By Mohammed Mohammed
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Ibrahim Pantami, has raised concern over the devious schemes perpetrated by some unscrupulous persons claiming to have access to personal data of Nigerians.
He said such data includes SIM databases, bank verification numbers and other personal records of Nigerians.
The Technical Assistant to the Minister on Information Technology, Mr. Femi Adeluyi, in a statement, said Pantami, notes the concerns of stakeholders on the privacy implications of government’s legitimate use of private data to check the spread of virus, provide palliatives to vulnerable members of society and prevent criminal activities accentuated by the global health crisis that the country is currently grappling with.”
For the avoidance of doubt, he said neither the ministry nor any organ of the government directed that any such database be shared to any person for any purpose other than the legitimate, statutory purpose they were collected for.
He said: “The public is therefore urged to disregard any information from any group or individuals seeking to confirm or collect personal records for any purpose.
“Federal government will never ask citizens to confirm their records via phone calls or digital means without an elaborate structure to ensure the safety of these records and effective communication to the public in this regard.”
He said the minister has directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as the custodian of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), to issue a comprehensive framework to guide public institutions on the lawful processing of personal data for public and vital interests such as public health, welfare, security and related matters.
According to him, government’s ultimate purpose in its fight against COVID-19 is to minimise direct and collateral damages.
He said: “In the face of the threat to life arising from public health, hunger and security factors, Nigeria like every progressive society, is utilising its digital assets and infrastructure to tackle the pandemic and its effects.
“Every use of private data is strictly for the promotion of the security and welfare of Nigerians.
“Any unlawful disclosure, abuse or misuse of private data constitutes a criminal offence, punishable under the laws of Nigeria.
“The Minister therefore use this medium to encourage all regulators or institutions that utilise personal data for public good to prioritise information and cyber security.”
While warning players in data provision, he said all data controlling organisations are further expected to provide a means for efficient public communication across all platforms available throughout this period to respond to public enquiries and comments.