General News
Nigeria Lacks Principles in IT Application-Asolo
Peter Asolo is chief executive officer, PetVini Global Concept Limited, a mobile payment solution provider, highly dependable in deployment of cross-border remittances and m-commerce solutions.
Asolo had worked as an assistant general manager at GistMe Communications limited, a sister company of Sage Metrix Company of USA where he was in charge of the Mobile Payment and e-Solution deployments to banks.
He later moved to FinBank as the product manager, FlashmeCash, the pioneer mobile banking/payment product in Nigeria.
Asolo spoke to peter ugwu highlighting that information technologies appear ubiquitous in Nigeria, however, the applications have foundational challenges.
Growing Figures on Technology Inclusion and Effects on the Society
The truth is that all those indices cannot be verified as the actual living standard and access to electricity shows otherwise.
When it comes to actual figures you will find out, we are not there. When it comes to technology, we are backward compared to some other African countries, which are even smaller compared to Nigeria.
I don’t just talk, I base my argument based on existing facts. If you are talking of technology growth, what are the yardsticks to measure the level of compliance or inclusion?
For instance, in the area of health or energy, in reality technology cannot be positive or qualitative without energy, because you need electricity to power them.
If we carry out a brief comparison between Nigeria and Egypt; as at 2009 CIA’s world fact book reported the following; population; Nigeria 149,229,090 and Egypt 83,082,869 but she is doing so much than us.
The energy oil consumption (barrel/day) was 697,000 while for Nigeria it was 286,000, but our daily oil production was 2,169,000 compared to Egypt’s 630,600, Nigeria’s index might have dropped drastically. This explains for the difference in GDP for both countries
.
So while Egypt was having a GDP of $444,800,000,000 Nigeria was only able to produce GDP of $336,200,000,000 when you compare Nigeria to Egypt, she is quite better than Nigeria. So, if the country with a population of less than 85 million people has more energy than Nigeria with close to 160 million people, where do we go from here?
Even Ghana, you will find out that they are doing better than us compared to their par capital usage or consumption of energy.
So, in reality, when you say technology, I have to ask this important question: what is technology? It is the automation of any type of manual process.
Recently, I asked myself as a technologist, are we doing well? We are starting to do a little, but the aggressiveness, hunger and thirst for a robust technology sector is still lacking.
Most of the technologies here are procured abroad, whereas some of the companies that are doing this type of businesses in other countries are indigenous.
Recently, a Ghanaian was celebrated in US, not because he contributed positively alone to the development of technology in US, but his home-country felt the impact.
He was ranked among the best five innovators in the world. His technology was even ahead of people like Google, Apple, et cetera.
I will not be surprised that Nigeria will go and hire that man tomorrow to come and implement his technology in Nigeria, whereas the same type of technology US is celebrating this man for was proposed here when I was working with GistMe Communication.
Emergency Rule in some States and Technology Adoption
It is a very big issue you have raised. My first allegiance as a Nigerian is to this country. The reality here is this: using technology to tackle terrorism is what every other country in the world is doing and it is paying off.
That is why the security challenges are minimized or handled promptly.
That is why the Boston bombing that killed not more than three people was broadcast all over the world.
In some suburbs of Nigeria, more than 20 people may die and no newspaper will mention it because of several challenges associated in covering such places.
There are several news you do not hear, because those remote areas are not covered by a reporter and to greater extent no technological Arial Radar to supervise what goes on there.
But America has been able to identify at any point in time what is a security risk and tackle it.
They have used combined security resources to do so; based on this you can say that technology is the foundation upon which any security infringement protection can be built on.
Sometimes I wonder why we overlooked such foundational issue in Nigeria; I keep telling people, you can never build a house without a foundation or you face the risks; when the challenges come the house goes under.
At the end of the day you have not achieved anything.
Nigeria’s Technological Foundation
It is only in Nigeria I hear “Our population is about.” We are not even sure of the actual figure of the country’s population, which is fundamental. When you talk about security, are you narrowing it down to crime only?
Crime is not the only security challenge we have. There is food security, health, education, etc., are people secured in these areas.
Population figure aids you in planning. It cannot be done in mere assumption. Ask development agencies in the country the data they use in planning.
It is only in Nigeria they will keep telling you, “about” or “estimated population”. In reality, this is not supposed to be so.
According to the registration act of Nigeria birth and death records are mandatory, but do we have them? For you not to register a baby at birth or the dead is a crime in Nigeria there is a law that say that, how many people are aware?.
We have to decide who will do the registration, the centres, how they should be designed, how to capture the data, the technology we need (which should be locally developed) and not to wait till 10 years before we can count how many we are. There are several issues untreated as far as this is concerned.
Most time, we just want to put programmes on ground and make noise to gather public applauses.
So, past and present governments have been building on nothing. Now, we want to combat Boko Haram with arms and ammunitions.
As a technologist I would ask, you gave guns to the army or police to chase after who? The police keep telling us they are not equipped, if they were equipped to arrest who? How do you even identify the culprit?
One way to tackle that is to identify who is a Nigerian first. Why is it not possible for me to travel to America and get mixed up with the crowed? It is because they know who an American is. Anytime you have a cause to face the law enforcement agencies, you cannot lie, your bio-data is there; that is the primary purpose of technology.
The day you are born, you are registered, the data bank is never corrupt, it is never mortgaged and never compromised, and no system or government will do away with it.
If I claim to be an American they will ask for my social security number which is your citizenship ID.
Immediately you issue the number they go to the databank and cross-check. If the ID’s code, or your DNA mismatch with the evidence you presented, then you are culpable and immediately you may face deportation to wherever you came from.
In Nigeria, we do not have that. Those are foundational issues. We are supposed to have a biometric record of Nigerians that cannot be mismatched or counterfeited.
The technology for enumerating, issuing or managing this part of the national cause is obtainable within the country, but somebody could even suggest to the National Population Commission to go after big names or foreign companies.
For instance, there is an issue with the former national identity card project; nobody knew what really happened or ready to talk about what transpired. Meanwhile, a reliable source (consultant) to the Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) did say that the foreign company engaged to do the project fell out with the Commission, so they shutdown the server and all the data where either manipulated or destroyed. So we are back to square one.
Mistakes that Ruined the First National ID card Project
I must be sincere with you, I know MasterCard very well. They are known in the world for payment card manufacturing and issuance.
You will be surprised that even MasterCard itself is not a processor. MasterCard, for all I know is not a payment processor. It is a payment scheme.
For instance, we have Interswitch’s Verve Card, which is a brand for Interswitch card.
Despite the fact that Interswitch is a processor, Interswitch has just signed up to process for Union cards.
So, Interswitch as a switch is a processor of transactions, where its Verve card is just a brand.
So, MasterCard is a brand for Master Card payment scheme, I do not see the integration or possibility between a population (National) Identity Card and a MasterCard, which is just a payment card.
As one who had worked as a mobile payment solution manager in a bank and launched into the economy an e-payment card, the Flash-Wallet I tell you categorically that the card is a chip pin card, just like MasterCard or Verve.
The people that carry those cards, the authenticity of their identities is as assumed or as submitted by the bank that recruited them.
So, I am yet to see on what basis MasterCard is going to be used as a national identity card when MasterCard as a company has no specialised means of verifying the authenticity of the card holder or otherwise.
Somebody was telling me that NIMC that is partnering MasterCard has database, so the question I asked was when was it obtained? I also sought to know, if it is a biometric databank and no satisfactory answer was given in view of that.
What we are seeing here is that MasterCard said they want to issue national ID to Nigerians, why the duplication? Why do we always like duplicating projects?
We have a National Population Commission (NPopC), why not use it as the data search or gathering Bureau and let there be a department that manages the issuance of identity cards.
For the sake of explanation, if there were verifiable and authentic data secured by the NPopC I do not need to approach the National Immigration Service (NIS) to go and take pictures, finger prints and profiling for me to get my Nigerian international passport.
All I need to do is apply for a passport, then the immigration service connects to the server of the NPopC, pull out who I am, do their verifications and confirmations, and then issue me with the passport.
In US, banks pay to have access to the Bureau of National Population, so that when you want to open an account, they know who you are.
To verify who you are takes less than two minutes. With that it will be difficult to elude the security agencies. That is why forensic investigation is not difficult to conduct over there; your hair-strings can be used to trace you.
When an American says I will track you down, he means it and he will be aided by the foundational database. Such technology helps America to detect that citizen A, B or C is the likely suspect of a particular crime.
When they have identified the culprit, then they will apply the weight of the media to finish the job. I do not see crime fighting using the media in Nigeria rather news reporting on crimes.
America would go online, state and national television, the radio and lavish everywhere with passport of a fugitive. In less than 24 hours, in most cases, the person is turned in.
So, it is not an automatic processes or mere talks. Today, we blame aliens as saboteurs used to perpetrate crime in the society, but who is an alien in Nigeria?
General News
Top 7 Reliable Virtual Cards for Running Ads in Nigeria

