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Zinox Continues ‘Future Visions’ Project with GTX Notebook, Kids Legacy Tab Launch

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(L-r): Chukwuemeka Agbata, media entrepreneur and founder CFA Tech; Mrs. Ailsa Griffiths, head teacher, St. Saviour’s School; Adebayo Adesina, zonal head of Commercial Banking Division - Island Zone and Deputy General Manager, Access Bank Plc; Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Group; Mrs. Bisi Olaleye, ICT Correspondent, The Sun Newspapers, and Mr. Kyle, general manager of Western African Region, Shenzhen Kstar Science & Technology Co. Ltd, along with pupils from invited schools displaying the new Kids Legacy
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Zinox Technologies Ltd., Nigerian leading original equipment manufacturing (OEM) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) space, has officially launched the GTX Notebook and Kids Legacy Tab.

The latest tech products under Zinox’s ‘Future Visions’ roadmap were unveiled at a well-attended event in Lagos on Tuesday September 19th, 2017 hosted simultaneously at the company’s branches in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Ghana via telepresence.

The event, which held at the corporate headquarters of the company in Gbagada, Lagos, had in attendance teachers and students from over 10 schools in Lagos, while students from schools in other locations such as Port Harcourt, Abuja and Ghana also participated in the launch through the telepresence technology deployed.

Further spicing up the event was the band of Southfield Academy which thrilled attendees by playing in tune to the rendition of the national anthem.

Also in attendance were Chief Executives and representatives of partners, dealers and stakeholders in the ICT sector including Jumia, Konga, SLOT, Yudala, Fine Brothers, Digital Direct, Micro Station Communication, SPAR Nigeria, Callus Miller and the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), among others.

Designed in partnership with foreign tech firms – Intel Corp., Ashour Corporation, Tecsync Technology Co. Ltd. and Microsoft; the Kids Legacy Tab and ultra-slim GTX Notebooks are cutting-edge devices from Zinox, both of which have been widely embraced by users and recording huge sales in the market.

Speaking at the event, Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Group, disclosed that the products were the outcome of painstaking research targeted at meeting the future needs of a dynamic consumer base, as captured in the company’s Future Visions roadmap.

“The two products being launched today are revolutionary products. They took years to develop and fine-tune and are part of the most recent creations in the Zinox Future Visions. The Zinox Future Visions mandate is to anticipate where the world is headed and be ready with the right products and solutions.

“It is an ambitious project underpinned by research and development that will see the various companies in the Zinox Group diversify into new business areas with products in critical emerging sectors including Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Healthy Living, Core ICT, Internet of Things, Medicine, FMCG, Entertainment and Education, among others.

“Today, technology has become the currency of the 21st Century. We are already in the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0, as it is described – a period that will be dominated by new and emerging technologies, some of which are already here with us. Examples are driverless cars, Big Data and drones, among others. As a continent, Africa must prepare for this future or stand the risk of being disrupted. This is what the Zinox Future Visions is all about and we are determined to lead in this race to equip the continent for the future that is already upon us,” he said.

Built to meet the computing needs of a dynamic audience, the ultra-slim GTX Notebook is a powerful tool.

GTX Notebook
Available in two models, GTX 100 and GTX 200; the device runs on Intel Cherry Trail OS with 1.9GHz computing power and a durable 10,000mAh battery which offers users up to 10 hours’ average use.

Boasting a 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage expandable to 120GB, the 14-inch GTX weighs a paltry 1.5kg thus making it a light-weight companion for work, travel and leisure.

The Kids Legacy Tab, on the other hand, is a device which parents and care-givers will find fitting to introduce their children to technology and new vistas of learning. The device is designed as a critical foundational tool targeted at children from the ages of 3 – 13.

Kids Legacy Tab
In addition to a device manager to enable parents monitor content, the tablet is pre-loaded with over 50 educational and fun games and rated as knowledge luxury platform for kids.

Available in red, blue and fuchsia colours, the Wi-Fi enabled Kids Legacy Tab assures 1.2GHz computing power and extended use with a 2500mAh battery.

Both products will complement the new 8-inch Zpad and will see an expansion of the scope of offerings in Zinox’s mobile devices products suite.

The Zpad which offers high speed voice and data services has been widely accepted in the market, a factor that is expected to weigh in favour of the new devices being rolled out.

