E-Business
ISPON Urges MDAs to Prioritise Indigenous Software

Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) has harped on the need to implement the Presidential Executive Orders, as means to develop the software industry in Nigeria.

ISPON members at the event
This is the unanimous view of participants at ISPON’s Roundtable on the ‘Future of Software in Nigeria’; where the practitioners stressed need to implement the Presidential Executive Orders series that started in May 2017 with Numbers E01, E02; E03 and subsequently EO4, EO5 etc, so as to improve local content in software applications in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government of Nigeria.
ISPON is the industry professional body for indigenous software developers and practitioners in Nigeria, established in 1999 with the aim of creating an enabling environment for local content developers.
The Institute has been in the forefront of championing the advocacy for the application and utilisation of locally developed software in order to boost our economy, GDP and give Nigeria an alternative to oil as a revenue earner.
In his opening remarks at the roundtable held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at TheNest, Yaba, Lagos State, Dr. Yele Okeremi, president of ISPON, said the roundtable was convened to unmask the miseries around the software industry in Nigeria.
According to him, embracing indigenous software in the deployment of critical government database and projects is one critical way to avoid impending ‘digital imperialism.
He urged Nigerian government officials not to overlook the lurking global cyberwar where software contains the footprints of any nation.
Dr. Okeremi wondered why nearly 60 years Nigeria is still preferred to it “as a country with a lot of potentials. When shall these materialise?”
“At a point we were doing well in agriculture. But when oil was discovered, probably we became rich and relaxed. Now the price of oil had ditched; the environmental degradation has become unbearable.
“Aside that, oil is becoming old-fashioned. It has now dawned on us that Nigeria, perhaps, is not very rich.
“Therefore, countries like Singapore; etc are doing very well without oil and such natural resources. We need to tap into the intellectual property and human resource we have to become great. This is not the time to play politics if we want to remain relevant as a great country, in the next 15 years.
“I am saying this because around 2013 Nigeria started showing up in the global map for innovation. Why? There were deliberate policies to support software industry. That is why we are asking the MDAs to ensure strict implementation of the Executive Orders that give priority to local software”.
The ISPON President also highlighted that while the country is referred to as haven for Fintechs; “investors are coming in their numbers, startups are raising funds. But there is urgent need to rethink our strategy as a nation”.
“Nigeria should have been known as leader in oil & gas technology, but we choose to make laws – local content- thereby asking permission to enter the kitchen in a house ‘we’ built and ‘own’”, he lamented.
“We are sourcing (software) engineers from different countries. Why? We have the human capacity but lacking the interest to harness the potentials.
“Technology has two areas – software and hardware. Until we can boost of having people with the IP to control relevant industries we might be playing to the gallery.
“China has come out to say all foreign hardware and applications should be trashed. Russia has also said that smartphones selling in its market will come preloaded with Russian apps.
“We might be remotely switched off as a nation. It is better to not only consume but produce ourselves and outsource”, he said.
Need for software houses
In his contribution during a panel session, Mr. Pius Okigbo Jr, former president of ISPON, believes the country must deliberately support the younger generation of software developers as means to build software houses focused on solving local needs.
To actualise this, he said there must be change of mind-set among civil and public servants, especially with regards implementing Presidential directives meant to empower local software developers.
Federal Government was emphasising on local participation in the execution of government contracts, thereby improving local content in national socio-economic development.
“We need to match words with action. The Government at Federal level directed all MDAs to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national software related projects. How have we faired so far?
“The intent was to maximise in-country capacity and capability in all contracts and transactions with software components, utilising Nigeria human and material resources in the planning and execution of Nigerian projects.
“Unfortunately, some people are not interested in working in that direction. This must stop if we are going to build an enduring and endearing future for the younger generation. We must build ‘software-future’ for the younger generation and it requires growing local by patronising indigenous software companies”.
Addressing the industry practitioner, Mr. Pius Okigbo. Jr. urged them to focus on solving local issues.
“For instance, there are about 700 hotels in Owerri, and the number in Enugu is growing too. A policy statement by the government to digitize the records of hotels in the state, it’ll lead someone to provide hotel management software to these hotels and open up a new business opportunity for the developer. We must look inward to grow and become global champions”, he charged.
Growing software industry by focusing on data
Mr. Emeka Okoye, chief semantic architect / knowledge engineer – CYMANTIKS Nigeria Limited, also drew the attention of participants to ‘data-economy’.
He said that future of software will dwell largely in ‘data territory’ as it has become strategic asset to companies and countries.
“I am confident that growing the software industry that is locally engineered and empowered would be beneficial to our country, generate wealth, stimulate inclusive growths in the domestic economy and reduce unemployment level. There are 20 million farmers in Nigeria who needs to be empowered using software” he said.
Consumer education, branding and patience-capital
The Founder and Managing Director of Future Software Resources Limited, Nkemdilim Uwaje-Begho, pointed out that branding, continued consumer education and advocacies are key ways to expose different users to the efficacies of Nigerian software.
On the other hand, she said that the country’s education system must be rejigged such that the graduates can be equipped for future-work.
In her words, “We must intentionally build the software industry for the younger ones who on their own should have ‘patient-capital’ as against get-rich-quick syndrome.
“The Order directed that all procurement entities of the FGN shall give preference to Nigerian companies in the award of contracts for major projects in SET and where local expertise is not available, Nigerian companies shall enter into consortium with relevant foreign firms,” he said.
The roundtable moderated by the General Secretary (ISPON), Lanre Adelanwa, also had in attendance the Past President Global Network for Cyber Solution and past president and co-founder of ISPON, Chris Uwaje; Chairman, Education & Capacity Building Committee (ISPON) and co-founder of The Nest Innovation Park, Peter Ogedengbe; Executive Director at SystemSpecs, ‘DeRemi Atanda amongst others.
E-Business
Olatunji, NDPC Boss Calls for Integrated Strategy on Data Privacy, Cyber-Security

