Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has ordered a full-scale investigation into the data processing activities of Optasia which operates in Nigeria as Nairtime Nigeria Ltd.

The Commission in a statement released by Babatunde Bamigboye, head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations noted with grave concern that Optasia deploys privacy invading technologies to process personal data for the purposes of marketing, credit scoring and other financial solutions.

“The investigation of credit scoring activities covers the way financial institutions, telecommunication companies, insurance companies among others process personal data of citizens for various purposes,” the commission explained in a statement.

The national commissioner “enjoins data controllers and data processors of major importance who rely on third parties as mediums through which the personal data of the Nigerian populace may be processed to ensure that such third parties are duly registered with the Commission.”

This measure, according to him, “will ensure accountability, strengthen data security architecture and protect Nigeria’s data sovereignty. “

SecureID, a smart card manufacturing company, proudly hosted the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote for an insightful role in Nigeria’s identity management, emphasising the importance of local solutions in tackling Nigeria’s identity management hurdles,

According to Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, the Founder and Group CEO of SecureID, “Identity management is an essential social infrastructure worldwide. We firmly believe that home-grown solutions are the most effective ways to overcome the unique challenges we face.”

She also reiterated that through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), both the government and the private sector can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in this crucial industry.

The DG of NIMC, Coker-Odusote, discussed the numerous benefits that robust identity management systems bring to the economy.

She also highlighted key accomplishments of the Commission namely enhanced security, increased financial inclusion, improved efficiency in public service and healthcare delivery. She stressed the role of PPPs in accelerating the realization of these benefits.

The DG further commended SecureID, stating that “SecureID’s advanced production technology, alongside its commitment to compliance and quality assurance, is commendable. Their dedication to international standards not only strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global market but also underscores our collective mission of driving secure, reliable identity management solutions.”

As a home-grown company with world-class capabilities, SecureID is well-positioned to offer top-notch services in the identity solutions market. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and local content aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s goals for technological advancement and economic diversification.

Did you know that by 2050, the world’s urban population is expected to grow by 2.5 billion, with nearly 90% of that growth happening in cities across Africa and Asia? To keep up with this rapid urbanisation, governments, humanitarian organisations, and researchers need accurate information on buildings and infrastructure.

This data helps plan for future growth, respond to crises, and ensure resources are distributed fairly. But in many parts of Africa and the Global South, this vital information is outdated or simply unavailable.

That’s why Google launched the Open Buildings project in 2021. It started at the AI Research Lab in Accra, Ghana, and has helped map 1.8 billion buildings across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean—about 40% of the globe. This data has been used by governments, NGOs, and researchers to improve services and respond to disasters.

Real-world examples:

• In Uganda, the nonprofit Sunbird AI used our data to prioritise areas for rural electrification, ensuring that towns and homes most in need received power first.

• WorldPop, a team from the University of Southampton, has integrated the Open Buildings data into their population estimates. These estimates are being used by UN agencies and governments, including in Nigeria, where the data has helped identify areas where children haven’t received routine immunizations.

Now, we’re expanding this effort with the Open Buildings 2.5D Temporal Dataset, which doesn’t just map buildings—it shows how they change over time and estimates their heights. This new data covers the years 2016 to 2023, offering a detailed picture of how cities and settlements across Africa and the Global South have grown. This is crucial for urban planning, disaster response, and understanding population density.

Governments and organisations can use this data in various ways:

• Flood preparedness: In flood-prone areas, accurate data can help authorities predict which buildings and neighbourhoods are most at risk.

• Urban growth: In cities like Kumasi, Ghana, which has seen rapid expansion, this data allows city planners to better manage resources and infrastructure.

• Disaster recovery: In places like Palu, Indonesia, where a tsunami struck in 2018, this data shows how the built environment changed before and after the crisis, helping rebuild communities more effectively.

How we built this dataset:
We used AI to improve the quality of low-resolution satellite images and estimate the size and height of buildings. This is important because higher-resolution satellite images are not always available for the Global South. With this technology, we’ve created a detailed map of over 58 million square kilometres, covering parts of Africa, Latin America, South, and Southeast Asia.

Why this matters:
Maps are a lifeline. They help governments, humanitarian agencies, and researchers ensure that everyone is counted and represented. With this new dataset, we’re giving these organisations better tools to plan for the future, respond to crises, and support communities in need.

We invite researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in urban development to explore the Open Buildings 2.5D Temporal Dataset on Google Earth Engine and share their feedback with us.