TECHDIGEST – The Centre for Information Technology and Development commends the House of Representatives on its recent directive ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria to suspend its directive mandating commercial banks in the country to collect the social media handles of their customers under the guise of enhancing Customer Due Diligence, CDD, regulations.

It would be recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria last month, gave a directive to all commercial banks in the country to collect and store the social media handles of their customers for easy identification.
Digital Right officer of CITAD, Ali Sabo stated that the directive was criticized by individuals, organizations, and human and digital rights activists, including CITAD, due to its implication on data subjects’ privacy and breaching the personal privacy of individuals.

READ ALSO:Operators seek removal of 5% telecoms tax on telephony services

Mr. Sabo also stated that CITAD, as an organization committed to protecting the Digital Rights of the citizens found the directive as an abuse of the rights of the citizens online and in contravention of the objectives of the Data Protection Act which was just accented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose main intention is to protect the personal data of the citizens.

“Immediately when the directive was issued, we released a statement calling on the all well-meaning Nigerians, National Assembly, and the President, to not only condemn the act but also to demand its withdrawal. The resolution by the National Assembly is timely and is well received by all Nigerians, and they must be commended for it.

” we are reiterating our call to all Nigerians, Civil Society Organizations, and Media to continue raising their voice against this draconian directive. The National Assembly to sustain this and ensure the directive is being revised and the President to add his voice to the voice of Nigerians.

“We urge the CBN to listen to the voice of reason and do the needful as directed by the National Assembly”, Sabo Concluded.

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TECHDIGEST – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has honored six university students from across Nigeria for their remarkable efforts in combating corruption and promoting sustainable development in the country.

The awards were presented as part of the 9th edition of the ‘Report a Project’ program organized by CITAD over the past three years.

The ‘Report a Project’ competition aims to inspire young individuals to actively fight against corruption by energetically working towards reducing it to its barest minimum in Nigeria.

According to PRIME TIME NEWS, the initiative encourages students to identify and report instances of abandoned projects in their constituencies, thereby fostering transparency in all sectors of governance.

After the event, CITAD’s Campaigns and Communication Officer, Ali Sabo, spoke to journalists and disclosed that, contrary to the center’s tradition of awarding only the top three winners, all six participants were recognized in this edition.

READ ALSO: TNW Conference 2023: NITDA Unveils N10bn Funds For Startups, Hubs, Others 

Sabo emphasized that each participant had demonstrated exceptional dedication, making them all deserving of recognition.

He further highlighted that the prize presentation serves as an inspiration for other students to take charge and report any neglected projects in their areas. By doing so, transparency and accountability in governance can be promoted, ultimately contributing to the overall development of Nigeria.

One of the beneficiaries, Abdullahi Ishaq Shehu from Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, expressed his gratitude to CITAD for providing them with the opportunity to participate in the ‘Report a Project’ competition.

Shehu revealed that as a result of their collective efforts, many of the reported abandoned projects have been completed by relevant stakeholders.

He assured CITAD that they would sustain their commitment to reporting such projects in their respective areas until transparent governance is achieved throughout Nigeria.

The winners of the 9th edition of the ‘Report a Project’ competition were each awarded a Huawei Y6 Pro Android smartphone.

Among the recipients were Abdullahi Ishaq Shehu from Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Abdulrasheed Abubakar from the Federal University of Minna; Hammad Abdulrasheed from Gombe; Salihu Aliyu Idris from Usman DanFodio University, Sokoto; Salim Yunusa from Kaduna State, and Hammad Abdulrasheed from Gombe State.

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TECHDIGEST – Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on President Bola Tinubu, to ensure that citizens’ digital rights are protected as he takes over the affairs of the country.

According to the CITAD Digital Rights Officer, Ali Sabo, who disclosed this at a press conference recently, noted that as we are all aware, digital rights have become an increasingly important issue in the world and Nigeria in particular in recent years.

Mr Sabo recalled that the CITAD in March, has also called the attention of the Nigerian Police Force against the arbitrary arrest of citizens on the order of some overzealous politicians who misused their offices to trample on the fundamental human rights of the citizens.

