The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has called for a concerted effort among industry players, government officials and experts to explore the transformative potential of Blockchain technology in asset management and economic development of the country.

The DG made this appeal at the Tokenised Economic Conference and Exhibitions themed; Tokenised Economy 2024; Real-World Assets Tokenisation, organised by Cyberchain in collaboration with the BAZE University and NITDA.

Recognising technology as an enabler for the nation’s GDP growth, the conference was a platform for industry professionals to share ideas and expertise in exploring opportunities in digital assets finance, capital markets, commodities, mortgage, bonds and real estate fractional ownership.

Giving his keynote address at the event, Inuwa outlined the benefits of tokenising physical and digital assets through Blockchain technology and emphasized its capacity to revolutionise asset management, exchange and security.

The DG who was represented at the event by the Director of e-Government and Digital Economy Development department, Engr. Salisu Kaka described tokenisation as converting traditional physical or digital assets into digital tokens recorded on a blockchain.

While explaining that tokens serve as digital representations of real assets, Inuwa mentioned that “when assets are tokenised, a Blockchain token is issued as a digital and legal representation of the real asset which allows assets to be sold, held and traded in a digital format, enhancing liquidity and accessibility.”

He further emphasised that the process of tokenisation involves choosing the asset to be tokenised, complying with legal and regulatory requirements, establishing secure custody solutions and blockchain networks and distributing tokens to potential investors through secure payment channels.

Laying reference to real estate investment markets which are plagued by inefficient transfer and record-keeping processes, Inuwa averred that tokenisation would mitigate the challenges by automating these processes.

“It offers several advantages over traditional real estate financing, such as automating processes, increasing liquidity, lowering investment barriers, and improving transparency. As a result, it is considered a promising development for the future of real estate markets,” he stated.

While stressing the need for Nigeria to position itself as the lead nation in the tokenised economy in Africa, he lauded the Lagos State’s plan to tokenise real estate and described it as a bold move that could set an example for other states to follow.

He added that tokenising other key sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, securities, bonds and derivatives could further accelerate wealth creation and economic growth in the country.

Inuwa however noted that it was essential to establish a clear regulatory framework that would boost the confidence of investors as well as develop strong infrastructures that would support the tokenised economy.

He disclosed that since the launch of the National Blockchain Policy (NBP) and the inauguration of its steering committee, NITDA has been at the forefront of promoting the use of emerging technologies particularly blockchain technology by working closely with the blockchain ecosystem in promoting the adoption of the blockchain technology across all sectors of the country.

“Real-world asset tokenisation would offer a promising avenue for Nigeria to unlock its economic potential and improve the lives of its citizens. Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in the tokenised economy in Africa. By investing in infrastructure, education, and a supportive regulatory environment, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of tokenisation and drive economic growth.” he concluded.

In his remark, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama spoke on how tokenisation breaks down traditional barriers and makes investments in areas like real estate and art accessible to a wider range of people, regardless of their financial status.

He stated that the shift would allow for the diversification of investments and would encourage more people to participate in previously exclusive markets.

Noting that tokenisation is a process that converts real-world assets into digital tokens, he said “Through tokenisation, these highly qualified assets become more accessible to a broader audience, democratizing wealth and enabling more inclusive financial participation.”

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TECHDIGEST  – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami has officially opened the 3rd National Identification Number (NIN) diaspora enrolment centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Professor Pantami accompanied at the event by the National identification commission DG/CEO Engr. Aliyu A.Aziz reiterated the federal government commitment to ensure that all Nigeria have the foundational identity, most especially the Nigerian’s in the diaspora.

He emphasized the need for all Nigerian living and working in the UAE to enrol and be issued the NIN.

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The newly opened Centre managed by NIMC-license Diaspora enrolment partner, Knowledge Square and Plectrum Limited bring the total number of Centre opened in 38 countries to 152.

The Dubai Centre is located at 19th floor, Conrad Tower, Sheikh Zayad road, trade Centre 1,Dubai UAE.

Meanwhile, Professor Pantami uses the occasion to showcase and educate the Nigerian in the Diaspora on the recently launched FGs NIN tokenization policy which was unveiled on 16th, September 2021 by the President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR ,as part of his administration policy of ensuring the protection of Data of all NIN holders, especially for verification to access all government services.

It should be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier announced the 31st March 2022 as the deadline for the adaptation of tokenization NIN verification policy by both the public and private sectors. NIMC shall cut-over all verification transactions to the NIN tokenization service with effect from 31st March, 2022.

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TECHDIGEST – Thousands of telecommunication subscribers nationwide seeking to retrieve their lost Subscriber Identity Module cards or acquire new lines temporarily can make use of an alternative platform; Tokenization.

According to the NIMC spokesperson, Kayode Adegoke, he said that even though the NIN verification service (NVS) might be down due to maintenance by one of the service providers of its infrastructure, the alternative platform – TOKENISATION is up and running. No one should be debarred of any service on the guise of NIN not being verified.

It will be recalled that a public statement issued by the NIMC on Saturday linked the problem to downtime as a result of a maintenance service.

The NIMC spokesperson further said, “There is the need to ask questions from the Telcos, NIS, Banks, and others on the reason for turning down customers in the guise of NIN not being verified due to the temporary unavailability of the NVS, while the alternative platform- Tokenization is working

“NIMC NVS platform is not the only verification platform available for use, but Tokenisation which protects the identity of NIN holders is also up and running!!!

“And for accurate information, it is not a NIMC problem, rather, a government service provider has embarked on maintenance of its infrastructure, which has affected most government agencies that rely on it for the provision of IT service. But for us in NIMC, the TOKENIZATION is available for the verification of the NIN before rendering services.

“The NVS issue has not in any way affected our other operations and services- Enrollment/issuance of NIN and other services are going on; its only verification of NIN on the NIN Verification Service platform that is affected as stated in the statement and in which case there is an alternative platform – Tokenisation- for applicants and organisations to use for the NIN verification”, he said.

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