Senator seeks digital database for SMEs

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis representing Ogun Central has called for the establishment of a nationwide digital database to strengthen governance, protect small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) from cyber threats, and create a platform for ethical enterprise growth. Speaking at the 2025 National Convention of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni Association (MAPAMA) on Sunday, […]

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis representing Ogun Central has called for the establishment of a nationwide digital database to strengthen governance, protect small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) from cyber threats, and create a platform for ethical enterprise growth.
Speaking at the 2025 National Convention of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni Association (MAPAMA) on Sunday, Salis who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, stated that digitization of government services and integration of national databases would provide regulatory clarity, reduce corruption, and enable businesses to operate efficiently.
“Our laws are still analog while society has gone digital. This bill will give legal recognition to digital signatures, mandate digitization of government services, and create a unified national database linking agencies while preserving custodial rights,” he said.
Salis explained that three key legislative frameworks, the Startup Act, the Cybercrime Act, and the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, were designed to empower entrepreneurs, protect critical information systems, and modernize Nigeria’s business environment.
“Entrepreneurs cannot build ethical and scalable enterprises in an environment where the rules keep changing. A unified digital system ensures data integrity, enables service access anywhere, reduces corruption, and provides a reliable foundation for businesses to thrive,” Salis said.

 

He also urged SMEs and youth to invest in digital skills and cybersecurity awareness, noting the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population and the opportunities created by the country’s growing fintech ecosystem.

 

“Digital proficiency is no longer optional. Even a fashion designer or makeup artist can reach clients globally without a physical office. Hard times are the best time to start something, and today’s challenges present real opportunities for innovation,” he added.

 

Supporting the senator’s policy-driven message, outgoing MAPAMA National President, Prince Taofeek Oyeniyi, addressed the impact of recent economic reforms, including subsidy removal and naira floatation on citizens and businesses.

 

He called for government interventions to ease the burden on Nigerians.

 

“Like all average Nigerians, we feel the impact of subsidy removal and the floating of the naira. Citizens need to be compensated through social amenities, infrastructure, and humane policies that ease the cost of living,” Oyeniyi said.

 

He also criticized the cancellation of the National Halal Presentation Ceremony, emphasizing its importance in boosting trust-based markets, creating jobs, and supporting ethical enterprise.

 

“The Halal economy is about monetizing ethics, creating employment, and expanding markets. The government’s failure to reschedule or explain the cancellation sends the wrong signal. Nigeria must defend legitimate economic initiatives for the benefit of business-oriented citizens and to maintain investor confidence,” he said.

 

Chairing the opening session, Dr. Ahmed ’Tunde Popoola, Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, urged alumni to seize entrepreneurial opportunities despite economic uncertainties and to leverage alumni networks for mentorship and career growth.

 

“Alumni associations are critical because they strengthen community ties, provide mentorship, and enhance institutional credibility. This convention is a platform to sustain engagement and leverage networks for professional and business growth,” Popoola said.

 

He encouraged attendees to act boldly and ethically in business.

 

“If you look at the hard economy and refuse to start, you will never do anything. Hard times are the best time to start something. I challenge all of you to take that step,” Popoola said.

 

Delegates discussed strategies to leverage Nigeria’s youthful population, growing fintech ecosystem, and digital opportunities, while calling for closer collaboration between alumni, government agencies, and private-sector partners to unlock economic potential with transparency and integrity.