NIGERIAN CITIZEN’S DATA (NIN, BVN,DRIVER’S LICENCE ),ALLEGEDLY
BEING SOLD ONLINE FOR N100
Paradigm Initiative, PIN, a corporation that connects underserved young Africans with digital possibilities, has expressed concern over data breaches by many unauthorised websites offering to hold and provide access to sensitive personal and financial data of Nigerian citizens for as little as N100.
The firm raised the alarm in a media event in Lagos yesterday, claiming that the original National Identity Number, NIN, of both rich and low-income residents can be obtained without limits for just N100.
A serious violation of fundamental privacy rights, as well as a violation of data privacy rights, poses considerable threats to individuals and the economy. He claimed there is data impunity and abuse in the country.
Sesan voiced alarm about the presence of these websites, highlighting a substantial gap in data protection and cybersecurity procedures in the country.
He regretted that the availability of such information creates a
significant hurdle for NIN and
Bank Verification Number
(BVN) connection.
According to him, this website received 567,990 visits in February 2024 and 188,360 visits in April 2024. “Due to the serious consequences for millions of Nigerians, we have through our legal partners. Vindich Legal sent pre-action notices to the following government agencies.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Federal Inland Revenue Service.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Road Safety Corps
(RSC), and the office of the
Attorney General of the
Federation (AG)
“Fij.ng, an online media portal, released a story on March 16, 2024, under the heading “Alert: XpressVerify a Private Website.” possesses access to the data of registered Nigerians and profits from it. “In that article, the media outlet reported on an investigation into a website, http://www.XpressVerify.com.ng, that was able to obtain the personal information of Nigerian people and used it for profit. despite the fact that the website was swiftly removed. For Nigerian citizens, Paradigm Initiative is presently pursuing legal action.
“Following the XpressVerify event, additional investigation was conducted and it was found that AnyVerify.con.ng, another actor, has been active in Nigeria’s digital arena since November 2023.
According to our study, AnyVerify.com.ng is a website that distributes Nigerians’ private and personal data for profit.
There is a drop-down menu on
its webpage that lists the
several data services the
website offers.
These consist of private information like the NIN, BVN, and an electronic version of an international passport. Company information.
This website sells phone numbers, Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), and Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to interested parties for N100.00 each data request.
Furthermore, according to Khadijah El-Usman, Senior Programmes Officer, Anglophone West Africa/Legal Practitioner, Nigerians have made a great deal of sacrifices and trusted the
government with their data in
exchange for a security-
related social compact.
El-Usman stated: “It would be ironic to give bad actors like terrorists, burglars, and kidnappers access to all of that data.”
