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?
Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.
The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.
Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.
The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.
The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.
The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.
The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.
He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.
He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.
The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.
According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.
Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.
He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.
Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.
He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.
The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.
In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.
He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.
The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.
The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.
Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.
“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
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