General News
‘Converging’ ICT Policy Should Toe Existing Guidelines-Asor
Dr. Vincent Asor is the chairman, Education and Manpower Services, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), is the umbrella organization of all Information Technology Professionals, Interest Groups and Stakeholders in Nigeria.
Asor specializes in Solid Dynamics, Mathematical Modeling and Simulation. After 21 years in the oil and gas industry, Shell International, in particular, he retired on February 29, to focus on IT practice covering systems design, development- support and planning.
The dogged IT expert has spent 23 years in the industry.
On the wake of drafting a national ICT policy for the country, spurred by the birth of the Ministry of Communications Technology, he has been vocal on what should form the basics of the process. He spoke with peter ugwu.
National ICT Policy Thrust: Panacea to End Nigeria’s ICT Consumerism
If the policy is clearly stated right from the beginning, it is capital YES!!! That is, the policy document should be used by the government to set goals and to declare government’s intentions.
Your Focus Addressing challenges of Key Terms Like Computer Penetration
I spoke on this during the public forum drawing from the work of Lanre Ajayi. Penetration, Governance and Outsourcing wasn’t obvious and the following submission was made: On Computer Penetration, this must be seen as the measurement index for the nation’s e-Readiness. Every Nigerian can own a computer in the long term. But within the time frame of this policy, let there be a realistic Computer penetration goal. Again, like Lanre Ajayi suggested in his submission which I am drawing largely from, we can set a penetration of say 20 in 100 people which is still less than half of the telephone penetration (telephone density) of about 50 in 100 that we have achieved. To achieve this target, we can then begin to say things like: Government shall ensure that all students from primary to University own a computer and so on using related funding organs like NITDEF, USPF, ETF and PTDF.
Broadband
The policy should be sacrosanct on broadband penetration and a set target made. The set target is realizable as a function of the set goal of computer penetration.
Internet Governance
There was no mention of Internet governance. This should be clearly addressed. By internet governance or e-government is a general term describing the use of technologies to facilitate the operation of government and the disbursement of government information and services. It deals heavily with Internet applications to aid in governments, but also covers a number of non-Internet concerns. In the general sense, e-government can refer to such mundane uses of electronics in government as large-scale use of telephones and fax machines, surveillance systems, tracking systems such as RFID tags, and even the use of television and radios to spread government-related information. In this sense, e-government is not a new phenomenon by any means. The use of radio waves to spread disaster warnings, or to give information on voting, is a facet of e-government that has been in use for many years. In many countries with state-operated media, the entire media becomes a form of e-government, helping to spread pro-government messages. However, internet governance helps in government tracking systems of citizens, omnipresent surveillance and biometric identification are some e-government applications that have many privacy advocates concerned about the growing role of e-government. So, with the growing pervasiveness of the Internet, new opportunities are becoming available for managing the business of government online. The disbursement of social security, the handling of government works projects, and providing information on representatives online are all examples of e-government in action. In essence, internet governance should be perceived as a human right platform in governance; channel of informing the people on the activities of the government, but not without checkmating abuses.
On Outsourcing
On outsourcing, the submission is that there is no outsourcing policy in Nigeria. The opportunity is here and we should create one in this document so that both local and foreign investors can be attracted into this segment with the objective of creating jobs for our people and increasing Information Technology (IT) contribution to our GDP. In fact, is quite expedient that the policy, at its incubating stage addresses the aspect of making the ICT sector become viable for the academia and investors; that is the panacea to ensure we migrate from a consuming nation in terms of ICT products and services to become a manufacturing nation.
