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The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed its appreciation for the House of Representatives’ recent directive, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its controversial mandate requiring commercial banks to collect customers’ social media handles. The CBN had issued the directive last month, citing the need to enhance Customer Due Diligence (CDD) regulations.
Critics, including CITAD, voiced concerns over the directive, highlighting its potential impact on individuals’ privacy and the breach of personal data. The organization, committed to safeguarding digital rights, condemned the directive as an abuse of citizens’ online rights and contrary to the objectives of the recently enacted Data Protection Act, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard personal data.
CITAD promptly issued a statement following the directive’s announcement, calling on well-meaning Nigerians, the National Assembly, and the President to not only condemn the action but also demand its withdrawal. The National Assembly’s resolution to suspend the directive has been widely welcomed and applauded by Nigerians.
In light of this positive development, CITAD is urging all Nigerians, Civil Society Organizations, and the media to continue raising their voices against this draconian directive. They call upon the National Assembly to sustain its efforts and ensure a thorough revision of the directive, while also urging President Tinubu to lend his support to the collective demands of Nigerians.
CITAD further appeals to the CBN to heed the voice of reason and comply with the National Assembly’s directive.
Signed:
Ali Sabo
Digital Rights Officer,
CITAD