Dr Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has emphasized that data privacy, protection, and cybersecurity are “inseparable pillars of the digital age” and must be prioritized in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC
Dr. Olatunji made this assertion during his keynote address titled “Data Privacy and Protection: Nigeria’s Roadmap to Compliance” at the ongoing National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja.
He underscored that while data protection focuses on safeguarding personal information from misuse, cybersecurity protects the systems that store this data. “Data privacy is a basic human right that empowers individuals to control how their personal information is collected, used, and shared,” he said.
“Strong cybersecurity is essential to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data. Conversely, robust data protection frameworks help guide effective cybersecurity practices and foster a culture of privacy.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress, Dr. Olatunji noted the country’s recent Tier 3 (“establishing”) ranking in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index and its top position in Africa particularly in the area of data protection. He traced the evolution of Nigeria’s data protection journey, culminating in the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).
He described the NDP Act as the cornerstone of the country’s data governance framework. “The Act regulates the processing of personal data in Nigeria and guarantees the privacy rights of individuals,” he explained.
It applies to both local and international data controllers and processors handling data of Nigerian subjects and provides clear guidelines on data collection, storage, consent, data subject rights, and penalties for non-compliance.
Dr. Olatunji cited the recent ₦766.2 million fine imposed on MultiChoice for non-compliance as an example of the Commission’s enforcement capacity. He also revealed that the NDPC has generated over ₦2 billion in the last two years, with the data protection sector now valued at ₦16.2 billion alongside the creation of numerous job opportunities.
He further highlighted ecosystem growth, citing the certification of 455 Data Protection Officers (DPOs) under the National Certification Program and verification of 3,343 Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) by 2025.
While celebrating progress, Dr. Olatunji also pointed to key areas for improvement, including building institutional capacity, enhancing data literacy and workforce development, and strengthening collaboration across sectors.
In conclusion, he urged stakeholders to “embrace a culture of data protection, implement robust cybersecurity practices, and stay attuned to the evolving regulatory landscape” in order to reduce risks, protect assets, and support long-term national growth.
E-Business
Kaspersky Experts Warn of the Risks Hidden Behind QR Codes

