E-Business
ITSSP Decries Govt’s Cold-feet Towards IT Security Lapses
Information technology experts are angry with the manner, especially, the Federal Government handles issues related to IT security in the country, as the trend at the global level remains worrisome.
The experts under the umbrella of Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), the Infotech security group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) at its inaugural roundtable conference, emphasized that the government, apart from getting its policy sets right, must eschew nepotism, engage professionals with the right tools and review the educational curriculum, as basic steps to address the challenges.
Apparently, the experts bemoaned the lukewarm attitude in government in spite the escalating IT security breaches.
Notable breached in 2014 include the eBay, which affected about 145 million members; Michaels Stores which reported that 2.6 million payment card numbers and expiration dates and 400,000 at Aaron Brothers could have been obtained in an attack; Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services where the server hosting names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers on roughly 1.3 million people were attacked; and the latest being Sony Corporation where over 77 million playstation network users where affected, spanning an attack that started in 2011.
“In Nigeria, such cases,” according to Wilfred Mamah, a representative of Accenture, “are not even reported for fear of ‘reputational lose’, but the truth is that companies, especially banks are losing a lot’.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rogba Adeoye, president of ITSSP and a fellow of NCS, said, even the financial sector is much more abreast and ahead of the public sector in terms of data security; because they are safeguarding their investments.
“It ought not to be. Our discussion is basically on the policy thrust that concerns data or information security in the country. In the government of Obasanjo there was a little hype about the national identity card. It failed woefully. Today, the similar experience is been witnessed with INEC’s PVC; NCC’s SIM registration.
“So, do we continue to just take the calamity as they come and go? However, we have many pluses which can be attributed to the professionals. The economic coordinating minister told the country that we have saved N160bn following the singular act of moving the payroll of government to e-platform. Today, there is something called EMV coiled from Euro, MasterCard and Visa collaboration. In other words, our chip and pin cards are even more secured that the slide cards used in places like USA.
“We want to hear from our people like NITDA; what are they doing as a framework to drive the security aspects of government’s IT projects. While the private sector has the Chief Information Security Officers, I don’t know the one responsible in Nigeria”, he said.
Adeoye regretted that the professionals represented by the Computer Professionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN), were being neglected by the government during the articulation ad execution of IT related projects by the government.
“Government is guilty of not seeking CPN’s input in the recruitment of IT managers in its various agencies. Tribalism and ethnicity are still the orders of the day in the recruitment processes and not really professional competencies and efficiencies. These have to stop for us to move forward as a nation. All agencies of the government like INEC, I can’t say if the chief director of IT is an IT expert; even the director at the Presidency or NITDA. The only time I can be sure is when the person’s name appears in the CPN’s list. That is what the CPN Act says.
On his part, Mr Chris Uwaje, the past president of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), said that information technology security lapses in the country should be a concern to all
He said, “Of course, as the past president of ITAN and ISPON, we are deeply concerned with respect to how we can position Nigeria into a very competitive and secured environment, especially within the content of information technology development in Nigeria.
“Riding on this premise of concern, indeed, the professionals are not just concerned, we are involved in engaging in the domain; we are really going to ask, ‘what are we securing?’”.
Going by the constitutional norms of Nigeria, within the Article 33 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), the Government is expected to secure the lives and property within the sovereignty.
Nodding in agreement, Uwaje said, “Within that mandate, automatically, IT systems and professionals have a lot of works to do. Now, we are talking about, ‘what tools do you need to secure them?’ When we look at the trends, we will start to appreciate the enormity of the challenges before us. We are also looking at domain security, because if you want to appreciate the network ties in the world: be it in aural, image, symbol, aesthetics, compacted in digital form or analogue or indeed, in future, in quantum form; because the world is moving from digital competition to quantum computing. All this things should be looked at wholistically, so that we can move forward.
Significantly, if you look at the power of security in a nation, government takes a chunk of that responsibility. If you can secure the information circle within your government; because that is the root that gives life to the society, then, you will be able to secure the economy for the people; secure importation, exportation, etc.
“This is because government gives life to banks, education, indeed, every institution through licencing. I want to believe that government has done well by ensuring that we have a policy on National Information Communication Technology. It has done well in recognizing the enormity of the challenges by ensuring that professionals in the field should have significant role to play by the passage of the CPN Act. This Act must be followed thoroughly to ensure that we have a role to play.
“My concern is that we need to start building, not just professionals, rather information security champions. These champions might, probably, not just be professionals themselves, rather friends of the professionals. They could be investors, philanthropists, who would say ‘we want to secure the government environment’, we want to make sure that the professionals are funded’, ‘we want to sure there are commensurate tools to enable them become more productive and performs. Thus, we should be able to have patrons of information technology security system professionals. We need to articulate how to reach out to them to ensure the voice of our country is heard at the global level”.
The professionals also want Government to address issues such as capacity building; infrastructural development and management; institutional framework; financial content and risk management analysis, as the judiciary must be abreast of the contemporary issues on IT domain.
