National

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service, represented by CSC DO Anikoh and CSC OF Obieze, has conducted a dialogue aimed at fostering international cooperation on adopting and implementing a Data Governance Framework aligned with global best practices. 

The UNCTAD E-Week 2023 conference, which was held at the Centre International de Conférences de Genève (CICG) from December 4 to 8, shed light on the indispensable need for robust data governance, particularly in developing countries.

The session convened experts from both the public and private sectors to deliberate on key aspects such as accuracy, security, and standardisation in data governance.

Steven Pope from DHL stressed the importance of stringent controls on data sharing to prevent misuse, while Javier Garcia from the Universal Postal Union highlighted the necessity for national data governance frameworks to align with global provisions. 

Crucial facets of the discussion included fair compensation for data analysts, the role of data analysts in specialised agencies, addressing data quality and integrity, challenges faced by startups in accessing real data, and the opportunities and challenges of accessing private company data for policy-making.

A recurring theme was the need for international regulations to prevent data misuse. The consensus echoed the sentiment that data governance is fundamental to digital transformation.

Developing countries were urged to manage data on macro, regional, and international levels. The session stated the vital role of data sharing and usability between the private sector and regulatory institutions, focusing on privacy, security, and sustainable development. 

In the context of e-commerce supply chain businesses, the discussion recognised data governance as essential to reducing risks and ensuring data accuracy.

It called for understanding data structures, protecting accessed data, and implementing standards and technology.

Legal frameworks, such as the USMCA in Latin America and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), were emphasised to prevent unauthorised disclosure. 

The discussion highlighted that data storage is a global issue for agencies, and effective data governance streamlines management, improving efficiency.

Government and regulatory agencies were urged to adapt to changing data governance, especially in mobile money and e-commerce data systems. 

Facilitating cross-border data flows was discussed, with higher-level standards like the GDPR seen as beneficial, albeit with acknowledged concerns about non-uniform standards.

By Aliyu Nuhu

I saw a post by a friend advising people not to check their symptoms on internet and should go to hospitals for all their complaints. He was partially correct, but wrong in underestimating the power and importance of internet-based knowledge.

Medicine recognizes home treatment for non emergency medical conditions. But there is a caveat that you should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse.

Always remember that doctors themselves know a lot about their speciality, but they also know little in a vast ocean of knowledge in other fields of medicine. You can know better than them if you choose to read.

My son was given about fifteen medications to take after heart surgery. But because I have knowledge of the disease and drug options,I was able to engage the doctor and at the end the drugs were reduced to four. Take note that I did not reduce the medication on my own. I only used my knowledge of pharmacy to engage the doctor and get him to reduce them himself. Some of the drugs were to be taken for few weeks and to be discontinued. Some were doing the same job and one of them has to go. Some were to alleviate symptoms, and if the child didn’t have the symptoms what was the need for them? Some were for pains from surgery and if the wound was healed there was no need for them. I once educated a doctor for asking a child to take calcium for bone strength, but he obviously didn’t know that the body would need vitamin D to successfully process calcium. Medicine is so vast that doctors must also read the internet to keep abreast.

There are treat-at-home symptoms you can learn from internet. I successfully treated myself for common illnesses through internet and over the counter medications. Why should I for instance go to hospital to treat nail fungus? You are your own best doctor. Arm yourself with knowledge before approaching your doctor.

There are symptoms that you know you need professional help. You know the red flags for potentially life threatening symptoms. When you can’t breathe you don’t need anyone to tell you to rush to get medical help at the hospital. When you have severe headache and other symptoms you never had before you should know that you need an immediate medical emergency.

I know when to see a doctor. The important thing for you is to also know when to see your own doctor. Even when meeting with my doctor, my vast knowledge of medicine prepares me for drug options and procedural choices. Internet makes you even choose the right doctor. If you have blood in your urine check for the possible causes. The regular GP may not detect if your condition is postate cancer. Oncologist knows what other tests to do and confirm if you have the condition. If you have shortness of breath, painful arm, etc, the cardiologist is the person that will know that you need angiogram to know if there is blockage in the circulatory system.

