LAGOS — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on government ministries, financial institutions, and public agencies to exercise greater accountability and coordination in managing integrated citizen databases, including Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and SIM card registrations.
Speaking recently at a stakeholder forum in Lagos, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyemo, Senior Manager of Regulatory Services at the NCC, observed that while Nigeria has successfully gathered extensive personal data across banking, telecommunications, and civic programs, poor inter-agency coordination continues to undermine its effectiveness.
Adeyemo emphasized that massive data collection efforts offer limited value if institutional barriers prevent relevant bodies from securely accessing and utilizing the information to improve public welfare and national security.
“Stakeholders must take responsibility for ensuring that existing information produces practical benefits,” Adeyemo stated. “Let’s start with being accountable, holding ourselves responsible, and using what we have to get the results we need.”
The NCC stressed that strong cross-sector collaboration—spanning public institutions, financial operators, and the media—is essential to building transparent, unified data systems that enhance service delivery across the country.