Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United States in building a secure, trusted, and resilient digital ecosystem, with a particular focus on data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and capacity building.

NITDA

He stated this while delivering an address at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop organised by the United States Department of State, in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission and relevant stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.

Expressing his excitement at the engagement, Inuwa described the workshop as a strong revalidation of the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing the country’s technical and digital systems.

According to him, the collaboration is not a new initiative but part of a growing and deliberate effort by both countries to jointly address emerging digital challenges and opportunities.

Inuwa recalled that in April 2024, Nigeria and the United States, through the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission, agreed to work together on key areas including data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity building, and other aspects of digital development.

He further noted that the same year witnessed the successful hosting of an Artificial Intelligence Conference, co-hosted by the Nigerian Government and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, as well as Nigeria’s participation in engagements with U.S. cybersecurity companies to explore partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s technical ecosystem.

He explained that NITDA’s emphasis on data privacy, AI, cybersecurity, and policy is anchored on one central objective: building trust in the digital ecosystem, adding that trust is a critical enabler of digital transformation, as its absence slows down innovation and increases costs, while its presence accelerates progress and reduces barriers to growth.

The NITDA Boss stressed that building a prosperous digital economy requires deliberate efforts to safeguard data privacy, strengthen security frameworks, and deploy AI responsibly.

He noted that artificial intelligence relies on data, data demands privacy, and privacy can only be guaranteed through strong security, making it impossible to address these issues in isolation.

Inuwa described the workshop as the beginning of broader engagements and deeper collaboration in other strategic areas, particularly as Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in the global digital economy.

He disclosed that following the participation of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference last year, plans are underway to expand the conference into an international cybersecurity platform this year.

According to him, the international conference will provide an opportunity for U.S. cybersecurity companies to showcase their technologies, explore partnerships with Nigerian firms developing local cyber solutions, and jointly strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

Inuwa also reassured partners and stakeholders of NITDA’s commitment to building the right policies and enabling environment for innovation to thrive.

He noted that Nigeria, alongside Africa, represents the next frontier of the digital economy, driven by a young, digital-native population and a large, expanding market.

He said that while many public and private sector organisations in Nigeria rely on U.S. technologies to build their digital systems, the country also possesses significant local talent capable of developing homegrown solutions to address national and regional challenges.

He added that NITDA remains committed to working with international partners to build local capacity and promote Nigeria’s digital self-determination.

According to the DG, digital technology is no longer optional, as it represents the future of economic growth and development, and no nation can afford to be left behind.

He emphasised that the only way to fully harness the opportunities of the ongoing AI revolution is by safeguarding privacy, establishing sound policies, and laying a strong digital foundation capable of supporting rapid technological advancement.

He appreciated the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria for their continued partnership and support, expressing optimism that the collaboration will be further strengthened to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) strongly condemns the internet shutdown implemented in Uganda ahead of Thursday’s general election, as well as the restrictions placed on media coverage of protests and demonstrations. These actions constitute serious violations of digital rights, media freedom, and democratic principles at a critical moment in the country’s electoral process.

Internet Shutdown

Evidence indicates that internet access across Uganda has been disrupted, affecting social media platforms, messaging services, and online news outlets.

This development comes despite earlier public assurances by the Uganda Communications Commission that the government did not intend to shut down the internet during the elections.

The shutdown represents a troubling reversal of that commitment and raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights.

Uganda has a well-documented history of internet shutdowns during elections, including during the 2016 and 2021 general elections. In 2021, a near-total internet blackout lasted several days, severely undermining freedom of expression, access to information, election observation, media reporting, and economic activity.

Repeating these measures despite widespread national, regional, and international condemnation demonstrates a continued pattern of using digital restrictions as a tool of election management.

Paradigm Initiative further condemns directives preventing media houses from covering protests or demonstrations during this period. Such restrictions violate media freedom and the public’s right to receive information, and undermine the role of the press as a democratic watchdog. Suppressing coverage of protests fuels misinformation, heightens tension, and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and other media, and access to information. Uganda is also a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect these rights under Articles 19 and 9, respectively.

Any restriction on these rights must meet the strict tests of legality, necessity, proportionality, and legitimate aim. Blanket internet shutdowns and platform restrictions fail these tests and are incompatible with Uganda’s constitutional and international obligations.

At the international level, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, together with other UN Special Procedures mandate holders, has consistently affirmed that internet shutdowns are inherently disproportionate and can never be justified under international human rights law, including during elections, protests, or periods of political tension.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has recently issued a specific call urging the Government of Uganda to keep the internet on and to respect freedom of expression and media freedom during the current electoral period.

This call builds on established African human rights standards, including Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa and Principle 38 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which prohibits States from interfering with access to digital technologies.

Internet Service Providers and technology companies operating in Uganda also bear responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to respect human rights, ensure transparency, and avoid complicity in unlawful or disproportionate restrictions on connectivity.

Paradigm Initiative calls for:

The immediate restoration of full internet access across Uganda and an end to all forms of digital disruption during and after the electoral period.

The withdrawal of all directives restricting media coverage of protests, demonstrations, or political developments during elections.

Accountability from Internet Service Providers, including the publication of transparency reports to users detailing government orders affecting internet access.

Premier Cool, Nigeria’s leading antibacterial cooling bar soap, has announced the launch of its nationwide consumer promotion, “10K for 10K”, in partnership with Palmpay, Nigeria’s leading digital bank.

This promo is designed to reward 10,000 Nigerians with ₦10,000, amounting to a total of ₦100 million in cash rewards paid instantly via PalmPay wallets. Running from January 12 to April 11, 2026, 111 winners will emerge daily throughout the three months.

Speaking on the campaign, the MD PZ Cussons Africa, Mr Oghale Elueni, said ‘At a time when financial pressure is real for many households, this promo is our way of easing the load and refreshing Nigerians, emotionally and financially, with a brand they already know and trust.

Participation is straightforward, and reward is instant on your PalmPay wallet

Consumers can take part in three easy steps:

1. Buy a promo-coded pack of Premier Cool 110g (Ultimate or Black) and unwrap to reveal a unique code inside.
2. Scan the QR code on the pack, which leads directly to the campaign microsite and the PalmPay app.
3. Enter the unique code on PalmPay for an instant draw and a chance to win ₦10,000 instantly.

New PalmPay users participating in the campaign will also enjoy a welcome bonus of up to ₦5,550, further reinforcing PalmPay’s commitment to delivering practical value and smarter everyday banking.

Also speaking at the launch, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, Chika Nwosu, noted that this campaign reflects PalmPay’s commitment to delivering real, everyday value to Nigerians. By partnering with a brand that families have trusted for decades, we are reinforcing our promise of smarter banking that supports daily living, saving, and financial growth.”

Rewarding Loyalty, the Premier Cool Way

Premier Cool understands the value of loyalty and believes freshness should come with real rewards. With the 10K for 10K Promo in partnership with PalmPay, Premier Cool reinforces its commitment to consumers through meaningful engagement, proving that staying fresh pays.

With decades of heritage under PZ Cussons, Premier Cool remains a symbol of reliability, family well-being, and consistent quality in Nigerian homes.

PalmPay is driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.