General News
Civil Service Ineptitude Kills Innovation – Nwosu

Tony Nwosu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Global Access Technologies (GAT) Limited, is a multi-skilled and charismatic personality. He holds B.Sc., in Electrical Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka, (UNN) M.Sc., Electrical Engineering, University of Lagos, (UNILAG) M.Sc., Business Administration, Lagos Business School, (Pan African University, Lekki). He had worked in NTA before proceeding to TelNet Nigeria, where he resigned as the General Manager after 11 years. His interest in making Nigeria an ICT haven led to his joining Enterprise Systems as General Manager; and finally setting up Global Access Technologies (GAT) as a leading ICT solution provider.He spoke to Peter Ugwu. Excerpt.
What’s Global Access Technologies (GAT)?
Global Access Technologies is an indigenous company incorporated in 2003 with the objectives of proving leading edge ICT solutions both within and outside the Nigerian environment.
We provide both enterprise networking solutions and operator carrier-class solutions, and actively involve in building telecoms and ICT infrastructure for both GSM and CDMA operators.
We provide ICT solutions for banks and other organisations. We have been pursuing our mission to provide world class ICT solutions that deliver maximum value to the customer in terms of quality, cost and robust designs.
We aim to be a leading ICT solution provider in Nigeria and in Africa, continually using the best of technologies and human resources to launch Nigeria and Africa into global ICT relevance.
In GAT, we consider ourselves stakeholders in the customer’s business and a critical component in the value chain of the customer.
We therefore strive to excite the customer by meeting all commitments in a very professional and cost-effective manner.
We have added value to the sector in so many ways. Firstly, as a service organization, since 2003 we have been contributing in building of telecomm infrastructure in Nigeria.
There is hardly any operator in Nigeria you will mention that we have not been a part in building their network infrastructure; including alternate power supply for the Telecom operators
Assessment of ICT Draft Policy
I think it was a good development for the Minister to have first of all set up the committee and had organized such a forum for stakeholders to share their views on the document.
In terms of the work of the committee, I think a lot in certain areas need closer attention as evidenced in the reactions by majority of participants at the forum.
The draft policy is a kind of innovative document with an attempt to converge the industry.
Meanwhile, a critically examination of the document shows that the committee went through existing reports, Laws and Acts of Parliament like the Nigeria Communications Act 2003, the Broadcasting Policy, Postal Act, among others, to arrive at the present document. Actually, they need to harmonize the policies to come up with better legislation to solidify the Convergence Regulator.
A lot of people are still divided on the Convergence Regulator; that is bringing all the industrial players under one regulator. This is an area that perhaps demands more attention.
NCC and NBC under a Converge Regulator
To a large extent Nigeria will benefit from convergence in the ICT sector. There was a budged attempt do converge NCC and NBC under President Olusegun Obasanjo, even up to the period late President Umaru Yar’Adua, assumed office.
I believe the then government must have taken into cognizance the issue of converging the Ministries of Information and Communications Technology.
However, a school of thought believes they should stay separated, yet another group thinks it was better to merge.
I would want a situation we seat down and streamline their functions and remove the areas of overlap.
As far as I am concerned, broadcasting, which Nigerian Broadcasting Commission represents, is different form Information Technology, the paramount base of NCC. Broadcasting has to do more with mass communication, information content and dissemination.
Talking about Information Technology (IT), it concerns NCC more. In fact, if we take lexicon of IT, we should be focusing on IT structures, regulations, quality of service and performance.
NCC’s Fate
The bone of contention is: should NCC bow to the authorities of the Converged Regulator, how will it perform optimally?
By the time we have this supposed Regulator taking care of a vast ICT sector, the efficiency might not be attained.
So, I subscribe to the school of thought that believes NCC should remain unchanged.
That is, let the policy empower NCC more by widening its scope of monitoring and regulation instead of muzzling everything together.
For instance, if NCC when standing as a full fledge commission has been battling with telecomm operators to guarantee subscribers receive quality of service, how would they achieve such feat when it becomes just a department under the converged regulator?
The bureaucracy will not allow efficiency and even accountability will decline. Because I foresee a situation the executive vice chairman (EVC) will lack the autonomy to give order, sanction or oppose fines or even withdraw licenses of defaulting telecom operators.
Even the workload will be quite enormous, because they will be expected to perform oversight functions to monitor courier companies, broadcasting stations, trying to mediate between them and customers; of course they will lose focus and would not be able to serve the public effectively.
Local Content in ICT sector
I think the draft as it was presented has identified the imports of local content or local participation, capacity enhancement and other aspects of human engagement.
Any policy that does not encourage local participation is not desirable.
And such provision in the ICT is expected to engender manufacturing and ICT penetration.
I align with those who have expressed concern that ICT industry is yet to embrace the national development policy like it is in the oil and gas sector.
Masts Review
The issue is not something that should be politicized or handled with levity. For instance, during the storm that ravaged parts of Lagos earlier in the year, generated a lot of interests.
However, it will not do the country any good to continue pointing accusing finger at persons or corporations, rather there should be standards for building masts.
Telecom operators have different equipment, just as there are differences between towers and masts.
Towers are the structures that carry most of the equipment, while masts are the smaller ones that dot everywhere carrying antenna.
At the level of masts, most banks have the infrastructure in their vicinities.
At that point, I don’t think there is any regulation.
They just approach companies to construct for them.
I can say it is very rare to see an operator’s tower collapse.
There are standards for building towers, whereas the entry point to constructing masts is very low, if not porous.
That is one of the reasons NCC should be allowed to look more into IT affairs as they affect the country.
Broadband
Broadband is part of global ICT strategy. It is not surprising looking at where we are with regards to broadband penetration, the emphasis was more on telephoning.
NITEL then monopolized the market with less than 400,000 lines at the time of deregulation in 2001.
But the reform in telecom sector has freed the market to not only accommodate multiple operators, but in just one decade we have achieve over 100 million active customers.
Having achieved such magnificent feat, operators have been providing the subscribers with internet services, though not at broadband speed.
Access to internet is growing; unfortunately, very few of them are hooked to the broadband space, and that is the challenge.
Meanwhile, there are some programmes on-going and others in the offing. I am aware that NCC has a programme called State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI), geared towards the penetration of broadband in rural areas.
There is also USAID fund managed by NCC as well with an aim to assist the rural or under-serviced areas and provide service for them.
And NCC is working on a national broadband policy that will have a holistic assessment of broadband penetration.
Community Broadcasting
If the broadband initiative receives a boost, it will ensure that communities are covered with adequate high speed internet backbone.
It will not only promote community broadcasting, but also serve as a wealth-enabler. People will have access to it at short distance.
Even hospitals in the rural areas will get connected to teaching hospitals and carry out emergence operations.
NITEL/M-TEL Failure
The problem with NITEL and M-Tel is synonymous with other aspects of the public sector: slow-paced development.
Neither NEPA nor PHCN has fared well. In the oil and gas sector, the NNPC is beset by corruption.
For NITEL, the government has tried every possible means to get it on the right path, but to no avail.
They have gone through the route of commercialization and several rounds of privatization, the whole thing failed. I don’t think there was neither transparency nor accountability in the whole process.
Now, NITEL and M-Tel are going through liquidation, all points to the fact that government has no reason being in business.
Anything government delves into, particularly in this regards, will never achieve the target. Ghana equivalent of our PHCN is doing well.
Insecurity
This has become multi-faceted in Nigeria.
ICT has a big role to play in curbing civil insurgencies. It remains the reserved duty of the security agencies to track criminals.
If ICT has not contributed much, it cannot be for lack of ideas; instead government should be bold enough, approach the industry to galvanize certain gadgets to tackle the problem.
The issue of kidnapping has reduced drastically following the GSM tracking apparatus; the gesture can be replicate in other areas of security application.
General News
Top 7 Reliable Virtual Cards for Running Ads in Nigeria

