Telecom
FG’s Phone Bugging Programme Worry Nigerians
Some eminent Nigerians have warned against the proposed introduction of lawful interception (LI), the so-called initiative that will give security agencies powers to access private communications, such as telephone calls or e-mail messages; saying that such move would amount to infringement of peoples’ privacy.
Though supports for the scheme were far and in between; majority of the speakers at the Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology Awareness and Development (JACITAD) forum to review the draft regulation on law interception waxed worriedly at the possible manipulation and misuse of LI by power hungry government officials.
Under the initiative, in response to a warrant from a judge, lawful interception is performed simply by applying a ‘tap’ on the telephone line of the target, making it possible for security agencies in Nigeria to listen to terrorist and criminal cell phone calls and gather communications intelligence on their dark activities.
The controversial policy is being proposed by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) which said it is drawing powers from Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and all other powers enabling it in that regards.
But Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former director-general, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said the move “Regulate” Lawful Interception of Communications” falls outside NCC’s jurisdiction.
El-Rufai recalled that the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA 2003) was originally drafted by a consortium of local and international lawyers hired by the BPE under his leadership to give legal effect to the approved National Communications Policy midwifed by the National Council on Privatization in 2001.
The goal of the legislation, he said, was to fully deregulate the telecommunications sector and give broader and deeper regulatory powers to the NCC, while restricting the Minister to policy making roles only.
Thus, the former director of BPE slammed NCC for pushing to regulate an affair concerning human rights which falls under the purview of the National Assembly.
He said that “The results of the policy shift and new legal framework have been impressive and the fact that virtually every Nigerian, including teenagers, has a phone as evidence of the success of the de-monopolization regime that began in 2001.
“It is on reliance of, and pursuant to sections 70, 72, 146, 147 and 148 that the NCC has issued ‘The Draft Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations (2013)’. In order to undertake a policy analytic review of the draft regulations, it is necessary to ask the following questions, which broadly fall into two classes – first to establish the legitimacy and legality of the regulations, and second to critique their substantive content and language: These include, what are the constitutional provisions regarding privacy or otherwise of physical and electronic communications between citizens?
Under what conditions does the constitution and laws allow the violation of such privacy, if any?
When the Legislature passed the NCA, did it reasonably intend to give the NCC the powers to regulate the interception of private communications, thus enabling the infringement of fundamental rights without specific legislation via an Act of National Assembly?
Do the provisions of sections 70, 72, 146-148 of the NCA, without more, adequately grant the NCC the legitimacy to issue and enact the regulations under consideration?
Assuming the Constitution and the NCA enables the NCC to issue the regulations, are they fit for the purpose of protecting the privacy of the citizen while enabling access to law enforcement agents in the public interest?
Meanwhile, NCC had stated it is only exercising the powers conferred on it by Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and all other powers enabling it in that regard.
El-Rufai, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), then added that, “From the foregoing, it is not only unlawful for the government to invade the privacy of citizens by intercepting letters, phone conversations or emails, but a constitutional violation and therefore an impeachable offence!
“However, if the National Assembly enacts ‘any law that is reasonably justifiable that is in the interest of the country, then the interception may be lawful. The question that follows is whether NCA 2003 is one such law”.
Also speaking, Femi Adesina, president, Nigerian Guild of Editors, said “Without prejudice to what legal experts would say, I personally believe that the draft regulation on lawful interception has more strengths than weaknesses, and will do more good than evil.
“While any law, however benign, can be manipulated and used for negative ends, the LI can also help in stemming the tide of violent crimes like kidnapping, terrorism, and other anti-social acts. There are also enough provisions in the regulation to protect the citizenry, and give access to redress against unlawful acts.
He however, raised some concerned as regards the implementation of the Regulation.
He said: “Nigerians from different walks of life have raised concerns over the NCC draft regulation. They include: Blackberry services could be at risk in the country as the regulation will run counter to the technical operating standards of the phones’ distinct network. It maintains a strict policy of non-disclosure of pass codes or key, sent over an encrypted network. And there are over three million Blackberry users in Nigeria.
“When security agencies intercept vital communication, how safe are subscribers from unscrupulous ones among them, who may end up trading with information at their disposal? Will this not even encourage identity theft?
Conversations will no longer be spontaneous, as you will have the sneaky feeling that Big Brother is listening. Government may use the regulation to crack down on opposition figures”.
Other speakers at the forum also expressed worry over the moves by the NCC, especially as it would raise concerns of a nation on State of Emergency; incur hardship on the operators who shall be trapped in legal battles with subscribers, among other fears.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation, digital skills, and emerging technologies to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a globally competitive digital economy.
NITDA
This commitment was reaffirmed at the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the EUI Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where NITDA participated as a key stakeholder in discussions aimed at advancing technology-driven economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.
Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, who is represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, delivered the Opening Keynote Address at the two-day event themed “Syntropy: Collective Futures – Systems, Solutions, Synergy and Societies.”
Addressing policymakers, technology leaders, startup founders, investors, academics, development partners, and young innovators, Kashifu emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s prosperity would increasingly be determined by its ability to harness technology, innovation, and human capital rather than reliance on natural resources.
According to him, the global digital economy presents unprecedented opportunities for Africa and Nigeria to create jobs, attract investments, and improve productivity through emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital platforms.
“The future is not something we inherit; it is something we build. Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil but its people. Our ability to develop digital talent, foster innovation, and create enabling ecosystems will determine our competitiveness in the digital age,” he stated.
He noted that AI and digital technologies are rapidly transforming industries across the world and urged stakeholders to embrace innovation as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development.
