By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has unveiled two alternative digital platforms, dComms and DANCIT, aimed at promoting decentralized social media and secure community messaging across Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Bauchi by Buhari Abba, speaking on behalf of CITAD’s Executive Director, Dr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u.
The initiative, supported by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), seeks to expand digital choices for Nigerians while fostering an open, inclusive, and privacy-conscious online environment.
According to CITAD, the platforms were developed in response to mounting global and local concerns over data privacy, surveillance, algorithmic manipulation, and the monopolistic control exerted by a handful of powerful technology corporations.
“Many mainstream platforms operate business models that depend on collecting, processing, and monetizing users’ personal information.Through these initiatives, CITAD seeks to expand choices available to Nigerians and demonstrate that digital communication can be organized around people’s needs and rights” Abba stated.
The first of the two platforms, dComms, is a privacy-oriented, decentralized social media initiative integrated into the Fediverse, an interconnected network of independently operated servers that communicate seamlessly without relying on a central commercial entity.
Abba explained that this model offers communities and institutions greater flexibility, reduces dependence on dominant tech firms, and opens doors for local developers and smaller organizations to innovate.
The second platform, DANCIT (short for Dandalin CITAD), is a mobile messaging application designed for grassroots communities, youth, civil society organizations, and digital rights advocates.
Hosted on CITAD’s internal digital infrastructure, the application is inspired by the traditional Hausa concept of a dandali—a communal gathering space for discussion, relationship building, and civic engagement.
DANCIT aims to minimize tracking, profiling, and commercial data exploitation, offering a straightforward user experience tailored to local needs rather than global corporate interests.
While championing the move to decentralized networks, CITAD clarified that these systems do not automatically eradicate cyber threats, misinformation, or service disruptions.
Abba emphasized that the ultimate safety of the platforms relies heavily on responsible administration, robust security measures, and transparent governance, urging users to maintain good digital security habits.
The organization highlighted the critical timing of these platforms in Nigeria, where digital spaces heavily influence public debate, journalism, and civic mobilization.
CITAD concluded by stressing the importance of digital sovereignty—the ability of a nation and its communities to manage infrastructure and data governance in alignment with local interests.
By developing, hosting, and managing these services locally, CITAD hopes to strengthen domestic technical capacity and reduce long-term reliance on external tech giants.
