The Guardian (Nigeria)

Harmonise NIN, BVN in central database for synergy, FG told

Google uses AI to block 206m scam adverts

- By Adeyemi Adepetun and Waliat Musa

INFORMATIO­N and C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technology ( ICT) expert, Ibrahim Olasege, has called for synergy between the National Identity Number ( NIN) and the Bank Verificati­on Number ( BVN) systems in Nigeria to achieve a multipurpo­se central database.

Olasege, who is a principal computer and network engineer at Dots ICT Institute of Technology, Abeokuta, Ogun

State, argued that the integratio­n would create a central database that would enable the government to better track and manage citizens’ data.

Olasege, in a statement, on Wednesday, noted that the benefits of this approach include improved security, greater efficiency, and easier access to essential services.

According to him, the most significan­t benefit is enhanced security, as the central database would make it more difficult for criminals to access sensitive informatio­n.

He added that the centralisa­tion of data would make it easier for the government to track and monitor citizens’ activities, leading to more efficient and effective services.

He explained that the integratio­n would make it easier for citizens to access services such as banking and healthcare, as they would only need to provide a single ID number rather than multiple documents.

He said: “The central database would be more secure than the current fragmented system, and the benefits of enhanced security and efficiency would outweigh the potential privacy concerns.

“The government would need to put safeguards in place to ensure that the data is not misused or abused.”

MEANWHILE, a technology firm, Google, has said it blocked 206.5 million scam advertisem­ents on its platform in 2023.

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