Meta Description: Tired of ad payment failures? Discover the most reliable virtual cards in Nigeria for running Facebook, Google, and TikTok ads without interruptions.
One of the biggest challenges digital marketers face in Nigeria today is finding a payment method that actually works for ad platforms.
Issues like frequent transaction failures, unexpected restrictions, and constantly changing bank policies can interrupt your campaigns at the worst possible time, making it hard to stay consistent.
That’s why many marketers are now turning to virtual cards, which offer a more stable, globally accepted way to handle online payments without the usual stress.
If you’re currently dealing with failed payments or need a more reliable way to run ads, this article will walk you through the most reliable virtual card options in Nigeria and help you choose what works best.
7 Best Virtual Cards You Can Use in Nigeria for Running Ads
Choosing the right virtual card for running ads in Nigeria isn’t just about availability; it’s about transaction success rate, global acceptance, funding speed, fees, and overall reliability.
To make things easier, the table below highlights how Cardtonic, Wallets Africa, CashBuddy, Snappypay, Pouchers, Bitmama, and Flip by Fluidcoins compare across key features that matter for running ads effectively.
| Platform | Best For | Price range | Supported Countries | Notable Features |
| Cardtonic | Reliable ad payments | $1.5-$5 (card creation) | Nigeria, Ghana (2+) | Easy card creation, quick funding, widely accepted |
| Wallets Africa | Basic virtual card use | $2-$5 (est.) | 10+ African countries | wallet + virtual card system |
| CashBuddy | Simple payments | $2.50 | Nigeria (primary) | straightforward card access, bill pay |
| Snappypay | Quick transactions | N/A | Nigeria & select regions | Fast setup, easy online spending |
| Pouchers | Flexible funding | $2 | Nigeria & limited global | Direct wallet to ads support |
| Bitmama | Crypto-based payments | Free issuance | Multiple countries (10+) | crypto funding + global spending |
| Flip by Fluidcoins | Fast crypto payments | $1.30 | Multiple Countries (10+) | Crypto payment focus |
1. Cardtonic:
Cardtonic is often regarded as one of the best virtual cards in Nigeria for running ads because it combines convenience, reliability, and ease of use in a way that suits both individuals and businesses.
When you’re paying for ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, or TikTok, one of the biggest concerns is whether your payment method will work smoothly without constant declines or interruptions. That is where Cardtonic comes in, as it gives users access to a virtual dollar card designed for international payments, making it a practical choice for ad spending.

