Nigeria’s leading digital rights advocacy group, Paradigm Initiative, has sounded a stark warning over what it calls a “massive data breach” exposing millions of citizens — including top government officials — to cyber-risks. The group says sensitive personal details such as National Identification Numbers (NINs), addresses, passport photos and mobile numbers are being sold online for as little as ₦100, putting national security and privacy at stake.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Executive Director Gbenga Sesan disclosed that even the personal information of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was not spared. “All the way to the top, including the presidency, people’s NIN slips are being sold,” Sesan warned, adding that the government appeared to be “pretending nothing is wrong so that nobody will punish them.”
According to Sesan, Nigeria’s weak enforcement of data protection laws, arbitrary internet disruptions and inconsistent digital policies are eroding public trust and undermining the country’s digital transformation. He urged the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to crack down on agencies leaking sensitive information and called on citizens and the media to hold authorities accountable. Paradigm Initiative has already taken the matter to court to press for action.
The non-profit, which is supported by organisations such as the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ford Foundation, Luminate and the Internet Society Foundation, has long campaigned for stronger online privacy, freedom of expression and access to information across Africa. Chief Operating Officer Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu highlighted the group’s wider contributions, including reports, digital toolkits, award-winning short films and scholarship programmes that have impacted thousands of young Africans.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is moving ahead with its plan to roll out a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework by early 2026. At a two-day technical workshop in Abuja, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) unveiled draft standards for data exchange and life-event frameworks aimed at creating a secure and seamless digital ecosystem. Officials said the co-creation process with stakeholders is designed to ensure trust and innovation as the country builds the backbone of its e-government system.
source: the guardian