Abuja, 20th March, 2024: Paradigm Initiative demands immediate action from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in response to a severe privacy breach involving unauthorised access to citizens’ data via XpressVerify.com.
The breach violates both the National Data Protection Act (NDPA) and citizens’ constitutional right to privacy, is a flagrant disregard for the law and a betrayal of public trust.
Paradigm Initiative emphasizes the urgency of NIMC and Nigerian data protection commission’s (NDPC’s) intervention to address this egregious violation of citizens’ privacy rights. The NDPC must swiftly investigate this matter, holding accountable all parties involved in compromising the security of the National Identity Database.
Every Nigerian has the right to trust that their personal information is secure and protected. We further demand NIMC outlines steps to rectify this breach and prevent future occurrences.
We urge NDPC to act decisively in upholding the principles of data protection and safeguarding citizens’ privacy rights as enshrined in the NDPA and the constitution.
All these demands are outlined in the freedom of information request sent by Paradigm Initiative and we remain committed to collaborating with all involved agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the privacy rights of all are protected.
About PIN
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) connects underserved young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights. We have worked in communities across Nigeria since 2007 and across Africa since 2017, building experience, community trust, and an organisational culture that positions us as a leading non-profit in ICT for Development and Digital Rights on the continent.
Across our regional offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and beyond, we have impacted more than 150,000 youth with improved livelihoods through our digital inclusion and digital rights programs. Our programs include Life Skills. ICT. Financial Readiness. Entrepreneurship (LIFE) training program, a digital readiness workshop for girls, and life at school club program.We have also built online platforms that educate and serve as safe spaces for reporting digital rights violations. These mediums, in the form of reports, short films, and educational online platforms, include Ayeta, Londa, and Ripoti.