NDPC Investigates Optasia’s Credit Scoring for Data Violations

Na’ankwat Dariem, Abuja

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has investigated Optasia’s credit scoring activities, for suspected violations of data subjects’ rights in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, it was disclosed that the National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, ordered a full-scale investigation into the data processing activities of Optasia, which operates in Nigeria as Nairtime Nigeria Ltd.

PRESS RELEASE
NDPC Investigates Optasia, Credit Scoring Activities of Data Controllers for Suspected Violation of Data Subjects’ Rights in Nigeria pic.twitter.com/H6ezvtnySt

— NDPC Nigeria (@ndpcngr) September 23, 2024

According to the statement, the investigation was triggered by a pattern of suspected non-compliant data processing discovered during routine regulatory oversight of major data controllers and processors.

The Commission expressed grave concern that Optasia uses privacy-invading technologies to process personal data for marketing, credit scoring, and other financial solutions.

Also Read: NDPC, NUPCR collaborate to boost data management

“The investigation into credit scoring activities covers how financial institutions, telecommunication companies, insurance companies, and others process the personal data of citizens for various purposes,” the statement added.

The National Commissioner, Dr. Olatunji, urged major data controllers and processors who rely on third parties to process the personal data of the Nigerian populace to ensure that such third parties are duly registered with the Commission.

According to Olatunji, this measure will ensure accountability, strengthen data security architecture, and protect Nigeria’s data sovereignty.