We have good doctors no doubt but always know that we have imposters, some that did not even read medicine in the university. Our hospitals are populated with half-baked professionals that only knowledge could save you from their deadly mistakes.

A whole teaching hospital treated a relative of mine for cerebral malaria when she actually had tuberculosis of the spine. My son was diagnosed with truncus ateriosis when in actual fact he had tetralogy of fallot. Without internet I would have been lost. However, a careful check gave me better understanding of the symptoms and led me to the right laboratory that identified the right disease. Internet led me to the right doctors abroad.

It will be suicidal just to rely on doctors without having elementary knowledge of your symptoms and treatment options. Drugs have side effects and also, interaction issues with other drugs or foods. If you don’t read you won’t know. Your doctor is human and has many patients and will not have time to educate you. Educate yourself. Knowledge is not only power, but in medicine it can be a life-saver.

Aliyu Nuhu writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

By Amir Abdulazeez

Sometime in 2006, I walked into the famous Gidan Akida building, the then-Kano State headquarters of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), a new party formed by the breakaway PDP faction. I was there to inquire about how lowly-placed people like us can actively participate in the development of the party. The State Public Relations Officer told me that I have the option of choosing to belong to any of the four main houses within the party: Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, Malam Musa Gwadabe, Alhaji Gwadabe Satatima and Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

When the PRO heard that I cherished them all but wanted to work in the Na’Abba camp, he congratulated me for working under a disciplined, courageous and principled politician. Unknown to him, I had already known Ghali Na’Abba some ten years before, maybe earlier. Apart from being too young to know much about the other three political leaders practically, I have taken time to follow the stewardship of Ghali Na’Abba as the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives for the better part of 1999-2003. 

In that same year, 2006, Na’Abba was declared for the Kano State Governorship. I was genuinely convinced that if elected, he would make Kano one of Nigeria’s most disciplined and organised states. His discipline, confidence and organisation have often been misunderstood as arrogance. On this, he has cleared the air on many occasions. From what I know of him, he was a man of few words expressed only when necessary; he has a gentle and reserved personality, which makes him never delve into affairs that don’t concern him. 

I remember working with like-minds to engage in one of the best intellectual mobilisations any young undergraduates could do to garner support for Na’Abba to become Governor then. Unfortunately, he withdrew from the governorship race some weeks before the Action Congress (AC) primary elections. This new party was the product of a merger between ACD, Bola Tinubu’s Alliance for Democracy (AD) and other groups. Ghali’s withdrawal speech wasn’t detailed, but his arguments were that the process was too manipulated for any honest and disciplined aspirant to withstand. I think that was the last time Ghali contested for any position in his political career.

Ghali Umar Na’Abba was more than a political figure—a beacon of integrity, courage, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria. As a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, his legacy resonates far beyond his political tenure. Na’Abba’s commitment to democratic values and principles shaped the course of Nigeria’s political landscape. His leadership during a critical juncture in Nigeria’s history marked him as a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability.

Beyond politics, Ghali Na’Abba was a symbol of resilience and fearlessness, unafraid to challenge the status quo for the betterment of his nation. His vision for a prosperous, united Nigeria was evident in every action and word he spoke.

Na’Abba’s tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives marked a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history. He was known for his principled stance and his assertive approach to upholding the legislature’s independence and separation of powers, particularly in the face of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s bullish administration.

The Fourth Republic in Nigeria was still in its infancy when Na’Abba assumed the role of Speaker. With the country transitioning from years of military rule to a democratic system, the political landscape was rife with challenges. However, Na’Abba brought to the forefront a blend of experience, political acumen, and a commitment to legislative oversight. He staunchly believed in the autonomy of the legislative arm of government and its pivotal role in checking the excesses of the executive. This belief set the stage for numerous clashes between the National Assembly, under Na’Abba’s leadership, and Obasanjo’s administration.

Obasanjo could not have the audacity to unleash his anti-democratic tendencies until Na’Abba left the Speakership in 2003. Every Nigerian who witnessed the two tenures of Obasanjo (1999-2007) will testify to this. During his tenure, Na’Abba led the House of Representatives with a firm hand, asserting the legislature’s independence and challenging executive actions deemed against the national interest. One of the notable confrontations arose from the legislature’s insistence on its oversight function. Na’Abba’s House of Representatives was resolute in investigating various issues, including allegations of corruption within the government, regardless of pressure from the executive arm.