He disclosed that “With the rise of digital technologies and the internet, Artificial Intelligence, more and more people are relying on digital platforms to communicate, access information, conduct businesses and engage with other individuals on a daily basis.

“The new administration in Nigeria needs to set a comprehensive data protection legislation that will regulate the collection, use, and sharing of personal data by public and private entities. We are calling on the president to prioritize passing of the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill which will protect citizens’ privacy and prevent abuse of personal data.

“The president should ensure that Nigerians have the right to access and share information freely online without censorship, intimidation, or harassment. Also, his government need to work towards creating an enabling environment for online expression and digital journalism, protecting whistleblowers, and strengthening mechanisms for transparency and accountability.

“The increasing use of digital technologies in Nigeria has poses more risk for people who become victims of cyber threats and attacks.

“There is need for the new administration to work towards strengthening cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety and security of citizens’ online activities and prevent cybercrime.

READ ALSO: NITDA Boss Advocates Pan-African Collaboration to Drive Digital Empowerment

“Another aspect the new administration should focus on is digital literacy as there is a significant digital divide in Nigeria, with many people lacking basic digital literacy skills, we could see this with the introduction of cashless policy in the country.

” There is need for the government to prioritize investment in digital education initiatives to provide citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy and benefit from the opportunities presented by emerging technologies”, He added.

He further disclosed that there were Internet shutdowns: There have been instances where the government has ordered the shutdown of the Internet and social media.

“All of these are having a detrimental effect on the digital rights of Nigerians, including the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy, the right to association online, and the right to access information”.

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By Ozumi Abdul

TECHDIGEST –  The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Thursday empowered the first batch of the participants of its Lenovo Digital Creativity Training with the sum of over two million naira.

The training which had its theme as “Digital Creativity and Innovation for Young Women (DICI-YOW)” drew 26 participants from various states across the northern region, such Bauchi state in its first batch.

Some of the participants received the cheques of 75, 000 naira and 150, 000 respectively according to the business plans they submitted to CITAD.

The cheques and certificates were presented to them by the CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z Ya’u, who was represented by the centre’s Campaign and Communication Officer, Ali Sabo.

According to Sabo, the program is aimed at empowering young girls with digital skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, and gadget operation, adding that more than 380 participants were received, while 110 proposal were selected, with 27 of them excelling with their submissions.

“More than 380 applications were received, and 110 proposals were selected, with 27 excelling in their submissions. The proposal could be written in either technical format or any other area they deemed fit”.

He also noted that the Centre provided funds to beneficiaries based on the category of their proposals, as technological proposals received 150, 000 naira, while other businesses receivers 75, 000 naira.

“Technological proposals received 150 thousand naira, while other business areas received 75 thousand naira to launch their businesses”

He then urged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously and develop the project they presented, becoming employers of labor.

The Centre’s Technical Assistant, Zainab Aminu, advised the beneficiaries to use the funds creatively and innovatively since the essence of the training is Digital Creativity and Innovation.

Also speaking at the event was Aisha Abdullahi Na’Yawo, speaking on behalf of the participants

She noted that they were trained in Basic Information Technology, Microsoft Excel, Graphic Designing, Digital Marketing, etc.

Aisha applauded CITAD for the training empowerment, while also pledging to use the funds wisely, to be self reliant and as well becomes employers of labour.

She also promised that the participants will extend the knowledge and skills gained from the training to their immediate communities.

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By Ozumi Abdul

TECHDIGEST – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its sister government agencies such as National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, National Human Rights Commission, as well as all the security agencies in the country to ensure the protection of citizens data, privacy and respect their rights online, during and after the 2023 general elections.

The call was made during a press conference held at the organization’s head office in Kano on Thursday.

While delivering the text of the press conference, the CITAD Digital Right Manager, Ali Sabo declared that it is important to note that the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms has clearly spelt out that the freedom and privacy of individual online are respected and protected.

He added that these rights correspond to the fundamental rights provided in the Declaration on Human Rights as Freedom of Expression, Right to Information, Freedom of Assembly and Association, as well as the right to personal privacy and dignity.

