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Stakeholders Say NIN is Asset for National Transformation

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The importance of ‘proof of identity’ known as National Identification Number (NIN) resonated Monday at a Business Forum organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Lagos with stakeholders describing the project as valuable asset for national transformation.

President Goodluck Jonathan had in October during the launching of the scheme identified that the enrolment exercise and issuance of a NIN is documentation critical to the country’s development.

Similarly, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, secretary general of the Federation (SGF), told stakeholders at the Forum that Nigeria must maintain an overall equivalence with the rest of the advancing world in ensuring that it create a credible identity management system, especially, that will stand the test of time.

Senator Anyim who was by Mr. Linus Awete, permanent secretary, General Services in the office of the SGF, rued the previous efforts at creating a reliable system in the country which was inclusive and bugged by legislation induced factors.

“In some cases, the process is repeated each time the service is to be delivered. Identities were neither confirmed nor unique and an individual could have different identities in each location.

“The creation of a modern national identity management system and infrastructure as recently launched by President Goodluck Jonathan signalled the dawn of a new era in our quest to get identity management right in Nigeria,” he said.

The SGF noted that NIMS which includes a secured, reliable and accessible National Identity Database (NIDB), secured identity document and identity authentication and verification infrastructure is built to meet current and long term needs of law enforcement agencies, business and commercial transactions in both the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Earlier, Dr. Chris Onyemenam, director-general (NIMC), hinted that the Commission may begin to distribute the identity cards by the first quarter of 2014; however, he noted that NIMC is currently concerned with capturing, verifying and security of database that will serve numerous purposes for the country.

He reiterated the Commission’s clear departure from the past schemes which, despite invested resources, produced limited success, adding that current disparate, mostly legislation induced, databases for government services, lead to challenges with authentication and verification hence the need for harmonization of the data captured by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for coherency.

Onyemenam, said that the Commission is not resting on its oars to give Nigeria a multipurpose card and reliable database, although it inherited unsustainable funding and institutional arrangement from the former department for national and civic registration (DNCR); obsolete machinery & dilapidated infrastructure with over 80% redundant or ghost workers, also the financial liabilities to SAGEM & disengaged staff, cynicism from staff & the public and preponderance of multiple identities & identity tokens.

He also listed absence of a sustainable universal identification infrastructure in Nigeria; absence of a legal, regulatory and institutional framework for identity management in Nigeria; card issuance mistaken for identity management and absence of reliable identity verification & authentication system as part of the pills NIMC has vehemently avoided.

“Government resolution towards solving the abnormalities showed in the current effort to unique and unambiguous identification of Nigerians, which led to the creation of an agency in the Presidency to establish and manage NIMS, and foster the orderly development of an identity sector in Nigeria, thus NIMC was established in 2007.

“Since then, we have been engaged in changing Nigerians mindset on the importance of this system, especially in the elimination of wastages and duplication of efforts. Our strategy involved the establishment of a National Identity Management System; creation of a model for sustainability, efficiency & local content through public-private partnership, among other measures,” he noted.

The DG said that the key NIM milestones are evident in five areas, particularly with the Standardised Data Capture/ Enrolment System deployment for data capture in compliance with ISO, ICAO, IEEE etc.

Also, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, national president, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), identified the process a landmark achievement that will launch the nation deeper in socio-political and economic development as population statistics and accruable data are panaceas for planning.

“A significant challenge evident in incoherent identity system is such that even during electioneering aliens troop into the country, and squeeze themselves into the system, because there is no sure way to identify the electorate. So, NIMC is on the right path and we must accord them every assistant to succeed,” he urged the people.

The business forum, which was well attended by stakeholders in the financial, technology and business community, was tagged: “Resolving Nigeria’s Identity Management Crisis.


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NITDA Alerts Nigerians on Cybersecurity Risks Linked to Spotify

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about a cybersecurity threat involving the use of Spotify to promote malicious activities.

NITDA Alerts Nigerians on Cybersecurity Risks Linked to Spotify

The agency, in a public notice issued on Tuesday, disclosed that threat actors are exploiting the popular music streaming platform to advertise game hacks, pirated software, and spam links that could expose users to cyber threats.

According to NITDA, cybercriminals embed malicious promotions in playlist names and podcast descriptions on Spotify, explaining that these promotions are used to advertise game hacks for popular video games such as Fortnite, GTA, Apex, and Roblox. Additionally.

They also promote pirated software (commonly referred to as ‘cracks’), spam links, and other malicious sites.

This abuse is said to leverage Spotify’s web player results to improve the search engine visibility of these harmful websites, putting unsuspecting users at risk of malware, scams, and other cyber threats.