Sadly, today’s many young political followers did not have the opportunity to witness and be inspired by the era of great and principled leaders like Ghali Na’Abba. They are unlucky and unfortunate to find themselves supporting reckless crooks and shameless greedy people who have turned them into sycophants, social media warriors and other roles that have kept them perpetually stupid. These are some of the reasons that have kept Na’Abba on the sidelines since 2007. 

Since 2007, whenever Ghali has attempted to reactivate his participation in Nigeria’s political landscape, he has immediately realised there is no space for disciplined people like him. Rather than adjust and follow the trend, he simply retreats and faces his private issues. He had always chosen integrity over selfishness. In 2011, his house was burned down in Kano by hooligans because he supported President Jonathan. I have never heard him complain publicly about this treatment meted out to him by his people. As always, he was calm, reserved and simply forged ahead. That was how he permanently minded his business away from the murky, dirty and irresponsible waters of Nigerian partisan politics.

Today, 27^th December 2023, we have lost Ghali Na’Abba, a few months after turning 65 and almost exactly one year apart from the death of his mother, another woman of trust, integrity and kindness. May Allah have mercy on them both. His legacy lives on as an inspiration to current and future leaders. Ghali’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey will forever be remembered and cherished, a testament to the enduring power of principle-driven leadership.

At a point when Kano’s reputation soared by the Salisu Buhari Toronto certificate scandal, Ghali Na’Abba, his successor as Speaker, worked diligently to give the state a good name nationally and even globally. His active career was short-lived, but he managed to enter the comity of the political all-time greats in the history of Kano State. It now remains to see how the current custodians of the state will work to have his name honoured and legacies preserved. 

After surviving numerous blackmails, countless threats, and several impeachment attempts as Speaker, President Obasanjo later ganged up with his foot soldiers and garrison commanders in Kano to deny him a return to the National Assembly in 2003. First, they failed to stop him from getting the Kano Municipal PDP ticket, and then they later ganged up to work against him and their own party in the General Elections, and they succeeded. The fall of Ghali Na’Abba marked an abrupt end to the era of Legislative Independence and Political courage in Nigeria.

Twitter: @AmirAbdulazeez 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Today, Ondo State acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will officially be sworn in as the new governor of Ondo State.

A reliable source at the state House of Assembly said that “it’s true that the acting governor would be sworn in today by 4 p.m.

The swearing-in ceremony for Ondo State’s new governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, comes after the recent passing of the previous governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

He added that, “He is presently out of the state. As soon as he’s back, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, will swear him in as the governor.”

Recall that the state Information and Orientation Commissioner, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, announced the death of the governor via a statement in Akure.

The statement read: “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

“This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany.

“He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

“A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of this devastating news.

“The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness.

“The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.

“He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation.

“Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.

“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Northern Governors Forum today strongly denounced the Christmas Eve attacks on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State. 

The Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, described the attacks as reprehensible and heinous. 

Gov. Yahya expressed disgust on behalf of the 19 governors in the northern parts of Nigeria. 

He expressed the forum’s deepest condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as the government and people of Plateau. 

“It is disheartening to hear of the loss of more than 100 lives and the destruction of property that occurred during these attacks, especially when people were preparing to celebrate Christmas. 

“Such acts of violence are not only cowardly but also run counter to the spirit of unity and coexistence that our region upholds. 

“We must all prioritise peace and harmonious living in our communities. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and solidarity regardless of our differences. 

“We must unite in our commitment to peace and security, and stand firm against all forms of violence and divisions,” the chairman said in a statement issued in Gombe by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli.

Yahaya commended Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau for his leadership in handling the situation in the aftermath of the attacks. 

The northern governors assured Mutfwang of their solidarity and support in the face of adversity. 

They pledged to work together to ensure lasting peace in Plateau State. They stand united in their commitment to peace and stability.

