The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed the development in a post shared on X on Tuesday. He said the approval was granted under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to deliver on the ministry’s strategic blueprint.

According to Tijani, the new system will be developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), working closely with the Postmaster General, Tola Odeyemi, and her team.

He explained that Nigeria will introduce a geospatially intelligent addressing system designed to improve location accuracy nationwide and enable faster, more reliable mail and parcel processing.

“Beyond strengthening postal operations, the Digital Postcode System will also serve as an important national enabler supporting better national planning, improved emergency response, more efficient logistics and e-commerce, and the delivery of government services,” the minister stated.

Tijani noted that foundational infrastructure such as a digital addressing framework is essential as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, helping connect citizens, businesses and public institutions more efficiently across the country. He described the approval as another step toward building an enabling environment for a modern, inclusive and globally competitive digital economy.

Background

Nigeria currently operates a standard numeric postal code system, such as 100001 for Lagos Island, where each region, district and delivery area is identified by a six-digit code primarily used for sorting and routing mail. The system, managed by NIPOST, has been in place for decades.

However, the framework has faced limitations. Many areas still lack clearly defined street names or house numbers, and a significant number of addresses cannot be reliably located on digital maps. This has created challenges for efficient mail delivery and logistics, particularly in informal settlements and rapidly expanding urban centres.

The proposed GIS-enabled alphanumeric system is expected to assign precise digital locations to properties, improving mail delivery, logistics operations and supporting digital services such as e-commerce and ride-hailing platforms that depend on accurate geospatial data.

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Idris said the approval followed a joint memo presented by the Ministry of Digital Communications and the Ministry of Finance. He noted that the project includes the establishment of service centres for agricultural mechanisation and digital economy expansion. According to him, the deployment targets communities currently lacking basic connectivity, with data showing that about 23 million Nigerians remain underserved.

The minister added that the absence of adequate digital access has affected economic participation, communication, and public safety in several remote regions. He said the new towers are expected to support security efforts and enhance commercial activity across the country. The initiative complements a broader national push to improve digital infrastructure, including the ongoing rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cables nationwide.

Nigeria’s broadband penetration remains below the targets set in the National Broadband Plan despite recent improvements. Penetration stood at 39.85% when the plan was launched in 2020 and reached 48.81% by May 2025, supported by 105.8 million broadband subscriptions. However, the figure remains short of the 70% goal, with progress hindered by factors such as high right-of-way charges, multiple taxation, and other policy barriers affecting infrastructure deployment.

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TECH DIGEST- Nigeria is making a bold move to amplify its presence in the global tech arena. The country’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at catapulting Nigeria’s tech industry onto the world stage.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has sanctioned the conversion of a government-owned property in San Francisco, USA, into the Nigerian Digital Technology Exchange Programme Hub, also known as the Nigeria Startup House. This strategic endeavour is poised to serve as a critical platform for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), leveraging the proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area’s dense concentration of international organizations and venture capital firms.

In 2023, Nigerian tech startups secured a significant portion of their $1.3 billion funding from venture capitalists based in the Bay Area. The new hub is designed to capitalize on this trend, enhancing the visibility of Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and making it more appealing to global investors and collaborators.

By establishing a foothold in Silicon Valley, a region with a GDP exceeding $929 billion and home to over 200 of the world’s leading companies, Nigeria aims to stimulate substantial economic growth and innovation. The Nigeria Startup House will not only increase the exposure of Nigerian startups but also foster critical connections and collaborations with international tech players, driving the nation’s growth within the global technology landscape.

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), will retain ownership of the San Francisco property. However, its operations will be managed by a consortium of Nigerian tech companies, utilizing non-public funding to ensure efficient and effective management.

This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an interconnected tech industry, ultimately promoting the country’s economic interests on a global scale.

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TECH DIGEST- In October last year, the National Data Protection Bureau, a subsidiary of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), presented the draft National Data Protection Bill to the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami. The Minister is to present the bill to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

While the decision of the FEC on the bill is yet to be announced, the National Assembly has assured of the passage of the bill within 30 days of receiving it from the FEC. 

• READ ALSO:Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers 2023 to be Held in Lagos – Tech Digest News

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Yakubu Oseni, who gave the assurance during a one-day sensitization workshop on data protection organized for members of the national assembly, said the bill ought to have become law in 2019. He said the Senate understands the importance of having data protection laws in place.

