E-Business
Microsoft Boosts Data Privacy Research with $35,000 Grant

Microsoft has assured of its continued effort to ensure strict compliance with the highest data protection and security standards worldwide for cloud services while espousing the socio-economic benefits that the accelerated adoption of cloud services will bring to Nigerian businesses and governmental agencies.
This disclosure is coming on the heels of the provision of $35,000 grant to the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) to advance research studies on the Gaps in Data Privacy and Security.
Following the U.S National Security Agency (NSA) PRISM/Snowden leakage saga where sensitive security information became public knowledge, governments and companies have become wary especially of entrusting private vital information to a third party.
To address disquiets such as this, Microsoft elected to fund an independent research by NIALS which will among others, focus on how concerns on data privacy, security of data, data sovereignty/ localization and management should be approached to ensure that these fundamental apprehensions do not slow down the adoption of cloud services in Nigeria.
This is especially so with government’s realisation of the importance of cloud computing as a means of enhancing e-government service across all sectors and particularly in the areas of health, agriculture and education.
For the purpose of the research, the focus will basically be on the SMB/SME and education sectors considering that cloud computing can potentially enable SMEs significantly boost the nation’s economic growth.
While the SMB/SME sector currently accounts for 40% of the nation’s GDP, its use of ICT is currently put at as low as 30%.
This ICT usage can however be accelerated using the cloud given its ubiquitousness, accessibility from anywhere and any device including older PCs with limited computing power, ease of use, affordability and pay per use model.
A BCG study published in 2013 and a McKinsey study published in 2011 highlight the importance of SMEs being able to access affordable best-in-class tools such as public cloud services which foster innovation and significantly increase productivity.
Speaking on the software giant’s commitment to the penetration and development of ICT in the country, Kabelo Makwane, country managing director, Microsoft Nigeria, said the company has in its 14 years of operation in Nigeria directly and indirectly contributed in no small measure to the Government’s objective of creating jobs and wealth.
“Microsoft’s extensive programs for Academic Institutions via its Partners in Learning (PIL) program under which it also has the Worldwide Education and Innovative Teachers Forum, YouthSpark and programs on eLearning requirements for academia and students have been enabling the digitization of relevant educational content and information and classroom experience on mobile devices and social media leveraging cloud computing”, he also said.
Professor Adedeji O. Adekunle, Director-General of NIALS stated that the Microsoft-funded research by NIALS will frame the key legal and policy issues that are critical enablers of cloud computing.
This includes the right legal and policy environment to support and mandate improved broadband speeds amongst others to grow cloud services which is critical as low bandwidth and slow connectivity hinder cloud adoption.
Professor Adekunle further, said that, this research will define and identify the transformation opportunity created by cloud computing including the accelerated rollout of e-government services across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and highlight how cloud computing is being broadly adopted in developed markets.
Speaking on the research, Kabelo said this independent research which will be publicly available on NIALS’ and Microsoft’s websites amongst others will add to the body of knowledge on Gaps in Data Privacy and Security, the socio-economic benefits of accelerated adoption of cloud services, the potential of cloud computing services to transform and accelerate the growth of SMEs and the Education Sector in Nigeria and ultimately the Nigerian economy.
He hopes that this research will additionally promote independent and objective research on key technology and policy issues and trends, public awareness of important IT trends such as cloud computing and related issues and greater understanding of the IT industry.
He also stated that Microsoft and NIALS are excited about this strategic partnership which they both consider a great opportunity for their organisations and one they are keen to further extend. The partnership is important to Microsoft as a thought leader on key technology and policy issues and developments including cloud computing.
E-Business
NDPC Commits to Balancing Data Privacy, Protection Information

Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has expressed its commitment to balance information around data privacy and protection.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, stated this in Abuja, at the National Data Privacy Summit with the theme, “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies,” organised by the commission.
Olatunji said the NDPC, at the moment, was looking at balancing information around data privacy and protection.
“What we are doing is just to look at how to balance information around privacy and protection, which is really important, because as we are innovating, at the same time, we have to consider issues around privacy and protection,” he stated.
He added that the commission has been very bold in taking risks that would bring about growth.
“Our starting point is growing at a very alarming rate, and we are not afraid of anything. We can take risks. And that is why a lot is happening in Nigeria, and this is the level of clarity,” he explained.
In his address, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stated that Internet of Things holds promise for Nigeria’s economy.
The EVC, who was represented by Abraham Oshadami, executive commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), noted that, “in an era in which digital assets, Internet of Things, future digital computing and other transformative technologies are key, and both a cornerstone of building trust for the adoption and a prerequisite for sustainable progress.
“Emerging technologies hold immense promise for Nigeria’s grand economy, but they also introduce complex risks to personal and individual rights.
“So, balancing innovation through post-ethical safeguards and public trust is the first step to ensuring that global digital advancement benefits all Nigerians without compromising their privacy or their security,” he added.
“As we just heard from the Nigeria Police, telecom operators have a vast amount of sensitive historical information daily, including connectivity apps and collaboration on privacy, security, and number protection, both to their and their inheritors,” he said.
Dr. Bako Shurkuk, commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Plateau State, who represented Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, said, emerging technologies can be harnessed to attain sustainable growth.
E-Business
OADC Lagos Reinforces Commitment to Local Data Hosting and Digital Transformation @ NDPC’s National Privacy Week Summit