By: Hassan Idris

Christmas is an annual festival that’s primarily celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s duly observed on the 25th of every December as a religious and cultural celebration among millions of people around the world. Notwithstanding, Christmas, of course, is a Christian holiday that’s celebrated by many around the globe as a religious holiday with religious rituals, values and relationships. This schema for understanding what grips society together also applies to Christmas as a secular holiday. Christmas is a beloved holiday and for good reasons. It’s a time for parties, delicious seasonal beverages, feasting, gifts, and for many, a time of homecoming, but underneath the surface of festivity, there’s quite a bit going on, sociologically.

Sociologically, Christmas holds the social value of rituals as Classical Sociologist Emile Durkheim tends to shed more light on this. Durkheim, a functional Sociologist, developed a still widely used theory for explaining what holds society and social groups together through his study of religion.

Durkheim identified core aspects of religious structure and participation that sociologists today apply to society in general, including the role of rituals in bringing people together around shared practices and values; and ways that participation in rituals reaffirms shared values, and thus reaffirms and strengthens the social bonds between people (which he called social solidarity); and the experience of “collective effervescence,” in which people tend to share in feelings of excitement and are unified in the experience of participating in rituals together. As a result of these things, people feel connected to others, a sense of belonging, and the social order as it exists makes sense to them. They feel stable, comfortable, and secure.

Furthermore, the secular rituals of Christmas are very pertinent in the sociological discussion of social solidarity. Christmas, of course, is a Christian holiday, celebrated by many as a religious holiday with religious rituals, values, and relationships. The rituals involved in Christmas are decorating, often together with loved ones; using seasonal and holiday-themed items; cooking meals and baking sweets; throwing and attending parties; exchanging gifts; wrapping and opening those gifts; bringing children to visit Santa Claus; watching for Santa on Christmas eve; leaving milk and cookies for him; singing Christmas carols; hanging stockings; watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music; performing in Christmas pageants; and attending church services.

However, what Christmas does is bring us together with the people we hold dear and give us an opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. When we participate in rituals together, we call to the surface of interactions the values that underlie them. In this case, we can identify the values that underlie these rituals as the importance of family and friendship, togetherness, kindness, and generosity. These are the values that uphold the most beloved Christmas movies and songs, too. By coming together around these values through participation in Christmas rituals, we reaffirm and strengthen our social ties with those involved.

Also, Christmas performs a deeply important social function for us. It makes us feel like we are part of a collective whole, whether that be with kin or chosen family. And, as social beings, this is one of our fundamental human needs. Doing this is what makes it such a special time of year, and why, for some, if we don’t achieve this at Christmastime, it can be a real downer. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hunt for gifts, the desire for new goods, and the promise of letting loose and partying during this time of the year.

Furthermore, in 1925, Anthropologist Marcel Mauss theorized that gift-giving is actually all about the giver: Mauss identified three obligations associated with gift exchange: giving, which he equates with the first step in building a social relationship; receiving, which signifies acceptance of the social relationship; and reciprocating, which demonstrates the recipient’s integrity. If gifts are refused or unreciprocated, relationships can be threatened. Decoration and gift giving are some of the prerequisites of Christmas and strengthen relationship bounds and solidarity amongst people all over the world.

Coming down to the Christmas celebration in Nigeria, it is pertinent to know that Nigeria is a rich country, given its endowed natural resources. Nigeria is a large nation populated by different multi-ethnic and cultural groups. It has an estimated population of over 200 hundred thousand people. It’s now generally estimated that there are some 400 ethnic groups of varying sizes that are found in Nigeria. However, there are definitely nothing less than 400 languages in this diverse country which makes people wonder how the British were able to determine that a united country was possible in such a diversity. And in this kind of complex diversity Nigerians celebrate Christmas happily and peacefully.

Christmas in Nigeria is a family event, a time when lots of family members come together to celebrate and have fun. Most families, that live in cities, travel to the villages where their grandparents and older relatives live. The end of the year is usually a great time for most Nigerians, and this is not just because it signals a time of relief for most people aching for a vacation or rest from all the hard work and back-breaking activities of the previous months; it is also because December time is Christmas time!

Christmas Day in Nigeria is a public holiday that is marked by the emptying of towns and cities with excitement in the air. People travel to their respective states of origin to celebrate with their loved ones, it is often a time for family reunion, a time to re-strategize and focus, it is a time to seek the face of God and make new year resolutions and also bless those who are less fortunate, and other general acts of random kindness.