Meta Description: Tired of ad payment failures? Discover the most reliable virtual cards in Nigeria for running Facebook, Google, and TikTok ads without interruptions.
One of the biggest challenges digital marketers face in Nigeria today is finding a payment method that actually works for ad platforms.
Issues like frequent transaction failures, unexpected restrictions, and constantly changing bank policies can interrupt your campaigns at the worst possible time, making it hard to stay consistent.
That’s why many marketers are now turning to virtual cards, which offer a more stable, globally accepted way to handle online payments without the usual stress.
If you’re currently dealing with failed payments or need a more reliable way to run ads, this article will walk you through the most reliable virtual card options in Nigeria and help you choose what works best.
7 Best Virtual Cards You Can Use in Nigeria for Running Ads
Choosing the right virtual card for running ads in Nigeria isn’t just about availability; it’s about transaction success rate, global acceptance, funding speed, fees, and overall reliability.
To make things easier, the table below highlights how Cardtonic, Wallets Africa, CashBuddy, Snappypay, Pouchers, Bitmama, and Flip by Fluidcoins compare across key features that matter for running ads effectively.
| Platform | Best For | Price range | Supported Countries | Notable Features |
| Cardtonic | Reliable ad payments | $1.5-$5 (card creation) | Nigeria, Ghana (2+) | Easy card creation, quick funding, widely accepted |
| Wallets Africa | Basic virtual card use | $2-$5 (est.) | 10+ African countries | wallet + virtual card system |
| CashBuddy | Simple payments | $2.50 | Nigeria (primary) | straightforward card access, bill pay |
| Snappypay | Quick transactions | N/A | Nigeria & select regions | Fast setup, easy online spending |
| Pouchers | Flexible funding | $2 | Nigeria & limited global | Direct wallet to ads support |
| Bitmama | Crypto-based payments | Free issuance | Multiple countries (10+) | crypto funding + global spending |
| Flip by Fluidcoins | Fast crypto payments | $1.30 | Multiple Countries (10+) | Crypto payment focus |
1. Cardtonic:
Cardtonic is often regarded as one of the best virtual cards in Nigeria for running ads because it combines convenience, reliability, and ease of use in a way that suits both individuals and businesses.
When you’re paying for ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, or TikTok, one of the biggest concerns is whether your payment method will work smoothly without constant declines or interruptions. That is where Cardtonic comes in, as it gives users access to a virtual dollar card designed for international payments, making it a practical choice for ad spending.