Fears and Optimisms of Collapsing Regulatory Bodies Like NCC, Nipost
We must get it right first time, otherwise, we will be messed up big time. A regulatory body is a regulatory body. It is set up by an act of parliament. You cannot for instance say the Computer Professions registration council of Nigeria (CPN) which is the regulatory body for all IT practice is now department of what? No, no. That is like saying the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is now a department in the Ministry of Works, you know. There is something we are not getting right and we must be properly tutored in this thing. Look at two simple cases: Firstly, Convergence is emphasized in so many parts of the document. The draft policy appears to posit that having a converged regulatory structure implies industry convergence. While the enabling environment might be an influencer, convergence as an industry trend is the outcome of the inherent logic of technology innovation and free market dynamics. Convergence in the ministry does not mean convergence in the industry. Secondly, the other case is that of National information Technology Development Agency (Nitda). Sufficient attention must be given to Nitda in our Policy document. It must be recognized that Nitda is the hub for IT Development in Nigeria. Roles must therefore be rationalized and properly defined to strengthen her role for the diffusion of Information Technology in Nigeria. As long as these knotty issues are addressed once and for all, there are no fears. This regulator talk is laughable and people don’t want to be sincere. There is already a regulator. It is Computer Professions registration council of Nigeria (CPN). All we need to do is to rally round the Minister, support her and help her to perform her roles as established by the Act that created the new Ministry. CPN is to the Computer Profession what COREN is to the Engineering Profession. So, what regulator are we discussing again?
Impact of Existing IT Policy Document on the Current Reform
Prior to the creation of the new Ministry, there existed an IT policy document. The ‘converged’ new Policy should start from there and then incorporate others like Communications, Postal, etc. It can also of course be the other way round too. Take the policies from the other arms, remove redundancies and produce a sweet policy document. We shall get there!!!
ICT Ministry Redirecting Mindsets in the Industry
IT rules the world. I have not thought of what can beat this dominance. The Honorable Minister is already telling everyone who cares to listen. Her outreach program is unbeatable. See how she started – open forum; and she has continued in this stead. We are on the right track. Mindsets will change accordingly. She has my unalloyed support and loyalty.
Recommended ICT Benchmark set for the Nation
There is nothing new in benchmarking. Unless you are saying we should create a Nigerian benchmarking which will be absurd. These sectors are global and the acceptable benchmark should be International. We can take redress from UNESCO.
Okpi Bernard Adaafu, a legal practitioner, has dragged the federal government of Nigeria before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of a controversial health data sharing agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America.
The suit names the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Senate President of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives as defendants.
In the originating summons filed before the court, Adaafu is asking the court to determine whether the bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and the United States violates the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, particularly their rights to privacy and protection of personal data.
According to court documents, the agreement, signed on December 19, 2025, permits the collection and transfer of sensitive health information of Nigerians to the United States.
The data reportedly includes medical records, blood samples, pathogen testing information, and DNA or genetic sequencing data.
The plaintiff argued that while only a summarized version of the agreement has been made public, a related Specimen Sharing Agreement allegedly obliges Nigeria to provide biological samples and related data to the United States within five days of request and could remain in force for up to 25 years.
He contended that such an arrangement, if implemented, would violate the National Health Act 2014, which guarantees the confidentiality of patients’ medical records, as well as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, regulating the processing and cross-border transfer of personal data.
The suit further argued that the agreement breaches Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees the privacy of citizens.
Adaafu also raised concerns about statements suggesting that the programme would provide substantial support to Christian faith-based healthcare institutions.
According to him, the inclusion or perceived emphasis on religious affiliation within a national healthcare framework is unnecessary, constitutionally questionable, and capable of triggering avoidable social tension in a multi-faith society such as Nigeria.
He argued that healthcare interventions funded through international cooperation must remain neutral, inclusive, and accessible to all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
Another issue raised in the suit is the alleged exclusion of the National Assembly of Nigeria from the process.
The plaintiff maintained that international agreements with significant national implications must undergo legislative scrutiny and approval before implementation.
Among the reliefs sought, Adaafu asked the court to issue an order prohibiting discriminatory agreements based on religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
He also requested a declaration that the agreement violates both the National Health Act 2014 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
In addition, the plaintiff is seeking an order suspending the implementation of the agreement, which is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026.
Explaining the reason for filing the suit, Adaafu said he decided to approach the court because of the potential implications of the agreement on the privacy, sovereignty, and constitutional rights of more than 200 million Nigerians.