At this juncture, Jide Awe, chairman, Publicity, Events and Trade Services Committee, said that the roundtable is long over-due, because the trends at the international front should tell everyone that information security is becoming quiet sever.
“The Sony issue is one among them. The hackers are even threatening that they are still going to do some other things. That is a very sophisticated environment, still, it tells us that we should be prepared. We are talking about the achievements we have had at the online platforms like the cashless programme. However, there are issues that if they come up now our people will desert such platforms. These are new opportunities, developments with new challenges. It is very important that proffer solutions and think ahead.
“Just like Mr Uwaje has alluded to it; we should understand that information or data security is about national security. We are depending on our ATMs, PoS, and other e-payment channels. He mentioned government too as taking the large part of the pie; for most of us that are not directly interfacing with the government rather with the financial sector and we know that it is going to be a severe damage should we do not have water-tight security measures.
“One of the areas I think we should look at, even though the first lady has tried to do something about it: the Child Online Protection (COP). I believe ITSSP can come up with policies frameworks; when you talk about information security, NITDA needs to be on alert too.
“Also, what is our culture, in terms of information security? How can we get our IT priorities right: enterprise development, local contents, software and other areas begging for attention.
To Dr. Niran Oyekale, chairman/ CEO, Commit Technology & Consult, foundation matters a lot.
He said, “We have to look at IT as a global issue, but the manner we have been going about it in Nigeria has been sort of localization. Every problem in the IT domain should not be viewed as just a local concern. I want to re-emphasis that the problems of IT require global solutions.
In his contribution, Dr. Akinseye Damilola, chairman, NCS Lagos Chapter, said, “If we look at IT for development three components are basically involved: technology, services and policies. As long as we put these items into use, there is need for us to have solid regulatory framework, which brings us to politics and policies of government. If we look at the recent happenings like in Australia, IT was deeply involved.
“The whole thing is that they even used the media to communicate. The IT security in that environment surpasses what we have in Nigeria; look at the happenings in Pakistan, six terrorists were communicating with their mastermind somewhere. And then, IT was seriously involved. The issue is that back home, we do not have solid regulatory framework and that has been a serious concern.
“The judiciary cannot be exonerated too. As we speak, if you take a case on IT to court, you will be having some difficulties, because somebody will tell you that the laws are not there to checkmate the issues. Internationally, some Nigerians go to do some e-business; they feel comfortable running back because when they get here they have safe haven. The laws are there and you can be easily be dealt with, but here it is still not enough. We must ensure the laws are right, if we are serious about having security in place. We implore the government to look at that critically”, he said.
By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, Foodstuff Store
Nigeria’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, faces a critical crossroads. While employing a staggering 40% of the population and holding over 84 million hectares of arable land, the industry is hobbled by deep-seated challenges. Low productivity, a fragmented supply chain, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to financial services are just a few of the hurdles that prevent the sector from reaching its full potential. Coupled with the unpredictable and severe shocks of climate change—from prolonged droughts to devastating floods—these issues threaten the food security of a rapidly growing population.
Diana Tenebe
To truly transform this vital sector, a new approach is needed, one that moves beyond traditional methods and embraces the power of technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a futuristic buzzword; it is the imperative for Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. AI holds the key to unlocking higher yields, building resilience, and fostering an inclusive and sustainable food system that can feed a nation and drive economic growth.
The most immediate impact of AI is in the area of precision farming. By integrating AI with technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, farmers can gain an unprecedented understanding of their land. AI-powered systems can analyse real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and plant health, providing actionable insights for targeted interventions. For instance, smart irrigation systems can optimize water usage, a critical resource in a country facing increasing water scarcity. AI-enabled drones can survey vast farmlands in minutes, identifying early signs of pests or disease and allowing for precise application of pesticides, reducing chemical use and cost. Early trials of these technologies in Nigeria have already demonstrated significant gains, with some reports showing a remarkable 60-70% increase in crop yields.
Climate adaptation is another area where AI’s role is indispensable. Nigeria’s farmers are on the front lines of climate change, enduring erratic rainfall and extreme weather events. AI can provide a shield against this volatility. By analyzing historical weather data and real-time forecasts, AI models can offer accurate, localized predictions. This allows farmers to proactively adjust their planting schedules, select climate-resilient crop varieties, and plan for potential risks, effectively mitigating the devastating impact of droughts and floods.
The economic benefits extend far beyond the farm gate. A significant portion of Nigeria’s agricultural produce is lost due to an inefficient and fragmented supply chain. AI can streamline logistics, optimize transportation routes, and enhance inventory management. By reducing spoilage and waste, AI ensures that more of what is harvested reaches the market, thereby boosting the incomes of farmers and providing a more stable supply of food for consumers. The success of Nigerian agritech companies like Crop2Cash, which has reportedly helped over 500,000 farmers increase their income by up to 70%, demonstrates the tangible economic impact of these technologies.
