Odunayo Sanya of the MTN Foundation calls on the private sector to join forces for better healthcare in Nigeria – Nigerian Communication Week

In a statement posted on his handle, X Tijani mentioned that the investigation is being led by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The response follows a report by Paradigm Initiative which alleged that National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and other personal data of Nigerian citizens are being sold on unauthorised websites for as little as N100.

On June 22, NIMC denied any partnerships with websites such as Idfinder.com.ng, Verify.ng, Championtech.com.ng, Trustyonline.com and Anyverify.com and advised Nigerians against using the websites.

In a separate interview, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, revealed that his organisation managed to buy Tijani’s NIN stub for just N100.

While Tijani did not confirm or deny the data breaches in his post, he assured that the agencies were “looking into the matter.”

He said in a statement; “I have reached out to my colleague, the Minister of Home Affairs, who oversees the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), regarding the procurement of NIN cards for N100 First and I am aware that his ministry and agency are looking into the matter.

“Secondly, @ndpcngr, a year-old agency under my supervision as Minister, has over the past few months established data compliance mechanisms for all MDAs and has since launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this alleged breach.

“Having established this, I believe it is important to share the proactive steps I have taken since my appointment to help strengthen the application of technology across government, despite a historically siloed approach to procurement and development.

“For context, in October 2023, a few weeks after my appointment, I published a white paper (which can be found here – https://b.link/NigeriaDPI) explaining my position on the application of technology in public service and our proposed approach to leveraging existing investments in technology to accelerate economic prosperity through improved government processes.

“While some may not have appreciated the significance of this publication, it has shaped our approach and actions to strengthen the use of technology in government while protecting the nation and our citizens.

“The final paragraph of the white paper makes clear how our approach will address and mitigate data breaches and keep our systems secure. Since the release of this document, we have initiated the following activities:

⁃ Kick-off presentation with all Permanent Secretaries, highlighting the importance of a structured approach to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the need for data sharing among MDAs to strengthen cybersecurity oversight in Nigeria regarding critical DPI infrastructure

⁃ Two-day workshop with ICT Directors in all MDAs to clarify and initiate the plan to strengthen DPI in Nigeria ⁃ Launch of #DevsInGovernment – ​​​​a community of practice for all civil servants responsible for technology in government that serves as a platform to enlighten and provide buy-in to all cadre ICT.

⁃ We launched a course on responsible data management for civil servants (as part of the NDPC and Datadotorg partnership) to improve data processing and protection in government institutions.

⁃ Workshop with the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure to assess the status quo and agree on an action plan for the implementation of DPI in Nigeria.

⁃ I conducted a deep dive and knowledge exchange workshop on DPI and data exchange with Finland and Estonia as part of the design process of our data exchange system.

“Finally, we have submitted an application for a presidential declaration that will enable us to unite all MDAs to implement a data exchange system in Nigeria.

“We anticipate that by the end of the year, the initial pilot of the system should be rolled out to at least 5 MDAs with oversight to support Nigerians through critical ‘life events’. I am sharing this update to encourage civil society organisations and stakeholders to read the White Paper and engage with us in strengthening our DPI.”