He said that the UN has recognized the right to Internet as fourth generation rights, and the right to Internet as means to access these offline rights has at its core the issues of Privacy and Personal Data Protection.

Sabo noted that any breach of the above is a negation to Nigerian commitment to Human Rights as well as other international covenants on human rights, including the African Charter on Peoples and Human Rights.

READ ALSO: CITAD Presents Laptop, Handsets Prizes To Winners Of Its ‘Report A Project’ Competition

Sabo recalled that before the month of February, preceding the presidential and national assembly elections, that his organization held similar press conference to draw the attentions of the INEC and its sister government agencies to the need to protect and respect the digital rights of the citizens during and after elections.

He said security agencies, especially the police were also enjoined to avoid doing the hatchet job for politicians by unnecessarily arresting citizens as criticisms are part and parcel of democracy, but however regretted that despite this call, that serious cases of intimidations and harassments by the security agents were still recorded in some parts of the country during the last month’s 25, presidential and national assembly elections.

“Similarly, in the same month we called the attention of the Nigerian Police Force against the arbitrary arrest of citizens on the order of some overzealous politicians who misused their offices to trample on the fundamental human rights of the citizens. It is a well-known fact that “criticism is part and parcel of any democracy and it is one of the cardinal pillars through which democracy is being build”, but governments in Nigeria on many occasions, have displayed arrogance, impunity and lack of tolerance where at any slight instance they have ordered the arrest of the citizens for excising their fundamental human rights of expressing their opinions.

“If you could recall, in presidential and national assembly elections which is being held on the 25th of February, 2023 sad incidences happened in some part of the country, where reported cases of intimidation, harassment and malfunctioning of elections materials such as Biomodal Accreditation System (BVAS) were recorded.

“This month’s press conference is necessary at this time looking at what has happened in the presidential and national assembly elections. It is imperative for us as an organization working on the area of upholding electoral integrity, human rights and digital rights in Nigeria to draw the attention of all the stakeholders, especially security agencies and those who have citizens’ data in their custody, on the importance of protecting and safeguarding the rights of the Nigerian citizens, both online and offline and ensuring that their data is safe and not be misused or tempered with.

“This call is necessary because there is genuine information as we indicated in the previous press conference that government agencies have purchased surveillance systems to track and monitor people, most especially activists, journalists, opponents and those they consider threat to their interests. As Civil Society actors we consider this as a threat to not only the fundamental human rights of the citizens but to our democracy as this exposes citizens to privacy abuse.

“Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the need for respecting the privacy of individuals and ensuring that their data is being kept in a safer place and not allow third person to have access to it.

Consequently, he now called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the protection and confidentiality of the people’s mandate and not allow anybody to tamper with it, to ensure that all the election electronic materials such BVAS are in good condition in order to avoid what happened in the presidential and national assembly election.

He also enjoined the INEC to ensure the early delivery of election materials to polling units across the country, as well as ensuring that all election results are being uploaded to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) as stipulated in the 2022 Electoral Act.

The CITAD Digital Right manager also charged the Nigeria Police Force to desist from being used by politicians to intimidate voters, journalists and election observers during the election , while also calling on the National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigeria Communications Commission, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to not allow themselves to be used or transmit citizens data to a third person for any reason unless this request is by a competent court.

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By Ozumi Abdul

TECHDIGEST – Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on Wednesday presented laptop computer and handsets prizes to the winner of its 8th edition of Report a Project Competition.

The winners are Adamu Usman Garko from Gombe who came first with Laptop prize, Hussein Musa from Abuja that emerged second with handset prize, and Zubair Onireke Zubair from Kwara state, who came third with handset prize also.

While speaking, CITAD program officer, Ali Sabo said that the project which is its eight edition has the support of MacArthur Foundation, adding that it is geared towards encouraging people especially students of higher institutions to report abandoned protects in their individual communities.

He said that the project’s major aims are to cultivate the the habits tracking, monitoring and evaluating the activities of government officials at national, state and even local levels in people, in order to ensure that there are values for money, efficiency and continuity in what governments are doing.

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Sabo also noted that CITAD has engaged in the project for the past five years, with hundreds of applications being received from students across the entire country.

