By Abbas Badmus,

For decades, identity management in Nigeria has been more than a bureaucratic exercise. It has represented one of the country’s most persistent governance challenges, affecting everything from financial inclusion and national security to social welfare delivery and economic planning. Millions of Nigerians have struggled with fragmented identity systems, duplicate registrations, weak verification mechanisms, and limited access to essential services.

With the signing of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has initiated what many experts consider one of the most transformative digital governance reforms in Nigeria’s recent history. More than simply replacing the 2007 law, the new legislation lays the legal and institutional foundation for a comprehensive digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting the country’s ambitions in governance, commerce, cybersecurity and economic growth.

At its core, the legislation signals Nigeria’s transition from a traditional identity registration system to a modern digital trust infrastructure where identity becomes the gateway to secure online transactions, efficient public services and inclusive economic participation.

When the National Identity Management Commission was established nearly two decades ago, Nigeria’s digital economy was still in its infancy. Internet penetration was relatively low, electronic payments were limited, and government services remained largely paper-based.

Today, however, digital transformation has reshaped nearly every aspect of society. Banking, healthcare, education, taxation, immigration, elections, e-commerce and social intervention programmes increasingly rely on secure digital identities.

Recognising this shift, the new NIMC Act significantly expands the Commission’s mandate beyond identity registration.

Perhaps the most consequential provision is the designation of NIMC as Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority, placing it at the centre of the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This effectively transforms the Commission into the institution responsible for establishing digital trust across both government and private-sector platforms.

This means that digital signatures, authentication systems, encryption services, identity verification and electronic certificates can now operate within a unified legal framework designed to enhance confidence in online interactions.

The legislation reinforces the National Identification Number (NIN) as Nigeria’s foundational identity credential under the guiding principle of “One Person, One Identity.”

While the NIN has gained prominence in recent years through mandatory SIM registration, banking verification and passport applications, the new law elevates it into the country’s universal identity backbone.

Rather than maintaining multiple disconnected identity systems across various agencies, the law seeks to create a single trusted source of identity that government institutions, financial organisations and private businesses can securely access when verifying individuals.

A unified identity ecosystem promises to reduce duplication, minimise fraud, improve planning, simplify service delivery and ensure that government interventions reach their intended beneficiaries with greater accuracy.

Building Trust in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

One of the greatest obstacles to digital transformation worldwide is trust.

Consumers hesitate to transact online when they fear identity theft. Businesses worry about fraud. Governments struggle to verify citizens efficiently while protecting sensitive information.

The new law addresses these concerns by establishing comprehensive digital authentication services capable of supporting secure electronic transactions across sectors.

Under the legislation, NIMC will oversee digital certificates, secure identity verification, trusted authentication frameworks and encryption systems designed to improve confidence in Nigeria’s expanding digital marketplace.

As electronic commerce continues to grow, these systems are expected to reduce fraud, accelerate online business operations and encourage greater adoption of digital services.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Identity

Cybercrime has become one of the defining security challenges of the digital age.

Identity theft, impersonation, financial fraud and unauthorised access to digital systems continue to threaten individuals, businesses and governments across the world.

Nigeria is no exception.

The new legislation introduces stronger legal safeguards against identity-related crimes by prescribing stricter penalties for multiple registrations, impersonation, identity theft and other offences that compromise digital trust.

Equally significant is its alignment with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and internationally recognised privacy standards.

By strengthening legal protections around personal information while improving authentication systems, the Act seeks to strike the delicate balance between digital innovation and individual privacy.

Inclusion Beyond Urban Nigeria

Perhaps one of the most socially significant aspects of the legislation is its deliberate focus on inclusion.

Identity exclusion remains a major obstacle for millions of Nigerians, particularly those living in rural communities, internally displaced persons, nomadic populations and individuals without permanent residences.

Without recognised identity, many citizens remain excluded from banking services, healthcare, education, voting opportunities and government social programmes.

The new Act introduces an innovative identifier system specifically designed for vulnerable populations while mandating special enrolment measures to ensure underserved communities are not left behind.

This reflects a growing recognition that digital identity should not become another source of inequality but rather an instrument for expanding access to opportunities.

Driving Public Service Reform

Governments worldwide increasingly rely on integrated digital identity systems to improve efficiency and transparency.

From tax administration to healthcare delivery, identity verification enables agencies to share information securely while reducing administrative bottlenecks.

The new NIMC framework empowers the Commission to facilitate secure data exchange among government institutions, financial organisations and private-sector operators.