In today’s digital world, QR codes are placed on almost everything – from yogurt containers and restaurant menus to museum exhibits, and even utility bills and parking lots.
People use them to open websites, download apps, collect loyalty programme points, make payments and transfer money, and even for charity donations. The accessible and practical technology is convenient for many, including cybercriminals, who have already rolled out a variety of QR-based schemes.
Kaspersky experts have identified the top security risks when scanning QR codes:
- Phishing and redirection to malicious sites: QR codes can direct users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Attackers can impersonate legitimate sites, such as banks or streaming services, and trick users into entering their credentials.
- Malware download: Some QR codes can trigger the download of malicious applications that compromise the security of the user’s device, especially if it is not protected against unauthorised installation.
- Payment fraud: During special events or sales periods like holiday sales, a fake QR code can redirect users to make payments to fraudulent accounts.
- Unsafe automatic connections: A QR code can also automatically connect the user to Wi-Fi networks controlled by cyber attackers, allowing them to intercept their communications.
“QR codes are a fertile ground for potential manipulation, especially as they appear in various everyday contexts such as receipts, flyers, and signage. Attackers have nearly endless possibilities to exploit them.
“As these codes have already become an integral part of our daily lives, it is essential for users to know how to use them safely and responsibly,” says Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel for META at Kaspersky.
In order to not fall for a scam when scanning a QR code, Kaspersky experts recommend:
- Verify the source: Scan QR codes only from trusted and known sources. Avoid scanning codes in public places that may have been tampered with.
- Check the URL: If you really need to scan a publicly available code, verify that the web address it directed you to is legitimate before taking any action on this website.
- Don’t share personal information: Avoid entering sensitive information if you’re not completely sure of the origin of the QR code.
- Protect your digital life: Install a cybersecurity solution with anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection, such as Kaspersky Premium, on all your devices; it will alert you to any danger timely.
E-Business
Firm Highlights Top Risks of Quantum Computing

Kaspersky is addressing one of the most debatable technological challenges of the coming decade: the rise of quantum computing and its potential impact on digital security.
In this context, experts have identified the main quantum threats that demand immediate action from the cybersecurity community.
As classical computers approach their physical limits, their performance growth is slowing — constraining progress in areas that depend on complex computation.
At the same time, quantum computers offer the potential to solve specific problems far faster than classical systems. For now, however, their practical use remains limited to narrow and experimental domains.
Nevertheless, experts estimate that we may see a fully fault-tolerant quantum computer within the next decade — a development that could unlock significant advances, but also unleash a new era of cybersecurity threats.
Supporting this urgency, Deloitte’s 2024 Global Future of Cyber Survey reports that 83% of organizations are already assessing or taking steps to address quantum computing risks, demonstrating growing awareness and proactive strategies in the private sector.
To better understand the scope of the evolving threat, Kaspersky has identified three of the most urgent quantum-related risks that demand action from the cybersecurity community:
The top three risks:
Quantum computers could be used to compromise the traditional encryption methods that currently protect data in countless digital systems — posing a direct threat to global cybersecurity infrastructures.
Threats include the interception and decoding of sensitive diplomatic, military, and financial communications, as well as the real-time decryption of private negotiations – something quantum systems could handle much faster than classical machines, turning secure conversations into open books.
- Store now, decrypt later: the key threat of the coming years
Threat actors are already harvesting encrypted data today, with the intention of decrypting it in the future once quantum capabilities advance. This “store now, decrypt later” tactic could expose sensitive information years after it was originally transmitted — including diplomatic exchanges, financial transactions, and private communications.
- Sabotage in blockchain and cryptocurrency
Blockchain networks are not immune to quantum threats. Bitcoin’s Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), which relies on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), is especially vulnerable.
Potential risks include forging digital signatures, which threatens Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies; attacks on ECDSA that secure crypto wallets; and tampering with blockchain transaction history, undermining trust and integrity.
- Quantum-resistant ransomware: a new front
Looking ahead, developers and operators of advanced ransomware may begin adopting post-quantum cryptography to protect their own malicious payloads. So-called “quantum-resistant” ransomware would be designed to resist decryption by both classical and quantum computers — potentially making recovery without paying a ransom nearly impossible.
At present, quantum computing does not offer a way to decrypt files locked by current ransomware. Data protection and recovery still rely on traditional security solutions and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, quantum researchers, and international organisations.
Building quantum-safe defenses
Quantum computers are not yet a direct threat — but by the time they are, it may be too late to respond. Transitioning to post-quantum cryptography will take years. Preparations must begin today.
The cybersecurity community, IT companies, and governments must coordinate to address the risks ahead. Policymakers should develop clear strategies to migrate to post-quantum algorithms. Businesses and researchers need to begin implementing new security standards now.
“The most critical risk lies not really in the future, but in the present: encrypted data with long-term value is already at risk from future decryption. The security decisions we make today will define the resilience of our digital infrastructure for decades.
“Governments, businesses, and infrastructure providers must begin adapting now, or risk systemic vulnerabilities that cannot be retroactively fixed,” states Sergey Lozhkin, Head of Kaspersky Global Research & Analysis Team for META and APAC.
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