E-Business
Minister of Science and Tech Calls for Implementation of EO5
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, minister of Science and Technology, has harped on the need to implement the Presidential Executive Order 5 (EO5).
Onu made the call on Monday in Lagos, during the Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the use of Nigerian software in the financial and banking sub-sector of the economy.
The roundtable was jointly organised by the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG).
He said that there was the need to implement the EO5, so as to improve local content in software applications in the country.
The Minister, represented by Prof. Gloria Elemo, director-general of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), spoke on the theme: “Adoption and Development of Local Content Technology as Growth Driver for the Nigerian Economy”.
Onu said that the Federal Government was emphasising on local participation in the execution of government contracts, thereby improving local content in national socio-economic development.
According to him, the Presidential Executive Orders series started in May 2017 with Numbers E01, E02; E03 and subsequently EO4, EO5 etc.
“The Executive Orders are with the resolve to reform the administrative and regulatory environment for both private and public sector players.
“Specifically, Executive Order No. 5 was signed by Mr President on February 2, 2018, with focus on the development of local content in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).
“Mr President directed all MDAs of government to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national security projects.
“This is with the intention to maximising the in-country capacity and capability in all contracts and transactions with SET components, utilising Nigeria human and material resources in the planning and execution of Nigerian projects.
“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 company shall enter into consortium with relevant foreign firms,” he said.
Onu said that specifically, NOTAP played an important role in the implementation of the order.
The minister said that NOTAP had been managing the consortium of firms that must be registered, in compliance with NOTAP Act 2004.
He said that NOTAP had been developing, maintaining and regularly updating the database of Nigerians with expertise in SET and other fields.
According to him, the agency consults with the relevant professional associations/bodies in SET and other fields, including Nigerians in Diaspora organisations.
“Currently, NOTAP is compiling the database of Nigerian experts in SET and other fields through access to a register of government-approved professional bodies and associations in the country and in the diaspora.
“I implore you all to register with NOTAP through your respective professional bodies so as to be recognised as professionals in your chosen fields, eligible and accredited to participate in the nation building.
“Remember that we have no other country to be called our own than Nigeria and it is the resultant of our collective efforts that can make our country great and an investment destination by the international investors.
“I will give my support to achieve the lofty objectives of the Executive Order Number 5 of Mr President in this endeavour.
“I am confident that it would be beneficial to our country, generate wealth, stimulate inclusive growths in the domestic economy and reduce unemployment level,” he said.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria has launched a new digital identity verification tool called the NIN Authentication (NINAuth) application.
The initiative, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to strengthen the country’s national digital identity management framework.
The launch builds upon Nigeria’s comprehensive unified digital identity system that has been transforming access to financial services and government programs.
The NINAuth application introduces several key features focused on data security and privacy.
The platform requires explicit user consent before sharing identity information for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, giving individuals greater control over their personal data.
The system provides seamless access to various government services, including SIM card registration, immigration applications, passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions.
The development follows significant investment in Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, including a $45.5 million support from the World Bank as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
As the official service for integration with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, NINAuth enables secure verification processes across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store for users of the National Identification Number (NIN).
The rollout represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to digitize government services and strengthen identity verification processes.
“NINAuth is a cutting-edge suite of services including web, API, and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.
“The platform introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”
The implementation supports the objectives of the recently established Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, which oversees the country’s digital identity initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of the NINAuth app and directed its use for verification and authentication across all MDAs.
The application provides a secure single sign-on solution for accessing government services and social protection programs while maintaining strict data privacy controls.
The centralized approach to digital identity management represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to modernizing government services.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has set in motion a machinery to checkmate the booming copyright piracy market in the country.
Copyright piracy is said to cost Nigeria an annual loss estimated at billions of naira.
Despite the absence of a coordinated or official statistics to gauge the quantum of loss, John Asein, director general, NCC, said as far back as 2019, Nigeria lost N918 trillion ($3 billion) annually to digital piracy.
The financial damages severely impact local businesses and innovation efforts.
The commission, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has started a project to develop strategies and tools to address the menace.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the WIPO project to address online copyright piracy in Nigeria, Asein said digital technologies have unlocked tremendous opportunities for the creative and innovation sectors.
The NCC boss said technology also poses serious challenges, including online piracy, which he said is growing rapidly.
He said: “Pirate sites continue to emerge rapidly, with statistics indicating a 6.7 per cent increase in user visits. A significant percentage of these users are students aged between 18 and 24, with social media and messaging platforms becoming major gateways for accessing pirated content.”
He added: “No industry is immune. The most affected sectors include television (43.6 per cent), publishing (27.5 per cent), film (12.9 per cent), music (7.0 per cent), and software (6.2 per cent).
“Far beyond mere statistics, the victims are no longer only foreign right owners. Many Nigerians in these sectors have also been bruised and their creative enterprises ruined.”
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has signed an international mail partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for improved delivery access to over 200 countries without middlemen.
Tolani Odeyemi, postmaster-general and chief executive officer of NIPOST, described the deal as a “major milestone” for the country’s logistics and postal sector.
In a statement on X on Monday, Odeyemi explained that the new agreement marks NIPOST’s first direct international airline partnership for several years.
“For a long time, NIPOST operated without any direct partnerships with international airlines, relying heavily on multiple third-party handlers,” the Postmaster-General stated. This often resulted in delays, higher costs, and uncertainty around the delivery of packages.”
She explained that under the new arrangement, KLM will directly handle all outbound international mail from Nigeria, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
“This translates to faster and more reliable delivery, reduced risk of loss or damage, lower handling charges, and access to over 200 countries through KLM’s global network,” the Postmaster-General stressed.
According to Odeyemi, NIPOST’s breakthrough came after it began settling long-standing debts owed to international carriers, a step she said was key to “rebuilding global trust” in Nigeria’s postal system.
She revealed that talks were also ongoing with Ethiopian Airlines to bolster regional and continental logistics, particularly on African and Eastern routes.
“Our goal is clear and unwavering: to connect Nigeria regionally and globally, efficiently, securely, and affordably,” Odeyemi asserted.
The NIPOST CEO described the development as a significant win for Nigerian businesses and small and medium-scale enterprises that rely on international shipping, stating, “You now benefit from quicker, more affordable international shipping, greater peace of mind with improved reliability, and new potential to reach and grow in global markets.”
Odeyemi commended the teams behind the scenes and pledged continued improvements in service delivery, adding that the deal signals a turning point for the agency.
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