The United States and Nigeria have launched the Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies to counter cybercrime and misuse of digital assets. Led by the US Department of Justice and Nigerian authorities, this new initiative aims to strengthen both countries’ capabilities in investigating and prosecuting cyber and crypto-related financial crimes as digital finance expands globally.
The group’s formation comes soon after the release of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, who was detained in Nigeria since February on money laundering charges. His release due to health concerns follows rising tensions, and this new collaboration may help ease strained relations as both nations work toward secure cyberspace operations.
Aligned with US goals for global cyber enforcement, this liaison group aims to streamline coordination between the two countries’ enforcement bodies. This joint effort underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation to address the unique challenges posed by digital assets in the fight against financial crime.
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector urge the federal government to strengthen telecom infrastructure security, designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). They raised concerns about vandalism, theft, and cyber-attacks that threaten these assets, which are vital for supporting the country’s digital economy.
Furthermore, while stakeholders, including IHS Towers and ALTON, praised the federal government for recognising the importance of telecom infrastructure, they emphasised the need for a comprehensive protection plan to secure these assets. In addition, they called for collaboration between the government and telecom operators to develop a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) and proposed the creation of a centralised database to monitor telecom infrastructure.
Moreover, in addition to protecting telecommunications infrastructure, stakeholders stressed the need for long-term strategies to ensure the sector’s sustainability. By safeguarding critical assets, Nigeria can support the growth of its digital economy and strengthen national security. IHS Towers, in particular, highlighted the importance of joint efforts in developing robust protections to prevent vandalism and cyber threats, which could otherwise undermine Nigeria’s telecommunications network. Strengthening this infrastructure will help build a secure, sustainable, and connected future for Nigeria.
Ericsson has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian government to collaborate on developing, deploying, and innovating 5G technology. The partnership aims to explore how 5G can support Nigeria’s digital transformation objectives, including driving economic growth and improving public services.
Specifically, key objectives outlined in the agreement include facilitating knowledge exchange within the technology sector, building capacity among local stakeholders, establishing innovation hubs and tech incubators, and enhancing digital literacy and skills development. Notably, the MoU was signed during a visit by a Nigerian government delegation to Ericsson’s global headquarters in Stockholm, led by the Vice President of Nigeria.
Thus, this collaboration reflects a shared vision for the future of technology in Nigeria and emphasises the importance of leveraging 5G to unlock innovation potential for businesses and citizens, enhancing the country’s national digital competitiveness.
In a related development, MTN Nigeria has opened a 5G Digital Experience Center in Abuja to showcase various 5G applications and services to consumers. This launch complements the recent MoU and demonstrates a concerted effort within the telecommunications sector to promote the benefits of 5G technology and drive its adoption in Nigeria.
IHS Towers, ALTON, and the NCC have proposed a series of strategic initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, which is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, theft, and vandalism. Central to this proposal is developing a robust Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) that emphasises collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators, regulatory bodies, and the government.
Key initiatives include establishing a secure, centralised database of all telecom infrastructure managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Additionally, mandatory routine surveillance of major telecom installations by security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police is crucial for deterring threats.
The proposal also advocates for standardised procedures for responding to incidents and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of protecting critical national information infrastructure. Regulatory support from the NCC, including establishing a dedicated committee to assist telecom operators, will further reinforce these efforts.
Maintaining secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure is essential for national security and economic growth. The interconnectedness of modern society relies heavily on a robust telecom sector, which supports critical services, including healthcare, education, and financial systems.
By prioritising infrastructure resilience and emphasising a commitment to security, Nigeria can ensure the continuity of these vital services even in the face of potential threats. This holistic approach protects the telecommunications sector and promotes sustainable economic development across the nation.
The House of Representatives has introduced a significant bill to provide free internet services in selected public places throughout Nigeria. The initiative highlights the critical role of information and communications technology (ICT) in nation-building and seeks to bridge the digital divide by enhancing connectivity in essential sectors like education and healthcare.
The proposed law outlines various locations eligible for free internet access, including government offices, secondary and tertiary institutions, public hospitals, military barracks, libraries, parks, and transport terminals. Users will not be charged for connecting to these public internet access points, separate from backend services used in government operations. To ensure quality, the bill mandates a minimum internet speed of two megabytes per second per user, aligning with the National Broadband Plan.
To facilitate the effective implementation of the bill, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will oversee the rollout and set standards for public locations included in the initiative. They are required to develop a comprehensive implementation plan within one year of the law’s commencement, collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector entities.
The legislation encourages public-private partnerships to enhance service delivery, allowing private partners to offer supplemental internet services for a fee. Additionally, it promotes cost reduction by encouraging private service providers to exchange data tariffs through designated domestic internet protocol exchanges, ultimately improving access for users in areas where the programme is implemented.