AI is a powerful tool for promoting financial inclusion and education. Millions of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigerian agriculture, are often excluded from formal financial systems due to a lack of collateral and credit history. AI-driven fintech solutions can bridge this gap by assessing creditworthiness using alternative data, making it easier for farmers to access the loans and insurance they need to scale their operations. AI-powered mobile apps and chatbots can also serve as virtual extension agents, providing personalized advice on best farming practices, pest control, and crop management, democratizing knowledge and empowering farmers to make better decisions.
Despite this immense potential, the journey towards widespread AI adoption is not without its hurdles. High upfront costs for AI-enabled equipment, a general lack of understanding and experience with these tools, and a preference for traditional methods are all significant barriers. Furthermore, infrastructural gaps, including poor roads and inadequate storage facilities, hinder the seamless implementation of these technologies. Data availability and computational capacity are also key challenges that need to be addressed.
However, the Nigerian government and a burgeoning ecosystem of agritech startups are already paving the way forward. The government’s vision is articulated in initiatives like the National AI Strategy, which aims to establish AI research centers and support R&D. Programs such as the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the NITDA AI Developers Group are building the necessary skills among entrepreneurs and farmers. Strategic partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and innovative startups are creating localized solutions that are tailored to the unique conditions of Nigerian agriculture.
Ultimately, AI is not a luxury but an imperative for Nigeria to unlock its agricultural potential. Its successful integration will transform the role of the farmer from a manual laborer to a strategic planner and overseer of a smart, efficient, and sustainable food system.
By investing in infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and prioritizing education and capacity building, Nigeria can harness the power of AI to feed its people, drive economic prosperity, and secure its place as a leader in the African agricultural revolution.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced new restrictions for users accessing its self-service modification portal, introducing tighter security controls that may lock users out if not properly followed.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dr Kayode Adegoke, head of the Commission’s Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC, the agency revealed that self-service accounts are now restricted to the specific browser and device originally used during account registration.
“Your self-service account is uniquely tied to the browser and device used during registration. Access to your account is therefore limited to that specific browser on that particular device,” the statement reads.
The Commission explained that the changes are part of broader efforts to enhance data protection and preserve the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system.
NIMC warned users that attempting to log in with a different browser or device may trigger access issues. “Additionally, clearing a browser’s cache may reset its identity, which could also result in the user being locked out.
“If this occurs, the account will require an unlinking process to regain access,” it added.
To further tighten access control, NIMC also announced a limit on the number of unlock attempts permitted per account.
“Once your browser and device are locked, you are permitted a maximum of five unlock attempt requests. Please be advised that no further requests will be processed after this limit is exceeded,” the Commission stated.
These new rules come as part of ongoing reforms in the NIN service delivery framework, including a recent 75 per cent increase in the cost of correcting a date of birth on the NIN database, from N16,340 to N28,574.
Federal government has launched a groundbreaking e-visa application platform aimed at curbing identity fraud and eliminating the influence of unauthorized agents in the visa processing system.
The new platform, unveiled by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), is designed to streamline visa applications, enhance security, and ensure a transparent, user-friendly process for both citizens and international visitors.
The initiative, announced on Wednesday, comes in response to growing concerns over fraudulent activities in visa applications, including document forgery and exploitation by unlicensed agents.
The platform integrates advanced identity verification technologies, leveraging the National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to authenticate applicants.
This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and restore trust in its immigration processes.Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, emphasized the platform’s role in modernizing Nigeria’s visa system.
“This is a significant step toward eliminating fraud and ensuring that only verified individuals can apply for visas. The days of middlemen exploiting applicants are over,” Nandap stated.
She added that the platform would provide a seamless experience, allowing applicants to submit documents, track their applications, and receive real-time updates from anywhere in the world.
The e-visa platform, accessible via the NIS website, incorporates biometric authentication and real-time data cross-referencing with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
This ensures that all applicants are verified against Nigeria’s national database, significantly reducing the risk of identity theft.
Additionally, the platform eliminates the need for physical submissions at embassies or consulates, cutting down on bureaucratic delays and reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.
The launch has been met with mixed reactions. While many have praised the government’s efforts to modernize and secure the visa process, some applicants have expressed concerns about accessibility, particularly for those in rural areas with limited internet access.
The NIS has responded by announcing plans to establish support centers across the country to assist applicants with the online process.
The platform’s introduction follows reports of widespread visa fraud, with a 2023 report claiming that Nigerian visa applications were being rejected abroad due to suspicions of forged documents.
The new system aims to address these issues by centralizing and digitizing the application process, making it harder for unauthorized agents to operate.
The Federal Government has also partnered with private tech firms to ensure the platform’s cybersecurity and scalability.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, the system is expected to process over 500,000 visa applications annually, boosting Nigeria’s tourism and business sectors by making the country more accessible to legitimate travelers.
e scammers,” the statement added.
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