By Abdulhameed Musa Abdullahi
A stakeholder in public advocacy and governance, Abdulhameed Musa Abdullahi, has responded to a recent report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) concerning alleged data collection practices on the website of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
In his rejoinder, Abdullahi acknowledged the significance of strict compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, as well as guidelines issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), particularly on transparency and the protection of citizens’ personal data.
He, however, noted that the concerns raised in the report appear to stem from technical and administrative gaps rather than any deliberate attempt to breach data protection laws.
According to him, many government digital platforms are undergoing continuous upgrades, and such findings should be viewed as opportunities to enhance compliance and strengthen public digital infrastructure.
Abdullahi emphasized that NEMA remains a vital national institution with a track record in disaster management and humanitarian response across the country.
He stressed that its contributions to emergency coordination and national stability should not be overshadowed by operational or technical challenges.
Abdullahi expressed confidence that relevant authorities within the agency would take necessary steps to address the identified issues, including the provision of a clear and accessible privacy policy in line with existing laws and global best practices.
While emphasizing the role of investigative journalism in promoting accountability, Abdullahi called for a balanced and contextual approach that supports constructive national development.
He added that accountability and institutional support must go hand in hand in building stronger and more transparent public institutions.