infrastructure, in addition to embracing governance and collaboration to fully harness digital potential cum future.
E-Business
MRA Flags AI Concerns ahead of Press Freedom Day Today

Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has unveiled a visual brief emphasizing the critical need for responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, particularly within Nigeria’s evolving media environment.
This is coming ahead of World Press Freedom Day today.
The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world.
In a statement released in Lagos by John Gbadamosi, its programme officer,MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure.
Gbadamosi added that AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to local communities.
However, Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.”
According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.”
“The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists.”
Gbadamosi stated that the visual brief also advocates support for independent media, transparent AI regulations aligned with Nigeria’s context, increased digital literacy, and stronger accountability from tech companies regarding platform content and influence.
He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.”
E-Business
Nigerians to Pay More for IDs as NIMC Raises Service Fees

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised the fees for all its products and services, including charges related to data modification on the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, announced that the updated service fees are published on the commission’s official website.
Adegoke noted that the new pricing structure for NIMC’s services and products marks the first comprehensive review of its fees in over a decade.
The statement stated that the revised pricing is designed to align with prevailing operational costs and industry standards, while continuing to ensure that services remain accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
The statement warned its Front-End Partners (FEPs) to comply with the newly approved rates, stating that any failure to do so could attract strict sanctions, including possible license revocation.
“The new structure ensures that the quality and integrity of our services remain uncompromised. We are committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians through fair and transparent pricing,” the statement read.
NIMC urged the public to report any Front-End Partners (FEPs) found charging beyond the approved rates. Reports can be directed to the Commission’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit via email at ieu@nimc.gov.ng
It further reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and dependable identity services. A complete list of the revised service fees can be accessed on its official website at www.nimc.gov.ng.
In a related development, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), expressed sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in enhancing the National Identity Database (NIDB).
She also extended her gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other key partners for their pivotal roles in advancing a sustainable and effective identity management system.
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