General News
PKI Will Authenticate Data from Nigeria-Omotoso
Bolanle Omotoso, country managing director/founder, Data Recovery Specialist Limited is is an experienced and highly skilled business technology consultant with specializations covering data availability, disaster recovery and prevention, digital forensic investigation services and consultancies, protection of information assets, and corporate fraud control.
Omotoso has led several turnkey ICT projects in Nigeria while heading the ICT department of his employers and as an entrepreneur.
He founded Data Recovery Specialist Limited in 2006 as the first professional data loss recovery company in Nigeria.
Omotoso spoke to peter ugwu on stakeholders’ expectations on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) scheme campaigned for by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NiTDA).
Data Recovery Specialist Limited
Data Recovery Specialist Limited was established in 2006. What we have been doing centers on information security consultancy.
We are the West African foremost data recovery and computer forensic service company with accreditation to exclusively operate and carry on professional services as part of the Globally Networked Business offices of the world renowned, World-Best Repair & Service Company; Myung Information Technologies Company Limited, Korea.
I will make bold to say that with our state-of-the-art recovery laboratory in Lagos and the latest advanced recovery techniques, experienced technicians and the reliability clients would expect from a world class leader in recovery technology, we are the best in the industry.
We have been doing that through extensive research and development program; maintaining leading-edge expertise in all areas of recovery and computer forensics.
Developed Solutions
Data Recovery Specialist is internationally affiliated with other world renowned data recovery companies in USA, UK, India, South Africa & Russia.
We have live access to engineers in Korea every day, along with high-speed secured data communications link deployed for USA & European technical backup.
This allows us to tap into international resources and expertise 24 hours a day to effectively handle any data recovery, no matter the size or complexity.
Today, people talk about public key infrastructure (PKI), although it has been developed in Nigeria, but in our little way, we have been developing on that, helping companies achieve secured transaction processes.
PKI Concept and National Agenda
First of all, it is important that stakeholders support the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in the effort to have a national PKI blueprint.
When operational, PKI will register Nigeria’s presence in the comity of digital economies, drawing attention to Nigeria’s readiness to tackle security threats associated with cyberspace. Everything is digitally done now.
So, as a country, if you fail to do your homework to secure your space, the international community will blacklist you from performing certain transactions that incorporate cyberspace.
But when the PKI is operational, nobody will make gag of Nigeria again. It will seal the mouth of critics, because most companies at the international arena actually view their Nigeria counterparts’ processes as porous to attack and compromise.
PKI Implementation Channels
Anybody that does transaction, especially with international partners or a third party, needs PKI to move forward, achieve maximum authentication and security.
Whether you are in financial, telecom, oil and gas, shipping among other sectors, you need PKI.
The present Nigerian society is such that everything is going online; not just online, but on mobile, because the internet penetration is growing; the mobile money is there, cashless economy policy and host of other developmental agenda driven by information communications Technology (ICT).
All these things pass through certain levels of authentication. The reason sometimes somebody would want to send money to another person and it get diverted is because initially there was no authentication.
National Security Using PKI
National security management is all about identity management. It starts with being assured that the person you are dealing with at the other end is the right person.
For an instance, while leaving your home in the morning, right there at the gate you informed your younger brother that someone is coming to pick up a particular item. Probably, someone was eavesdropping and approaches your brother later requesting for the item.
If there were no concrete mode of identifying the real person, your brother is likely to make mistake of giving out the item to the wrong person.
So, what PKI does is to confirm or authenticate people or parties involved in a transaction; it will curtail certain outrageous claims and legal tussles that ensue, especially after financial transactions.
Data security is paramount in whatever process we found ourselves, PKI will also help in ensuring confidentiality of data or information.
Meanwhile, none of the parties will feel surcharged, because the process would have been done in a transparent manner.
If parties agreed on one percent I can turn around tomorrow to say that was never our agreement, but because right from the initiation of the transaction everything was protected, there would be nothing to hold unto, unless for people with dubious minds.
Outsourcing of National Data Capturing Projects to Foreign Companies
Frankly speaking, when you want to improve on any project you have embarked upon, one of the things you cannot avoid is talking to people who have the expertise, those who have done such thing in the past and can tell of their experiences.
The essence is for you to learn from them-the pains and gains.
Through that knowledge you can then perfect your system.
When you asked outsourcing national data capturing processes to foreign companies, maybe you were referring to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) project outsourced to MasterCard, whether we like it or not, we need to learn from others. Also, the people (Nigerians) working at the NIMC are professionals.
Those things you believe they have outsourced are based on the fact that they want the staff to learn from MasterCard. Not just that the company’s tools to carry out the project are based in Nigeria.
The systems they are using are made in Nigeria. That goes to show we believe in ourselves and products.
Even software, what you do not have, get it from whoever has it.
The lesson is for us now to focus our strengths on the developmental agenda that would grow innovations in the industry.
Today, we have an incubation centre for software developers; in the recent past there was nothing like that.
The country is on the right path to information development just that we need to speed up the process to meet with others. We have to learn how to develop our own.
Securing Nigeria
To secure Nigeria by way of making people become security conscious is very simple. If we take mobilization and advocacy attached to the HIV/AIDS scourge, one will discover that although it does not kill easily yet government at international and local fora harped on it.
Several NGOs came up as a result of the need to create HIV/AIDS awareness. Today, we have National Action Committee on AIDS and States have equivalent bodies, why not replicate that gesture in the issue of security consciousness.
We have to make such noise to enlighten people on security tips.
Some sectors are trying, but we need a national course on that. Banks are trying; they issue you with a Personal Information Number (PIN) code and warn you not to disclose it to another person.
There are nasty mistakes people make that can be corrected by way of security tips.
There is no message you get from banks without attached warning that you should not make available your PIN or password available to anybody.
Exiting Challenges
As we speak today, a lot of companies are rejecting data coming from Nigeria, just because they do not trust us.
The reason is not far-fetched; some of the data or mail that emanate from Nigeria are transferred in an unencrypted format and it gives the foreign partners concern.
Transferring information to that partner in an unencrypted format may reveal the data or information to the third party.
Those foreign companies are cautious about how their data are shared or circulated and would not permit any process that will compromise them.
Opening the channel to ‘unauthorized’ or ‘unwarranted’ party can lead to financial loss. Nigeria currently loses money to international organizations.
Why? During computer transactions you have to adopt solutions made abroad, even when such can be developed in Nigeria, which points to the none-existence of authorities that will regulate that in our country.
Solutions
What can be done is what NITDA is doing now, by coming up with a blueprint. I have gone through the document and it is a well elucidated document that makes bare how PKI operates.
The essential part of the project implementation should be on proper sensitization of stakeholders comprising users, businesses, organizations and others that will benefit from PKI scheme.
The next thing is for NITDA to table the document before the National Assembly for proper legislation.
Once the NASS is convinced that the business class has accepted it, it will receive accelerated hearing, because this is tied to the success of majority of the nation’s economic agenda, like the vision 20:2020.
General News
Haleon Introduces New Corporate Identity in Nigeria