Such interoperability has the potential to eliminate repetitive documentation, reduce processing times and simplify citizens’ interactions with public institutions.

For ordinary Nigerians, this could translate into faster access to government services, fewer bureaucratic hurdles and improved user experiences across multiple sectors.

Supporting the One-Trillion-Dollar Economy Vision

President Tinubu has repeatedly emphasised technology as a central pillar of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.

The government has articulated an ambitious vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy, with digital innovation expected to serve as one of its principal drivers.

Modern economies increasingly depend on trusted digital infrastructure.

Secure identity systems encourage investment, facilitate cross-border commerce, enable digital financial services and improve the ease of doing business.

By strengthening Nigeria’s digital trust architecture, the NIMC Act positions identity management as a strategic economic asset rather than merely an administrative function.

International investors often evaluate a country’s digital infrastructure when making investment decisions. A robust identity ecosystem can therefore improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Passing legislation represents only the first step. The true measure of the reform will depend on effective implementation.

NIMC has already announced plans to issue detailed regulations and operational guidelines while working closely with government institutions, private-sector organisations and development partners to ensure a seamless transition.

Successful implementation will require sustained investment in technology infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, institutional collaboration and cybersecurity capacity.

Equally important will be maintaining public confidence through transparency, accountability and responsible management of citizens’ personal information.

The National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, represents far more than a legislative update.

It reflects Nigeria’s recognition that identity has become the foundation upon which digital economies, modern governance and inclusive societies are built.

By strengthening legal protections, modernising digital authentication systems, expanding inclusion, enhancing cybersecurity and positioning the National Identification Number at the centre of national development, the legislation offers a comprehensive blueprint for Nigeria’s digital future.

If implemented effectively, the reform could redefine how Nigerians interact with government, conduct business, access financial services and participate in an increasingly digital world.

For a country seeking to unlock the full potential of technology-driven development, the new NIMC law may ultimately be remembered not simply as an identity reform, but as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s next phase of digital transformation.

The post ANALYSIS: How Tinubu’s NIMC Law is Redefining Nigeria’s Digital Future appeared first on Tech Digest News.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the official launch of Lebara Nigeria, describing it as a significant boost to the nation’s digital economy and a strong signal of investor confidence in the telecommunications sector.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the development underscores Nigeria’s growing potential as a leading technology and investment destination in Africa.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Lebara Nigeria on its official launch, describing the milestone as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy and its future as a leading technology and investment destination in Africa,” the statement read in part.

The President commended the company’s leadership, including its Chief Executive Officer, Teniola Stuffman, for their commitment to expanding telecommunications access, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure. He noted that such investments are critical to deepening financial inclusion, promoting innovation, and accelerating economic growth.

Highlighting the performance of the telecom sector, Tinubu said it grew by 5.78 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025 and contributed over 14 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflecting its strategic importance to the national economy.

The President also acknowledged the role of the British High Commission, represented at the launch by Deputy High Commissioner Johny Baxter, noting that the collaboration demonstrates strong economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He further recognised the company’s Advisory Board, including Chairman Bimbo Ashiru, for their confidence in Nigeria’s growth prospects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintaining a stable and investment-friendly business environment.

Lebara Nigeria recently commenced operations in the country, offering mobile services tailored to individuals, students, businesses, and Nigerians in the diaspora. The company is part of the broader Lebara Group, which operates in multiple countries and focuses on enhancing connectivity locally and internationally.

As part of its entry into the Nigerian market, the firm has unveiled initiatives aimed at promoting digital inclusion through strategic partnerships and community-focused internet hubs. Information available on the company’s website indicates that its products are designed to make communication more affordable and accessible nationwide, with customised plans for various user segments.

The launch comes amid sustained growth in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the ICT sector accounted for 10.07 per cent of Nigeria’s real GDP in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 9.79 per cent in 2024.

The ICT sector comprises telecommunications and information services, publishing, motion picture and music production, as well as broadcasting. Analysts say the steady expansion of the sector reflects the impact of increased investments in technology and telecommunications infrastructure, with new entrants such as Lebara Nigeria expected to further drive digital transformation, job creation, and economic diversification.

With its entry into the market, Lebara Nigeria is positioned as a new player in the country’s competitive telecom landscape, contributing to broader efforts to expand digital access and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a technology hub in Africa.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital development following the completion of a two-day digital literacy training for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja.

The programme, organised under NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, the programme trained 50 participants in practical digital skills to enhance their participation in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.