He added that prizes such as laptop computers have been awarded accordingly to the first position, handsets to the second and third positions respectively.

Sabo said that this very eight project saw nineteen submissions from students across the country, and that the submissions were sent to the panel of judges, who came up with six selection, that was further subjected to the public voting which brought about the final three winners.

In his remarks on behalf of the CITAD Executive Director, the CITAD Community Network Coordinator, Malam Haruna Adamu Hadejia said that the project has the attributes of transparency, openness and accountabilities.

He lamented that most times people don’t see public projects as their own, while the society at large suffers the brunt of such nonchalant attitudes on the long run.

“Most times people don’t see public projects as their own, they will say is it not government’s property, while at the end of the day the entire society will be the one at the receiving end”, he said.

He added that one of the core values of CITAD is to hold government accountable,the reason CITAD with the support of MacArthur Foundation deem fit to come up with a project of this nature.

The winner of the first prize of laptop computer, Mallam Adamu Usman Garko expressed his delight for receiving such prize, while he also promised that he will continue to monitor abandoned project in his locality.

He also promised to start encouraging others around him to follow suit.

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TECHDIGEST – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on Nigerian agencies, particularly the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, among others, to ensure that the rights of citizens, both online and offline are protected during and after the 2023 general elections.

Mr Ali Sabo, Digital Rights Officer, CITAD, disclosed this today during a press briefing, in Kano State.

“These rights correspond to the fundamental rights provided in the Declaration on Human Rights as Freedom of Expression, Right to Information, Freedom of Assembly and Association, as well as the right to personal privacy and dignity.

READ ALSO: NCC Dedicates Toll-Free Number 622 as Presidential Election Incident Hotline

“The UN has recognized the right to Internet as fourth generation rights. The right to Internet as means to access these offline rights has at its core the issues of Privacy and Personal Data Protection.

“Any breach of the above is a negation to Nigerian commitment to Human Rights as well as other international covenants on human rights, including the African Charter and Peoples and Human Rights”, he said.

According to Sabo:

1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the protection and confidentiality of the people’s mandate and not allow anybody to temper with it

2. The Nigeria Police Force to desist from being used by politicians to intimidate voters, journalists and election observers during the election

3. Tech giant companies to ensure the protection and confidentiality of the people’s data so as not allow third parties to have access to it

4. The National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigeria Communications Commission, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to not allow themselves to be used or transmit citizens data to a third person for any reason unless this request is by a competent court

5. The government to respect the citizens’ rights for association, assembly and speech online during this election

He called on the security agencies to ensure the protection of both the election and telecommunication infrastructure, for smooth transmission of election results.

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By Abbas Badmus

TECHDIGEST – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on Nigerian security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police Force, to put an end to the arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens for exercising their fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

CITAD Program Officer, Mr Ali Sabo, disclosed this in a press conference in Kano State.

He said section (IV) sub section (c) of the Nigerian constitution prohibits any security agency from unlawful arrest, incarceration or detention of the citizens without following due process.

READ ALSO: Between NITDA Bill and NCC Mandate

“What we are witnessing today in Nigeria is clearly contrary to what the Nigerian constitution has provided and these acts by the Nigerian security agencies if not checked and addressed will flung the country into anarchy and will negate the principles of democracy which is being practiced in Nigeria enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.

“you will remember that in the months of November and December we did organize similar press conferences during which we drew the attention of the Nigerian authority about the negative implications of these arbitrary arrests and detentions of the citizens to the country’s image in the comity of nations and to our young democracy,” Sabo added.

He further explained criticism is part and parcel of any democracy and it is one of the cardinal pillars through which democracy is being build, but “this government in many occasions has displayed arrogance, impunity and lack of tolerance where at any slight instances has ordered the arrest of the citizens for excising their fundamental human rights.

” you may recalled that in the month of November, 2022, the Nigeria Police on the orders of the wife of the president arrested and detained a 500 level student of Federal University, Dutse, Aminu Adamu for merely excising his rights online. He was held for days without being allowed access to his family or his lawyers.