As the towns and cities empty, people jam the West African markets to buy and transport live chickens, goats and cows that will be needed for the Christmas meals. On Christmas Eve, many families will throw Christmas parties that will last all night long, traditional meals are prepared and served according to the traditions of each region. Instead of having sweets and cakes, Nigerians as a whole tend to prepare various dishes.

In the South, a dish called Jollof rice or fried rice is served with stews of various meats along with fried plantains; in the North, rice and stew, as well as Tuwon Shinkafa, a rice pudding, served with various meat stews, are preferred. An alternative in both regions (but more favoured in the South) is a pepper soup with fish, goat meat or beef. Served with these foods are an array of mainly alcoholic drinks such as the traditional palm wine or various local and imported beers and wines; children and women may be served locally-made soft-drink equivalents instead.

Many different languages are spoken in Nigeria, and with different ways of wishing one another a happy Christmas. In Hausa Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘barka dà Kirsìmatì’; in Yoruba it’s ‘E ku odun, e ku iye’dun’; in Fulani it’s ‘Jabbama be salla Kirismati’; in Igbo (Ibo) ‘E keresimesi Oma’; in Ibibio ‘Idara ukapade isua’ and in Edo it’s ‘Iselogbe’.

However, on Christmas morning, Christians go to church to give thanks to God. Homes, restaurants, workplaces and streets are often decorated. Most homes will have an artificial Christmas tree. Children love to play with firecrackers at Christmas. The church choir may visit the church congregation in their homes to sing Christmas carols to them. Christmas cards are sent to friends and family members. Presents are exchanged amongst family members, and some families may take their children dressed in new outfits to see Santa Claus, usually referred to as ” FATHER CHRISTMAS in Nigeria.

In the villages, people would be greeted by the numerous masquerade groups formulated by the younger people who gently display their dance moves in exchange for foreign currencies. These dance groups make the Christmas experience soothing and comforting. The young girls also have their dance groups, though without a masquerade but with palm fronds tied to their left feet as a sign of bravery in some cultures. These young girls also make money by displaying their well-thought-out dance steps.

Christmas in Nigeria consumes money and the flow of gifts. It’s a time for celebration and reconnection, the experience is always an unforgettable one. Visitors are welcomed, and there is no house that is left without the aroma of chickened stew, especially in places where the celebration is ongoing. Nigerians are kinder to each other during the holidays.

Families and organizations take time out during the holidays to share good cheers and give out gifts to each other and the less privileged. Some people also organize causes and donation points for others. The most lit parties happen at Christmas time. From carols to street carnivals to concerts, people are bound to have the utmost time of their lives during the holidays.

In conclusion, the sociology of Christmas is wonderful and unique as it is important to remember that Christmas will be most enjoyable when it is designed to foster togetherness and also share and reaffirm the positive values that bind Christians together.

Hassan Idris can be reached via idrishassan035@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Mikail

On the 12^th of June 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill into law, setting the historic course for a new data-protected Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the bill was among the very first bills assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon assumption of Office. This is no doubt a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding digital privacy and building trust with global partners and stakeholders; a bold statement and alignment with the cliché’ ‘hit the ground running.’ 

The newly assented Data Protection Act 2023 provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information, safeguarding people’s basic rights and freedoms while supporting the establishment of ‘The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)’ for the regulation of the processing of personal information and data. Hence, the law doesn’t only address privacy concerns but also sets the stage for responsible data usage, fostering a secure, trustworthy and progressive digital economic environment.

This also signifies the Federal Government of Nigeria’s full-proof commitment to the “Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030)” as commissioned by the African Union (AU). The overarching objective of the “Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030)” is for every country within the African continent “to harness digital technologies and innovation to transform African societies and economies to promote Africa’s integration, generate inclusive economic growth, stimulate job creation, break the digital divide, and eradicate poverty for the continent’s socio-economic development and ensure Africa’s ownership of modern tools of digital management.” The Nigeria Data Protection Commission will be a major player in achieving this lofty goal.

