Info Tech
FG’s Phone Bugging Programme Worry Nigerians
LAGOS: Some eminent Nigerians have warned against the proposed introduction of lawful interception (LI), the so-called initiative that will give security agencies powers to access private communications, such as telephone calls or e-mail messages; saying that such move would amount to infringement of peoples’ privacy.
Though supports for the scheme were far and in between; majority of the speakers at the Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology Awareness and Development (JACITAD) forum to review the draft regulation on law interception waxed worriedly at the possible manipulation and misuse of LI by power hungry government officials.
Under the initiative, in response to a warrant from a judge, lawful interception is performed simply by applying a ‘tap’ on the telephone line of the target, making it possible for security agencies in Nigeria to listen to terrorist and criminal cell phone calls and gather communications intelligence on their dark activities.
The controversial policy is being proposed by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) which said it is drawing powers from Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and all other powers enabling it in that regards.
But Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former director-general, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said the move “Regulate” Lawful Interception of Communications” falls outside NCC’s jurisdiction.
El-Rufai recalled that the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA 2003) was originally drafted by a consortium of local and international lawyers hired by the BPE under his leadership to give legal effect to the approved National Communications Policy midwifed by the National Council on Privatization in 2001.
The goal of the legislation, he said, was to fully deregulate the telecommunications sector and give broader and deeper regulatory powers to the NCC, while restricting the Minister to policy making roles only.
Thus, the former director of BPE slammed NCC for pushing to regulate an affair concerning human rights which falls under the purview of the National Assembly.
He said that “The results of the policy shift and new legal framework have been impressive and the fact that virtually every Nigerian, including teenagers, has a phone as evidence of the success of the de-monopolization regime that began in 2001.
“It is on reliance of, and pursuant to sections 70, 72, 146, 147 and 148 that the NCC has issued ‘The Draft Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations (2013)’. In order to undertake a policy analytic review of the draft regulations, it is necessary to ask the following questions, which broadly fall into two classes – first to establish the legitimacy and legality of the regulations, and second to critique their substantive content and language:
These include, what are the constitutional provisions regarding privacy or otherwise of physical and electronic communications between citizens?
Under what conditions does the constitution and laws allow the violation of such privacy, if any?
When the Legislature passed the NCA, did it reasonably intend to give the NCC the powers to regulate the interception of private communications, thus enabling the infringement of fundamental rights without specific legislation via an Act of National Assembly?
Do the provisions of sections 70, 72, 146-148 of the NCA, without more, adequately grant the NCC the legitimacy to issue and enact the regulations under consideration?
Assuming the Constitution and the NCA enables the NCC to issue the regulations, are they fit for the purpose of protecting the privacy of the citizen while enabling access to law enforcement agents in the public interest?
Meanwhile, NCC had stated it is only exercising the powers conferred on it by Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and all other powers enabling it in that regard.
El-Rufai, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), then added that, “From the foregoing, it is not only unlawful for the government to invade the privacy of citizens by intercepting letters, phone conversations or emails, but a constitutional violation and therefore an impeachable offence!
“However, if the National Assembly enacts ‘any law that is reasonably justifiable that is in the interest of the country, then the interception may be lawful. The question that follows is whether NCA 2003 is one such law”.
Also speaking, Femi Adesina, president, Nigerian Guild of Editors, said “Without prejudice to what legal experts would say, I personally believe that the draft regulation on lawful interception has more strengths than weaknesses, and will do more good than evil.
“While any law, however benign, can be manipulated and used for negative ends, the LI can also help in stemming the tide of violent crimes like kidnapping, terrorism, and other anti-social acts. There are also enough provisions in the regulation to protect the citizenry, and give access to redress against unlawful acts.
He however, raised some concerned as regards the implementation of the Regulation.
He said: “Nigerians from different walks of life have raised concerns over the NCC draft regulation. They include: Blackberry services could be at risk in the country as the regulation will run counter to the technical operating standards of the phones’ distinct network. It maintains a strict policy of non-disclosure of pass codes or key, sent over an encrypted network. And there are over three million Blackberry users in Nigeria.
“When security agencies intercept vital communication, how safe are subscribers from unscrupulous ones among them, who may end up trading with information at their disposal? Will this not even encourage identity theft?
Conversations will no longer be spontaneous, as you will have the sneaky feeling that Big Brother is listening. Government may use the regulation to crack down on opposition figures”.
Other speakers at the forum also expressed worry over the moves by the NCC, especially as it would raise concerns of a nation on State of Emergency; incur hardship on the operators who shall be trapped in legal battles with subscribers, among other fears.
In efforts at spicing up the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, the management of ITREALMS Media has partnered with E-waste Producer Responsibility Organization of Nigeria (EPRON) membership organisations for a day-long collection scheme of small electronic waste on Friday, December 15, 2023.
The EPRON members aligning their partnership with 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue are EL-AS Tech Enterprises Limited and WEEE Eco-Friendly.
ITREALMS’ day-long collection scheme is part of the commemoration of 2023 international E-Waste Day (IEWD) within the ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue with the theme “You Can Recycle Anything with a plug, battery or cable” at Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos.
