E-Business
NDPC @ 2025 Data Privacy Day, Calls for Collaboration on Awareness

Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called for increased collaboration to raise awareness and foster data privacy and protection across Nigeria.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC
The call was made by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, during an event marking the 2025 World Data Privacy Day in Lagos.
World Data Privacy Day, observed globally on January 28 every year, serves to highlight the importance of data privacy.
The theme for this year’s observance was “Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data, and Enabling Trust.”
Olatunji, who joined the event virtually, stressed that collective action was required to prioritise data privacy in order to attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria.
In his speech, Olatunji outlined the importance of protecting personal data, emphasising that everyone must understand how to safeguard their personal information.
“We need to know how to protect our personal information and data and make sure that we do not share personal information anyhow,” he said.
He also urged data controllers and processors to ensure the protection of data under their care.
Olatunji further discussed the necessity of developing a robust digital economy in the country, which depends on a comprehensive approach to data management, policies, and strategies.
“We all need to work together to make it happen,” he added.
Highlighting the Commission’s progress, Olatunji noted that over 10,000 people had been trained, to create 500,000 jobs in the Nigerian economy through data protection initiatives.
Mr. Tokunbo Smith, president, Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), also spoke at the event, urging Nigerians to make full use of the Nigeria Data Protection Law, which was passed in June 2023.
Smith praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the law into effect, calling it a “day of freedom for Nigerians.”
He highlighted the law’s provision that empowers individuals to take legal action against anyone who misuses their personal data.
Smith also commended the NDPC for its efforts in training data protection officers and providing certification exams, encouraging Nigerians to leverage these opportunities to protect their data and explore career paths in data protection.
Mr. Fiyinfolu Okedara, guest speaker, further emphasised the need for continuous awareness of data privacy.
He explained that data protection should be an ongoing process, not just a one-time event.
Okedara urged both organisations and individuals to prioritise data privacy education year-round, rather than only on World Data Privacy Day.
During the panel discussion, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, executive director, Paradigm Initiative, stressed that respecting data privacy is a shared responsibility.
He urged people to safeguard their personal data by not writing it down carelessly and to foster trust by ensuring data protection is prioritised.
Mr. Olumide Babalola, another panelist, raised awareness about the future implications of data privacy, predicting a time when children might sue their parents for creating digital footprints for them.
He stressed that consent should always be obtained before adding someone to a WhatsApp group, as failing to do so would constitute a breach of privacy.
The event aimed to foster greater awareness of data privacy and promote best practices among individuals and organisations, ensuring that data protection remains a priority in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
E-Business
MyLagos App Unavailable despite Launch with Fanfare

“MyLagos App,” which was launched with fanfare by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with MTN Nigeria has remained unavailable for download on app stores, raising questions about its immediate accessibility.
Hours after its official introduction on March 13, a search on Google PlayStore for the app returned the message, “No results for MyLagos App.”
Similarly, attempts to locate it on the Apple Store yielded no results, prompting concerns over the rollout’s status.
The digital platform was introduced as a comprehensive solution to enhance city navigation and improve the overall experience for Lagos residents.
It was touted to provide essential features, including real-time traffic updates, personalized navigation, emergency services, utility payments, business listings, and tourism information.
This reporter’s attempt to download the app proved unsuccessful. Furthermore, tests by Lagos-based individuals mirrored these findings, suggesting the app may not yet be publicly accessible.
The absence of the app has sparked speculation: could it be a work in progress, or was its availability restricted post-launch for undisclosed reasons?
Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, described the app as a revolutionary tool aimed at improving governance and service delivery.
“Technology has evolved from being a luxury to a necessity. In our fast-paced world, effectively utilising technology can significantly enhance governance, improve service delivery, and simplify the lives of every resident in this vibrant state.
“With the launch of the MyLagos App, Lagos State is poised to remain at the forefront of digital transformation, not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” he said.
Abdulhakeem Giwa, manager of Digital Channel Management, MTN Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the app’s potential to transform urban living and enhance navigation for residents.
While the app’s unavailability casts doubt on its immediate implementation, stakeholders remain optimistic about its promised benefits once fully operational. Whether technical challenges or strategic decisions have delayed its rollout remains unclear.
E-Business
Millions of Nigerians @ Risk as NASIMS Leaks over 23m FG Records

