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Stakeholders task govt. on need of formulating central database for improving on security
NIGERIA as the most populous black nation, privacy is believed to be a fundamental human right as enshrined by the constitution. But, it is disheartening that comprehensive data protection legislation has yet to be enacted as one of the fundamental human rights, even as several government and private organizations routinely collect and process personal data.
According to the broadly phrased Section 37 of the constitution which applies to personal data protection, states ‘ the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected’.
However, the existing regulatory frameworks fall short of providing Nigerians with an adequate level of personal data protection as these frameworks fail to clearly define the level of protection afforded to the personal data collected , nor do they clearly state the obligations relating to how personal data should be handled.
Interestingly, checks revealed that Ghana has a data protection law, however, regrettably, so many organizations are collecting data and storing data, hence weakened the whole essence of the law.
Very recently, African internet stakeholders under the aegis of African Academic Network on Internet Policy, who converged at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State to attend the maiden edition of Data Privacy and Protection conference, have jointly tasked the government on the urgent need to have a single authority that would be responsible for collecting, sharing and management of personal data so as to ensure its security, avoid multiplicity of data as well as waste of resources.
The stakeholders who averred that privacy is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the constitution, also called for the enactment of a data protection act that contains data protection principles consistent with those contained in the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The conference which was supported by Google had in attendance data protection and internet experts, students, professional bodies, government, civil society, private business representatives and other stakeholders who encouraged the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to engage in public interest litigation to protect privacy, raise consumer awareness about protecting their personal information and advocate for the use of privacy enhancing technologies.
Speaking at the two day conference (Monday December 4, 2017/ Tuesday December 5, 2017), the Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, ISGPP, Dr. Tunji Olaopa explained, ’we are informed from the recognition that the contributions of Africa to the growth of internet policy has been very weak and we narrow down to the unfortunate dimension of even the African researchers not really contributing to the global conversation and if you know the extent to which internet is impacting presently and to impact in the future. Our fear was that African must avoid going into another recolonization.
‘So, to that end, a roundtable was organized in May and the challenges were highlighted. It then became very imperative to assemble the leading African experts both in Africa and diaspora to organize a network which gave birth to African Academic Network. In trying to address the gaps (Policy and Research) militating against African’s contribution, we then highlight a whole lot of symmetric areas. We have started with data privacy and security’, he continued.
Dr. Godfred Frempong of CSIR Science and Technology and Research Institute, in his submission, emphasized on the importance of data, just as he described it as a prominent weapon.
He further observed that the way data is collected, managed in Africa must be looked at critically. Worried about poor harmonization of data by various governments’ authorities, Frempong added, ‘So many organizations are collecting the same personal data. For example if you are privileged to travel, the immigration authority will collect data on you, National Insurance Authority is collecting data on us, National Identification Authority is collecting data, Electoral Commission is collecting data, Driving and Vehicle Registration Authority is collecting data, the banks are collecting data, National Identity Management Commission, Integrated Payroll and Personnel for Public Servant, Sim card registration by NCC and anywhere you go, they ask you about your personal data’, he lamented.
Concerned about data security, Mr. John Walubengo from Multimedia Centre, University of Kenya expressed displeasure over the activities of private business players who collect information such as the telecom operators, mobile banking in which they computerize or save data in digital format without prioritizing its protection. ‘How do you protect this information to ensure that it doesn’t fall into wrong hands?’, he queried.
Similarly, he stressed on the need to have a framework forcing the data collectors or controllers to adapt to minimum standard of protection. ‘We need to look at data security as protecting citizens’ right and privacy, so that all citizens in Africa are able to enjoy that security of the data collector which the businesses may not prioritize’ said Walubengo.
Also contributing, the Senior Policy Manager, World Wide Web Foundation, Mrs. Nnenna Nwakanma, who highlighted various opportunities available on the internet, described data as the biggest economy with its ability to tailor marketing to individuals. ‘Who ever have data has wealth. If you talk about the biggest companies online today they are no longer software or hardware companies, but data companies’, said Nwakanma.
She however cautioned that while data has becomes a goldmine for the digital economy, it could also hurt if not well handled, both by the data providers and handlers.
Another contentious issue at the conference was privacy protection which Mrs. Tope Ogundipe, Director of Programs, Paradigm Initiative noted that should be seen first as human rights issue rather than been posited as an economic one. She charged Nigerians to ask questions on how the barrage of data they provide to agencies are kept and used. She therefore recommended that the use of data must be in accordance with the purpose for which it was collected, stressing that consent of the individual must be obtained prior to collecting his or her personal data.
Ogundipe finally added, ‘rights of the individual to seek legal remedies for misuse or unauthorized access to personal data must be guaranteed’.
With the huge success recorded at the just concluded conference, the network planned to involve more critical stakeholders to further discussion and create platforms for engagement and training of people.
The core objective, according to the stakeholders is to see a continental approach to the desired policies.
By Idowu Ayodele.
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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