A recent incident in Nigeria revealed serious data protection issues when personal information was used for commercial purposes.
How the Data Breach Occurred
On June 23, 2025, Nigerian citizen Oluwadamisi Awe recounted on social media how she was contacted via WhatsApp after a stranger used her passport application slip as a wrapper for akara purchased from a street vendor. The viral message included an image of her application slip, raising public outcry.
Response from the Nigeria Immigration Service
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued a statement emphasizing the importance of data protection, warning that such breaches often involve unauthorized third parties. NIS advised citizens to apply only through official channels and warned against using unscrupulous agents.
Necessary Reforms in Data Protection
Experts stress the urgent need for data protection reforms in Nigeria. Key measures include defining clear agency roles, strengthening public sector accountability, promoting transparency in official actions, and supporting the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to effectively address emerging challenges.
Despite the critical importance of data protection, Nigerian citizens continue to suffer from breaches and a lack of oversight. Discussion and implementation of reforms are crucial steps to ensure the security of personal information.
