Yemisi Izuora
The ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has denied information being circulated that it would begin to record information from mobile telephone users and to monitor social media platforms.
The ministry said the information was purported to have been linked to the minister, Isa Ali Ibrahim, (Pantami).
The circulating message which implies that all devices are now connected to the Ministry’s systems and that effective today, it will commence the recording of phone calls and the monitoring of all social media platforms and fora.
The message also further discourages citizens from sharing any messages or videos with political or religious content as it is now officially a crime and could even lead to arrest.
According to a statement by the ministry, “The office of the Honourable Minister, initially ignored the message which has been in the public domain for sometime, so as not to give undue attention to the originators but its spread, the efforts of well meaning Nigerians to get clarity and the need to ensure that all Nigerians are properly informed, has necessitated this disclaimer/public awareness.
We are at a point in our Nation’s history where the focus is on digitalizing the Nigerian Economy for the greater good of all, and divisive messages such as these are mere distractions.
It is on record that Dr Pantami, as the then Director General of NITDA, initiated and passed the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR January 25th 2019) which solely exists to protect the privacy rights of every individual.
The Honourable Minister enjoins all Nigerians, to disregard the propaganda which is aimed at inciting fear, and creating public confusion. Under the leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is mandated to Leverage on Technology for a Digital Economy, and will not engage in acts that would sabotage its mandate.
“The office of the Honourable Minister, calls on all Nigerians to ignore all and any instructions contained in the message, and further help in tackling this ignoble act by immediately deleting the message to curb its spread.
“We thank all well meaning Nigerians for the continued support and reiterate our commitment to achieve our mandate for the greater good of all.”