What makes the platform even more appealing is that it also offers contactless cards, which let you make payments quickly and securely without swiping or inserting the card. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience for users who want fast transactions, whether online or at supported payment terminals.
What truly makes Cardtonic stand out is how it brings together accessibility, smooth funding, and reliable international payment support in one place.
So, if you are looking for a reliable platform for ad payments, Cardtonic is one option that clearly deserves a spot on the list.
2. Wallet Africa:
Wallets Africa is meant for users who want more than just a card to pay for ads. It works better as an all-in-one financial platform, which makes it useful for business owners, freelancers, and marketers who like managing payments from one place.

Beyond offering virtual cards, the platform is built around sending money, spending online, and handling digital transactions across Africa, so it feels broader than a tool meant for one single purpose.
That broader structure is really where Wallets Africa plays its role. For someone running ads regularly, it can be convenient to have a platform that supports both wallet functions and card payments instead of jumping between different apps.
It is less about being flashy and more about giving users a practical setup for online spending, especially when you want your ad payments to sit within a wider money management system.
3. Cashbuddy:
CashBuddy feels more like a platform for users who value simplicity and speed. Its offering goes beyond virtual cards into other digital payment services, but the virtual card side is positioned around secure dollar and naira card access for global payments.
That makes it useful for advertisers who want something straightforward for campaign payments without dealing with too much complexity.

Where CashBuddy plays its role best is in accessibility. It fits users who may not need an advanced financial ecosystem but just want a platform that helps them get a working card and handle international payments with less stress.
So while some platforms lean into broader wallet features or multicurrency tools, CashBuddy feels more like the practical option for getting started and keeping things easy to manage.
4. Snappypay:
Snappypay has a slightly different appeal because it presents itself strongly around smooth online payments and virtual dollar cards that can be used across many platforms.