Canada’s central bank has halted its plans to develop a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), focusing instead on research as other nations like China and Nigeria press ahead. The Bank of Canada initially launched the project in 2017 to explore the potential of a digital Canadian dollar. However, after years of investigation and public consultations, the bank has decided to rethink its approach due to low public interest and security concerns.
A recent survey revealed that 87% of Canadians said they would never use a digital currency, with 92% expressing a preference for traditional payment methods. Major concerns included cybersecurity threats and the privacy of digital transactions. Despite this, the central bank had maintained that the digital dollar would not replace paper currency but serve as a simplified way to make online payments.
While Canada shifts away from its CBDC project, other countries are making progress. China’s digital yuan pilot, for example, has already facilitated nearly $986 billion in transactions, making it the largest initiative worldwide. Global efforts to introduce CBDCs continue to grow, driven in part by geopolitical events and changing payment technologies.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have formed a strategic partnership to leverage data and technology to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape, aligning closely with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ By combining NITDA’s expertise in digital transformation with NBS’s data-driven insights, the collaboration is expected to significantly improve public service delivery, drive sustainable economic growth, and enhance policy-making.
In particular, the partnership focuses on data exchange and integration, facilitating more informed decisions across sectors such as infrastructure development, resource allocation, and urban planning, ensuring that initiatives are grounded in accurate and timely data. Moreover, the partnership emphasises fostering innovation and economic growth.
NITDA and NBS aim to create a digital ecosystem that supports tech startups and entrepreneurship, positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. That collaboration is designed to attract foreign investment and create job opportunities, contributing to long-term economic prosperity.
Additionally, the partnership is committed to bridging the digital divide through digital skills development. By promoting digital literacy and modernising data processes with tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), NITDA and NBS will enhance decision-making and governance while empowering more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy and fostering inclusive growth.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced the QoS Regulations 2024 to improve the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria. These new regulations specify key performance indicators (KPIs) for network segments, including 2G, 3G, and 4G, focusing on critical metrics such as Drop Call Rates, Call Setup Success Rate, and Traffic Congestion.
Non-compliance with these standards will result in a fine of N5 million, with an additional penalty of N500,000 per day for continued infractions. Telecom companies must submit monthly QoS reports, and the NCC will evaluate these reports through drive tests, consumer surveys, and data from Network Operating Centres (NOCs).
The following regulatory initiative reflects the NCC’s response to the 50% service target set by Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy of Nigeria. The Commission is committed to meeting this target by the end of the year and has set ambitious goals for broadband penetration, data speeds, and coverage in the coming years. The new approach emphasises detailed, localised data collection, allowing the NCC to implement targeted solutions and regulatory actions to enhance the consumer experience.
The introduction of these regulations also comes at a time of financial strain for telecom operators, who are dealing with the impacts of Naira devaluation and high inflation. These economic challenges have reduced network capacity investment, affecting service quality. In response, operators have requested tariff increases to mitigate their financial difficulties. The NCC’s new regulations and enforcement actions will be crucial in addressing service quality issues while balancing the economic realities faced by the telecom industry.
The Programme Manager of Green and Digital Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Frank Okafor, stated that the Participatory Policy Implementation Framework (PPIF) will enhance digital transformation and innovation. This framework aims to address the gap in digital policies and improve their implementation at the state level, following the challenges of implementing policies.
Developed by NITDA and GIZ/DTC Nigeria, the PPIF was handed over to the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in July for federal scaling and will be piloted in states to encourage adoption and integration. The PPIF seeks to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation through a transparent and inclusive approach involving stakeholders from various sectors. It is expected to lead to improved policy implementation, increased local adaptability, and stakeholder empowerment. Supported by Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria and funded by the EU and BMZ, the initiative is implemented by GIZ.
Last year, the devaluation of the Naira resulted in a foreign exchange gain of 8.6 billion Naira (about USD 5.4 million), according to a World Bank audit of Nigeria’s Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
This financial boost is expected to help the digital identity authority fund upgrades to the national ID system. The ID4D project, which primarily deals in US dollars and euros, benefited from the higher exchange rates when converting foreign funds back into Naira. In 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria, through accounts managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), received $2.538 million and €3.03 million for the project. As the Naira continues to decline against major currencies, the ID4D project will likely gain further, allowing it to advance planned initiatives. These include investments in backup power systems, the establishment of a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Security Operations Center (SOC), data recovery center upgrades, and new software for a contact center and customer relationship management (CRM).
The ID4D project, funded by the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the European Investment Bank, aims to issue 148 million digital IDs by June 2024. With over 109 million IDs already issued and additional funds available, the project is progressing well, with a potential to enhance birth registration rates, currently at 30 percent.