The new products with global certifications are designed in the company’s long-standing tradition of durability and equipped with surge protectors in consideration of the peculiar power challenges on the continent.

The GTX Notebook and Kids Legacy Tab which have already gone on sale in Africa, Europe and the Middle East are available nationwide at all major online and offline retail stores, with one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

 


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FIRS Declares NIN, CAC Numbers as Tax IDs from 2026

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Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will automatically serve as the Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for all Nigerian citizens, while registered businesses will use their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers.

FIRS Declares NIN, CAC Numbers as Tax IDs from 2026

FIRS

The disclosure was made during a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

According to the Service, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into force in January 2026, mandates the use of Tax IDs for certain financial and commercial transactions, including bank account ownership.

FIRS explained that the measure is part of efforts to unify all previously issued Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) by both the federal and state revenue services into a single identifier.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card; the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity,” the Service stated.

The agency noted that the requirement has been in place since the Finance Act of 2019 but has now been strengthened under the NTAA to ensure compliance and ease of administration.

Officials emphasized that the reform would simplify tax processes, reduce duplication, and improve transparency in Nigeria’s tax system.

The Service added that the integration of NIN and CAC numbers into the tax framework would also enhance data accuracy, curb tax evasion, and streamline the monitoring of taxable activities across the country.

Tax experts have described the development as a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s revenue administration, noting that it aligns with global best practices where national identity systems are linked to tax compliance.

The FIRS urged Nigerians to ensure that their NINs and CAC registration details are up-to-date, stressing that the identifiers would be required for transactions such as property purchases, contract awards, and access to certain financial services once the NTAA takes effect


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US Begins Partial Visa Ban on Nigerians January 1

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The United States will begin a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians from January 1, 2026, following a new presidential proclamation aimed at strengthening border and national security.

US Begins Partial Visa Ban on Nigerians January 1

The US Mission in Nigeria announced on Monday that the restriction will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled ‘Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.’

According to the mission, Nigeria is one of 19 countries affected by the measure.

Others listed are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The proclamation provides for a partial suspension of visa issuance covering nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas.

It also applies to immigrant visas, though with limited exceptions.

The statement read in part, “Effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” the Department of State  is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries – Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas with limited exceptions.”

US officials clarified that the policy does not apply to all travellers. Exemptions include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the suspension, and Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees.

Other exempted categories include lawful permanent residents of the United States and participants in certain major international sporting events.

The US government emphasised that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026.

“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement added.

Visa applicants from affected countries may continue to submit applications and attend interviews. However, the US Mission noted that such applicants “may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the US” under the new rules.

The announcement comes amid a series of recent US policy decisions that have raised concerns among Nigerians seeking to travel, study or migrate to the country.

In October, the United States added Nigeria back to its list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, citing persistent insecurity and attacks on Christian communities. This was followed by Nigeria’s inclusion on a revised US travel ban list that imposed partial entry restrictions on Nigerians.

The US has also tightened immigration and visa policies affecting Nigerians. Earlier this year, the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry visas with a three-month duration.

 


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DPLAN Threatens NDPC with Legal Action for Setting aside $32.8m Meta Fine

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Data Privacy Lawyers Association of Nigeria (DPLAN), a professional body dedicated to fostering the growth and advancement of privacy and data protection, has issued a formal pre-action notice to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), threatening to initiate legal proceedings over what it described as an unlawful consent judgment that set aside a $32.8 million remedial fine imposed on Meta Platforms, Inc.
DPLAN Threatens NDPC with Legal Action for Setting aside $32.8m Meta Fine
In a letter dated December 15, 2025, and addressed to the National Commissioner of the NDPC, the association, made up of data protection and privacy law practitioners, gave the Commission a 30-day ultimatum to provide explanations or face litigation at the Federal High Court.

The pre-action notice was signed by Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., Litigation and Compliance Director, and Mus’ab Awwal Mu’az, Esq., secretary of the Association’s Steering Committee.

The dispute stemmed from a consent judgment delivered on November 3, 2025, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CC/355/2025 between Meta Platforms, Inc. and the NDPC.

Following investigations conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, the NDPC had issued a Final Order against Meta Platforms, Inc., finding “widespread violations of the data protection and privacy rights of approximately 61 million Nigerians,” and imposing a remedial fine of USD 32,800,000.

