The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has expressed concern over complaints that some PAP stakeholders are allegedly collecting money from unsuspecting applicants for the programme’s ongoing scholarship application process for the 2025/2026 academic session.

While warning against the alleged fraudulent act, Otuaro reiterated that the PAP scholarship application process for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes is free, and money exchange for services is not allowed.

He spoke during the opening ceremony of the third batch of the three-day strategic leadership, alternative dispute resolution and mediation training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Otuaro said that information at his disposal indicated that some unscrupulous characters were allegedly collecting money from the parents and guardians of potential scholarship beneficiaries with all kinds of assurances.

The Administrator also urged potential beneficiaries to resist payment of any amount of money to anybody for the scholarship.

He urged those qualified to apply through the PAP portal and await the response of the office, assuring them that the process would be fairly carried out.

He described the alleged dishonest act as regrettable and unacceptable, as it taints the integrity of the scholarship application process.

He stressed that the scholarship scheme was designed to increase the Niger Delta youths’ access to higher education and enhance human capital development in the area.

Otuaro restated his resolve to ensure a transparent process in the management of the scholarship and ensure that the purpose of the scheme is not derailed by unscrupulous individuals.

He cautioned those involved in the alleged illicit activity to desist from it, stressing that anybody caught trying to divert the laudable project for extortionist activities would be dealt with.

He assured that the PAP would not allow anyone to compromise the integrity of the scholarship application process.

He said, “I have received reports alleging some stakeholders collect money from applicants, parents and guardians with fake promises concerning the ongoing scholarship application process for the 2025/2026 academic year.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the scholarship application process is free. No one should collect money from anybody; nobody should encourage someone to collect or give money to anybody for the scholarship exercise. It is free.

“The scholarship programme is a deliberate scheme for our people for a better tomorrow; it is not for our today. My leadership is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability even in the management of the scholarship award process.

“Those engaged in the alleged bad act should stop because I will not allow anyone to compromise the integrity of the application process. I urge all stakeholders to help discourage the collection of money for the scholarship.

“We will take drastic steps against anyone attempting to divert the opportunity of the scheme to swindle innocent people.”

Otuaro told the participants that the workshop was aimed at deepening their understanding of issues around the theme and equipping them to perform their leadership role better as PAP’s peace ambassadors around their communities and indeed the Niger Delta.

“You are, in fact, also peace ambassadors of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR. Therefore, you are expected to deploy the knowledge you would gain from this training to strengthen the ongoing peacebuilding process of PAP because the development of the region is in the priority agenda of the President,” he said.

The PAP boss, while declaring the workshop open, urged the participants to take the entire exercise seriously in order to achieve the objectives in the interest of the region’s peace, stability, and development, based on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Under the leadership of Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Commission partners with government and private stakeholders to harmonise identity systems, boost service delivery, and build trust in a modern digital economy

By Ayodele Babalola

In a landmark effort to modernise Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and transform public service delivery, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has embarked on a bold mission to harmonise identity services across ministries, departments, and agencies. The initiative, aligned with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, is poised to eliminate decades of data fragmentation and usher in a new era of seamless governance.

The challenge NIMC seeks to address is rooted in Nigeria’s history of parallel and uncoordinated identity systems, dating back to the 1970s. Back then, separate agencies maintained standalone databases for purposes such as the national census, driver’s licences, voter registration, and banking verification, creating costly duplication and inefficiencies. Although NIMC was established in 2007 to unify these disparate systems, progress was initially sluggish, hampered by infrastructural gaps, overlapping mandates, and limited public digital awareness.

That trajectory changed markedly with the appointment of Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote as Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC. Determined to reposition the Commission, she placed harmonisation of Nigeria’s identity ecosystem at the heart of her five-point agenda, an approach that has since delivered measurable results.

One of the Commission’s flagship projects, the National Digital Identity Ecosystem Project, brought together approved public and private sector partners to expedite the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN). The NIN now serves as a unique identifier for citizens and legal residents across multiple services, from banking to telecoms.

To strengthen compliance and adoption, the Federal Government mandated citizens to link their NIN to vital services, including SIM card registration, driver’s licence applications, banking accounts, travel documents (passports) and voter registration. This policy shift has triggered a surge in NIN enrolments nationwide.

