Nigeria plans national blockchain for data sovereignty [Video]

Nigeria is eyeing a new indigenous blockchain network to protect the country’s data sovereignty.

According to local media, a team from the University of Hertfordshire proposed the new blockchain, Nigerium, to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Chanu Kuppuswamy, who leads the team, argued that relying on blockchain networks whose developers are in other regions poses national security risks for the Nigerian government. She further stated that Nigerium would allow the West African nation to customize the network to suit specific needs while promoting data sovereignty.

In her presentation, Chanu cited the recent Ethereum migration to proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus as an instance in which no Nigerians were involved but whose impact is far-reaching.

“Developing an indigenous blockchain like Nigerium is a significant step towards achieving data sovereignty and fostering trust in digital transactions within Nigeria,” she stated.

While receiving the proposals in Abuja, NITDA’s Kashifu Abdullahi acknowledged the benefits that a local blockchain would give …