That makes it a natural fit for people who run ads often and do not want a card that feels limited to only one or two use cases. The platform also combines its virtual cards with other digital payment services, which adds to the convenience for users already handling several online expenses at once.
What makes Snappypay useful in this list is that it feels built for everyday digital spending. If Wallets Africa comes across as more ecosystem-driven and CashBuddy feels more basic and direct, Snappypay sits in the middle as the platform for users who want a smoother, more flexible payment experience for ads, subscriptions, and other online transactions without overcomplicating the process.
5. Pouchers:
Pouchers is one of the more ad-friendly options here because it explicitly positions its virtual dollar card for payments on platforms like Meta and for running ads.
That makes its role in this list much clearer. Instead of leaving users to guess whether the card may work for ad spend, the platform directly presents that use case as one of its strengths, which gives it more relevance for marketers and business owners.

Another thing that makes Pouchers different is its multicurrency and stablecoin angle, which gives it a more modern, borderless feel compared with platforms that are built mainly around local wallet operations.
So, for users whose work already involves international payments, online tools, and ad platforms, Pouchers plays its role as the flexible option that is shaped more around digital commerce than traditional payment habits.
6. Bitmama:
Bitmama plays a more specialized role because it is better known for combining crypto and borderless payments. That already sets it apart from the more conventional platforms on this list.

For advertisers or freelancers who are already comfortable moving money through digital assets, Bitmama can feel like a more flexible option, especially when international transactions are part of their normal workflow.
This makes it less of an everyday beginner platform and more of a fit for users who like operating in a more global, digital-first payment environment.
So while a platform like CashBuddy may appeal to someone looking for a simple starting point, Bitmama feels more suited to users who want ad payments to sit within a wider international or crypto-enabled setup. That difference gives it a distinct place on the list.
7. Flip By Fluidcoins:
Flip by Fluidcoins leans into the crypto-powered side of digital payments, positioning itself as a faster, more lightweight option for users who want flexibility with cross-border transactions.

Its strength is not in trying to cover everything, but in serving a more niche group of users who already understand digital finance and need a smoother way to handle international payments, especially for ad spending.
What sets it apart is its modern, alternative approach. It focuses less on traditional banking features and more on giving users fewer restrictions when moving funds globally.
For advertisers in that space, it works best as a flexible, niche solution rather than a full all-in-one financial platform.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Cards For Running Ads in Nigeria
- Which Virtual Card is Best For Running Ads in Nigeria?
The best dollar virtual card in Nigeria for running ads is Cardtonic. It’s widely trusted for its reliability, smooth international payments, and ease of use, making it a practical choice for managing ad spend without interruptions.
- Can I Use a Virtual Card to Pay for Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or TikTok Ads?
Yes, you can. Most virtual cards issued by platforms in Nigeria, like Cardtonic, Pouchers, or CashBuddy, are accepted on major advertising platforms, including Google, Facebook, and TikTok.
- How Do I Fund a Virtual Card for Advertising Campaigns in Nigeria?
Funding a virtual card is usually straightforward. Most platforms allow you to load funds from your local bank account, Naira wallet, or even crypto wallets in some cases. Simply log into your virtual card account, choose the funding method, enter the amount, and confirm. Once the funds reflect, you can start running ads immediately.
- Are Virtual Cards Secure For Paying International Ad Platforms?
Yes, virtual cards are designed to be secure. They often include features such as temporary card numbers, spend limits, and the ability to block or freeze the card instantly if needed.
- How Fast Can I Get a Virtual Card and Start Running Ads Online?
You can usually get a virtual card almost instantly after signing up and completing the KYC verification process. Platforms like Cardtonic or Snappypay issue cards immediately, so you can fund the card and start running ads within minutes.
Conclusion
Running ads on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Google from Nigeria can be challenging without a reliable payment method. That’s why virtual cards offer a convenient and secure solution, allowing you to fund your campaigns quickly and manage payments without interruptions.
Whether you’re looking to pay for TikTok ads, Google Ads, or other online campaigns, platforms like Wallets Africa, CashBuddy, Snappypay, Pouchers, Bitmama, and Flip by Fluidcoins all offer options to suit different needs.
For those who want a combination of reliability, ease of use, and smooth international payments, Cardtonic is highly recommended for managing your ad spending efficiently.
General News
NiRA Charges Media to Drive Nationwide Adoption of .ng Domain

Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, has called on the media to lead a nationwide campaign for the urgent adoption of the .ng domain to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity.

Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)
Akinsanya made the call during the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative held on Thursday at the association’s secretariat in Lagos.
He said the media had a strategic role to play, not only in reporting developments but also in shaping national priorities and influencing public understanding of digital infrastructure.
“The media does not just report events; it sets the agenda. We need you to lead the campaign for the urgent adoption of .ng and help Nigerians understand why it matters,” he said.
Akinsanya emphasised that Nigeria’s digital identity must be deliberately constructed and protected, noting that domain names remain a critical component of national presence in the global digital ecosystem.
According to him, many Nigerian businesses and institutions continue to operate on foreign domains such as .com and .org, thereby placing their digital assets outside the country’s jurisdiction.
“Thousands of Nigerian organisations are effectively operating on rented digital land, where control, security, and governance are subject to foreign regulations,” he said.
He explained that the .ng domain, managed by NiRA under the global coordination of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, represents an important layer of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
He described domain names as digital real estate that determine visibility, credibility, and economic value creation within the digital economy.
The NiRA president warned that reliance on foreign domains contributes to a trust deficit, economic leakage, and increased security vulnerabilities.
“In an era where users are increasingly concerned about authenticity, locally identifiable domains provide stronger assurance and alignment with national systems,” he said.
Akinsanya added that while technological improvements such as DNS Security Extensions are strengthening the .ng ecosystem, widespread adoption remains essential.
He noted that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between technical complexity and public understanding, particularly in areas such as internet governance, cybersecurity, and domain infrastructure.
According to him, Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy will depend on the alignment of infrastructure, adoption, and narrative.
He reaffirmed NiRA’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting the use of the .ng domain, while calling for sustained collaboration with the media.
“The story of Nigeria’s internet is still being written. Whether it reflects dependence or sovereignty will depend on the narratives we promote,” he said.
General News
Nigeria Unveils DNSSEC to Tackle Rising Cyber Threats, Strengthen Digital Trust

Nigeria has unveiled Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on its .ng domain, marking a major step toward strengthening national cybersecurity and enhancing trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.

NiRA
The deployment was carried out by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain.
The development places Nigeria among countries adopting advanced technologies to secure their internet infrastructure and support a resilient digital economy.
DNSSEC is an internet security protocol designed to protect users from cyber threats such as redirection to fraudulent websites, by adding cryptographic verification to the domain name system.
Speaking at the unveiling, the President of NiRA, Adesola Akinsanya, described the deployment as a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.
“The successful deployment of DNSSEC on the .ng domain represents a major milestone. As more services move online, it is critical to ensure a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government,” he said.
Akinsanya added that the initiative aligns with global best practices and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building a secure and competitive digital economy.
He noted that strengthening trust in the .ng domain would create an enabling environment for innovation, investment, and growth in digital services.
According to him, a secure domain name system is fundamental to the development of the digital economy.
The NiRA president also urged organisations, particularly those operating critical services, to adopt DNSSEC as part of their cybersecurity frameworks.
The initiative is expected to benefit sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, e-commerce, and government platforms by offering enhanced protection against cyber threats including phishing and data interception.
Institutions regulated by bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission are among those expected to gain from the improved security framework.
The deployment also aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda supported by agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Chief Operating Officer of NiRA said the .ng domain had been fully signed and was currently in a monitoring phase to ensure stability and optimal performance.
He added that a phased rollout would allow accredited registrars and domain owners to adopt DNSSEC protection for their individual domains.
“This deployment is the result of extensive planning and collaboration. Our focus now is to ensure seamless adoption across the ecosystem,” he said.
NiRA called on businesses and organisations to leverage the new capability and embrace the .ng domain as a secure and trusted digital identity.
The association said it would continue to work with stakeholders to drive awareness, build capacity, and accelerate adoption nationwide.
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