Open Access Data Centres (OADC) Lagos has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s data protection and digital transformation agenda through its sponsorship and active participation in the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) National Privacy Week Summit.

The National Privacy Week Summit, organised by the NDPC, convened policymakers, regulators, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to promote data privacy awareness, strengthen compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), and advance conversations around data security, sovereignty, and responsible data governance.
As a sponsor of the event, OADC Lagos demonstrated its continued support for the Federal Government’s drive toward local data hosting and data domiciliation, which are increasingly critical to safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing regulatory compliance, and building trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Through its carrier-neutral, Tier III Design certified data centre in Lekki, Lagos, OADC provides secure, resilient, and compliant infrastructure that enables government institutions and private sector organisations to host and manage data locally while meeting international best practices.
Commenting on the engagement, Adesola Adesugba, Country Marketing Manager, Open Access Data Centres Nigeria, said: “We are proud to have supported the Nigeria Data Protection Commission through the National Privacy Week Summit and to stand alongside the government in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation objectives.
“Strengthening local data hosting and domiciliation is fundamental to national data sovereignty, improved security, and sustainable digital growth, and OADC Lagos remains committed to enabling this future.”
OADC’s participation at National Privacy Week Summit underscores its role as a trusted digital infrastructure partner to government and enterprise, supporting secure cloud connectivity, regulatory compliance, and the long-term development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Open Access Data Centres is part of the WIOCC Group and operates open-access, world-class data centres across Africa, serving cloud providers, network operators, enterprises, and public sector institutions.
E-Business
Kaspersky Launches OT Calculator to Align Cybersecurity Investments with Business Goals

Kaspersky’s new online tool has been specially developed for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs associated with insufficient operational technology (OT) security.

By offering detailed financial forecasts, the calculator empowers senior management to make well-informed decisions regarding security investments.
Industrial organisations increasingly depend on interconnected systems, elevating cybersecurity to a critical factor in business resilience and profitability.
According to VDC Research, over 60% of industrial companies last year reported that cybersecurity breaches had led to significant costs. Despite this, a persistent disconnect remains between security teams and executive leadership as security professionals focus on minimising risk, while executives must balance cybersecurity concerns with broader business objectives. This misalignment often results in competing priorities and underfunded security initiatives.
To bridge this gap, Kaspersky has launched the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator, an innovative online tool designed specifically for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs of inadequate operational technology (OT) security¹.
The primary aim of this tool is to translate cyber risks into tangible financial metrics and support strategic discussions around priorities and budget allocation. By entering details such as their sector, sub-sector, region, company size, breach history, and existing cybersecurity measures, organisations can estimate their potential cost savings and receive customised, actionable recommendations.
The calculator benchmarks performance against industry peers and highlights the company’s position within the current threat landscape.
“We believe this calculator is a powerful resource for transforming complex cyber risk data into straightforward financial insights. It enables OT leaders, security professionals, and executive teams to develop clear, data-driven business cases and recognise the value of cybersecurity investments. With actionable guidance, it promotes a comprehensive approach to resource management and strengthens overall organisational resilience,” comments Andrey Strelkov, Head of Industrial Cybersecurity Product line at Kaspersky.
E-Financial3 days agoAccidental Billionaire Opts for Jail Instead of Returning Money Credited Him by Mistake
News3 days agoUS Set to Deport 79 Nigerians on Criminal List
Telecom3 days agoAirtel Nigeria Commits to Boosting Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
News3 days agoUngoverned AI is Quietly Scaling Risk in Nigeria – Dr. Naiho
E-Financial3 days agoSEC Warns of Potential Ponzi-style Risks in AURUM BOT, ModMount
News2 days agoNew Study Reveals How Moniepoint Powers Nigeria’s Downstream Oil Sector with Same-Day Settlements and Working Capital Boost
E-Business2 days agoOADC Lagos Reinforces Commitment to Local Data Hosting and Digital Transformation @ NDPC’s National Privacy Week Summit
Telecom3 days agoGoogle, African Partners Launch WAXAL to Empower 100m Africans in AI Era



















