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National ID Day: Tinubu explains why NIN use is mandatory in Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to enforcing the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN) across Nigeria. Speaking at the National Identity Day event organized by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, emphasized that the NIN should serve as the key to accessing services and opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Highlighting the theme, “Public Key Infrastructure: Backbone To Digital Infrastructure,” Tinubu stated that over 126 million Nigerians and residents are now enrolled in the NIN database, which is critical for national security and economic growth.
“The National Identification Number must become the key that unlocks every service, every opportunity, and every platform in both the public and private sectors,” Tinubu said. “Our commitment goes beyond compliance; it is about securing our nation and ensuring every Nigerian participates fully in the digital era.”
He also noted NIMC’s success in harmonizing 125 partner agencies into a unified identity ecosystem that reduces duplication, cuts costs, and improves service delivery. The commission, working with security agencies, has arrested over 30 fraudulent operators and shut down illegal centers, maintaining global data security standards.
Interior Minister, represented at the event, affirmed Nigeria’s progress in integrating public key infrastructure (PKI) with national identity systems to enable secure e-government services, trusted digital signatures, and improved border and revenue management. The minister pledged continued modernization and secure enrollment efforts to support Nigeria’s digital economy.
NIMC Director Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote described the NIN as more than just a number, but a gateway to opportunity, security, and dignity for Nigerians, underlining the commission’s role in protecting identities and empowering citizens.
Several government leaders, including Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abass, highlighted the NIN’s crucial role in Nigeria’s development in their goodwill messages at the event.
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Nigerian Press Urges FG, NASS to Act Swiftly Against ‘Big Tech Threat’
Major Nigerian media and journalism organizations have issued a strong call to the Federal Government (FG) and the National Assembly (NASS) to take immediate legislative and regulatory action against what they describe as an existential threat posed by Big Tech companies to the country’s information sovereignty and media industry.
In a joint statement released recently, leading press bodies—including key associations representing publishers, editors, and journalists—warned that unchecked dominance by global technology giants such as Google, Meta, and others is eroding Nigeria’s control over its digital information ecosystem.
They highlighted how these platforms dominate digital advertising revenue, divert traffic from traditional news sources, and increasingly use Nigerian-generated content to train artificial intelligence models without fair compensation or permission.
The groups emphasized that the situation risks surrendering Nigeria’s information sovereignty to foreign entities, potentially undermining national security, cultural values, and the economic viability of local media houses.
They pointed to declining revenues for publishers, with some facing up to 90% drops in traffic due to AI-generated summaries and algorithmic changes on search and social platforms.
The press bodies urged lawmakers to enact robust regulations, including frameworks for content remuneration, data usage restrictions, algorithmic transparency, and mechanisms to ensure fair competition in the digital space.
They called for urgent collaboration between the executive and legislature to address these challenges before irreversible damage occurs to Nigeria’s media landscape and democratic discourse.
This appeal comes amid broader global debates on Big Tech accountability and follows Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital economy governance, including recent pushes toward comprehensive AI and data regulations.
Stakeholders view the statement as a pivotal moment for protecting indigenous media in an era of rapid technological disruption.
The Federal Government and National Assembly have yet to issue an official response, but the call aligns with growing concerns over digital monopolies and their impact on developing economies.
Media experts anticipate intensified discussions in the coming weeks as Nigeria navigates its position in the global tech landscape.
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US sends troops to Nigeria
The top commander made the confirmation during a press briefing, yesterday, but did not provide further details about the size and scope of their mission.
The general in charge of the U.S. command for Africa (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, confirmed that United States has sent troops to Nigeria.
The top commander made the confirmation during a press briefing, yesterday, but did not provide further details about the size and scope of their mission.
He emphasised that the decision to send troops to Nigeria was after both countries agreed that more needed to be done to combat the terrorist threat in West Africa.
“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States,” General Anderson said.
According to Reuters, Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Christopher Musa, confirmed that a team was working in Nigeria but did not provide further details.
The development is the first acknowledgment of U.S. forces on the ground since US airstrikes targeting terrorists in Nigeria’s North-West on Christmas Day, 2025.
President Donald Trump, who announced that he ordered the airstrikes on what he described as Islamic State targets, had said there could be more U.S. military action in Nigeria.
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