The Nigerian government has launched an investigation into popular global platforms Truecaller and TikTok over their handling of personal data belonging to Nigerian citizens, according to the head of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Dr. Olatunji made the disclosure during a strategic meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in Abuja. The engagement also marked the beginning of a new partnership aimed at strengthening data security across Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“If you process the data of Nigerians, regardless of your location, you fall within the scope of our data protection law,” Olatunji said, referencing the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023. “That’s why we are investigating platforms like Truecaller and TikTok.”
The NDPA empowers the Commission to regulate data handlers, both domestic and foreign, ensuring personal information is processed in line with international privacy standards. Olatunji emphasized the need for cross-border data transfer agreements that guarantee equivalent protection in foreign jurisdictions.
Healthcare Sector in the Spotlight
During the meeting, the NDPC boss stressed that healthcare data requires an elevated level of protection due to its sensitive nature. “Mishandling patient information can lead to stigma, misdiagnosis, or even loss of life,” he warned. “This data includes medical histories that could be misused if not properly safeguarded.”
He added that as digital systems become more embedded in everyday life, every online interaction creates a traceable “digital blueprint”, a trend that demands heightened data privacy protocols across hospitals, HMOs, and other health providers.
Government Pledges Compliance and Support
In response, Minister Pate acknowledged the massive volume of personal and demographic data processed by healthcare institutions, pledging the ministry’s full support for data privacy enforcement.
“The health sector is unique. We gather significant data across all our institutions, from patient details to population health metrics,” he said. “We’re committed to supporting the NDPC’s mission and ensuring compliance in all 107 health institutions under our purview.”
NDPC spokesperson Itunu Dosekun noted that the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for digital transformation and institutional accountability, especially in protecting citizens’ rights in the digital age.