What makes the platform even more appealing is that it also offers contactless cards, which let you make payments quickly and securely without swiping or inserting the card. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience for users who want fast transactions, whether online or at supported payment terminals.
What truly makes Cardtonic stand out is how it brings together accessibility, smooth funding, and reliable international payment support in one place.
So, if you are looking for a reliable platform for ad payments, Cardtonic is one option that clearly deserves a spot on the list.
2. Wallet Africa:
Wallets Africa is meant for users who want more than just a card to pay for ads. It works better as an all-in-one financial platform, which makes it useful for business owners, freelancers, and marketers who like managing payments from one place.

Beyond offering virtual cards, the platform is built around sending money, spending online, and handling digital transactions across Africa, so it feels broader than a tool meant for one single purpose.
That broader structure is really where Wallets Africa plays its role. For someone running ads regularly, it can be convenient to have a platform that supports both wallet functions and card payments instead of jumping between different apps.
It is less about being flashy and more about giving users a practical setup for online spending, especially when you want your ad payments to sit within a wider money management system.
3. Cashbuddy:
CashBuddy feels more like a platform for users who value simplicity and speed. Its offering goes beyond virtual cards into other digital payment services, but the virtual card side is positioned around secure dollar and naira card access for global payments.
That makes it useful for advertisers who want something straightforward for campaign payments without dealing with too much complexity.