In his remarks, the Director-General, KashifuInuwa CCIE, stated that the programme reflects the agency’s determination to ensure accessibility remains a core component of national digital transformation efforts.

He explained that genuine digital advancement cannot be realised without the inclusion of persons with disabilities, adding that millions of Nigerians remain constrained by limited access to accessible and inclusive digital platforms.

“In many cases, the problem is not the absence of digital tools but the lack of accessibility. Platforms that do not support assistive technologies, non-captioned content and inaccessible websites effectively shut people out and limit opportunities,” he added.

Inuwa further explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity as a driver of national development. He stressed that persons with disabilities should be recognised as active contributors to economic growth rather than dependants.

“When equipped with the right skills and technologies, persons with disabilities become innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals who contribute meaningfully across sectors,” he added.

He acknowledged the role of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and SIMBED in delivering the training, describing the collaboration as a model of how government and civil society partnerships can advance inclusive development.

Highlighting NITDA’s broader digital literacy drive, the Director-General said the DL4ALL programme is a key component of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, which targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.

He explained that the initiative operates through three main tracks: an informal sector programme that has trained more than 480,000 Nigerians across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory since September 2024; an education sector programme focused on embedding digital skills into learning institutions; and a workforce readiness programme designed to strengthen digital competence in both public and private sectors.

“This programme is not merely a pilot. It is proof that inclusive and intentional training works, and that persons with disabilities can excel when given equal opportunities,” Inuwa stated.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SIMBED, Mr Daniel Onunkwo, described the training as a significant step towards closing the digital inclusion gap for persons with disabilities.

Onunkwo added that the initiative sends a strong message about equity and national progress, adding that SIMBED remains committed to expanding digital empowerment for persons with disabilities.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, represented by Tracy Agbamu, commended NITDA for demonstrating intentional leadership in promoting inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She urged participants to continue applying the skills acquired and to serve as digital inclusion advocates within their communities.

The training programme further strengthens NITDA’s vision of building a digitally inclusive Nigeria where access to digital opportunities is determined not by physical ability but by empowerment and innovation.

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By Oluwole Alao

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has urged Nigerian youth to take the lead in driving Africa’s digital transformation, emphasising that the nation’s young population holds the key to a prosperous and inclusive future.

Delivering his opening remarks at the three-day Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Inuwa extended heartfelt appreciation to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his presence, describing it as a powerful demonstration that this administration cares deeply about our youth.

The conference provides a dynamic platform for ecosystem stakeholders to showcase their work and explore emerging trends aimed at transforming the nation and continent’s digital future.

Organised by NITDA, the Digital Nigeria Conference serves as a platform that bridges government and industry, fostering collaboration between policymakers, innovators, and private-sector leaders. It aims to harmonise regulatory frameworks, promote public–private partnerships, and drive the effective implementation of Nigeria’s national digital strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Inuwa noted that the conference’s theme, Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification through digitalisation, industrialisation and innovation.

He highlighted that Nigeria, with over 220 million people and an average age of 18, stands at a critical crossroads, one that could either unleash unprecedented prosperity or deepen socio-economic challenges if the nation fails to harness the creativity of its youth.

“If we harness the energy, the creativity and talent of our youth, we are not just going to power Nigeria, but we can power the entire Africa into a new era of prosperity. But if we fail to do that, if we fail to skill our youth, if we fail to provide a platform for them to create value, we are stunting the most valuable asset we have as a nation,” he noted.

The NITDA DG revealed that the 2025 edition of the conference has attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, making it both a national and international gathering of innovators, policymakers, and investors.

He said, “This year’s event features 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks.”

He further enumerated the five tracks: digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure and trust, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital trade and innovation, and digital skills and literacy.

Inuwa called on participants to see the conference as more than a networking opportunity but as a catalyst for actionable collaboration.

“Every handshake, every dialogue, and every deal made here should be driven by one conviction: Nigeria can do it, and we will do it,” he affirmed.

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By Abbas Badmus,

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, declared open the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 (DNICE 2025),  in Abuja, affirming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has successfully ended the era of economic volatility and uncertainty that once plagued the nation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President said that global economic shocks, shifting alliances, and the rapid replacement of traditional jobs by emerging technologies have compelled the government to take bold and strategic actions.

According to Shettima, the far-reaching reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration are already yielding results, stabilizing the economy, and boosting investor confidence. He cited the recent upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating by Fitch to “B” with a stable outlook and Moody’s lift of the nation’s issuer rating to “B3”, as evidence of international recognition of Nigeria’s economic progress.

