Telecom
PAFON 3.0: Obadare Urges Fintech Players to Prioritise Trust over Speed as Cyber Threats Rise
Nigeria’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, with cybersecurity expert and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode, Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare, warning innovators and financial technology operators that neglecting cybersecurity in pursuit of rapid market expansion could undermine financial inclusion and public trust.
Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare
Presenting a keynote address at the third edition of the Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0) held last weekend, Obadare stressed that cybersecurity regulation should not be viewed as an obstacle to innovation but as a critical enabler of sustainable digital growth, particularly in Nigeria’s payment infrastructure where electronic fraud and cybercrime remain major threats.
According to him, many fintech operators mistakenly prioritize infrastructure deployment while postponing security implementation, a strategy he described as fundamentally flawed.
“Innovators want to build infrastructure first and secure it later, but it doesn’t work like that,” he said, insisting that cybersecurity must be integrated from the outset.
Obadare, whose keynote was themed “Focus on Cybersecurity Infrastructure For Fair Payments,” noted that Nigeria’s cyberspace has witnessed heightened attacks in recent weeks, describing the nation’s payment systems as a prime target because “this is where the money is,” and argued that many of these attacks are not highly sophisticated but are often the result of organizations failing to implement basic cybersecurity measures.
“Most of the attacks we are seeing are because the basic stuff is not being done,” he said. “A lot of payment infrastructures have weak immunity on the internet, and when immunity is low, opportunistic attacks become inevitable.”
Drawing comparisons between physical and digital security, the cybersecurity specialist likened unsecured payment systems to leaving one’s home or car unlocked in a public environment, emphasising that cyberspace is inherently exposed, requiring constant vigilance and robust safeguards.
Obadare, the first professor of practice in Cybersecurity in Nigeria, identified cybersecurity threats and electronic fraud as the “big elephant in the room” for Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, warning that without trust, digital financial inclusion efforts could stall. “Payment is sensitive because it involves people’s money. Once trust is lost, adoption suffers,” he said.
He also highlighted how regulatory interventions have historically strengthened Nigeria’s payment ecosystem, citing the migration from magnetic stripe cards to chip-and-PIN technology as a successful example.
While explaining that such regulations significantly reduced card cloning and fraud, proving that effective cybersecurity policies enhance rather than hinder innovation, Obadare stated: “Regulation helped solve a major fraud problem. That’s what good cybersecurity regulation does—it protects innovation from collapse.”
The cybersecurity expert warned, however, that cybercriminals are continuously evolving, leveraging artificial intelligence and new technologies to exploit vulnerabilities faster and at greater scale, noting that AI has effectively placed more advanced cyberattack tools in the hands of criminals, increasing the urgency for organizations to proactively strengthen defences.
“AI is now fuelling cybercrime at an unprecedented level,” Obadare cautioned. “Cybercriminals are innovating too.”
The professor further criticized organizations that invest heavily in product development but resist spending on security architecture, describing cybersecurity as an investment rather than a cost centre. He argued that reactive crisis spending after security breaches is far more expensive than proactive protection.
“Cybersecurity is not a cost; it is an enabler,” he said. “If you fail to secure your systems, you will pay for it eventually, often at a much higher price.”
Obadare called for a strategic, architectural, and delivery-focused approach to digital payment systems, urging innovators to consistently ask whether they are “doing the right thing, doing it the right way, and getting it done well.”
He noted that building digital trust requires sustained investment in people, processes, and technology, emphasizing that trust-driven systems naturally attract adoption more effectively than aggressive marketing.
“Digital trust is hard work. It is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey,” he said. “When trust is strong, financial inclusion becomes a pull system, not a push system.”
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), umbrella organization for all telecommunications and ICT companies operating in Nigeria, has warned that telecom networks in the country are under threat from infrastructure attacks and vandalism.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, who stated this during an interview with Channels Television, has called for stronger protection of communication infrastructure nationwide.
He also urged Nigerians to treat telecom assets as critical to national development.
Emoekpere said operators in the telecommunications sector are not indifferent to the quality of service delivered to consumers, noting that industry stakeholders are already working closely with regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to tackle persistent challenges affecting network performance.
Emoekpere stressed that many of these challenges are beyond the direct control of operators and require stronger public cooperation in protecting telecom infrastructure.
He added that infrastructure destruction remains one of the biggest threats to service quality and network stability in Nigeria.
According to him, telecom assets should be regarded as essential national infrastructure that must be safeguarded by all citizens.
He said, “We’re here complaining about poor service, but when we see people vandalising infrastructure, we don’t complain; when we see people cutting cables, we don’t report.”
