Massive Data Breach Exposes Top Nigerian Leaders’ Information — Paradigm Initiative | Fintter

Citizens’ Privacy at Risk as NINs, Addresses, and Passport Photos Are Sold Online

Nigeria’s leading digital rights group, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has raised alarm over a massive data breach that puts the personal information of citizens — including top leaders — at risk.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Executive Director Gbenga Sesan revealed that sensitive details such as National Identification Numbers (NINs), home addresses, passport photos, and mobile numbers belonging to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu are being traded online for as little as ₦100.

“Citizens’ data is not safe. Even the President and top military officials have their details exposed. This poses risks of impersonation, SIM card fraud, and illegal loans,” Sesan warned.

Government’s Response Under Scrutiny

According to PIN, the Nigerian government has been downplaying the severity of the breach, further weakening public trust in data protection efforts. The group has taken the matter to court and urged the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to clamp down on agencies leaking sensitive information.

Sesan also stressed that arbitrary internet disruptions, weak enforcement of privacy laws, and inconsistent digital policies are hindering Nigeria’s digital growth and eroding citizens’ trust.

International Partners Back Digital Rights Work

Despite challenges facing many non-profits, Paradigm Initiative acknowledged the support of global partners, including the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Ford Foundation, Luminate, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Mott Foundation, Open Society Foundations (OSF), IDRC, and the Internet Society Foundation.

Chief Operating Officer Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu also highlighted PIN’s broader contributions across Africa, including the production of reports, digital toolkits, award-winning films, and scholarship programs that continue to empower young Africans.

Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure Rollout Set for 2026

Meanwhile, Nigeria is preparing to launch its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework by early 2026. According to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the initiative will serve as the backbone of the country’s e-Government system, improving service delivery and creating an enabling environment for private sector innovation.

Officials confirmed that the first phase is expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2026, following stakeholder reviews of the draft DPI framework and Nigerian Data Exchange (NGDX) standards.