“What this administration has achieved is to end the regimes of volatility and unpredictability that once defined our economy,” Shettima stated. “The phase before us now is to ensure that these macroeconomic gains trickle down to the people — from the kiosks of our neighborhood traders to the boardrooms of our multinational corporations.”

He emphasized that the government’s decisions are guided by the need to apply innovative, 21st-century solutions to today’s challenges.

“We need a digital ecosystem that works as seamlessly in Lagos as it does in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Gusau, and across every corner of our nation,” the Vice President added.

Shettima further urged Nigerians to seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing digital revolution, stressing that the country must not remain a bystander as it had been during previous industrial revolutions.

“We can no longer lament our absence at the table of past revolutions. This digital era offers us a redemptive opportunity to define our own terms in the next chapter of global progress,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the enabling digital policies under the Tinubu administration are designed to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.

He encouraged stakeholders to use the conference as a platform to deepen collaboration, adding that Nigeria is well-positioned to become a global model for technology adoption and shared prosperity.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, commended the Vice President for his unwavering support and for consistently championing the cause of Nigerian youths.

Abdullahi reiterated that the Federal Government remains committed to empowering young people with digital skills and opportunities to address national challenges in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, highlighted the growing global reliance on multiple digital devices, noting the vast socio-economic potential of the digital economy for Nigeria and the world.

The Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition serves as the nation’s flagship technology event, bringing together government officials, innovators, industry experts, and investors to chart the course for a digitally driven and inclusive economy.

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By Oluwole Alao

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital governance transformation, emphasising research, collaboration, and digital literacy as key drivers of inclusive national development.

This is in alignment with the presidential redefined priority areas of Reforming the Economy for Sustained Inclusive Growth, Enhancing Infrastructure as an Enabler of Growth, Improving Governance for Effective Service Delivery and Accelerating Economic Diversification through Digitalisation, Industrialisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation.

The DG made this known at the 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) 2025, themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion”, held at the Shehu Musa Yara’dua Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.

ICEGOV was conceived in 2007 as an annual gathering to bring together academia, governments, international organisations, civil society, and industry to share the latest insights and experiences in the theory and practice of Electronic Governance.

It brings together diverse teams from multiple disciplines and cultures to tackle complex issues and emerging global challenges, with a focus on sustainable development, social inclusion, and active citizenship.

While describing the event as a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward digital leadership, Inuwa said, “Tonight marks a remarkable milestone in our journey to making Nigeria a leader in digital governance. Our participation in previous ICEGOV events inspired us to take on the challenge of hosting the 2025 edition, the first ever in West Africa.”

Inuwa recalled that Nigeria’s increased involvement in ICEGOV was driven by the vision of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who insisted that Nigeria must not only attend but also contribute through research and capacity building.

“Honourable Minister said he wants us to host workshops at the ICEGOV 2024 because he believes in research, and that if we really want to build a robust and sustainable economy, especially in the digital era, we need to invest heavily in deep research, especially in deep tech,” he stated.

According to him, hosting ICEGOV 2025 aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification through digitalisation, industrialisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.

Asserting that the event’s theme mirrors the core of Nigeria’s digital strategy, the NITDA DG explained that co-creation and collaboration are central to the Ministry’s policies, ensuring that digital solutions are designed inclusively and reflect the needs of citizens.

He further disclosed that the conference theme aligns with the Ministry’s strategic plan of Accelerating the Nation’s Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency, which is anchored on five pillars: Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Trade, and ‘Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital’.

He also spotlighted Nigeria’s youth advantage, noting that the country’s young, digitally native population presents a major opportunity for growth.

“Digital transformation is not just about technology. it’s about improving how we serve our citizens, and governance must meet citizens where they are, which is online. Our goal is to build trust, efficiency, and better service experiences,” Inuwa averred.

To support this vision, Inuwa detailed NITDA’s wide-ranging initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and public sector capacity which include, the National Digital Literacy Framework, aimed at ensuring every Nigerian acquires digital skills from early education to adulthood, a collaboration with the Ministry of Education to integrate digital literacy into school curricula by next year, a partnership with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to train all public servants, with over 24,000 already enrolled, and nationwide campaigns to extend digital skills training to market traders, transport workers, senior citizens, and faith-based groups.

He underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration across Africa, calling for a united effort toward digital self-determination.

