TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 5% Tax on Petroleum Products

TUC Threatens Nationwide Strike Over 5% Tax on Petroleum Products

•Issues 14-day ultimatum

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked the federal government to stand down within two weeks, plan to introduce a five percent tax on petroleum products, or it will embark on nationwide industrial action.

A statement signed by TUC’s president Festus Osifo and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, described the policy as a reckless proposal, adding that, “it is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.”

“Let it be clear: workers and citizens are still reeling from the pains of subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira.

“To now introduce another levy on petroleum products is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty.

“Government cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, it has chosen to further squeeze citizens dry. This is unacceptable!

“The TUC hereby urges the federal government to immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance.

“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” the statement added.

Accordingly, the TUC directed all its State councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain vigilant, watchful, and wait for further communication that may culminate into a decisive action should the government dare to further ignore the collective will of the people.

The TUC also called on its allies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to support it in the struggle.

“Together, we must resist policies that seek to further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future.

Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” it added.

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•Issues 14-day ultimatum Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked the federal government to stand down within two weeks, plan to introduce a five
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No Casualties as Thunderstorm Cuts 132kv Otukpo-Nsukka Transmission Line

No Casualties as Thunderstorm Cuts 132kv Otukpo-Nsukka Transmission Line

•NERC tells Anambra residents not to buy, fix electricity transformers 

• Says it’s duty of power distribution companies

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced that  a thunderstorm that occurred late in the evening of September 3, 2025, caused the snapping of the 132kV Otukpo–Nsukka–New Haven transmission line.

A statement by TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said the cut conductor fell to the ground near Tower 97 along the route.

Although there was no loss of human life, the high-voltage discharge from the fallen conductor, TCN said, torched a house built under the transmission line, close to the tower, burnt a car parked under the transmission line right-of-way and killed two cows along the route.

 “Immediately following the incident, the Regional Manager of TCN, Enugu Region, Tom Inugonum and his team visited the site of the incident for an on-the-ground assessment  of the incident.

“TCN’s Quick Response Line Maintenance Team has also been deployed to the site and has since commenced dismantling the damaged section of the line in preparation for restringing a new conductor,” the statement added.

Despite the disruption, TCN stated that there has been no load loss to the Nsukka area, which is normally supplied through the affected transmission line, disclosing that it has implemented a temporary alternative power supply arrangement by diverting bulk electricity through the Otukpo 132kV Transmission Substation to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) for onward distribution to the Nsukka axis.

 “TCN appreciates that no human casualties occurred as a result of the incident. However, this serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to avoid building, parking, or engaging in any activities within the transmission lines’ Right of Way (RoW). The company emphasises that such encroachments are extremely dangerous and pose serious risks to lives and property.

 “We urge the public to always respect the integrity of power infrastructure and comply with safety guidelines around transmission facilities. TCN remains committed to maintaining a stable and secure national grid while ensuring public safety,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has called on electricity consumers in Anambra State to report any instances where officials of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) request payments for transformers, cables, or poles.

This appeal was made during a town hall and complaints resolution meeting held in Awka, Anambra State, organised by NERC to engage with electricity customers, a statement posted by the power sector regulator on its social media handles stated.

Speaking at the event, NERC Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mrs Aisha Mahmud, represented by Head of Consumer Protection at NERC, Dr Zubair Babatunde, emphasised that maintenance of such infrastructure is the responsibility of Distribution Companies (Discos), not consumers.

The Commissioner urged residents to document and forward any such cases to NERC for swift intervention.

 “NERC oversees the operations of distribution companies to ensure customers are treated fairly. If you’re unhappy with the services provided, please lodge your complaints through the proper channels. We’re here to listen to your concerns and ensure the DisCos respond directly,” Mahmud stated.

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•NERC tells Anambra residents not to buy, fix electricity transformers  • Says it’s duty of power distribution companies Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced
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DSS ‘unlawfully’ holding brief for Tinubu, reject their demand – Sowore’s lawyers write Meta

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has petitioned Meta Platforms Inc., urging the tech giant to reject a request by Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, to deactivate the Facebook account of activist Omoyele Sowore. In the letter addressed to Meta on Monday, Effiong described the DSS demand as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a threat to the
DSS ‘unlawfully’ holding brief for Tinubu, reject their demand – Sowore’s lawyers write Meta

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has petitioned Meta Platforms Inc., urging the tech giant to reject a request by Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, to deactivate the Facebook account of activist Omoyele Sowore.

