Why Young Nigerians Must Lead the Fight for Data Protection
Data protection is fast becoming one of the most pressing issues facing Nigerians today, not just because our information is being misused, but because most people don’t even know that they have rights under the Data Protection Act of 2023.
In many parts of the country, people give consent without truly reading the terms and conditions. This is especially common with loan apps, where desperate users often approve access to their contacts, messages, and data just to get quick cash. It’s only when they default and suddenly see their personal information plastered across social media or worse, sent to their friends and family, that they realise what they agreed to.
By then, it’s too late. And it’s not just about loans. It’s about how vulnerable Nigerians are in a digital age where consent is given casually, yet consequences are life-changing.
This is why conversations around data protection, digital rights, and building a robust culture of data privacy awareness are becoming urgent, and why the call to raise a generation of data protection officers is more than just a policy goal; it’s a national survival strategy.
Data is the new oil. And young people are not just the future, they are the frontline.
Their lives unfold online, and their dreams are coded into digital platforms. But sadly, many of them remain unprotected in a digital world that is expanding faster than the laws designed to safeguard them.
It was in response to this growing challenge that the Youth Data Protection awareness program was hosted with the theme, “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth at the Frontline of Data Protection,” by the federal government, bringing together Innovators, digital rights activists, youth leaders, and policymakers for the launch. With a target of training over 1 million Nigerian youths, this programme seeks to equip a new generation of data protection officers, young people who are not just protected from exploitation but are actively working to protect others and increase the number of data protection officers in Nigeria.
At the launch, Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, made it clear that “the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) programme is a collective response to this challenge. It is a forward-looking intervention designed to: train young Nigerians to close the gap in the data privacy sector; raise awareness of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023) and global privacy standards; build a national movement of digitally literate and security-aware youth. It gives them the tools to own their digital spaces and shape the laws that govern them.”
ActionAid Nigeria, through its Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) Project, shared its perspective on the work we are doing with young people across the country, amplifying the importance of creating meaningful access to convening spaces for young people, a clear reflection of ActionAid’s long-standing commitment to:
● Supporting young voices
● Building youth leadership
● Creating platforms where youth-led ideas influence national policy
The truth is: a digital future that excludes young people isn’t just incomplete, it’s unsafe.
10 Things You Must Start Doing Today to Protect Your Data Online
1. Read Before You Click "I Agree"
Take a few extra minutes to skim the terms and conditions, especially when using financial or loan apps.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid using your name, birthday, or 12345. Use a mix of symbols, letters, and numbers for each account.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Always activate 2FA on apps and platforms; it adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password.
4. Be Careful What You Share
Avoid sharing sensitive information (like your BVN or National ID number) casually, even in chats or DMs.
5. Turn Off App Permissions You Don’t Need
Many apps access your contacts, camera, or location without a good reason. Review and revoke unnecessary access.
6. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions
Avoid doing banking or personal business over free, public networks; they're playgrounds for hackers.
7. Watch Out for Phishing Messages
If a message or email asks for your password or personal info and feels fishy, it probably is. Don't click suspicious links.
8. Regularly Update Your Apps and Devices
Software updates often include security patches. Don’t ignore them.
9. Know Your Rights Under the Data Protection Act 2023
Understand what the law says about how your data should be collected, used, and protected.
10. Report and Speak Up
If your data is misused or shared without consent, report it to the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) or a trusted legal body.
“Your data is your identity. Protect it like you would your home or your bank account. In this digital age, being careless is no longer an option.”