The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the hidden costs of digital platforms, noting that without adequate awareness, citizens’ personal data risks being monetized by global entities without their consent or benefit.
Speaking at the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCC and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja, Dr. Maida debunked the myth of free digital services.
He emphasized that in the modern digital economy, data is the primary currency, and users are often unknowingly paying with their personal information for access to platforms.
Dr. Maida highlighted that as Nigeria transitions into an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data, the generation of data by over 170 million active Nigerian connections has become a lucrative asset.
He warned that a lack of public awareness regarding data rights creates a vacuum where third-party platforms can exploit and profit from user information.
“People need to be aware of the data they are generating, and they need to know their rights around that data. If they don’t know it, somebody will monetize it. When platforms are said to be free, they are not really free. Somebody is using your data,” Maida stated.
He further cautioned that the stakes extend beyond personal privacy to national security, asserting that if Nigeria fails to establish robust governance principles for data, even its national sovereignty could be undermined by external forces controlling critical information.
The newly signed MoU establishes a structured framework for the NCC and NDPC to synchronize their regulatory efforts.
The partnership aims to ensure that the rapid expansion of the telecommunications sector which has grown from 500,000 to over 170 million lines is matched by a resilient privacy protection regime.
The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, echoed the need for immediate action, stressing that the collaboration is not a takeover of mandates but a value-addition strategy.
He noted that the NDPC cannot effectively implement its privacy mandate within the telecom sector without the involvement of the primary regulator.
“We do not want this MoU signed and kept on the shelf. We want to sign and commence implementation immediately to ensure that the privacy and protection of Nigerians’ data is properly taken care of,” Olatunji added.
The two agencies recognized that for AI to remain beneficial to Nigeria, the country must generate and protect locally relevant data within a trusted environment. By streamlining their respective statutory responsibilities, the NCC and NDPC intend to eliminate regulatory overlaps and provide clear guidelines for how telecommunications operators handle subscriber information.
The partnership will focus on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the enforcement of data privacy rights, ensuring that as Nigeria’s digital footprint expands, the owners of the data, the citizens remain the primary beneficiaries of its value.