In the letter addressed to Meta on Monday, Effiong described the DSS demand as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a threat to the right to freedom of expression.

The petition comes after DSS wrote to social media giants, Meta and X incorporated, demanding the deactivation of Sowore’s social media handles.

The State agency had accused the activist of posting ‘unsavoury’ things about the Nigerian President, maligning his character.

However, the lawyer argued that the laws cited by the DSS in its petition were irrelevant and that Sowore’s post did not breach Meta’s Community Standards.

“We enjoin Meta to see the sinister demand by the SSS for what it truly is: an egregious effort to massage the ego of the Nigerian President; an effort predicated on grounds that are legally unfounded in an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic journey and foist tyranny on the country,” he said.

Effiong accused the DSS of acting as though it were representing President Bola Tinubu, stating that the President had not initiated any legal action against Sowore.

He maintained that if Tinubu felt aggrieved by any publication, he should seek redress in court rather than use security agencies to intimidate critics.

The lawyer urged Meta to resist what he called an “egregious effort” by the DSS to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and suppress dissenting voices.

He warned that complying with the agency’s request would set a dangerous precedent and embolden further government clampdowns on free expression.

DSS ‘unlawfully’ holding brief for Tinubu, reject their demand – Sowore’s lawyers write Meta

2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Will Bring Out Their Best Against South Africa –Amoo

Former Shooting Stars coach Fatai Amoo says he’s confident the Super Eagles will come out victorious in today’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein. With nine points…

Bolaji Abdullahi: We Have Completed our Documentations with INEC

Bolaji Abdullahi: We Have Completed our Documentations with INEC

•Solomon Dalung: ADC is ready for 2027

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The African Democratic Congress, ADC yesterday affirmed the coalition political party has successfully completed its documentations with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told THISDAY the party has successfully met all aspects of the documentation with the regulatory electoral body.

According to Abdullahi in a chat with THISDAY, “We have successfully completed our documentations with INEC. In fact, we were able to meet the outstanding documentations as at Thursday last week.”

INEC had alerted the coalition party is yet to complete its documentation with the ADC.

It was gathered some of the issues outstanding were the submission of the principal officers of the party, particularly, the signatories of the National Chairman, Senator David Mark and the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

Also, the former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has said that the ADC is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections,

Speaking as a guest on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, he dismissed fears that procedural issues could affect the party’s readiness for the polls.

According to Dalung, “The ADC is a registered political party in Nigeria and has been in existence for over 19 years.

“The party is undergoing a transition where coalition elements have been incorporated, and this process is ongoing, so it is incorrect to assert that it is an association,” Dalung said.

“The requirements of INEC are legal obligations and the ADC has no choice but to comply. To the best of my knowledge, party leaders are working tirelessly to ensure proper documentation is done,” he said.

He added the coalition must uphold the rule of law if it is to help rescue the country.

“If injustice, impunity, lack of internal democracy and lack of respect for the rule of law are the things that have jeopardised our democracy, then the coalition movement must ensure that everything is done within the context of the law,” he stressed.

Reacting to claims by Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, that the party had been hijacked by outsiders, Dalung dismissed the allegations.

“The former presidential candidate is a member of the party, but being a candidate in the last election does not place him within the organs of the party.

“The party is guided by its constitution, and I do not see where the right he is laying claim to is appropriated to him. He is free to hold opinions, but referring to other members of the party in such derogatory terms is inappropriate,” he said.

“Let me confirm that the issue has been settled and within a few days Nigerians will hear the proper position of things,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the former minister expressed confidence in the ADC’s ability to serve as a credible opposition.

“The ADC is prepared for 2027, and these challenges, whether internal wranglings or procedural requirements, are normal.

“From our activities across the country, it is clear that Nigerians can count on us to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.