“Our goal is to build the capacity, infrastructure, and right policies for Africa’s digital self-determination. ICEGOV gives us the platform to learn, share, and shape that future together,” Inuwa concluded.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower youth and women across the state.

The centre, which was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, and is aimed at providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people. It is expected to offer participants a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry.

Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON OON, delivered special remarks at the event, emphasising the centre’s role in achieving one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which is to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative arts.

She disclosed that the commissioning of the centre is a step forward in the collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

“We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she added.

While noting that other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in 5 other states, she urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre.

She said, “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources.”

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who delivered a goodwill message during the event, praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state.

He highlighted the high standards of the facility and pledged the state government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of Oyo State.

“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State, and I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it,” he promised.

In his remark, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani stated that the centre will serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that can compete on the global stage.

While giving his welcome remarks earlier, the DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool.

He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to provide a smart and personalised learning experience and lauded Senator Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.

“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.

Noting that the newly commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across the country, Inuwa disclosed that the agency has worked with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that will be infused as part of the formal education in schools.

While encouraging the school administrators and community leaders to ensure its accessibility and sustainability, the NITDA DG said, “The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”

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The National Population Commission (NPC) has cautioned Nigerians against falling victim to a fraudulent website falsely claiming to be recruiting Ad-hoc staff for the 2025 Population and Housing Census.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, the NPC clarified that no recruitment process is currently underway and urged the public to disregard the misleading information.

“The attention of the National Population Commission has been drawn to a fake website, https://qpetition.org/NPC-Ad-Hoc-Staff-Recruitment.html, created by some mischief makers concerning the purported recruitment for the 2025 Population and Housing Census with the intention to defraud unsuspecting citizens,” the statement read.

The Commission emphasized that the recruitment of Ad-hoc staff for the census exercise will only commence once President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sets an official date for the census.

The NPC assured Nigerians that any legitimate recruitment process will be formally announced through national media channels, the Commission’s social media platforms, and its official website.

“Whenever Mr. President fixes a date for the conduct of the upcoming Population and Housing Census and the Commission wants to recruit Ad-hoc staff for the census exercise, it will be announced on national media and the NPC social media platforms and website,” the statement reiterated.

Oloruntoba urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to online scams, warning against engaging with the fraudulent website.

“We implore the general public to disregard the fake website and its false information trending online to avoid falling victim to swindlers,” she said.

The NPC called on the public to verify all information regarding the census through its official communication channels to prevent being misled by fraudsters.

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Huawei Technologies has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation initiatives through its innovative programs, including the DigiTruck initiative.

The company made this commitment during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Huawei’s Research Centre in Beijing, China, where key discussions on enhancing digital literacy and talent development in Nigeria took place.

During the meeting, Mr. Liang Hua, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Huawei, commended President Tinubu for recognizing digital technology as a critical driver of economic growth.

“This is very encouraging for us,” Liang stated.

“Huawei is fully prepared to offer its ICT expertise and become a reliable partner of the Nigerian government to support the country in achieving its policy objectives and furthering its digital, intelligent, and low-carbon development.”

He further elaborated that the DigiTruck initiative, a mobile ICT classroom launched by Huawei, would complement Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in training 3 million technical talents (3MTT).

“It will equip the country’s young population with the skills necessary for present and future economic opportunities,” Liang added.

The DigiTruck is designed to enhance digital literacy in underserved communities by providing mobile classrooms equipped with advanced technology, including computers, internet connectivity, and tailored educational materials.

Huawei plans to deploy the DigiTruck across 10 Nigerian states annually, aiming to train at least 3,000 students each year.

Mr. Chris Lu, CEO of Huawei Nigeria, also highlighted the company’s support for Nigeria’s National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

“In the future, we hope to continuously develop the Network Operations Center (NOC) and expand its capacity so that it can meet the requirements of more African markets, thus facilitating more Nigerian technology talents in serving overseas markets,” Lu said.

During the tour of Huawei’s Research Centre, President Tinubu and his delegation were introduced to Huawei’s latest innovations in e-government, smart education, smart grid, and solar power—technologies that have the potential to significantly enhance public services, digital governance, and Nigeria’s inclusive development agenda.

Additionally, Huawei announced plans to establish a joint photovoltaic (PV) test lab with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to advance the country’s digital and low-carbon development goals.

Huawei Technologies, a Chinese multinational company headquartered in Shenzhen, is recognized as one of the world’s leading providers of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. The company has played a significant role in the development of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, contributing substantially to the country’s ICT sector over the years.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) with the Cisco System Incorporation to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation. Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Programme is a global initiative that partners with government and private sector leaders to develop sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions.