He further highlighted NITDA’s ongoing implementation of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on digital literacy, emerging technologies, innovation, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
The keynote also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, development partners, and the startup ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.
The Port Harcourt Tech Expo brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to deliberate on issues relating to Artificial Intelligence, startup development, digital skills, innovation financing, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem growth.
Participants explored opportunities for positioning the Niger Delta as a major hub for technology, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship while discussing strategies for addressing challenges related to skills development, startup financing, infrastructure, and technology commercialization.
During the event, NITDA engaged with technology companies, startups, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and development partners on potential areas of collaboration aimed at advancing digital inclusion and innovation-led development.
The Agency also used the platform to amplify the several of its flagship initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and programmes under the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).
Observers at the event commended NITDA’s leadership in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and noted the growing impact of the Agency’s interventions in supporting startups, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The Expo concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, support innovation, and create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships, developing talent, enabling innovation, and creating a technology-driven economy that delivers sustainable prosperity for all citizens.
Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sovereignty through local manufacturing of medical diagnostic technologies.
L-R: CEO/Co-Founder, NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies Limited, Dr. Selim Hani; Team Lead, Science of Defeating Malaria initiative, Professor Dyann F. Wirth; EVC/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Dr. Sami Hani, Board Member, NASENI-Troment Biotecnnologies during the dinner organized for the delegates of the initiative in Abuja at the weekend.
Halilu made the remark while hosting participants of the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria programme at a closing dinner in Abuja at the weekend, following their visit to the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, where they commended the facility’s role in advancing disease control and healthcare innovation in Africa.
The delegation, led by Professor Dyann F. Wirth of Harvard University and comprising about 85 global health professionals, scientists and policymakers, toured the state-of-the-art facility and described it as a significant step towards combating malaria and other infectious diseases across the continent.
Speaking at the dinner, Halilu noted that the commendation further validated the vision behind the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, a strategic project initiated 18 months ago to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported diagnostic kits and strengthen local healthcare manufacturing capacity.
He explained that the facility is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, enough to meet about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s diagnostic testing needs while creating opportunities for export to other African countries and global markets.
The factory manufactures rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products under the N-CheckUP brand for diseases and conditions including malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19, pregnancy and blood glucose monitoring.
According to Halilu, the project aligns with NASENI’s broader mandate of deploying science, technology and innovation to address national challenges, create jobs and build industrial capacity.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Wirth and members of the Harvard delegation for their recognition of the progress made at the facility and reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa.
The Science of Defeating Malaria programme, which was held in Abuja from June 7 to 13, brought together global experts committed to advancing strategies for malaria elimination and strengthening public health systems worldwide.
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating digital literacy, innovation development, and economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.
Director General NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General DAWN Commission Dr Seye Oyeleye alongside representatives of both organisations, display signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) upon its signing at NITDA Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the agreement as a significant step toward leveraging human capital and fostering regional collaboration to drive sustainable national development.
He commended the Southwest region for its longstanding culture of cooperation, noting that collective action remains essential for national progress.
“The Southwest continues to inspire when it comes to collaboration because no one succeeds in isolation. Other regions can learn from this model of cooperation.
“For Nigeria to grow, we must understand our strengths at both the state and regional levels and build on them,” he said.
Inuwa emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, stressing that investments in digital skills, innovation, and technology are critical to creating prosperity and expanding economic opportunities.
According to him, the partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation-driven initiatives capable of empowering citizens to develop local solutions with national and global impact.
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing efforts to deepen digital transformation nationwide, he said the Agency is scaling digital literacy programmes, supporting innovation hubs, and promoting technology development across the country.
He noted that innovation flourishes where talent, infrastructure, and supportive policies intersect, making it important for every region to identify and strengthen its comparative advantages.
“Lagos has already established itself as a fintech hub and the commercial centre of the country. Abuja is emerging as a GovTech cluster, while other regions can develop specialised ecosystems around manufacturing, commerce, and other sectors.
“Every region possesses unique strengths that can be transformed into thriving innovation clusters,” he stated.
The NITDA boss expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate the implementation of the Agency’s strategic initiatives throughout the Southwest.
He added that both organisations had already begun working together prior to the formalisation of the agreement and called for swift action following the signing.
“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to translating our shared vision into tangible outcomes. While engagements have already commenced, I would like to see even greater momentum after the signing of this MoU,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, highlighted the importance of digital literacy in preparing citizens for future opportunities and ensuring meaningful participation in the digital economy.
He noted that the Commission, which coordinates development initiatives across Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, views the partnership as a strategic vehicle for advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Oyeleye highlighted Nigeria’s target of equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030 through the Digital Literacy for All Initiative, stressing that the Southwest has a pivotal role to play in achieving the national objective.
“Nigeria has committed to equipping 100 million citizens with digital skills by 2030. Southwest Nigeria is not merely a contributor to that vision; it is central to its success,” he said.
He explained that the MoU formalises a shared commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of NITDA’s programmes, particularly the National Digital Literacy Framework, across the region.
He added that the Commission would leverage its extensive network and partnerships across the six Southwest states to bridge federal digital initiatives with local communities, institutions, and young people.
“We will work to ensure that NITDA’s frameworks are not only implemented but strengthened. Our reach across the Southwest positions us to connect federal digital infrastructure and programmes with communities and young people who require the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” he stated.
Oyeleye further assured NITDA of the Commission’s commitment to delivering measurable results throughout the five-year duration of the agreement, noting that the true value of development institutions lies in the impact they create rather than the agreements they sign.
The MoU reflects the shared determination of both organisations to advance digital literacy, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunities for citizens across Southwest Nigeria, further supporting the country’s journey toward a robust and inclusive digital economy.
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