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Category: Tech

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  • NIMC Denies Allegations of Data Breach

    NIMC Denies Allegations of Data Breach

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has denied allegations of a data breach.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, addressed recent reports claiming that some websites were offering to sell Nigerians’ data.

    The Commission reassured the public that their data had not been compromised and warned against sharing personal information with unauthorized phishing sites.

    “The Commission assures the public that the data of Nigerians have not been compromised. NIMC has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) or any other identities mentioned in the reports.

    “The websites idfinder.com.ng, Verify.ng/signin, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorized by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data. NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and to avoid sharing their data, as these sites are potentially fraudulent.

    “The Commission has implemented robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats, maintaining a secure, world-class, full-proof database. Our infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

    “NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid providing their data to unauthorized and phishing sites, which pose the danger of data harvesting and compromising individual data.

    “The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection, in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations. Licensed partners or vendors are not authorized to scan or store NIN slips but only to verify NINs through approved channels.

    “NIMC is working closely with security operatives to apprehend those masquerading as online vendors, and they will face the full wrath of the law.

    “NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets,” the statement read.

  • The NCC advocates infrastructure sharing to lower telecommunications expenses in Nigeria.

    The NCC advocates infrastructure sharing to lower telecommunications expenses in Nigeria.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged stakeholders in the telecommunications sector to adopt infrastructure sharing to cut costs and enhance service provision.

    Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, made this call at the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition held in Lagos. Maida highlighted the importance of partnerships among government, industry, and academia to foster innovation and progress.

    Acknowledging the capital-intensive nature of developing telecom infrastructure, Maida recommended exploring public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

    Addressing the challenges faced by the industry, Maida stressed the importance of leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize network operations and enhance customer service through automation and advanced analytics.

    He also emphasized the significance of smart infrastructure development to support various smart city applications, from traffic management to public safety solutions.

    Discussing emerging technology trends, Maida mentioned Nigeria’s active participation in global advancements, including the rollout of 5G. He highlighted the potential of 5G in enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, facilitating innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and advanced augmented reality.

    Looking ahead to 6G, Maida anticipated further enhancements in network capabilities and the integration of AI for improved network management and service delivery. He underscored the transformative potential of the 6G revolution across industries, leading to increased efficiencies and improved quality of life.

  • Nigerians Brace for Potential Increase in Call and Data Charges as Telcos Mull Tariff Hike

    Nigerians Brace for Potential Increase in Call and Data Charges as Telcos Mull Tariff Hike

    Nigerians may soon face higher costs for calls and data services as telecommunication companies in the country contemplate a tariff hike. The possibility of increased charges comes amidst mounting operational expenses and regulatory pressures, prompting industry players to reassess their pricing structures.

    Sources within the telecommunications sector reveal that major service providers, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo Mobile, and 9mobile, are considering adjustments to their tariffs to offset rising operational costs. Factors such as inflation, currency devaluation, infrastructure maintenance, and spectrum fees have reportedly contributed to the financial strain on telecom operators.

    The potential tariff hike has raised concerns among consumers already grappling with economic challenges, including inflation and reduced purchasing power. Many Nigerians heavily rely on telecommunications services for communication, business transactions, and accessing essential information, making any increase in tariffs a significant financial burden.

    Reacting to the news, telecommunications industry analyst, Fatima Ibrahim, emphasized the potential impact of tariff hikes on consumers. “Any increase in call and data charges will undoubtedly affect the average Nigerian, particularly those in low-income brackets who rely heavily on mobile communication for their livelihoods,” Ibrahim stated.

    While telecommunication companies are yet to officially announce any tariff adjustments, industry insiders suggest that the move may be imminent in the coming weeks. However, they underscore the importance of striking a balance between profitability and affordability to ensure continued access to essential communication services for all segments of the population.

    In response to inquiries about the potential tariff hike, representatives from MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo Mobile, and 9mobile declined to comment, citing ongoing internal deliberations and regulatory considerations.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory body overseeing the telecommunications sector, has not issued any official statement regarding the proposed tariff adjustments. However, industry observers anticipate that the NCC may closely monitor the situation to ensure that any tariff increases are justified and in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

    As Nigerians await further developments, the prospect of higher call and data charges looms large, raising questions about the affordability of telecommunications services in the country. With the potential tariff hike on the horizon, consumers brace themselves for possible adjustments to their communication expenses in the near future.