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•Solomon Dalung: ADC is ready for 2027 Chuks Okocha in Abuja The African Democratic Congress, ADC yesterday affirmed the coalition political party has successfully completed its documentations with the Independent
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CVR: Over 3.5m Nigerians Registered in Three Weeks

CVR: Over 3.5m Nigerians Registered in Three Weeks

•As INEC Bayelsa set for voter education road show September 11

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have registered online for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) within three weeks.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Monday noted the commission would start presenting the combined figures of the completed online pre-registration and the physical (in-person) registration in a single graphic.

In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bayelsa State, through its Voter Education, Publicity and Gender Department (VEPGD), has fixed September 11, 2025, as the official date for the flag-off of its voter education road show.

The announcement was made by the Head of Department, Mr. Christian Utong, during a strategic engagement with accredited Voter Education Service Providers (VESP) in Yenagoa.

Meanwhile, INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun said: “In continuation of our weekly update on the ongoing nationwide voter registration, the Commission is pleased to publish the data at the end of the third week of the online pre-registration and second week of the physical (in-person) option.

“As at Sunday 7th September 2025, a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have now pre-registered online in three weeks since the commencement of the exercise on 18th August 2025.

“The figure at the end of Week Three shows that 1,709,933 (48.24 per cent) are male and 1,834,917 (51.76 per cent) are female. In terms of age and occupation, the majority 2,291,809 (64.65 per cent) are between the ages of 18 and 34 while 882,441 (24.89 per cent) are students.

“The cumulative figure since the physical (in-person) registration commenced on 25th August 2025 is 288,614 as of Thursday, 4th September 2025 of which 132,634 (45.96 per cent) are male and 155,980 (54.04 per cent) are female.

“In terms of age and occupation, 215,414 (74.64 per cent) are between the ages of 18 and 34 while 114,150 (39.55 per cent) are students.”

Olumekun stressed that the distribution of both online and completed registrations by State, gender, age, occupation and disability have been uploaded to its website and other official platforms for public information.

He added that the Commission appreciated the positive response of citizens and organisations that have mobilised civic participation for the exercise.

The commission reiterated that voter registration is only open to citizens who are 18 years or older at the time of registration.

He emphasised it is illegal for anyone to encourage underage registration or those below 18 years of age to register in anticipation that they will attain the legal age of voting by the time the general election holds in 2027.

Meanwhile, the INEC meeting in Bayelsa brought together civil society groups, advocacy networks, and community partners committed to enhancing voter sensitization for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which runs from August 2025 to August 2026.

Utong explained the road show would serve as a direct channel to engage residents across towns and rural communities through drama, music, and interactive outreach.

He stressed the initiative aims to dismantle misinformation around the CVR, encourage voter status checks, and ensure that every eligible citizen secures their Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

According to him, the CVR is strictly for citizens who have not registered before, those who have recently turned 18 years, and individuals with lost, defaced, or damaged PVCs.

He cautioned that multiple registration remains an electoral offence, warning that with the deployment of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) – which uses both fingerprint and facial recognition – such irregularities will be automatically detected.

“INEC is committed to credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. Our sensitization efforts are not just about numbers but about ensuring that women, youths, persons with disabilities, and hard-to-reach communities are carried along. Democracy thrives when everyone has a voice,” Utong stated.

The Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), among other partners, pledged support for the campaign.

They noted the road show provides an opportunity to strengthen participation among marginalized groups and to boost public confidence in the electoral process.

The voter education activities are expected to intensify throughout the CVR period, with September 11 marking the first phase of mass mobilization.

INEC Bayelsa has assured residents that its officials will be on ground during the events to provide guidance, resolve voter registration issues, and assist citizens with status verification.

The Commission urged Bayelsans to take full advantage of the exercise, reminding them that the PVC remains the only valid instrument for exercising their democratic right.

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•As INEC Bayelsa set for voter education road show September 11 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that a
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Guber Poll: No Vacancy in Anambra Government House, Says Group

Guber Poll: No Vacancy in Anambra Government House, Says Group

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, a group, Umueri General Assembly, has declared that there is no vacancy in the government house.