Where CashBuddy plays its role best is in accessibility. It fits users who may not need an advanced financial ecosystem but just want a platform that helps them get a working card and handle international payments with less stress.
So while some platforms lean into broader wallet features or multicurrency tools, CashBuddy feels more like the practical option for getting started and keeping things easy to manage.
4. Snappypay:
Snappypay has a slightly different appeal because it presents itself strongly around smooth online payments and virtual dollar cards that can be used across many platforms.

That makes it a natural fit for people who run ads often and do not want a card that feels limited to only one or two use cases. The platform also combines its virtual cards with other digital payment services, which adds to the convenience for users already handling several online expenses at once.
What makes Snappypay useful in this list is that it feels built for everyday digital spending. If Wallets Africa comes across as more ecosystem-driven and CashBuddy feels more basic and direct, Snappypay sits in the middle as the platform for users who want a smoother, more flexible payment experience for ads, subscriptions, and other online transactions without overcomplicating the process.
5. Pouchers:
Pouchers is one of the more ad-friendly options here because it explicitly positions its virtual dollar card for payments on platforms like Meta and for running ads.
That makes its role in this list much clearer. Instead of leaving users to guess whether the card may work for ad spend, the platform directly presents that use case as one of its strengths, which gives it more relevance for marketers and business owners.
Another thing that makes Pouchers different is its multicurrency and stablecoin angle, which gives it a more modern, borderless feel compared with platforms that are built mainly around local wallet operations.
So, for users whose work already involves international payments, online tools, and ad platforms, Pouchers plays its role as the flexible option that is shaped more around digital commerce than traditional payment habits.
6. Bitmama:
Bitmama plays a more specialized role because it is better known for combining crypto and borderless payments. That already sets it apart from the more conventional platforms on this list.
For advertisers or freelancers who are already comfortable moving money through digital assets, Bitmama can feel like a more flexible option, especially when international transactions are part of their normal workflow.
This makes it less of an everyday beginner platform and more of a fit for users who like operating in a more global, digital-first payment environment.
So while a platform like CashBuddy may appeal to someone looking for a simple starting point, Bitmama feels more suited to users who want ad payments to sit within a wider international or crypto-enabled setup. That difference gives it a distinct place on the list.
7. Flip By Fluidcoins:
Flip by Fluidcoins leans into the crypto-powered side of digital payments, positioning itself as a faster, more lightweight option for users who want flexibility with cross-border transactions.
Its strength is not in trying to cover everything, but in serving a more niche group of users who already understand digital finance and need a smoother way to handle international payments, especially for ad spending.
What sets it apart is its modern, alternative approach. It focuses less on traditional banking features and more on giving users fewer restrictions when moving funds globally.
For advertisers in that space, it works best as a flexible, niche solution rather than a full all-in-one financial platform.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Cards For Running Ads in Nigeria
- Which Virtual Card is Best For Running Ads in Nigeria?
The best dollar virtual card in Nigeria for running ads is Cardtonic. It’s widely trusted for its reliability, smooth international payments, and ease of use, making it a practical choice for managing ad spend without interruptions.
- Can I Use a Virtual Card to Pay for Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or TikTok Ads?
Yes, you can. Most virtual cards issued by platforms in Nigeria, like Cardtonic, Pouchers, or CashBuddy, are accepted on major advertising platforms, including Google, Facebook, and TikTok.
- How Do I Fund a Virtual Card for Advertising Campaigns in Nigeria?
Funding a virtual card is usually straightforward. Most platforms allow you to load funds from your local bank account, Naira wallet, or even crypto wallets in some cases. Simply log into your virtual card account, choose the funding method, enter the amount, and confirm. Once the funds reflect, you can start running ads immediately.
- Are Virtual Cards Secure For Paying International Ad Platforms?
Yes, virtual cards are designed to be secure. They often include features such as temporary card numbers, spend limits, and the ability to block or freeze the card instantly if needed.
- How Fast Can I Get a Virtual Card and Start Running Ads Online?
You can usually get a virtual card almost instantly after signing up and completing the KYC verification process. Platforms like Cardtonic or Snappypay issue cards immediately, so you can fund the card and start running ads within minutes.
Conclusion
Running ads on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Google from Nigeria can be challenging without a reliable payment method. That’s why virtual cards offer a convenient and secure solution, allowing you to fund your campaigns quickly and manage payments without interruptions.
Whether you’re looking to pay for TikTok ads, Google Ads, or other online campaigns, platforms like Wallets Africa, CashBuddy, Snappypay, Pouchers, Bitmama, and Flip by Fluidcoins all offer options to suit different needs.
For those who want a combination of reliability, ease of use, and smooth international payments, Cardtonic is highly recommended for managing your ad spending efficiently.
General News
NiRA Charges Media to Drive Nationwide Adoption of .ng Domain

Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, has called on the media to lead a nationwide campaign for the urgent adoption of the .ng domain to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity.

