By 
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE), Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has assured that government will not undermine privacy regulations in using citizens’ data to fight COVID-19 and route palliatives to the most vulnerable.
In a statement issued in Abuja this week, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy warned Nigerians against falling victims to “devious schemes perpetrated by some unscrupulous persons claiming they have access to personal data of Nigerians such as SIM databases, bank verification numbers (BVN) or any other personal records of Nigerians.
“The Ministry also notes the concerns of well-meaning stakeholders on the privacy implications of government’s legitimate use of private data to check the spread of COVID-19, provide palliatives to vulnerable members of society and prevent criminal activities accentuated by the global health crisis we are currently dealing with.
For the avoidance of doubt, neither the ministry nor any organ of the federal government directed that any such database be shared to any person for any purpose other than the legitimate, statutory purpose they were collected for. The public is therefore urged to disregard any information from any group or individuals seeking to confirm or collect personal records for any purpose.”
The statement further added:
“The federal government will never ask citizens to confirm their records via phone calls or digital means without an elaborate structure to ensure the safety of these records and effective communication to the public in this regard.
To this end, I have directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as the custodian of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), to issue a comprehensive framework to guide public institutions on the lawful processing of personal data for public and vital interests such as public health, welfare, security and related matters.”
Government major concern is to reduce the spread of the disease and manage its economic consequences with impacts on the citizens, said Pantami whose ministry has led in provision of data to guide the fight against COVID-19.
His words: “The ministry notes the concerns of our well-meaning stakeholders on the possibility of privacy infringement in the use of private data to combat COVID-19. Government’s ultimate purpose in its fight against COVID-19 is to minimise direct and collateral damages. In the face of the threat to life arising from public health, hunger and security factors, Nigeria like every progressive society, is utilising its digital assets and infrastructure to tackle the pandemic and its effects. Every use of private data is strictly for the promotion of the security and welfare of Nigerians. Any unlawful disclosure, abuse or misuse of private data constitutes a criminal offence, punishable under the laws of Nigeria.”
The ministry urges all regulators or institutions that utilise personal data for public good to prioritise information and cyber security.
“Compliance with the NDPR and other laws relating to personal data processing is mandatory for public and private organisations. All data controlling organisations are further expected to provide a means for efficient public communication across all platforms available throughout this period to respond to public enquiries and comments,
“The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to ensuring that the use of data in the fight against COVID-19 complies with laid down regulations.”
The ministry’s statement was signed by Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Femi Adeluyi.