As part of its strategy to integrate systems and data, NIMC has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and technical agreements with key agencies, allowing for secure verification and sharing of identity data centred on the NIN. This collaboration spans institutions such as the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO),Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Universal Basic Education (UBEC), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC), Renewed Hope National Homegrown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), National Population Commission (NPC), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Bank of Industry (BOI), Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMHSW), Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and Security Agencies.
Technological advancements have underpinned these reforms. NIMC’s API (Application Programming Interface) service now enables real-time verification of identities by partner agencies, significantly reducing fraud and administrative bottlenecks. Meanwhile, with backing from international partners and the World Bank–funded Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative, NIMC has bolstered its ICT infrastructure to manage high-volume biometric processing and enable interoperability between legacy systems.

Beyond technology, NIMC has prioritised capacity building and stakeholder engagement, conducting sensitisation campaigns and training for state governments and federal agencies to ensure alignment with its harmonisation directives. This multifaceted approach has fostered trust and broadened the understanding of the benefits of a unified digital identity system.

Speaking at a recent stakeholder forum, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote highlighted why integration matters:

“A single source of truth for identity is not only essential for security and planning, it is the foundation for a modern, inclusive digital economy,” she remarked.

The harmonisation initiative is expected to have transformative impacts on national planning, economic inclusion, and the prevention of leakages in public spending. With a unified identity system, the government can better allocate resources for social protection, education, and healthcare programmes.

Yet, despite the strides made towards digital transformation of the ecosystem, it is obvious that there’s still a great need for digital literacy.

To address these, NIMC has embarked on MDA stakeholder engagement to shed more light on what NIMC is doing, especially with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to assist in disseminating NIMC’S achievements.

NIMC continues to advocate for legislative backing to reinforce data protection and ethical biometric use by an amendment of the existing laws to reflect current global best practices, which has already passed first and second readings.

Looking to the future, the Commission is also exploring innovative solutions such as the NIN Auth and blockchain technology to extend digital identity coverage to rural areas, and NIMC has also embarked on the NIN-Ward Enrolment exercise to extend digital identity coverage to the ward level.

In the words of experts and observers, NIMC’s work marks a critical step towards a digital-first Nigeria, where every citizen can be seen, counted, and served efficiently.

In a significant move toward strengthening regional collaboration on data protection and privacy, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) hosted a high-level delegation from Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) on a strategic study visit to Abuja.

The Ugandan delegation, led by Mr Stephen Mugabe, the Director of Data Protection Affairs at the PDPO, was received by the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, alongside senior officials and department heads of the Commission. The visit is part of Uganda’s broader initiative to enhance its data protection framework by learning from countries within the continent that have made notable strides in the data protection and privacy ecosystem.

In his welcome address, Dr Olatunji expressed delight at receiving the Ugandan team and highlighted the importance of intra-African cooperation in building sustainable and resilient data governance systems. He explained that the Commission’s successes thus far have been facilitated by a deliberate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which fosters collaboration with stakeholders across the sector. “Our approach is the PPP model. We experimented, and it worked. We licensed private sector organisations to carry out Compliance as a service on behalf of the Commission. We started with 15, but we now have 257,” Dr Olatunji stated.

He encouraged the Ugandan data regulators to adopt solutions that reflect their unique national realities, including the deployment of local technologies, engagement with sector stakeholders, and frameworks for capacity development. He advised them not to be afraid to try out innovative ideas. He said, “Don’t be afraid of experimenting. Don’t be afraid of failing”.

The National Commissioner took the opportunity to share Nigeria’s pioneering approach to localising the certification of Data Protection Officers (DPOs), a move designed to ensure contextual relevance and drive indigenous capacity building in the data protection space. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)’s broader economic agenda, as it is strategically positioned to enhance investor confidence by demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to global data protection standards. By strengthening regulatory frameworks and local expertise, the government aims to create a more secure digital environment: this is an essential factor in attracting and sustaining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country’s growing digital economy.

Leader of the Ugandan team, Mr Mugabe, expressed appreciation for the NDPC’s warm reception and willingness to share operational insights. He provided an update on Uganda’s progress in data protection, noting key milestones such as the establishment of the PDPO and regulatory framework development. He also commended the Commission’s professionalism and commitment to data subject rights, stating that Uganda is working to mirror similar values and structures.

“Our aim with this visit is to understand the daily operations of the NDPC, department by department, and take back lessons that can be adapted to the Ugandan context,” he said. “We are particularly impressed by Nigeria’s approach to awareness, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building”.

The NDPC’s department heads engaged the Ugandan delegation in detailed sessions covering strategic areas such as organisational structure, regulatory compliance, public awareness, enforcement procedures, data breach response, strategic partnerships, and international cooperation.

Dr Olatunji concluded by reiterating the importance of inter-agency and inter-country collaboration. “Data has no borders. As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, we must ensure our policies, frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms are harmonised to ensure mutual respect, trust, and protection of our citizens’ data rights,” he said. “It is only through such partnerships that Africa can develop a data protection and privacy ecosystem that is not only efficient and secure, but one that the rest of the world will look up to”.