He further urged Nigerians to be more proactive in reporting acts of vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
Emoekpere warned that continued damage to telecom facilities will only worsen the quality of service experienced by consumers across the country.
He called for stronger awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of protecting communication infrastructure.
He also emphasized that improving service delivery requires shared responsibility between operators, regulators, and citizens.
He appealed for collective action to safeguard telecom infrastructure, noting that its protection is key to improving connectivity and driving national development
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new digital customer support channels, including WhatsApp and live chat services, to improve accessibility and service delivery for Nigerians and legal residents seeking assistance with National Identification Number (NIN) related issues.
NIMC
NIMC disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and customer service reforms.
According to the commission, the new support channels include a live chat feature on its official website and an official WhatsApp platform designed to provide faster and more convenient access to customer support services.
Members of the public can now access support through the Live Chat feature on the NIMC website via www.nimc.gov.ng and the official WhatsApp support line: +234 701 566 6971.
The commission said the initiative aligns with efforts to improve public sector efficiency and enhance access to government services through technology-driven solutions.
NIMC noted that the new platforms would enable users to receive prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction without necessarily visiting physical offices.
The commission said the move reflects its commitment to service innovation, citizen-centred engagement, and efficient identity management service delivery.
Under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC said it had continued implementing reforms and digital solutions aimed at expanding access, strengthening public trust, and improving service delivery.
The commission encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise the official platforms for verified information, assistance, and updates on NIN services and related identity management matters.
It also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and engage only through official communication channels to avoid fraud, scams, and misinformation.
The statement was signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC.
As families across the world celebrate Mother’s Day, QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, honours mothers as the everyday force behind healthier homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities. From managing households and supporting family wellbeing to balancing careers and personal responsibilities, mothers play a central role in sustaining daily life. Yet, amid these responsibilities, their own wellness is often overlooked.
In today’s fast-paced environment, the demands of modern living continue to take a toll on human energy and well-being. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate that 75% of Nigerian employees experience work-related stress, with 60% reporting persistent feelings of overwhelm.
These pressures are often compounded by economic realities that require many individuals to juggle multiple responsibilities or income streams. For women, particularly mothers, this burden is even greater. Beyond professional demands, they often take on the primary role of managing household well-being, childcare, and daily routines.
This continuous cycle of responsibility leaves little time for rest, recovery, or intentional self-care, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental strain.
At the same time, access to basic wellness essentials remains a challenge. According to data from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, 28% of Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, approximately 75% lack basic sanitation, two-thirds do not live in premises with a handwashing facility that includes soap and water, while 20% practice open defecation.
In many homes, ensuring safe water and overall family health largely falls to mothers, further reinforcing their central role in household well-being. This reality highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating mothers who consistently take on this responsibility, often placing the needs of their families above their own.
Commenting on the significance of the global observance, Ayokunmi Solesi, General Manager for QNET Nigeria, said, “Mothers are the backbone of many households. They give their time, energy, and care so consistently that their own well-being can sometimes take a back seat. Mother’s Day is an important reminder that supporting mothers’ health and wellness is not just a personal priority, but a family and societal one.”
He added that this perspective aligns with QNET’s 2026 global campaign, “Energised, Every Day,” which focuses on practical solutions that support everyday living. “When mothers are well-supported and energised, it positively impacts the entire household. Wellness should be part of daily life.”
As conversations around health continue to evolve, there is a growing shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based wellness – simple, consistent actions that support long-term vitality. This includes prioritising proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and balance as part of everyday routines, particularly for individuals managing demanding schedules.
Supporting this approach, QNET offers a range of products designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Its nutritional supplement, EDG3 Plus, provides essential nutrients that contribute to daily vitality and help individuals maintain energy levels throughout busy days.
Recognising the importance of safe hydration in overall health, the HomePure Nova helps improve the quality of drinking water at home, supporting healthier households and reducing exposure to common water impurities.
In many Nigerian homes, where women play a key role in managing family health, access to cleaner water remains an essential part of everyday wellbeing.
Complementing this is the Amezcua Bio Disc 3, part of QNET’s wellness range, designed to support overall wellbeing across different aspects of daily life. Its versatile use within the home – from supporting food preservation to enhancing water quality and contributing to a more balanced living environment – makes it a practical wellness companion for families, particularly mothers managing multiple household needs.
As Mother’s Day is observed this year, QNET encourages families and communities to not only celebrate mothers but also to actively support their wellbeing. By creating healthier homes and encouraging better daily habits, the company reinforces its belief that true wellness begins with everyday choices and with those who hold the family together.
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