Data Security: Paradigm Initiative cautions against increasing privacy breaches in Nigeria’s ecosystem

*Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, warns against certain consistent breaches of sensitive citizens’ and Nigerian Government’s data online over the past three years

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

A coalition under the auspices of Paradigm Initiative has raised the alarm over fragile digital rights and worsening data security in Nigeria.

Paradigm Initiative warned that sensitive citizens’ and government’s information has been leaked online consistently, in the past three years.

ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, disclosed this development while speaking at a media briefing, in Abuja, FCT, alleged that personal information about Nigerians is being sold cheaply online.

Sesan said even the details of prominent figures in the country are easily accessible to anyone with just their full name and date of birth.

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative also lamented that despite Nigeria’s progress in technology, key rights such as privacy, online protection, freedom of expression, and access to information remain under serious threat.

He equally blamed arbitrary Internet disruptions, weak enforcement of data protection laws, surveillance, and inconsistent policies for eroding public trust and stunting the growth of the Nigeria Digital Economy.

Sesan as well lauded development partners, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ford Foundation, Luminate, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Mott Foundation, Open Society Foundations, IDRC, and Internet Society Foundation, for supporting the organisation’s cause through the STANDS Project.

According to Paradigm Initiative, the project combines litigation, advocacy, and capacity building to safeguard citizens’ digital rights.

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In her remarks at the briefing, Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Paradigm Initiative, highlighted the group’s impact across Africa through reports, digital toolkits, award-winning short films, and scholarships, especially for young people from underserved communities, such as Ajegunle in Lagos, where the initiative first began.

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Khadija El-Usman, organisation’s Senior Programmes Officer for Anglophone West Africa, presented the 2024 Nigeria Londa Report.

The 2024 Nigeria Londa Report benchmarks the West African country’s digital rights record against the African Commission’s Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.

The report indicated Nigeria scored 36 out of 60, placing it at a “moderately compliant” level that reflects both progress and continuing setbacks in the digital ecosystem.

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As regards challenges of sustainable connectivity in Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative, such as Internet affordability, weak connectivity, and low digital literacy—particularly among women, rural dwellers, and persons 2024 Nigeria Londa Report participation.

Despite financial constraints faced by civil society, the Paradigm Initiative yet restated its commitment to defending digital rights.

The organisation, therefore, urged the Nigerian Government to strengthen law enforcement, review the Cybercrime Act, and adopt a National Action Plan on Digital Rights in the country.

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