Haleon, a global consumer health company with a purpose to deliver better everyday health, is introducing its corporate identity across Nigeria in a phased transition. Trusted brands such as Panadol, Sensodyne, Macleans, Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000 and Andrews Liver Salts remain unchanged in formulation, quality, and effectiveness.

Following the formal demerger from GSK, Haleon was launched on July 18, 2022, as an independent company 100% focused on consumer health. Haleon is the new home for brands like Sensodyne, Panadol, Centrum and others, trusted by millions worldwide for their proven effectiveness in improving everyday health.
From relieving tooth sensitivity or pain to providing essential vitamins and nutrients, our products are designed to fulfil Haleon’s purpose: to deliver better everyday health with humanity.
This revised corporate identity is a branding change only and does not affect the safety, quality, or efficacy of the products. Haleon is sharing this update as part of its commitment to transparency and consumer confidence, helping consumers continue to choose the brands they know and trust.
Haleon’s collaboration with Fidson Healthcare forms part of this approach, reinforcing the value of local production in supporting trusted everyday health brands in Nigeria.
Panadol Extra 100s and Panadol Pain & Fever 100s are currently being produced and supplied to the market under the Haleon identity. Sensodyne Rapid Action will bear the Haleon corporate identity from mid-June, followed by Andrews Liver Salts later this year.
In due course, additional brands—including Otrivin, Voltaren, Cac 1000, Macleans, and the wider Sensodyne portfolio—will also transition to the Haleon identity.
Haleon remains committed to ensuring consumers can continue to access the same high-quality brands at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets across Nigeria.
“As Haleon introduces its identity in Nigeria, we want consumers to feel informed and reassured. The trusted products they rely on remain the same in quality, formulation and effectiveness.
“At the same time, our local production approach in partnership with Fidson Healthcare supports reliable access to high-quality everyday health products in Nigeria,” said Himanshu Raj, Haleon General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
General News
Kaspersky Warns of “Grey” Scam Websites Exploiting User Trust

Recent research by Kaspersky has shown that the so-called “grey” websites repeatedly target all world regions, and this may be driving both financial loss and large-scale data harvesting.