The President-General of Anambra East Local Government Chapter of the group, Dr. John Metchie, said the people of Anambra have collectively resolved to re-elect the governor, Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to enable them to continue and consolidate their developmental strides.

Speaking with journalists during the 2025 Umueri New Yam Festival over the weekend, Metchie reiterated his position, stating that no serious contender was challenging Soludo in the election.

Metchie, in a statement issued Monday, argued that the governor’s achievements in just three years have exceeded the expectations of the people.

He noted that the entire Omambala region would vote en masse for Soludo, adding he personally stands firmly behind the governor.

Metchie stressed he would work tirelessly at the grassroots level to ensure a landslide victory for Soludo in the region.

According to him, the youths, women, and key stakeholders of the Omambala region are unanimously and unequivocally in support of Governor Soludo’s second-term bid, which he described as “non-negotiable.”

Metchie therefore urged other candidates in the race to abandon their ambitions, insisting that “there is no vacancy” in the Anambra State Government House.

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, a group, Umueri General Assembly, has declared that there is no vacancy in the government house.
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Olu of Warri Intervenes in Itsekiri Graduates’ Tuition Backlog

Olu of Warri Intervenes in Itsekiri Graduates’ Tuition Backlog

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has offered to pay the tuition and clearance fees of students of Itsekiri extraction who graduated from Novena University, Ogume, in the Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The students were sponsored under the Presidential Amnesty Programme but denied their certificates due to the reported failure of successive administrators of the PAP.

The sole representative of the Olu of Warri to NNPCL and its JV Partners, Collins Edema, disclosed the cheering gesture, over the weekend, in a statement.

He said the gesture was in line with the Warri monarch’s passion and unwavering commitment to the growth, development, and empowerment of Itsekiri youths.

Edema explained the affected students were to complete a Google Form to submit their details between September 7 and September 30, assuring that payment of the tuition and clearance fees of the affected graduates will be made.

“The Office of the Sole Representative of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri to NNPCL wishes to inform all Itsekiri students who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and who have graduated from Novena University but have been unable to obtain their certificates or proceed for the National Youth Service Corps due to outstanding tuition and clearance fees, that His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, has graciously approved an intervention to resolve this matter.

“In line with His Majesty’s passion and unwavering commitment to the growth, development, and empowerment of the Itsekiri youth, a structured process has been established to address these outstanding obligations.

“Immediately after the close of data collection, payments for tuition and clearance fees will commence in batches until all affected students are cleared”, he said.

Edema asserted the commitment of the Olu of Warri to ensuring that Itsekiri youths enjoy unhindered access to education, empowerment, and opportunities to thrive.

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Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has offered to pay the tuition and clearance fees of students of Itsekiri extraction who graduated from Novena University,
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DSS Writes Facebook, Demands Deletion of Disparaging Posts against Tinubu

DSS Writes Facebook, Demands Deletion of Disparaging Posts against Tinubu

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also notified Facebook of disparaging posts made against Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, by Omoyele Sowore, demanding in writing that the offensive posts be taken down within 24 hours.

The Director General of the Service, Oluwatosin Ajayi, in a letter signed by Uwem Davies, noted that the agency had detected and monitored, with dismay and consternation, a widely circulated publication by Omoyele Sowore on his Facebook page, on August 26, 2025, which disparaged and ridiculed the President.

The letter was captioned: “Re: Misleading Information and Wilful Intention to Further an Ideology Capable of Serious Harm, Incitement to Violence, Cybercrime, Hate Speech to Discredit/Disparage the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Cause Serious Threat to National Security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It  read: “This criminal @ official ABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The DSS averred that the post remains in circulation and has attracted widespread condemnation from a majority of Nigerians.

It added that the post was fuelling both online and offline tension across the country, thereby creating political unrest and threatening national security.

The Service also stated that this is in addition to the damaging effect the post has had on the reputation of the President and the image of Nigeria before the international community.

According to the letter: “The post in question has crossed the boundaries of decency and acceptable behaviour. The government strongly condemns this extremely dangerous and false violation of privacy, which manipulates and negatively impacts the person of the President and the image of the country.