Although the country currently has already the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) which is being enforced by the Data Protection Bureau, experts have argued that the NDPR lacks the force of law to ensure the protection of data in the government’s care. Hence, the clamour for a substantive law that will guide the handling of data across all levels in the country.  

As Nigerians eagerly await the approval of the bill by the FEC and its passage by the National Assembly, below are 10 things to look out for in the bill. 

1. Establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission 

While data protection is currently being managed by a Bureau created out of NITDA, the bill provides for the establishment of a substantive body, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). 

Section 7 of the bill lists the functions of the Commission include  

• Ensuring the deployment of technological and organizational measures to enhance personal data protection. 
• Promoting awareness of data controllers and data processors of their obligations under the Act. 
• Promoting public awareness and understanding of personal data protection and the risks to personal data, including the rights granted and obligations imposed under the Act. 
• Fostering the development of personal data protection technologies in accordance with recognized international good practices and applicable international law. 

2. Sensitive personal data 

The Bill introduces specific requirements for the processing of sensitive personal data. Specifically, the bill prohibits data controllers or data processors from processing or permitting a data processor to process on its behalf, sensitive personal data unless one of the exceptions in Section 32(1) applies. Such exceptions include where: 

• The data subject has given and not withdrawn their consent to the processing for the specific purpose or purposes for which it will be processed. 
• The processing is necessary for exercising or performing the rights or obligations of the data controller or the data subject to underemployment or social security laws or any other similar laws. 
• The processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another individual where the data subject is physically or legally incapable of giving consent. 

3. Minors’ protection 

Section 33 of the Bill establishes specific provisions for lawfully obtaining consent from children. In particular, the Bill provides that the data controller must obtain the consent of a parent or other appropriate legal guardian of the child and must apply appropriate mechanisms, including the presentation of government-approved identification documents, to verify age and consent. 

Importantly, the Bill does not require parental consent where: 

• “Processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the child or individual lacking the legal capacity to consent, or the processing is carried out for purposes of medical or social care and is undertaken by or under the responsibility of a professional or similar service provider owing a duty of confidentiality.” 

4. Rights of data subjects 

According to Section 35 of the bill, a data subject has the right to obtain from a data controller, without constraint or unreasonable delay — confirmation as to whether or not the data controller or a data processor operating on its behalf, is storing or otherwise processing personal data relating to the data subject. And where that is the case, the subject has the right to know the following:

•  The purposes of the processing.
• The categories of personal data concerned.
• The recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations.
• Where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not. possible, the criteria used to determine that period.
• The existence of the right to request from the data controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing.
• The right to complain. 

5. Data protection officer and compliance services 

Section 33 of the bill requires both controllers and processors of major importance to appoint a data protection officer (‘DPO’) with expert knowledge of data protection law and practices and the ability to carry out the tasks as outlined in the Bill. 

Specifically, the Bill establishes that the DPO tasks include advising the data controller, data processor, and their employees who carry out the processing of their obligations, monitoring compliance as well as related policies of the data controller or data more generally, and acting as the contact point for the Commission on issues relating to data processing In addition, the Bill clarifies that DPO can be the DPO an employee or engaged by a service contract. 

6. International data transfers 

The international transfer of personal data is regulated in Part IX of the Bill, which is similar to the GDPR. Specifically, the Bill establishes the concept of an adequacy decision for countries and appropriate safeguards for controllers and processors. In this context, Section 43(1)(a) of the Bill establishes that: 

• “A data controller or data processor shall not transfer personal data from Nigeria to another country unless the recipient of the personal data is subject to a law, binding corporate rules, contractual clauses, code of conduct or certification mechanism that affords an adequate level of protection with respect to the personal data, or a permitted conditions outlined in Section 45 of the Bill”. 

7. Complaints and investigation 

Section 47 of the bill states that a data subject who is aggrieved by the decision, action, or inaction of a data controller or data processor in violation of the Act, subsidiary legislation, or orders may complain with the Commission.  

• “The Commission shall investigate any complaint referred to it where it appears to the Commission that— (a) the complainant has an interest in the matter to which the complaint relates; and (b) the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious. (3) The Commission may initiate an investigation of its own accord where it has reason to believe a data controller or data processor has violated or is likely to violate this Act or any regulations, rules, or other subsidiary legislation or orders.” 