“Also on the 11th of December, 2022, a minor named Umar Garba was arrested in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State over an alleged defamation of character of the Yobe State Governor, Maimala Buni. The boy was held captive by the Nigeria Police for more than two weeks without a court order or any arrest warrant. Similarly, the boy was not taken to court.

“These impunity being excised by the Nigerian politicians has transformed to another level to the extent that citizens are being deprived their fundamental human rights to speak about things that concern them and their country and interrogate their representatives without being harassed by the security agencies.

“The Nigeria Police should avoid the unlawful detention of the citizens and ensure every arrest made is with an order of a competent court.

“Anybody arrested for any offence shall be taken to court within specified period of time as in the Nigeria constitution”.

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By Abbas Badmus

TECHDIGEST – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders to bring to an end the continued online harassment and detention of citizens in the country.

Program Officer of CITAD, Mr. Ali Sabo, disclosed this at a press conference in Kano State.

He said that the harassment and continued detention of citizens, stemming from social media tweets, without following due process negates the principles of democracy being practiced in Nigeria, while also describing it as absolute abuse of human rights of the citizens as enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Sabo also urged the Nigerian Government to assent the Digital Rights Bill, which will pave way for digital development and guarantee citizens’ rights and protection on the internet.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Startups Invent 384 Products as Digitisation Expands – Kashifu

The CITAD Program Officer lamented the increased arrest of citizens by Nigerian security agencies on the order of some state governors.

“On the 11th of December, 2022, a minor named Umar Garba was arrested in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State over an alleged defamation of character of the Yobe State Governor, Maimala Buni. The boy was held captive by the Nigeria Police for more than two weeks without a court order or any arrest warrant. Similarly, the boy was not taken to court up to the time of his release .

“It would be recalled that another youth, a 500 level student of the Federal University, Dutse, Aminu Adamu was also arrested last month over alleged defamation of character of the wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.

“Similar case had also happened in Kano State were two Tiktokers were arrested, detained and beaten for alleged defamation of character of the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. If these arrests are allowed to continue the country is going to be turned into an authoritarian one where citizens will not have the rights to express themselves online,” said Sabo.

He also urged Mr. President to ensure the speedy assent of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill as soon as it is transmitted to him, as this will bring an end to the arbitrary arrest of the citizens by security agencies.

“Civil Society Organizations should join hands to call on the Nigeria security agencies to stop the arbitrary arrest of the citizens without due process.

“CSOs should collaboratively work together for an sustained advocacy to ensure the bill is to be passed and assented by the president,” Sabo concluded.

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TECHDIGEST –  The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD conducted a one day panel of discussion on ICT for people living with Disabilities to enhance active engagements and good Governance in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of CITAD Engr Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, who was Represented by CITAD media and communication officer Mal Ali Sabo said , Research has shown that , there are over 20 millions people living with Disabilities of different clusters in the country in line with this ,Digital migration of basic services has been threatening to create a challenging steps to many PWDs particular visual and hearing impaired and their are limited space for learning, accessibility and the used of ICT.

Mal sabo said, CITAD main objectives of the project is to drive an Accountability and Good Governance in Nigeria which title as mobilizing and catalyzing citizens Actions for accountable Election.

READ ALSO: Finally, NITDA Issues Code of Practice for Online Platforms Operating in Nigeria

However, CITAD would continue to focus on how to support and amplify the voice of people living with Disabilities in order to demand for accountability , especially on issues that affects them directly.

In addition, CITAD will trained people with Disabilities on social media for accountability and how corruption is affecting their lifes ,vedio documentaries and series of positive advocacy.

On her part, The zonal co-ordinator of National Association of people with physical disability in Kano , Hajiya Bilkisu Ado zango in her presentation explained that,if PWDs are giving enable space on ICT their voices will be heard,job creations, positive actions will break the barres that encounter in their daily activities.

Hajiya Bilkisu also said , the acceblity of ICT for PWDs will allow them to participate and benefits the digital space at same will be part of massive means of communication In the country.

The chair penal of the Discussion , Prof jibril I Diso added that CITAD is the known organization that cares and include PWDs in their activities in the state.

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