At one point, there was a lot of scepticism by development partners, international financial institutions, critical stakeholders in the digital economy and even potential investors about Nigeria’s lack of data protection legislation.       

Addressing these concerns, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, established the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) in 2022 as the regulatory institution responsible for ensuring that people’s personal information is kept private and safe when used for ‘digital things’ with Dr Vincent Olatunji as the National Commissioner. However, the Bureau lacked a law establishing it and giving it the robust legal framework required for a full-fledged agency of government to adequately address issues bordering on the security and privacy of data in Nigeria.

In January 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the Nigeria Data Protection Bill presented by former Hon. Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, for transmission to the National Assembly for consideration.      

The then Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, NDPB, now NDPC, led by the National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in collaboration with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project (NDID4D), worked with critical stakeholders, Ministries Departments and Agencies, captains of industries and policymakers perfecting the bill. 

A Focus Group Discussion, national policy dialogue and validation workshop was held to present the draft bill to stakeholders, the 9^th National Assembly, and the Federal Ministry of Justice for their buy-in, comments, criticism, and suggestions to improve the bill.  Prior to that, Nigeria had no policy instrument that focused on supporting data privacy and data protection. 

Described as one of the most forward-thinking Acts across the African data ecospheres, the Nigeria Data Protection Act recognises innovations, blockchains, Artificial Intelligence and robotics. The Act also fosters an environment where companies prioritise robust cybersecurity measures and protect sensitive personal information from unauthorised access.

Furthermore, the law empowers users by ensuring that their data is handled responsibly and ethically since, as a fact, the law emphasises informed consent, which enables users to make conscious decisions regarding the use of their data. With this regulation, organisations are bound by law to promptly adapt their practices to comply with the new data protection standards. This brings a balance between leveraging data for business growth and respecting individuals’ privacy rights.

In terms of job creation, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NPDC launched the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, NDP-SRAP 2023-2027 on the 13^th of December 2023, in Abuja. The action plan is expected to create about 500,000 jobs and generate more than N125 billion in revenue.

Dr Vincent said in an interview that the NDP-SRAP 2023-2027 is in conformity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He said, “Part of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to create about two million jobs in the digital economy sector. The data protection sector alone could create more than 500,000 jobs.”

According to the National Commissioner, “The NDP-SRAP comprises interlinked initiatives and activities like job, wealth creation, human capital development, revenue generation, foundational initiatives for the digital economy and enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation. These activities are expected to create about 500,000 jobs, generate revenue of more than N125 billion and expand the sector within the lifespan of this roadmap”.

In the same vein, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, was quoted in an interview to have said that “in two years of the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, NDPR, a novel sub-sector of the economy was created, 7,680 Nigerians were employed. Nigeria was appointed as the Vice Chair of the Data Protection Laws Harmonization Working Group at the African Union (AU) and was the only country in Africa to publish a data protection report in two years.

According to the DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission, “integrated identity is the backbone of e-governance initiatives as it provides an enabling environment for key government programmes of social safety net, financial inclusion, as well as for companies that want to provide innovative products and services to people.  She said, “An integrated identity system will strengthen the government’s fiscal management, promote good governance and transparency through inclusivity and social equality, as it ensures that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not excluded from government services.”

The Nigeria Data Protection Act is an enabler of inclusive identity issuance and management and a precursor for the growth, integration, and stability of Nigeria’s digital identity system. It is part of efforts to issue legal digital identities to 99.9% of people in Africa as part of a civil registration process by 2030. 

In this vein, the Act serves as the launch pad for the government’s efforts in building inclusive digital skills and human capacity across the digital sciences, judiciary, and education, both technical and vocational, to lead and power digital transformation, including coding, programming, analysis, security, blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology policy & regulation. This is evident in the recent launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme by the Hon. Minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani. The programme is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone, powering her digital economy and positioning Nigeria as a net talent exporter the first phase of the programme, executed in collaboration with NITDA, is set to involve multiple stakeholders, including fellows, training providers, partners, and placement organisations.

