Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a digital rights advocacy, has expressed concern about the consistent leak of Nigerians’ data online, urging the government to look into the matter.
The non-governmental organisation raised the issue in its latest report, highlighting the state of digital rights and inclusion in the country.
According to a statement on Friday, September 19, at a media briefing in Abuja, the organisation called on the government to seriously handle the matter.
“There has been a consistent data leak online for three years now, where data is available for sale cheaply,” PIN stated.
Commenting on the report, the Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, added, “The data security problem is serious. Data belonging to the President, Vice President, National Security Adviser, top military officials, ministers and other senior government officials are also available online to anyone who knows their full name and date of birth.”
He pointed out that, as much as the country has made advancements in tech, digital rights, such as privacy, online protection, freedom of expression, and access to information, are increasingly under threat in Nigeria.
He said the threats are manifesting as arbitrary internet disruptions, weak enforcement of data protection, surveillance, and inconsistent digital policies, which continue to weaken citizens’ trust and hinder the country’s digital growth and potential.
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Sesan noted that the Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space (STANDS) Project has been instrumental in delivering immense transformative change, positively influencing Nigeria’s digital rights landscape.
The project has combined litigation, advocacy, evidence-building, and capacity strengthening to protect citizens, influence policy, and build durable systems, he highlighted.
Sesan added that one of the major outputs of the STANDS project is the Ikot Ekpene Declaration, a commitment document that provides guidance for judicial officers on integrating digital rights into their rulings and judicial practice, noting that PIN has trained law enforcement officers on digital security.
The Senior Officer, Programmes at Anglophone West Africa, Khadijah El-Usman, shared highlights of the ‘2024 Nigeria Londa Report’ which evaluates the state of digital rights and inclusion while benchmarking them against the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
Khadijah stressed that the score index measures the country’s performance against major human rights issues including Internet access and affordability, freedom of expression and protection against arbitrary arrests.
It also scores the country against data protection and privacy, content moderation, transparency and access to information, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and inclusion of vulnerable groups, including children and persons with disabilities.
“For Nigeria in 2024, this assessment is not just a research exercise. It directly reflects how over 200 million citizens experience their right to connect, speak, to be protected online and to participate in the digital economy,” Khadijah added.
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The report puts Nigeria’s total score for 2024 at 36 out of 60, placing it at a moderately compliant level, reflecting both progress and setbacks.
PIN noted also that a considerable number of Nigerians are still battling internet affordability, connectivity, and skills barriers that limit meaningful online participation.
As much as there have been advancements, much more needs to be done as the most affected are individuals in rural areas, women, and persons with disabilities, who often face issues related to affordability, access, and digital literacy, it added.
Pinnacle Daily reported that the PIN executive director, Sesan, was recently elected to chair the national mirror/technical committee on digitally delivered services by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
His key tasks include leading and inspiring delegates and experts from the sector towards a national consensus on standardisation works in Nigerian Industrial Standards, and ECOWAS Standards Harmonisation.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