The pre-action notice was signed by Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., Litigation and Compliance Director, and Mus’ab Awwal Mu’az, Esq., Secretary of the Association’s Steering Committee.

The dispute stemmed from a consent judgment delivered on November 3, 2025, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CC/355/2025 between Meta Platforms, Inc. and the NDPC.

Following investigations conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, the NDPC had issued a Final Order against Meta Platforms, Inc., finding “widespread violations of the data protection and privacy rights of approximately 61 million Nigerians,” and imposing a remedial fine of USD 32,800,000.

The NDPC investigation stemmed from a petition filed at the commission on August 14, 2023, against Meta Platforms Inc. by the convener of Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative, Ozoemena Nwogbo, regarding violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

After its investigation, NDPC found Meta Platforms Inc. wanting and, on February 18, 2025, issued nine Final Orders against Meta Platforms Inc.

NDPC’s Order

The NDPC’s order nine reads, “Meta shall pay the naira equivalent of 32,800,000 USD (Thirty-two million, eight-hundred thousand United States Dollars) as a remedial fee. The naira equivalent shall be at the rate determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The details of the account for payment of the remedial fee are as follows: Account Name: Nigeria Data Protection Commission Fund Account. Account Number: 0020331265048 (300131267). Use RTGS for payment.”

The NDPC added, “Note that Meta has a right to seek a judicial review of this decision. The Commission will closely monitor Meta’s remediation process and its impact on data subjects for upwards of six months.”

However, the Final Order was subsequently set aside through Terms of Settlement, which were adopted by the court as a consent judgment on November 3, 2025, following a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025, filed by Meta Platforms Inc. against the NDPC.

Part of the Terms of Settlement entered between NDPC and Meta Platforms Inc. reads, “The applicant (Meta Platforms Inc.) and the respondent (NDPC) have come to a mutual settlement agreement that resolves the dispute underlying the applicant’s originating Summons.

“Pursuant to this agreement: (I) the applicant has agreed to provide specific remedial consideration to the respondent in support of protecting the rights of data subjects in Nigeria; and (II) the respondent has inter alia agreed to set aside and waive any rights to enforce or take steps to enforce the Final Orders against the applicant.”

The settlement terms specifically read, “In the light of the foregoing: The applicant wholly and completely terminates, abandons, withdraws, and discontinues the Originating Summons as well as any and all claims against the respondent connected to or arising from the matters or the subject matter thereof, except as the parties have otherwise agreed.

“The respondent: (I) sets aside the Final Orders against Meta; and (II) save and except as the parties have otherwise agreed, fully and firmly releases and discharges Meta from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, contracts, obligations, suits, debts, costs, liabilities, which the respondent ever had, may now have, or May hereafter claim to have against Meta in respect of the matters.”

Association Alleges Illegality In Settlement

But the Data Privacy Lawyers Association contended that the consent judgment was entered into unlawfully, arguing that it was done without lawful statutory authority, in violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and in derogation of the constitutional right to privacy guaranteed under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The Association further said the action was taken “to the grave prejudice of millions of affected Nigerians and the public interest, as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

In the notice, the Association warned that unless the issues raised are urgently addressed within the statutory notice period, it would approach the Federal High Court to seek multiple reliefs.

These include an order setting aside, vacating, and nullifying the consent judgment on grounds of fraud, collusion, material non-disclosure, lack of statutory authority, and violation of the NDPA, 2023.

It is also seeking a declaration that the consent judgment is “null, void, unconstitutional, and of no legal effect,” as well as a declaration that the NDPC lacks statutory authority to waive, compro

Other reliefs sought include an order restoring and reviving the Final Order against Meta Platforms, including the $32.8 million fine, and an order restraining any further reliance on or enforcement of the consent judgment.

The Association also asked the court for other orders the Court may deem fit in the interest of justice, public accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights.

In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Association urged the NDPC to provide a written explanation of the legal basis for entering into the Terms of Settlement, clarify the statutory authority relied upon to waive the remedial fine and set aside the Final Order, and take steps to remedy the issues raised.

The letter, the Association said, constitutes the requisite pre-action notice under applicable law.

It warned that unless the concerns are satisfactorily addressed within 30 days of receipt of the notice, it will proceed to institute legal proceedings without further recourse.

mise, or extinguish liabilities, sanctions, or remedial fines arising from established violations of the Act.


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