The Centre for Information Technology and Development has expressed concern over the increasing cases of data breaches and abuse of Nigerians' personal information. The centre made the call during a press briefing on data breaches and violations of digital rights held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Wednesday. The briefing was led by the dComms Project Lead of CITAD, Buhari Abba, who stated that Nigerians were at risk of having their personal information exposed or misused.
According to Abba, Nigeria's rapidly expanding digital economy has created huge opportunities in communication, commerce, education, and civic participation. However, these opportunities are being threatened by incidents of sensitive personal and financial information being exposed and commercialised. He listed such information as National Identification Numbers, Bank Verification Numbers, account details, and other personal records. These data can be exposed by financial institutions, online merchants, government agencies, individuals, and malicious actors.
Abba expressed concern over the unauthorised use of personal data and the growing concentration of power in the hands of a few technology companies. He noted that such dominance had created an ecosystem in which users had limited control over their data and online interactions. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X have become powerful gatekeepers of information and digital interaction. Their enormous influence, opaque algorithms, data-driven business models, and centralised control raise serious concerns about competition, consumer protection, privacy, freedom of expression, and other fundamental digital rights.
The dComms Project Lead also noted that the business models of many mainstream social media platforms depend heavily on the collection and monetisation of users' data. He, however, said it had become important for Nigerians to understand their digital rights and explore platforms that offered greater control and privacy. To address this, CITAD, with support from the Association for Progressive Communications, is promoting dComms, a decentralised and privacy-focused social platform that provides an alternative to mainstream social media.
Abba described dComms as a platform built around the principles of decentralisation, user control, privacy, and digital freedom. Unlike conventional platforms where a single company controls the infrastructure and users' data, dComms gives greater control to communities and users. dComms is also connected to the wider Fediverse, allowing decentralised platforms to interact while reducing dependence on a single tech company. This project is part of CITAD's broader efforts to promote open-source technologies and user-centred digital spaces.
CITAD has taken dComms and digital rights awareness to universities, colleges, and polytechnics across Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Bauchi states. The centre has also sustained public awareness through radio programmes on digital rights, online privacy, and responsible use of technology. Abba stated that CITAD's objective is not just to introduce another social media platform but to expand choices available to Nigerians.
Abba called on government institutions, technology companies, civil society organisations, and citizens to support a digital ecosystem that places privacy, transparency, and users' rights at its centre. He encouraged interested students, institutions, and members of the public to learn more about dComms and create an account through social.citad.org.ng. This initiative aims to promote a safer and more secure online environment for Nigerians.
Key points
- Centre for Information Technology and Development raises alarm over rising data breaches
- CITAD promotes dComms, a decentralised and privacy-focused social platform
- Initiative aims to promote a safer and more secure online environment for Nigerians