“It is pertinent to bring to your attention that, under Nigerian law, these quoted words constitute offences punishable under Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, which prohibits the publication of false information.

“Similarly, Sections 19, 22, and 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2025 prohibit and criminalise the spread of fake news; the publication of content that is deliberately misleading or deceptive; the posting of content that is rude, vulgar, offensive, or indecent—especially with the intent to embarrass or humiliate others—and statements provoking ethnic, religious, or tribal hatred, whether online or offline, which amount to domestic terrorism.

 “The law also holds both the offender and the platform through which such offences are perpetrated or propagated as culpable and criminally liable.

 “The author and disseminator of the inflammatory online publication against Mr President is well aware that such a publication is also prohibited under Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and other relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The DSS further noted that there is no doubt that the words used by Sowore amount to misleading information, online harassment, and abuse.

 “It is also a wilful attempt to promote an ideology capable of causing serious harm, inciting hate speech, creating disunity, and discrediting or disparaging the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria before the comity of nations. This conduct aims to damage the international image of Nigeria and poses a grave threat to national security.

 “In view of the above, we hereby make an immediate and urgent demand on your corporation to, as a matter of policy, immediately remove the said post and any of its associated shares or engagements.

 “This demand is unequivocal and carries clear consequences. Should you fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with this directive, the federal government will be compelled to take far-reaching, sweeping, and comprehensive measures through our organisation, which is mandated to address such criminal acts. Having made this official communication to you, 24 hours is sufficient to take the necessary action,” the secret police stated.

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Linus Aleke in Abuja The Department of State Services (DSS) has also notified Facebook of disparaging posts made against Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, by Omoyele Sowore, demanding in writing that
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AU, EU Urge African Countries to Harmonise Data Protection Governance Frameworks

AU, EU Urge African Countries to Harmonise Data Protection Governance Frameworks

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have urged African countries to harmonise data protection frameworks for the continent’s data security.

The two bodies made the call on Monday at the opening ceremony of a five-day data governance study trip for some Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa, hosted by Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in Abuja.

Delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Eswatini, Botswana and Nigeria were in Abuja to carry out a study tour of data protection in Africa.

Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo de Luca said, “Emerging technologies could drive efficiency and empowerment, but cannot be sustained without strong rights-based governance frameworks.

“Data protection is a key pillar in promoting trust from citizens and businesses in the digital economy, driving strong economic growth.

“Data protection authorities not only safeguard citizens’ privacy, but attract investment and facilitate data flows for regional prosperity.

“They are needed to realise the African digital single market in line with the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union data policy framework.”

Luca assured that their approach to digital partnership at the EU was anchored on values, human dignity, privacy, openness and inclusion, adding that EU is ready to support data protection authorities to achieve same.

A representative of the German Embassy in Nigeria, Felix Reinhold, said they believed African data should remain in Africa.

Reinhold stated, “We believe that Africa’s data should remain in Africa’s hands and this means not only protecting the rights and privacy of citizens, but also ensuring that the value generated from data contributes to local innovation, sustainable development and the well-being of African societies.

“We must also guard against data monopolies because our shared vision is to foster a trusted and equitable digital environment where countries maintain control over their data while benefiting from regional and continental cooperation.”

According to him, Africa’s future digital economy will be strongest if built on trust, transparency and cross border collaboration.

In his address, National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said although 36 African countries had enacted data protection laws, only 26 had established dedicated data protection authorities.

Olatunji also stated that it was not enough to establish data protection laws, adding that data protection requires implementation of laws and cross-border cooperation of countries.

He stated, “Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion people presents immense opportunities for a thriving digital economy under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“This potential can only be realised if the continent develops a single digital market that is supported by free responsible flow of data and proper governance structure,”

He urged African data protection authorities not to only borrow global standards of data protection and governance but also develop home grown frameworks that reflected their cultural and socio-economic realities.

Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Salisu Afolabi, said lawmakers came up with the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to remove legal uncertainties in electronic transactions.

“We are working with the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes to ensure we have a law that is robust enough and in line with global best practices,” Afolabi said.

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Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have urged African countries to harmonise data protection frameworks for the continent’s data security. The two bodies made the
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