National Social Investment Management System (NASIMS) has leaked millions of federal government records in a major system oversight which could be exploited by cyber criminals.
NASIMS is the central management platform for the administration and coordination of Social Investment Programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development
The major leak exposed everything from home addresses to work backgrounds of tens of millions of Nigerians
According to the Cybernews research team, the exposed AWS S3 bucket stored over 23 million files, including passports, birth certificates, educational certificates, and N-Power-submitted applications.
N-Power is a social welfare scheme to combat youth unemployment. N-Power applicants use the NASIMS platform to apply to take part in the program.
“The implications of exposing 23 million application-related documents of N-Power candidates could be severe for the affected individuals. Identity theft, fraud, and targeted phishing attacks are the most likely risks for the leaks’ victims,” Cybernews research team said.
According to Cybernews research team, “Worryingly, the instance remains open to the public, even after multiple attempts to reach NASIMS administrators and relevant authorities in Nigeria. We have also reached out to the ministry behind NASIMS for a comment and will update the article once we receive a reply”
What data leaked, and why is it dangerous?
Documents stored on the exposed instance include different sets of citizens’ data. However, the team surmised that the leak revealed:
Full names
Dates of birth
Places of birth
National Identification Number (NIN)
Email addresses
Phone numbers
Home addresses
Work background
Education background
Exposing sensitive and personal data poses numerous threats to the individuals involved.
Most pressingly, attackers might utilize the information for identity theft and various fraud schemes. For one, malicious actors could try opening fraudulent bank accounts or use stolen identities for illicit activities, masking their own IDs.
“Another way attackers can exploit similar data sets is by exploiting the identities to access financial services or execute unauthorized transactions, potentially causing long-term financial damage to the victims,” Cybernews research team said.
Cybercrooks could also exploit the leak to carry out targeted phishing and social engineering attacks.
For example, malicious actors could attempt to masquerade as legitimate organizations in order to deceive individuals into providing even more sensitive data – such as login credentials – or downloading malware.
“The implications of exposing 23 million application-related documents of N-Power candidates could be severe for the affected individuals. Identity theft, fraud, and targeted phishing attacks are the most likely risks for the leaks’ victims.”
The leaks’ nature empowers attackers to craft spear-phishing attacks custom-made for each individual or group of individuals. Such attacks are hard to distinguish, as they often include targets’ personal details and other data points meant to lure in unsuspecting victims.
“Criminals could use the exposed data to offer fake job opportunities or promise assistance with the N-Power application process in exchange for payments or additional personal information, exploiting the candidates’ vulnerabilities,” the team explained.
Additional attack vectors involve risks to victims’ physical safety. For example, criminals could exploit leaked data to locate and target victims for various malicious purposes, such as stalking, harassment, or even burglary.
To avoid similar leaks in the future, Cybernews research team advised:
Change the access controls to restrict public access and secure the bucket. Update permissions to ensure that only authorized users or services have the necessary access.
Monitor retrospectively access logs to assess whether the bucket has been accessed by unauthorized actors.
Enable server-side encryption to protect data at rest.
Use AWS Key Management Service (KMS) to manage encryption keys securely.
Implement SSL/TLS for data in transit to ensure secure communication.
Consider implementing security’s best practices, such as regular audits, automated security checks, and employee training.
E-Business
MTN, Lagos State Launch ‘MyLagosApp’ to Enhance Productivity, Connectivity

MTN Group, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government (LASG), has launched MyLagosApp, an innovative mobile application designed to improve productivity, enhance connectivity, and transform the lifestyle of Lagos residents.
It also aims to provide a centralised digital hub for accessing essential services, fostering a more efficient and connected Lagos.
Speaking at the official inauguration in Lagos, Karl Toriola, chief executive officer MTN Nigeria, described the app as a one-stop platform for information, services, entertainment, and hospitality.
He highlighted its role in facilitating e-governance and providing essential services to both residents and visitors.
“This app offers access to various services, including restaurant and accommodation reservations, transport options—both land and water—library access, and e-governance solutions. It is designed to simplify life for Lagosians while promoting efficiency and productivity,” Toriola said.
He emphasised that technological innovations like MyLagosApp drive economic growth by increasing productivity and improving societal well-being. He noted that Lagos, classified as a hyper-city with over 20 million residents, has the potential to become Africa’s most important city.
Toriola also revealed that Lagos State’s economy is larger than that of Kenya and reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to deepening investment in Nigeria. He disclosed plans to build a new headquarters in Eko Atlantic City and establish West Africa’s most advanced data centre, addressing the region’s need for large-scale tech infrastructure.
At a Fireside Chat, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, noted that MyLagosApp would support the state’s multimodal transport policy, leveraging user data and feedback to enhance urban mobility.
Aisha Mumuni, chief digital officer, MTN, reiterated the company’s dedication to seamless connectivity despite power challenges, calling for increased collaboration to boost digital literacy.
Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, highlighted Lagos’ daily waste production of 13,000 tonnes and suggested that the app could aid waste management through advocacy, enforcement, and regulation.
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