He noted that the issues raised in the suit deserve public awareness and national discourse, stressing that transparency and accountability are necessary in matters involving citizens’ sensitive medical and genetic information.
Nigeria’s leading instant noodle brand, Indomie, is backing a cross-country cycling journey by 15-year-old autism advocate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo, who is embarking on a Guinness World Record-bound ride from Enugu to Lagos to raise awarenessabout autism and promote inclusion.
Tagged “Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye,” the expedition will see the young cyclist travel across several Nigerian cities as he advocates for greater understanding and support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
The initiative represents an official attempt to set a milestone with Guinness World Records as the youngest autistic individual to complete a cross-country cycling journey.
The ride is scheduled to conclude in Lagos on World Autism Awareness Day, reinforcing the global call for empathy, acceptance, and opportunity for people on the autism spectrum.
Speaking on the brand’s involvement, Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, said the initiative reflects Indomie’s enduring commitment to celebrating courageous Nigerian children and amplifying stories that inspire hope.
“At Indomie, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream boldly and achieve extraordinary things,” he said. “Kanyeyachukwu’s journey is a powerful reminder that determination and talent can transcend limitations. We are proud to support his mission to inspire understanding, acceptance, and hope for individuals living with autism.”
Kanyeyachukwu first captured national attention when he was recognised at the Indomie Heroes Awards, an initiative by Indomie that celebrates courageous Nigerian children who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, resilience, and impact in their communities.
Since receiving the recognition, he has continued to use advocacy, creativity, and public engagement to reshape perceptions about autism and inspire conversations around inclusion.
Through the “Journey of Possibility,” Kanyeyachukwu hopes to demonstrate that individuals on the autism spectrum possess extraordinary potential when given the opportunity and support to thrive.
As a key supporter of the initiative, Indomie will provide branded cycling kits and support materials for cyclists accompanying him throughout the route, alongside financial support and brand activations at designated stops along the journey.
These engagements will include community interactions aimed at educating the public, encouraging dialogue, and fostering broader participation in autism advocacy.
To ensure the young cyclist’s safety and well-being throughout the expedition, a dedicated safety, medical, and logistics team will accompany the ride.
Host communities along the route are also expected to organise welcome receptions and awareness activities as the team passes through their cities.
The journey will culminate in a celebratory reception in Lagos, bringing together supporters, advocates, community leaders, and partners to mark the completion of the ride and reinforce the call for greater awareness and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum.
Through initiatives like the Indomie Heroes Awards and its support for the “Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye,” Indomie continues to champion young Nigerians whose courage, determination, and achievements demonstrate the limitless possibilities that emerge when children are empowered to pursue their dreams.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed government backing for the Nigerian media’s evidence-led push against Big Tech’s anti-competitive practices, content scraping for AI, and economic pressures like high tariffs threatening press survival.
Tinubu
Speaking at an interfaith dinner with the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) delegation at the State House on Friday, Tinubu called the press an “indispensable partner” in fostering economic stability, press freedom, and social cohesion.
He promised to tackle “digital cannibalisation” and review the tariff exemption list to zero-rate media essentials like newsprint, plates, chemicals, and broadcast equipment—currently hit with 5-10% duties—mirroring exemptions for educational materials.
“You have the government’s full support, because we know how important your work is to the sustenance of democracy,” Tinubu assured leaders including NPO President Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Vanguard), Sam Amuka (THISDAY/ARISE), Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Dr John Momoh (Channels TV), and heads of NPAN, NGE, GOCOP, NUJ, and NTA.
NPAN Deputy President Frank Aigbogun, speaking for NPO, accused Big Tech firms like Meta and Google of breaching paywalls to train AI models, costing local media 70% of revenue—hundreds of millions of dollars—plus jobs. He urged directing the FCCPC to probe these issues.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris noted ongoing government engagement with Big Tech: “We will not allow anybody to come here, reap from our economy, and go away without giving back.” Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior aides attended.
The pledge follows NPO’s January letter highlighting existential threats from Big Tech to Nigerian media.
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