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NDPC investigates alleged privacy breach at NIMC

Published

2 months ago

March 18, 2024

NDPC investigates alleged privacy breach at NIMC

The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a full-scale investigation in respect of allegations of unauthorised access to personal data of enrollees in the database of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The investigation is a further regulatory measure to be taken by NDPC in the wake of public concerns over reports of illegal access to personal data of enrollees by a shadowy entity called XpressVerify.com.

It will be recalled that prior to now, NDPC has been engaging with NIMC on fostering adequacy of data protection. To this end, NDPC held a training with relevant officers of NIMC early February, 2024. This is one in a continuum of measures being put in place by the Federal Government to ensure data privacy and protection.

In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP, Olatunji said, “We note that NIMC has initiated internal investigation and it has immediately given full assurances of cooperation with NDPC to get to the root of the allegation and to review existing mediums through which any entity may lawfully verify the identity of enrollees on its platform.

“Furthermore, NDPC will work with relevant agencies to audit the trails of the alleged unauthorized data processing and monetization of same, and those who are found culpable for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 will be brought to justice.”

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The national commissioner further directed that preliminary findings of the investigation should be made public within seven days.

Meanwhile, NIMC has reiterated that it offers NIN verification and other services through licensed partners only.

However, XpressVerify is not one of the Commission’s licensed partners, it added.

It said, “We express our gratitude to our media partners and the whistleblowers for bringing this to our attention and wish to assure Nigerians and legal residents that there is no data breach of any sort and the Citizens’ data is safe and secure in the Nigeria’s National identity database.”

LEADERSHIP learnt that the director general and chief executive officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has promptly ordered a comprehensive in-house investigation into the matter to find out if any of the Commission’s Tokenisation verification agents has in any way breach the licensing agreement either directly or through any of their sub-licensees.

Coker-Odusote affirmed the commitment of NIMC to data protection and privacy, and assured that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring the safety and security of the data of all enrollees.

“Top-level security is in place to protect the NIN and other personal data of every citizen and legal resident.

“NIMC reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding, securing, and responsibly managing the data entrusted to us. The Commission understands the critical importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in our operations, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” she stated.

NDPC investigates alleged privacy breach at NIMC

News

After viral video, Army launches probe into crowded soldiers’ cells, poor feeding

Published

7 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

After viral video, Army launches probe into crowded soldiers’ cells, poor feeding

The Army Headquarters on Saturday said it has ordered investigations into allegations of overcrowded cells in its barracks and poor feeding of detained personnel following a viral video showing some detained soldiers protesting.

A statement by Major Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, titled, “Army’s Response to Viral Audio Visual Footage of Soldiers Protesting Overcrowded Cells, Poor Feeding” made this known.

It reads, “The Army headquarters has taken note of a report and audiovisual recording circulating on social media produced by some of its personnel held in custody at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility.

“Undoubtedly, the Sokoto barracks detention facility incident is quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to say the least, and in line with his leadership style.

“The COAS has instituted an appropriate investigation into the incident to determine whether it is an isolated or widespread situation in similar detention facilities.

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“While the service regrets and has gleaned some lessons from the incident, it will, however, not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported grievance.

“Mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order are grievous misconducts, and this very incident epitomises such.

“As such, as Army, on the one side, goes ahead to implement the COAS directive to look into the state of all NA detention facilities, as detainees’ lives also matter, the Service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities.

“And if it was discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively.

“While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body.

“As such, the Service remains committed to ensuring that everyone, even those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and are awaiting confirmation of their sentencing, as it has been discovered in the Sokoto case is accorded a relatively decent life until their judgment is confirmed and executed.

“This commitment underscores the NA’s dedication to upholding professional standards and maintaining a just and fair system.

“The NA appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support as well as pledge to remain focused on its drive to defeating security challenges facing the nation in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies.”

After viral video, Army launches probe into crowded soldiers’ cells, poor feeding

News

Minister inspects Nigeria-assembled CNG buses, says transport costs to drop

Published

7 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

CNG buses

Minister inspects Nigeria-assembled CNG buses, says transport costs to drop

Ahead of the roll-out of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered mass transit buses meant for commuting nationwide, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun, has inspected the assembly plant where the vehicles are being put together.

He expressed optimism that the buses when they hit the road would ease transportation and lead to a substantial slash in fares.

He expressed this view during his visit to the JET Motor Company Assembly Plant in Lagos.

The CNG buses are being mass produced under the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) as part of measures to reduce the high cost of living and curb inflation after the removal of fuel subsidy.

The Federal Government has promised to launch the first set of the CNG buses and tricycles by the end of this month (May).

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, quoted the minister as saying, “I have come to see the CNG buses that Nigerians are asking about. I have seen them. “I have tested them and driven them. I have seen them being assembled. The benefits will soon be available to Nigerians.”

Edun highlighted the significant cost savings that CNG buses offer compared to their petrol-powered counterparts.

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“Two critical aims will be achieved. Whereas it costs about N55,000 to fill a 15-20 seater bus with petrol, it will cost between N12-15,000 to fill a CNG bus of the same capacity. This is three times, if not four times less.

“This is a huge savings that will help reduce transport costs and at the same time help reduce inflation,” he said.

According to him, the PCNGi is all about mass transit that is affordable, and praised JET’s employment of local talents in the assembly of the vehicles.

The Chairman and founder of JET, Chidi Ajaere, took the minister round the assembly plant during the visit.

Also on hand were the CEO of JET motor company, Engr Derek Ewelukwa, and other members of the JET team such as Sanjay Rupani of the Technical Development Department and Ebimo Ofongo, the plant manager.

Present also were Tosin Coker, Commercial Director at the PCNGi, and Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Development and Design Council.

Ajaere commended President Bola Tinubu for his initiative in promoting local production of the CNG vehicles and the entire PCNGi team’s resolve to make the project a success.

JET was established in 2018 to build Electric Vehicles (EV) vans, pickups and CNG/Petrol buses tailored to meet Nigeria’s unique transportation needs.

Minister inspects Nigeria-assembled CNG buses, says transport costs to drop

News

NSCDC arrests man for allegedly defiling 4-year-old girl in Ekiti

Published

7 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

NSCDC arrests man for allegedly defiling 4-year-old girl in Ekiti

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti state command, has arrested a 27-year-old man, Ojo Afolabi, for allegedly defiling a four-year-old girl.

The suspect, who lives on Olujoda Street, Ado-Ekiti, was arrested after the mother of the girl made a formal complaint at the office of the NSCDC in Ado-Ekiti.

The four-year-old victim, while narrating the incident, alleged that the suspect removed her underwear and had carnal knowledge of her sometime in late April, 2024.

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The mother of the girl, who spoke to journalists, also said that her daughter informed her about the incident.

However, the suspect denied the allegation, saying he was being indicted unjustly.

The NSCDC spokesperson in the state, Tolu Afolabi, said a medical report had confirmed that the hymen of the girl had been broken.

Afolabi stated that investigations were ongoing.