The Nigerian government has announced plans to develop a national blockchain system to enhance security and safeguard data integrity. The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kachifu Abdullahi, made this disclosure during a meeting with representatives from the University of Hertfordshire Law School at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Call for Private Sector Involvement
The delegation emphasized the importance of Nigeria developing a homegrown blockchain, tentatively named “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 her colleagues Dr. Bukola Faturoti and Ademola Soile-Balogun, highlighted the necessity of creating a blockchain system that is tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs.
Proposal for Indigenous Blockchain Development
Abdullahi mentioned the existence of a steering committee that had been consulted on this matter. He suggested that the delegation present their research to the committee to secure their support and facilitate the adoption of the proposal for implementation. He emphasized the importance of not operating in isolation and recommended scheduling a meeting with the steering committee to discuss the proposal in detail. Abdullahi expressed a desire to strengthen the partnership with the University of Hertfordshire Law School to ensure the successful implementation of the blockchain project.
Advantages of a Custom Blockchain
Kuppuswamy explained the benefits of developing a bespoke blockchain for Nigeria, describing it as a new product designed specifically for the country’s needs. She outlined 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 interests at heart. Developing an indigenous blockchain would allow Nigeria to maintain control over the underlying technology, ensuring it aligns with national interests and legal requirements.
Challenges with Foreign-Controlled Blockchains
Kuppuswamy highlighted the potential issues with using foreign-controlled blockchains, noting that developers outside Nigeria are not bound by Nigerian laws and may not be responsive to the country’s specific needs. She pointed out that relying on such platforms could lead to difficulties if the foreign developers decide to change the blockchain’s direction or policies, as seen with Ethereum’s division 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-party 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 cyber attacks, natural disasters, and other threats. Faturoti cited the example of Estonia, which implemented a data embassy following a significant cyber attack. He emphasized the importance of choosing a host country with robust security measures and favorable legal frameworks to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Nigeria’s data.
Interdepartmental Synergy and Blockchain Services
Ademola Soile-Balogun underscored the need for synergy between government departments to harmonize blockchain services for interdependency among various agencies. He recommended exploring avenues for integrating blockchain technology across different sectors of government to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Conclusion: Planning Ahead for a Secure Digital Future
The Nigerian government’s initiative to develop an indigenous blockchain represents 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 control and enhance national security. The collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire Law School and the involvement of the private sector will be crucial in ensuring the successful implementation of these projects. As the country looks ahead, these measures will provide a strong foundation for a secure and resilient digital infrastructure, aligning with global best practices and addressing the unique challenges faced by Nigeria in the digital age.