The partnership aims to unlock the value of digitalisation in Nigeria and drive an inclusive future. The Federal Government will collaborate with Cisco, industry, and academia to accelerate the national digitisation agenda by implementing pilot projects in five key areas: Repurposing NCAIR to create an AI and Cybersecurity Experience and Incubation Center; Establishing a Broadband Innovation Centre; Setting up a Smart Agriculture Demo Farm; Designing and deploying Technology Learning Hubs; and Incubating Defense Technology Solutions.

This partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority areas of accelerating diversification through digitisation and innovation, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, and boosting agriculture to achieve food security.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU at the NITDA Headquarters, Abuja, the Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE maintained that AI and Cybersecurity go hand in hand, this has made it imperative to upgrade the NCAIR to a world class AI Lab because as “we develop the AI, we also need to develop and design it with a security in mind.

On the second initiative, the NITDA boss noted that broadband is the backbone to digitisation and digital transformation, and it provides the connectivity needed for transformation adding that the establishment of the innovation hub would encourage local startups and companies to come up with affordable broadband solution in Nigeria by using cutting edge technology.

He said, “We have a National Broadband Plan that aims to achieve 95 percent broadband coverage in Nigeria, and we need to be smart in the way we do things in order to achieve the target.”

According to Inuwa, the initiative on smart agriculture would help to improve food production and productivity in agriculture noting that the use of Internet of Things, (IoT), Drones and other technologies would enhance productivity in agriculture.

He said, “As part of the Presidential Redefined Priority Areas of achieving food security in the country, the President has mandated the cultivation of 500,000 acre of land in the country and to achieve this successfully and efficiently, we need to use technology.”

The Director General expressed the willingness of the Agency to work with Cisco to establish a pilot of the Learning Centre adding that it is part of the Agency mandate to deploy IOM technology to the under-served and unserved areas.

He said, “Cisco is already working with International Organisation for Migration, (IOM) for a pilot project in Maiduguri, Borno state capital to deploy three Learning Centers using Cisco technology. So, we want to see how we can partner to also scale up that initiative, because we also have as part of our mandate to deploy this technology in under-served and unserved communities.”

In his remarks, the Cisco’s Country Director, Mr. Clayton Naidoo expressed that Nigeria would benefit from the MoU as it would improve agricultural production, create job opportunities, and increase the financial strength of the citizens.

What we want to do is we want to make sure that we leverage technology to bring the right level of economic opportunity to Nigeria that will contribute towards economic growth and job creation. So that will be the first programme

According to him, Cisco has been unpacking the National Digital Agenda of the country and noted the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan which are in alignment with the Cisco programmes, resources, technology and investment. “And we try to implement pilot projects to ensure that we can help advance the acceleration of that digital plan,” he added.

While reacting to each of the initiatives, Mr. Naidoo disclosed that Cisco is at the vanguard of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and will partner with NCAIR to build an experience centre in the country by using the experience.

According to him, the experience center will be designed to support organisations across Nigeria, building robust Cybersecurity and AI architectures which would be done through labs, design thinking rooms, and equipment that can test models.

While noting that Cisco intends to build a world-class experience center that would benefit all parts of Nigeria, the Country Director reiterated that “we are looking to bring the power of the Cisco business unit into the space using technology.”

“This is our immersive video technology using our platform called WebEx, where we can bring the power of those subject matter experts into Nigeria to collaborate and design together, he emphasised.”

He said the company will also build a broadband innovation hub with Galaxy Backbone in partnership with NITDA. He noted that the initiative is in alignment with the National Broadband Policy that was outlined by the Minister. He disclosed that Cisco would work with IXPs and various service providers to help them build networks that can serve underutilised communities or marginalized communities.

“We believe that with the technology that we are going to build, we will leverage the right level of platforms that will ensure that the internet economics are right. Because there is one thing building on technologies but if the technology is too expensive for service providers, they won’t be able to offer that into marginalised communities.”

While assuring that Cisco has an IoT team that builds sensor technology, he said the company will build a use case around smart agriculture using some agricultural bots and drone technology.

He commended the Agency for the partnership disclosing that Cisco is really focused on it. He said the work will start immediately. “We are really looking forward to the partnership and as Cisco, we believe in creating inclusive models that empower local communities and empower all citizens of Nigeria.

The highlight of the event was the visitation to a demo smart farm at the Abuja Technology Village.

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