Consequently, the nation hopes to witness robust digital economic growth, especially with the growth of digital platforms. These platforms are essential elements of digital infrastructure and can serve people, businesses, and government agencies in all aspects of life, including healthcare, education, commerce, transportation, and public benefits. Digital platforms serve or enable other products or services. For the people who use these platforms to receive their monthly pensions, securely login to a government e-services portal, pay their utility bills, submit a complaint, access public information, or find a person to rent their car, these platforms can provide a seamless service delivery experience that increases user convenience, savings, and agency. For governments, digital platforms can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of core functions and services, reduce unnecessary duplication of systems, and combat fraud.

Finally, as data subjects and responsible citizens, we must stay informed about data protection laws; demand transparency from organisations that collect our data and support NPDCs initiatives to sustain and promote international cooperation on data protection, its continuous improvement, and efforts to secure our digital economic future.

Muhammad Mikail writes from Abuja and can be reached via muhammadnmikail.mm@gmail.com.

By Dr. Dikko Muhammad

I’m surprised that some people find the said letter of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi surprising. The fact is that many Nigerians see the courts as departments for the pursuance of politicians’ interest and more often, as stalls for the sale of “justice” to the highest bidder. And they have reasons to believe so. Why?

Senator Bulkachuwa told the Senate, on camera, that his wife, a former President of the Nigerian Court of Appeal, “extended her help to his colleagues” while in office.

A recently retired justice of the Supreme Court complained a lot of its workings. Not to mention the complaints against the top Oga of the Supreme Court who once led other justices to complain against the former top Oga of the Supreme Court.

Series of conflicting judgments are becoming a defining feature of ours courts.

The idea of the court as an umpire is fast becoming extinct. If any unknown backbencher politician wants me lock up tomorrow, being Sunday, don’t be surprised for the lines of judges ready to grant his request.

Where justice is delayed and denied, fears and favours determining verdicts, faith in the court is eroded. This is why our country has become a planet of jungle justice. People think that the courts are haven for criminals. The densely populated prisons in Nigeria are a repulsive testimony to the putrid stench of our entire judicial system.

So, it’s now left for our courts to either redeem their battered image or continue to sink into the abys. They’re designed to be the last refuge for the oppressed, not a refuse for the oppressor. If writing a letter would make it deliver justice, we should all be letter writers to the Supreme Court.

Dikko writes from Katsina State, Nigeria.

By Ibrahim I. Waziri

When I saw the flyers announcing the theme of this year’s colloquium (16th December 2023) – “Political/Economic Formulas for National Development” – I couldn’t help but get excited. Though I work at a university where expert colleagues analyse the state of the nation during daily breaks, I felt ready for fresh perspectives on the current political and economic implications of the recent ECOWAS sanctions on Niger and how they impact us, particularly Nigerian businesses in the North.

My excitement stemmed from two key factors. First, the colloquium was to be held in Sokoto, one of the Nigerian states bordering Niger, which bears the brunt of the sanctions most. Second, the convener, Mallam Zayyanu Yabo, is the current Chairman of the Sokoto Professionals Network, a body dedicated to showcasing the abundant economic opportunities within Sokoto and putting the state on the national map.

However, Dr. Chima Amadi, the keynote speaker and a scholar-businessman, not only impressed the audience with his expertise but also left us with thought-provoking questions at the end of his presentation. After refocusing the theme solely on economics and development (much to my surprise not giving room for the ECOWAS-Niger political angle), he delved into defining “positive development” as possibly anything that leads to poverty reduction.

He then provided an insightful review of Nigerian economic history, highlighting the struggles associated with various economic frameworks adopted over the past 63 years since independence.

These included ten different economic plans, Washington Consensus-inspired structural adjustment programs under Babangida, Obasanjo’s NEEDS (also Bretton Woods institutions influenced), and later approaches that haven’t strayed far from past strategies. Dr. Amadi pointed out that these national planning and economic strategies were often prescribed by agenda-driven foreign institutions, potentially lacking a comprehensive appreciation of Nigeria’s history, local realities, and perhaps even neglecting its best interests.

The result, as statistics sadly demonstrate, he concluded, is a Nigeria far from achieving poverty reduction and ranking low on every reputable international survey on human development indices.