Revealing this collaboration, the Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media, the organisers of the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue, Sir. Remmy Nweke, urged mobile device enthusiasts to come along with their devices that have reached their end-of-life to the venue for proper disposition by professionals who would also be on grounds to address some topical issues.
The collection of small electronic wastes especially mobile phones and like-devices, would be carried out by EPRON member organisation, EL-AS Tech Enterprises Limited as facilitated by ITREALMS Media group as part of this year’s ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue on Friday, December 15, he added.
He disclosed that the exercise would commence at Welcome Centre Hotel by 9am till close of work hours the same day.
Nweke pointed out that the collection of small e-waste items would include mobile phones, pointers mouse, earpieces, rechargeable torches, phone chargers, to name a few.
Further, he said, that this initiative has become time-serving because some people may have missed any other opportunity before now for the year-long campaign, hence this awareness on e-Waste has to be continuous, “ITREALMS came up with this scheme.”
Nweke beckoned on Nigerians, especially mobile phone users, to leverage the opportunity in disposing of their mobile devices they no longer use, of course in exchange for a voucher or gift item.
In her reaction to this year’s day-long small waste collection, EPRON Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ibukun Faluyi, described the initiative as commendable, expressing confidence it would intensify the collection of end-of-life devices for proper disposition.
Mrs. Faluyi, also urged Nigerians to take advantage of this day-long collection of small wastes courtesy of ITREALMS Media.
Recalling for instance that in October 2022, EPRON had partnered SLOT alongside some UN agencies for collection of small e-waste items in Lagos, including the United Nations Information Centres (UNIC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
This is even as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida and Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Aliyu Jauro, would both lead speakers at the 2023 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue slated for this Friday, December 15, in Lagos.
Today, September 12, the tech corporation Apple will introduce the iPhone 15, their newest iPhone model.
According to a Forbes story, this model, which will be introduced at the company’s “Wanderlust” event in Cupertino, California, will be available in four variations: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Here are five things you should know about the new iPhone 15 model.
1. The new model is made of titaniu, not stainless steel as some other Apple smartphone models, Senior research analyst at DIGITIMES, Luke Lin reports.
2. The Pro Max model will feature double the optical zoom on the iPhone 14 as it comes with a newly-introduced ‘periscope lens upgrade, performing 5-6x optical zoom.’
3. The Pro models will carry an A17 bionic chip expected to make it perform faster.
4. The iPhone 15 model will feature a USB-C charging port, the same port featured on some Android phone models.
5. Due to its titanium shell, the new model is anticipated to be more expensive to purchase. The following is the speculated price list, as reported by Forbes:
The iPhone 15 starts at $799, the iPhone 15 Plus at $899, the iPhone 15 Pro at $1,099 ($100 increase), and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,299 ($200 increase).
In an effort to reduce the exorbitant cost of Premium Motor Spirit, better known as petrol, the Infrastructure Bank Plc announced its collaboration with FEMADEC Group on Monday to offer 500 buses powered by autogas (Compressed Natural Gas).
Partners in the agreement claimed that the project was created to provide citizens with dependable, affordable, and environmentally friendly travel options, taking into account the negative effects of the nationwide increase in PMS costs.
Under Decree No. 51 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1992 Constitution, the Infrastructure Bank, originally known as the Urban Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, was founded in 1992 to promote the quick development of infrastructure throughout the nation.
In a statement issued in Abuja on its partnership with FEMADEC, the bank said, “The preliminary offer extended by TIB lays a solid foundation for the expansion of FEMADEC Group’s CNG bus fleet.
“With plans to introduce 500 CNG buses within the next five years, commencing with an initial batch of 50 buses in the forthcoming year, this proposal stands poised to instigate significant change.
“The acceptance of this proposition by FEMADEC Group, notably championed by Fola Akinnola, the Group Chief Executive Officer, is a testament to their zeal and dedication to this alliance.”
The bank described the partnership as a “pivotal endeavour that is primed to redefine Nigeria’s public transportation landscape, offering dependable, cost-effective, and ecologically conscious travel alternatives for citizens, while harmonising with the nation’s broader sustainability ambitions.”
“This partnership represents a remarkable stride towards a more ecologically aware future for Nigeria’s transportation sector, highlighting the shared commitment of both TIB and FEMADEC Group to sustainable advancement and progress.”
It said FEMADEC Group’s strides in operating Compressed Natural Gas buses, including the existing fleet of 20 CNG buses under LAMATA, underscored their unwavering dedication to ecologically sound solutions, a commitment predating the fuel subsidy removal.
“Their leadership within the CNG value chain is undeniable, and the new alliance with TIB underscores their foresight.
“This partnership seamlessly aligns with TIB’s sustainability objectives, echoing their resolute endorsement of the government’s net-zero and climate change agenda.
“The bank’s aspiration to champion Nigeria’s infrastructure progress is evident in its endorsement of pivotal initiatives like this, yielding expansive positive impacts on both the environment and society,” the bank stated.
The bank added that it would continue to make a significant contribution to the country’s growth as a leading financial institution committed to advancing effective and long-lasting infrastructure projects.
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