Adesola Akinsanya, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)
Akinsanya made the call during the .ng Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Initiative held on Thursday at the association’s secretariat in Lagos.
He said the media had a strategic role to play, not only in reporting developments but also in shaping national priorities and influencing public understanding of digital infrastructure.
“The media does not just report events; it sets the agenda. We need you to lead the campaign for the urgent adoption of .ng and help Nigerians understand why it matters,” he said.
Akinsanya emphasised that Nigeria’s digital identity must be deliberately constructed and protected, noting that domain names remain a critical component of national presence in the global digital ecosystem.
According to him, many Nigerian businesses and institutions continue to operate on foreign domains such as .com and .org, thereby placing their digital assets outside the country’s jurisdiction.
“Thousands of Nigerian organisations are effectively operating on rented digital land, where control, security, and governance are subject to foreign regulations,” he said.
He explained that the .ng domain, managed by NiRA under the global coordination of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, represents an important layer of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
He described domain names as digital real estate that determine visibility, credibility, and economic value creation within the digital economy.
The NiRA president warned that reliance on foreign domains contributes to a trust deficit, economic leakage, and increased security vulnerabilities.
“In an era where users are increasingly concerned about authenticity, locally identifiable domains provide stronger assurance and alignment with national systems,” he said.
Akinsanya added that while technological improvements such as DNS Security Extensions are strengthening the .ng ecosystem, widespread adoption remains essential.
He noted that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between technical complexity and public understanding, particularly in areas such as internet governance, cybersecurity, and domain infrastructure.
According to him, Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy will depend on the alignment of infrastructure, adoption, and narrative.
He reaffirmed NiRA’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting the use of the .ng domain, while calling for sustained collaboration with the media.
“The story of Nigeria’s internet is still being written. Whether it reflects dependence or sovereignty will depend on the narratives we promote,” he said.
General News
Nigeria Unveils DNSSEC to Tackle Rising Cyber Threats, Strengthen Digital Trust

Nigeria has unveiled Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on its .ng domain, marking a major step toward strengthening national cybersecurity and enhancing trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.

NiRA
The deployment was carried out by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association, the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain.
The development places Nigeria among countries adopting advanced technologies to secure their internet infrastructure and support a resilient digital economy.
DNSSEC is an internet security protocol designed to protect users from cyber threats such as redirection to fraudulent websites, by adding cryptographic verification to the domain name system.
Speaking at the unveiling, the President of NiRA, Adesola Akinsanya, described the deployment as a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.
“The successful deployment of DNSSEC on the .ng domain represents a major milestone. As more services move online, it is critical to ensure a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government,” he said.
Akinsanya added that the initiative aligns with global best practices and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building a secure and competitive digital economy.
He noted that strengthening trust in the .ng domain would create an enabling environment for innovation, investment, and growth in digital services.
According to him, a secure domain name system is fundamental to the development of the digital economy.
The NiRA president also urged organisations, particularly those operating critical services, to adopt DNSSEC as part of their cybersecurity frameworks.
The initiative is expected to benefit sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, e-commerce, and government platforms by offering enhanced protection against cyber threats including phishing and data interception.
Institutions regulated by bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission are among those expected to gain from the improved security framework.
The deployment also aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda supported by agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Chief Operating Officer of NiRA said the .ng domain had been fully signed and was currently in a monitoring phase to ensure stability and optimal performance.
He added that a phased rollout would allow accredited registrars and domain owners to adopt DNSSEC protection for their individual domains.
“This deployment is the result of extensive planning and collaboration. Our focus now is to ensure seamless adoption across the ecosystem,” he said.
NiRA called on businesses and organisations to leverage the new capability and embrace the .ng domain as a secure and trusted digital identity.
The association said it would continue to work with stakeholders to drive awareness, build capacity, and accelerate adoption nationwide.
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