The solutions, he suggested, might include, among other things, looking into the journey of some contemporary nations with relative success in economy and development. The Asian Tigers abandoned Bretton Woods institutions’ prescriptions and are far better off than us. Perhaps we should focus more on local content, since development by its nature is organic and self-conscious, not externally prescribed and sourced!

This point resonated most with the audience and the panellists during the discussion session thereafter, as statistics reveal that about 65% of the country’s current GDP is not contributed from the formal structured economy that currently cannot be thoroughly analysed.

Among the lead panellists, one immediately pointed out how in some Asian Tiger countries, their indigenous cultural institutions before colonialism are still relevant constitutionally, providing needed social focus and keeping national planning consistent. 

An issue about the relationship between local businesses and research output from our institutions of higher learning was observed to be almost non-existent, with intellectual property laws seeming ineffective and indigenous ideas prone to theft within and across national borders.

Another erudite barrister, Kingston Chikwendu, building on an earlier submission about gender and youth inclusion, observed that the question of local content and inclusion stands front and centre even at the venue of the colloquium. He questioned why we gather in Sokoto, speaking in “exotic English” about economy and development in a language that the majority of the state’s economic demographic cannot understand. He suggested that in the future, provision should be made for at least a real-time translation of proceedings into Hausa, fulfilling the keynote address’s first prescription for local content and inclusion.

This last point reminded me of the often-repeated sentiment that if our local languages had been our medium of instruction at secondary school level, where substances like sulphur and potassium were taught in Chemistry classes as “Farin Kasa” and “Kanwa” respectively, we would have appreciated their value better and explored their economic relevance more. Between us and our grandmothers, we might have been able to come up with mixtures with the potential for inventions with significant personal and societal economic benefits.

The session for me was a high dose of concentrated intellectual elixir. Though the keynote address dropped the political angle of the theme, denying me the opportunity to see issues related to the ECOWAS sanctions on Niger and their attendant implications on Nigeria’s economy and security problems discussed, I can still say I got more than enough.

The Sokoto colloquium is putting the state in the news for all the right reasons. The session was attended by representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto and the state governor; and it received wide coverage by national news outlets. The deliberations are being heard by policymakers. Our prayers go to God to strengthen the will and wings of the convener as well as supporters across the nation. Nigeria is in dire need of robust policy review forums like what Sokoto colloquium offers.

Ibrahim A. Waziri wrote from Zaria, Kaduna State. He can be reached via iawaziri@gmail.com.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial policy and regulation director, Haruna Mustapha, announced in a circular on Friday.

The central bank has issued guidelines and regulations for banks on managing cryptocurrency in accordance with global standards to prevent misuse. They also urge banks to comply with these guidelines and regulations.

See the full statement below: 

FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/002/003

CIRCULAR TO ALL BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

GUIDELINES ON OPERATIONS OF BANK ACCOUNTS FOR VIRTUAL ASSETS SERVICE PROVIDERS (VASPs)

The CBN in February 2021 issued a circular restricting banks and other financial institutions from operating accounts for cryptocurrency service providers in view of the money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities inherent in their operations as well as the absence of regulations and consumer protection measures.

However, current trends globally have shown that there is need to regulate the activities of virtual assets service providers (VASPs) which include cryptocurrencies and crypto assets. Following this development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2018 also updated its Recommendation 15 to require VASPS to be regulated to prevent misuse of virtual assets for ML/TF/PF.

Furthermore, Section 30 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 recognizes VASPs as part of the definition of a financial institution. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May 2022 issued Rules on Issuance, Offering and Custody of Digital Assets and VASPS to provide a regulatory framework for their operations in Nigeria.

In view of the foregoing, the CBN hereby issues these Guidelines to provide guidance to financial institutions under its regulatory purview in respect of their banking relationship with VASPs in Nigeria.

The Guidelines supersedes the CBN’s circulars referenced FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/06/010 of January 12, 2017 and BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001 of February 5, 2021 on the subject. However, banks and other financial institutions are still prohibited from holding, trading and/or transacting in virtual currencies on their own account.

Accordingly, all banks and other financial institutions are hereby required to immediately comply with the provisions of the Guidelines.

HARUNA B. MUSTAFA

DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL POLICY AND REGULATION DEPARTMENT