8. Enforcement order 

Section 49 provides that notwithstanding any criminal sanctions under the Act, if the Commission, after completing an investigation under Section 47, is satisfied that a data controller or data processor has violated. it may impose a sanction on the data controller or data processor. 

It shall also inform the data controller or data processor, and if applicable, any data subject who lodged the complaint leading to the investigation, in writing of its decision. 

9. Penalties for breach 

Section 49(4) spells out the penalties that may be imposed by the Commission on any organization that breaches the data protection law. In the case of a data controller or data processor of major importance, the penalty shall be the greater of NGN 10 million and 2% of its annual gross revenue derived from Nigeria in the preceding financial year. 

In the case of a data controller or data processor other than a data controller or data processor of major importance, the standard maximum amount shall be the greater of N2 million and 2% of its annual gross revenue derived from Nigeria in the preceding financial year. 

• “In determining the sanctions, the Commission shall take into consideration the following factors: (a) the nature, gravity, and duration of the infringement; (b) the purpose of the processing; (c) the number of data subjects involved; (d) the level of damage and damage mitigation measures implemented; (e) intent or negligence; (f) degree of cooperation with the Commission; and (g) types of personal data involved.” 

10. Civil remedies 

Section 52 of the bill states that a data subject who suffers injury, loss, or harm as a result of a violation of this Act by a data controller or data processor, or a recognized consumer organization acting on behalf of such a data subject, may recover damages by way of civil proceedings in the appropriate court from such data controller or data processor. 

SOURCE: NAIRAMETRICS

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TECH DIGEST- The Nigerian Communications Commission will launch historic broadband projects on Thursday, November 24, 2022, in Abuja under the direction of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami (NCC). The measures would hasten the adoption of broadband in Nigeria and boost plans for the development of the country’s digital economy.

Contracts for the installation of broadband infrastructure for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME), as well as for tertiary and higher institutions of learning throughout the six geopolitical zones of the nation, will be awarded at the event.

READ ALSO: Finally, Elon Musk Restores Trump’s Twitter Account

SKILLS RATHER THAN JUST DEGREES, a book published by Pantami with a foreword by Brad Smith, President of Microsoft Corporation, is also scheduled to be presented by Pantami. Following a presentation by the Minister, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the list of projects for the several geopolitical zones that are scheduled to commence. The projects are anticipated to be finished within six months after the award date.

For the implementation of strategic initiatives, the NCC engaged well-known tech companies through an open procurement procedure. The event is anticipated to draw a variety of stakeholders from academia and technology enthusiasts, including potential start-up businesses, fintech organizations, and other interested sectors. These stakeholders’ activities are expected to energize the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030.

According to a press release from the NCC and signed by Reuben Muoka, director of public affairs, the provision of broadband infrastructure for MSMEs in Nigeria and for tertiary institutions throughout the six geopolitical zones of the nation will add the necessary impetus to achieving the main goals outlined in the NDEPS 2020–2030.

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TECHDIGEST – The ratification of an Enterprise Licensing Agreement for Microsoft goods and the freeing of C-band spectrum are two recent steps taken by the Federal Government to hasten the rollout of 5G services in the nation.

This comes after Isa Pantami, the minister of communications and digital economy, presented three memos during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on June 29, 2022.

The Technical Assistant (Research and Development) to the Minister of Communications and the Digital Economy, Dr. Femi Adeluyi, made this information in a statement.

READALSO:CHOGM 2022: MTN Commends Pantami Over Nigeria’s 5G Roadmap

Government software acquisition costs will be reduced through the Government-wide Enterprise Licensing Agreement for Microsoft products, which will be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the direction of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The Federal Government is working to keep the cost of IT projects within manageable ranges as part of this agreement.

Going further Adeluyi in the statement said, ‘’The Agreement will give the government access to discounted prices and other cost benefits, as well as reduce project duplication across Federal Public Institutions (FPIs).

‘’It will also guarantee proper technical support for Microsoft products and services, thereby ensuring protection against cybersecurity threats, which will guarantee availability and reliability of government IT services.

‘’The Enterprise Licensing Agreement will provide a projected savings of a minimum of 35% of Governments current investment in Microsoft Products and Services.

‘’This will not only substantially reduce the cost of license procurement for FPIs, it will reduce and simplify licensing complexity, facilitate accounting and cash flow predictability and monitor utilisation and impact of Government investment.’’

According to the statement, FEC instructed all FPIs to enter the Agreement while purchasing Microsoft licenses and services.

