The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the alleged unauthorized sale of National Identification Numbers (NIN).
This was after reports emerged that the personal data of Nigerians were being sold online.
Concerns have grown regarding the protection of privacy rights and potential economic consequences.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, confirmed he has initiated discussions with Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to address this matter.
“While I have engaged with my counterpart at the Ministry of Interior regarding this matter, I am confident in their commitment to safeguarding our national identity data,” Dr. Tijani affirmed in a statement released on Wednesday.
He expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts of both the Ministry of Interior and NIMC to swiftly address the issue.
Last week, Paradigm Initiative raised concerns after discovering instances where NINs, Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), and other sensitive personal information were allegedly available for sale online, claiming they were directly extracted from government databases.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Gbenga Sesan, said that the data being sold on the websites were sourced directly from the government’s databases.
“The problem is not Nigerians because we were able to confirm that what they were selling is NIMC’s data and we have proof. We got the NIN slip of the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. We got the NIN slip of the number one data regulator in Nigeria, Dr. Vincent Olatunji. We bought them for N100 each to demonstrate that this is not a joke,” he said.
While not confirming specific allegations by Paradigm Initiative regarding the unauthorized sale of Nigerians’ personal data, Tijani acknowledged that the Nigeria Data Protection Commission had initiated an investigation into the reported breach.
“The NDPC, a year old agency under my supervision as minister, has over the last few months created data compliance mechanisms for all MDAs and has since started a thorough investigation as to the circumstances surrounding this alleged breach, “ the minister said.
Emphasizing the significance of a strong Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and efficient data exchange protocols among government agencies, Tijani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s cybersecurity resilience.
“Having established that, I do believe that it is important to share the proactive steps I have taken upon appointment to help strengthen technology application in government, despite the historically siloed approach to procurement and development,” the minister said.
He highlighted that soon after taking office, he released a comprehensive strategy outlining his vision to integrate advanced technology into public sector operations to stimulate economic growth.
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