In a bold stride towards advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched the second cohort of its IgniteHer Bootcamp, a transformative initiative designed to accelerate gender inclusion and economic empowerment through digital innovation.

Themed “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Growth and Innovation,” the bootcamp is implemented in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and brings together women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria, both physically and virtually, for intensive training in digital skills, innovation management, business development, and investor readiness.

Declaring the bootcamp open, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to using technology as a tool for inclusive national development. Represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, Inuwa emphasized the alignment of IgniteHer with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and broader economic reform efforts.

“Through IgniteHer, we are actualising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding women’s access to technology and economic opportunity,” he said.

He further noted that inclusive innovation remains central to NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0: 2024–2027), which supports national goals of poverty eradication, economic diversification, and youth empowerment.

The DG highlighted that the bootcamp is a flagship component of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS), with the goal of empowering 12.7 million Nigerian women with digital literacy by 2027. He cited a report by the World Wide Web Foundation, which estimates that closing Nigeria’s digital gender gap could unlock $13 billion in GDP growth over the next decade.

“This training is a step towards harnessing that potential and ensuring that women play an integral role in shaping Nigeria’s digital future,” Inuwa stated, urging the selected participants, drawn from a pool of over 12,000 applicants, to maximise the opportunity and become change-makers.

Inuwa also commended the Government of Japan and JICA for their sustained support in advancing digital empowerment in Nigeria. He cited their partnership in both the IgniteHer initiative and the iHatch Incubation Programme, which supports early-stage startups with mentorship and innovation support.

“At NITDA, we believe that inclusive innovation is not just an ideal but a critical strategy for building stronger economies, smarter solutions, and resilient communities. Through IgniteHer, we are dismantling barriers and creating new pathways to opportunity,” he concluded.

Speaking at the event, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to innovation and gender inclusion in Nigeria. He disclosed that Japan, through JICA, is currently funding two grant projects worth $30.9 million to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and promote inclusive innovation.

He also referenced the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, as a testament to Japan’s dedication to fostering Africa-Japan cooperation in digital transformation.

Lead facilitator of the IgniteHer Bootcamp, Hajiya Hafsat Salabi-Dange, lauded NITDA’s visionary leadership in bridging the digital gender divide. Describing the programme as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, she urged participants to remain curious, intentional, and bold in their entrepreneurial journeys.

“What you will gain here goes beyond business; it is a tool for community upliftment, national growth, and generational impact,” she said.

With IgniteHer, NITDA continues to champion digital inclusion, amplify women’s voices in technology, and pave the way for a digitally empowered and economically inclusive Nigeria.

Residents of Oviri Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have raised alarm over persistent attacks and harassment by suspected herdsmen, which they say have crippled farming and endangered lives in the community.

During a peaceful protest to the Ughelli Area Command, community leaders urged government authorities to take urgent action to address the worsening insecurity.

Community spokesperson, Ester Monday, said farming activities have been grounded due to the herdsmen’s alleged destruction of crops, sexual assaults, and threats to residents.

“We are crying to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to hear our pain and come to our rescue. Our husbands can no longer go to the farm, and our girls are being raped. We do not want what happened in Abraka and other places to happen here,” she said.
The immediate past Secretary General of the community, Austine Etata, said repeated appeals to the local government chairman and security agencies have yielded no results.

“Oviri Olomu has become a den of kidnapping and all sorts of social vices. We are law-abiding citizens and we respect the anti-open grazing law passed by the Delta State House of Assembly. So why are herdsmen still allowed to operate freely in our land?” he queried.
Etata disclosed that two days ago, women in the community threatened to leave with their children if the attacks persist.

“We are giving the government a seven-day ultimatum to ensure these herdsmen leave Oviri Olomu. We are capable of defending ourselves, but we want peace. Two wrongs cannot make a right,” he added.

Vice President General of the community, Emmanuel George, lamented the destruction of farmlands and the brazen intimidation by the herdsmen.

“If you confront them, they threaten to kill. Our people are angry and tired. We want the government to act fast before things get out of hand,” he said.

At the Ughelli Area Command, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ughelli ‘A’ Division informed the protesters that the Area Commander was unavailable but promised to invite the herdsmen’s leaders, identified as Mr. Garuba and Suleman, for a peace meeting with community representatives.

The Oviri Olomu community now awaits swift intervention from the Delta State government and security agencies, hoping for the restoration of peace and a return to their livelihoods without fear.