In order to successfully roll out and implement 5G technology in Nigeria, the council also authorized the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) request to free up a portion of the C-band spectrum used by the nation’s telecoms industry and move any existing customers on that frequency.

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has bagged Security and Emergency Managememt Award (SAEMA) for championing implementation of policy and policy against cyber attacks and online criminal activities.

The award which waa presented by the Executive Secretary Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Air Commmodore Yusuf Anas Retired was in recognition of Minister’s contributions in facilitating projects on cybersecurity to tackle cybercrimes and online frauds.

The investiture was made at the sideline of an official presentation of a book, titled, Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.

The CCC boss said: “Under the leadership of Dr. Ali Pantami, the Ministry established an international standard Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) at NITDA Headquarters targeted at upgrading Nigeria’s cybersecurity to promote national security.

“As watchdog of the federal government, the Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) helps Nigeria to monitor potential cyber-attacks, detect and mitigate potential cybersecurity threats on the country.

“Similarly, the ministry has upgraded and added more Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) undertaken by Nigerian Communication Commission (CCC) for tackling insecurity through activating emergency numbers in cases of emergencies across many states.

“The ministry has also provided necessary technology to enable security agencies to effectively tackle insecurity in the country.”

While commending the Emergency Digest and CCC, the organisers of the award, Dr. Pantami said that the government would continue to provide technological tools for tackling insecurity in the country.

His words, “Technology has been addressing (security) but in our own area, we are not security agencies. The security agencies are the ones that are supposed to leverage on the technology to do their own work and we have been mandated to give them all the necessary support.

“Since my first day in office, we have been giving them (security agencies) support.  Any support they need in technology to do their work.

“It is their work to leverage technology.  It is not our duty to say this is what to achieve.  What they require, we have provided 100 per cent, not even 99 per cent and we will continue to do that.”

On the 5G technology deployment, the minister said that the Draft Policy would be presented to the federal Executive Council (FEC), after the working Group set up on the it concludes its assignment.

He said that the government started the process in 2020 but was confronted with the COVID-19 conspiracy theory.

According to him, following the confirmation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that the two were not related, the conspiracy theory has been destroyed intellectually and scientifically.

“In spite of that, we set up a Working group to study the effectiveness. Accordingly, people from technology, health, environment and security.  They have been working for over a year on the policy of deployment of 5G in Nigeria, so that we can be on the same page and be sure there is no vacuum that others can exploit to the detriment of the citizens of our country.

“So we are on the same page and I think the policy will soon be presented before the Federal Executive Council.  When it is approved, the National Frequency Management Council will assign Spectrum to NCC and NCC will release it to operators for deployment.”

Speaking earlier at the book presentation, Dr. Pantami the publication provided insights into Nigeria’s digital economy and his Ministry’s approach towards developing it.

He observed that digital innovation has led to a shift from the traditional economy into the digitalized one, and this digital transformation of the economy has led to economic prosperity in Nigeria and around the world.

The minister urged Nigerians to develop the habit of reading, as according to him, “Readers are leaders” and that all noted world leaders were people who spend quality time reading.

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TECH DIGEST – The Federal Executive Council, Nigeria’s highest decision making organ, yesterday approved the sum of N8.9billion to build an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park on a 4,200 square meter land in Abuja.

In a statement signed and distributed earlier today by Dr ‘Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the approval was subject to a memo presented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami at the meeting, which was held virtually.

The statement disclosed that the Park will come with state-of-the-art and will accommodate the National ICT Exhibition Centre, as well as Museum for ICT and postal services, where technology-related innovations by Nigerians will be showcased.

According to the statement, the National ICT Park will be supported by the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC) that was earlier presented by the Minister and approved by the FEC on the 11th of November, 2020 and whose groundbreaking was done recently by Dr Pantami.

All the parastatals of the Ministry will be involved in managing the National Centres.

The National ICT Park would be a focal point for the supervision of both public and private ICT hubs in the country. The Park will serve as a centre for National ICT Policy formulation, Research and Development. Through it, the Federal Government will provide the enabling environment for creative Nigerians to come up with innovative technologies.

The Park will have a number of benefits including boosting the digital economy, provision of space and environment for the growth of innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs), serving as an incubator for cutting-edge technology and a mentorship platform for innovators, amongst others. It will provide a central location for Nigerian innovators with vibrant and developmental ideas to receive mentorship and all that they need to thrive.

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