NITDA warned that the exploitation of Spotify could lead to exposure to scams and phishing attacks, downloading of malware that can compromise user devices and Loss of personal and financial data through interactions with malicious websites.

To manage the risks, NITDA advised users to exercise Caution with suspicious playlists and podcasts and avoid engaging with playlists or podcasts that feature unusual or suspicious text in their descriptions.

It also warned users not to click Unknown Links, and also ensure the Spotify app is updated to the latest version to minimise vulnerabilities.

The agency further advised Spotify users in Nigeria to remain vigilant and adhere to cybersecurity best practices to safeguard their personal information and devices.

According to the agency, the websites posing as OpenAI’s popular AI, ChatGPT, are tricking users into downloading malicious files or software to their devices.


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Konga Yakata’s Last Week: Don’t Miss Out on Incredible Deals

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Excitement is reaching a fever pitch among shoppers as the Konga Yakata Black Friday shopping fiesta enters its final week. Shoppers nationwide are gearing up for a rain of last-minute deals and irresistible offers, with the promotion set to end on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

The month-long Konga Yakata campaign, which kicked off on Friday, November 1, has delivered an unparalleled shopping experience, treating customers to incredible discounts, engaging promos, and unbeatable incentives.

In addition to massive price cuts across a wide range of products, Konga has thrilled shoppers with exciting events such as Treasure Hunts, Flash Sales, Bargain Bash, Brand Days, and specialized Black Friday packages like the Budget Store, Under 50k Store, and TGIF Epic Drop.

The highlight of the Yakata 2024 season will be this year’s Black Friday, which takes place on Friday, November 29. Thousands of customers will be able to score exclusive discounts on items including electronics, clothes, home appliances, computers, and groceries.

Reflecting on the experience so far, a satisfied anonymous shopper who snagged a TV at a discounted rate said, “Konga Yakata has been nothing short of amazing this year. The discounts are unbelievable but true, and the convenience of shopping online is unmatched.

“I’ve already made several purchases, and I’m excited to see what other deals are in store for the final week.”

Konga’s Black Friday sale has been a boon for consumers, offering respite from the economic challenges many Nigerians face. By providing access to affordable products and services, Konga has empowered shoppers to make the most of their money.

Despite the prevailing economic challenges, shoppers have embraced the Yakata season, targeting high-value deals and leveraging Konga’s tailored offerings to make significant savings. With the countdown underway, the excitement is expected to hit its peak on Friday as customers traditionally wait for that day to grab the most exclusive deals.

Speaking on the heightened anticipation, Kunle Ajani, Group Head of Marketing at Konga, stated, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to Konga Yakata this year, and we’re committed to ensuring the final week delivers the biggest surprises yet.

“We are proud to offer a platform where shoppers can enjoy exceptional value, despite the economic realities.”

As the curtain closes on the 2024 Yakata season, shoppers can look forward to a flurry of last-minute deals, culminating at midnight on November 30. From tech enthusiasts to lovers of electronics and deal hunters, Konga Yakata continues to redefine the shopping experience, making it a season to remember for all Nigerians.

Take advantage of the final week of Konga Yakata. Visit Konga.com and experience the thrill of shopping at unbeatable prices.


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NITDA DG Harps on the Role of Innovation in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development

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Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the critical role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

Inuwa made this remark while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation as a tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential.

Speaking on the theme, Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended NSUK for organising an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions.

Inuwa who was represented by the Deputy Director, eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, Engr Ya’u Garba, applauded the university’s increasing focus on transformation, noting that such initiatives reflect an understanding of the need for impactful innovations to address real-world issues.

Inuwa emphasised that while inventions remain a cornerstone of academic inquiry, their significance lies in their ability to move beyond theoretical exploration to become practical innovations. These innovations, he explained, have the power to reshape industries, tackle societal challenges, and accelerate national progress.

He urged institutions to prioritise creativity and bold thinking, ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for society.

Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, Inuwa described it as a profound force capable of altering established systems, processes, and products in ways that redefine societal functions. Unlike incremental innovations, which focus on improving existing frameworks, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms, addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.

He cited historical examples such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, which have significantly transformed human existence and set the foundation for modern development.

Inuwa pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development. He called for a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth. Such an ecosystem, he said, is vital for fostering homegrown innovations that can propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.

He further highlighted NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation through various initiatives, including the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) to digitally transform the agricultural sector, the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy to enhance digital trust and transparency, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem in the country, among other impactful projects, which are part of the Federal Government broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.

Inuwa also urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He noted that such efforts would not only empower the university community but also contribute significantly to national development.

Inuwa expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.

He called on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the transformative power of innovation in order to drive sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.


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