Data Protection: CJN Tasks Stakeholders on Improved Data Security for Consumers
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is sounding the alarm on the rampant misuse of telecom consumers’ personal data, which has left them vulnerable to identity theft and massive financial losses due to online banking app hacks. To combat this, she’s advocating for innovative solutions and enhanced strategies to safeguard consumer data and secure online transactions.
The CJN made the call during the opening ceremony of a three-day national workshop for justices and judges on legal issues in telecommunications, organised recently by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
In her keynote address, Kekere-Ekun, who was represented by Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, said: “There has been increased risk of the personal data of consumers being misused or compromised by unscrupulous persons, thus necessitating the need for improved strategies and innovation for consumer protection in the telecommunications sector.
“Also, worth noting are deficiencies in the banking sector and which are attributable to reliance on digital services provided by the telecommunications sector. There is for instance the major challenge posed by electronically backed transactions which is common place in the banking sector. Concerns in this regard include the spate of customers whose online banking platforms have been hacked, as well as banks being compromised due to technological glitches not factored into their day to day operations. Consequently, these and several other challenges have resulted in a number of disputes which frequently require adjudication.”
In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said this year’s theme was fitting, given the urgency of scaling up digital transformation across Nigeria, as well as the importance placed by the government on improving coordination and synergy among key stakeholders to achieve more beneficial outcomes on its policies.
Maida said the workshop would serve as a platform for NCC to share insights into the workings of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Presidential Order, its significance, and the crucial role of the judiciary in bringing the Order’s provisions to life, ultimately supporting the accelerated digital transformation that will drive the nation forward.