Grey websites are deceptive online platforms that fall outside traditional phishing definitions but still manipulate users into voluntarily handing over money and personal data. Kaspersky’s new report provides detailed insights into the threats posed by the grey websites on global and regional levels.
Unlike classic phishing attacks, which aim to steal credentials outright, grey websites rely on persuasion, misleading interfaces, and hidden terms to exploit users. They often impersonate legitimate services such as e-commerce platforms, financial tools, AI services, or subscription-based content, making them significantly harder to detect.
Kaspersky analysis shows that the majority of suspicious resources globally fall into several recurring categories:
- Fake browser extensions and “security tools” that actually harvest browsing data and track user activity.
- Fraudulent financial platforms including crypto exchanges, trading tools, and investment schemes promising unrealistic returns.
- Intermediary services (e.g., legal or real estate), charging for low-value or nonexistent services while harvesting sensitive personal data.
- Subscription traps offering low-cost trials that convert into costly recurring payments hidden in fine print.
- Fake online shops that either deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
Example of a grey website.
A notable trend is the emergence of tools disguised as AI services or image-processing platforms, reflecting attackers’ ability to adapt to current digital trends and target younger audiences.
There are proven security solutions that help users to detect grey websites across different types of devices – those running on Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. The detection model is based on many factors, including domain name and age, IP reputation, stability of the infrastructure used, DNS configurations, HTTP security headers, digital identity and popularity of the web resource and other criteria.
Regional specifics
Regional variations in grey websites demonstrate how threat actors localise scams based on user behaviour and trending technologies.
In Europe, the threat landscape is dominated by links to suspicious browser extensions and fake “privacy-enhancing” tools.
These resources often present themselves as security solutions, promising safer browsing or anonymous search capabilities. In reality, they function as browser hijackers – intercepting traffic, collecting cookies, tracking user behaviour, and injecting advertisements.
The popularity of these threats reflects a high level of user concern around privacy and security, which attackers actively exploit. Additionally, these regions show a steady presence of phishing intermediaries and crypto-related scams, indicating a blend of technical and financially motivated attacks.
Across African markets, financial scams are the most prominent category of suspicious resources. Fraudulent trading platforms, fake brokers, and investment schemes frequently mimic legitimate financial services, often accompanied by fabricated licenses or endorsements.
These platforms typically prevent users from withdrawing funds, instead introducing additional “fees” or taxes to prolong the scam. The concentration of these threats highlights how attackers leverage growing interest in online investing while exploiting gaps in regulatory enforcement and financial literacy.
In the Middle East and North Africa region, suspicious resources frequently mimic communication (Internet telephony) tools, financial platforms, or betting services. Additionally, Ponzi-style investment schemes and crypto scams are widespread, often presented through polished interfaces that mimic legitimate platforms.
Web browser-based threats also play a significant role, with malicious extensions targeting user data and browsing activity. The regional threat profile reflects a convergence of financial fraud and technical compromise, where users risk both data exposure and monetary loss.
“Suspicious websites don’t look harmful at first glance. But they exploit trust, urgency, and familiarity, and a single click on what looks like a harmless AI image tool, a “secure” browser extension, or a heavily discounted online shop could be all it takes to lose money or expose sensitive data.
Instead of direct credential theft, attackers turn to behavioural manipulation – whether that’s subscribing, investing, or installing software,” comments Anna Larkina, Web Content and Privacy Analysis Expert at Kaspersky.
General News
MSMEs Paucity of Funds Receives Boost as Senate Backs Bill Seeking to Unlock Cash for them

Businesses across Nigeria, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), may soon be able to convert unpaid invoices and credit sales into immediate cash without relying on conventional bank loans following the passage of the Factoring, Assignments and Receivables Financing Bill for second reading in the Senate.

The bill, which seeks to establish a legal framework for factoring and receivables financing, is expected to improve access to credit, boost liquidity for businesses and enhance domestic and international trade.
It also seeks to provide legal certainty for the assignment of receivables through factoring, promote transparency, modernise assignment laws and facilitate greater access to credit for businesses across the country.
Leading debate on the bill which was sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said on Tuesday that the proposed legislation would create an enabling environment for debt factoring to thrive in Nigeria while defining the rights and obligations of creditors, factors and debtors involved in such transactions.
He explained that the bill provides for factoring contracts between sellers and factors and clarifies the legal relationship among parties in receivables financing arrangements.
According to Bamidele, the legislation has already passed all legislative stages in the House of Representatives and has complied with the Senate’s procedural requirements under Order 78(3) of the Senate Standing Orders.
He told lawmakers that the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Compliance, chaired by Abdul Ningi, had scrutinised and cleared the bill for concurrence.
“The committee confirmed that all procedural requirements for consideration and concurrence by the Senate have been fully met,” he said.
Seconding the bill, Adetokunbo Abiru said the legislation would provide businesses with an alternative source of financing by enabling them to turn credit sales into cash and improve their working capital.
Abiru noted that factoring has become increasingly popular across Africa over the last decade, largely through initiatives supported by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
He disclosed that the African factoring market is currently valued at over $50 billion, but Nigeria’s participation remains below one per cent.
According to him, countries such as Egypt and Morocco have benefited significantly from the financing model, adding that Nigeria risks missing out on the growing market without a clear regulatory framework.
“I think that passing this major legislation will help support our micro, small and medium enterprises in terms of converting most of their credit sales into cash without going through the normal borrowing arrangement,” Abiru said.
In his remarks, Ningi also assured lawmakers that the compliance committee had reviewed the bill and found no legal impediments to its passage.
Following a voice vote, the Senate approved the bill for second reading and subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause consideration.
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