News
Nigeria Moves to Develop Indigenous Blockchain for Greater Data Security
The Nigerian government has announced plans to develop a national blockchain system to improve security and safeguard data integrity. The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kachifu Abdullahi, made the disclosure during a meeting with representatives of the University of Hertfordshire Law School at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Call for private sector involvement
The delegation stressed the importance of Nigeria developing a domestic blockchain, tentatively called “Nigerium,” to ensure that data belonging to the nation and its citizens is not controlled by foreign entities. The head of the delegation, Chanu Kuppuswamy, along with his colleagues Dr. Bukola Faturoti and Ademola Soile-Balogun, highlighted the need to create a blockchain system that is tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs.
Proposal for the development of indigenous blockchain
Abdullahi mentioned that there was a steering committee that had been consulted on this issue. He suggested that the delegation present their research to the committee to secure their support and facilitate the adoption of the implementation proposal. He stressed the importance of not operating in isolation and recommended scheduling a meeting with the steering committee to discuss the proposal in detail. Abdullahi expressed his desire to strengthen the partnership with the University of Hertfordshire Law School to ensure the successful implementation of the blockchain project.
Benefits of a Custom Blockchain
Kuppuswamy explained the benefits of developing a blockchain tailored for Nigeria, describing it as a new product designed specifically for the country’s needs. He noted that while existing blockchains like Ethereum can be used to create smart contracts, they remain under the control of foreign developers who may not have Nigeria’s best interests at heart. Developing an indigenous blockchain would allow Nigeria to retain control over the underlying technology, ensuring it aligns with national interests and legal requirements.
Challenges with foreign-controlled blockchains
Kuppuswamy highlighted the potential problems in using foreign-controlled blockchains, noting that developers outside Nigeria are not bound by Nigerian laws and may not be sensitive to the country’s specific needs. He noted that relying on such platforms could lead to difficulties if foreign developers decide to change the direction or policies of the blockchain, as seen with Ethereum’s split into “classic” and “forked” versions following a major financial loss. This underscores the need for Nigeria to have its own blockchain to prevent external control and ensure stability.
Data Embassy for Digital Continuity
Dr. Bukola Faturoti advocated for the establishment of a data embassy to provide a secure backup for Nigeria’s data. A data embassy, he explained, is a server hosted in a third country, similar to traditional embassies, where the laws of the host country do not apply to the data stored there. This arrangement ensures digital continuity and protection against cyberattacks, natural disasters and other threats. Faturoti cited the example of Estonia, which implemented a data embassy following a significant cyberattack. He stressed the importance of choosing a host country with strong security measures and conducive legal frameworks to ensure the security and sovereignty of Nigeria’s data.
Interdepartmental Synergy and Blockchain Services
Ademola Soile-Balogun stressed the need for synergy among government departments to harmonize blockchain services for interdependence among various agencies. He recommended exploring avenues to integrate blockchain technology across different sectors of government to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Secure Digital Future
The Nigerian government’s initiative to develop an indigenous blockchain is a proactive step towards securing the nation’s digital future. By creating a bespoke blockchain system and establishing a data embassy, Nigeria aims to protect its data from external scrutiny and enhance national security. Collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire Law School and private sector involvement will be crucial to ensuring the successful implementation of these projects. As the country looks to the future, these measures will provide a solid foundation for a secure and resilient digital infrastructure, aligning with global best practices and addressing the unique challenges Nigeria faces in the digital age.