By Huldah Shado
The House of Representatives has renewed calls for a unified national data system and homegrown technological solutions, warning that Nigeria’s fragmented identity databases are hindering governance and economic growth.
Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Investment, Hon. Ahmed Munir, made the call at a policy dialogue in Abuja, stressing that Nigeria must reduce dependence on foreign technology and develop systems suited to its realities.
He said overlapping databases across ministries and agencies had complicated budgeting and policy implementation, urging full digitisation and data harmonisation.
“When all citizens’ data are captured in a single database, it becomes easier to plan and allocate resources effectively,” Munir stated.
Also speaking, Abiodun Odunuga, CEO of Bridge and Value, highlighted the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in attracting investment, but noted that weak trust and poor governance continue to discourage foreign partners.
