A data scientist with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Oluwaleke Oni, has urged Nigerians to adopt safer digital habits to protect their personal information and online activities. Speaking in Ibadan, Oni warned that oversharing details on social media, indiscriminately granting app permissions and reusing passwords could expose users to privacy and security risks.
He advised Nigerians to use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, regularly review application permissions and think carefully before sharing sensitive information online. Oni said users should consider whether they would be comfortable with information becoming public before posting it or granting an app access to personal data.
Oni also called for greater accountability and transparency in the use of Artificial Intelligence, particularly in sensitive sectors such as banking, healthcare, education and employment. He said organisations should collect only the information they genuinely need, disclose when AI is involved in significant decisions and provide appropriate channels for people to question or challenge potentially unfair outcomes.
The expert urged government to establish clear regulations that protect citizens’ privacy while encouraging responsible technological innovation. He also recommended privacy and ethical impact assessments before large-scale AI deployment, stressing that identifying potential risks early would help build public trust and ensure technology improves lives without compromising individual rights.
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