A digital rights group, Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative, has filed extensive complaints with the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) against several transport firms, including ABC Transport, GIG Logistics (GIGL), GIG Mobility (GIGM), GUO Transport and Ekeson Transport, over non-compliance with fair information provision obligations via privacy notices, despite the trove of personal data they regularly process.

In separate letters signed by the group’s convener, they accused the companies of not displaying comprehensive privacy notices on their websites and physical business premises where customer data is collected through various channels like online bookings, CCTV cameras etc.

The group stated that absence of privacy notices outlining data handling practices violates Article 2.5 of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and Section 27 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) which demands transparency on part of Data Controllers while processing personal information. It further stated that failure to display the said privacy notices demonstrates a lack of commitment towards data protection laws on the part of transport service providers.

The group also found that GIGL, GIGM, and GUO websites do not have cookie policies or consent mechamism despite confirming that they use cookie for tracking visitors.

During visits to various transport companies’ offices, the initiative discovered CCTV cameras operating without any warning signs to inform customers that their images are being captured or directions to where their privacy statements can be found regarding the surveillance .

The coalition urged NDPC to compel the transport firms to immediately publish notices detailing data handling practices, put technical and organisational measures in place geared towards protecting personal data, and appoint Data Protection Officers. It also wants cookie consent tools deployed on the companies’ websites that utilize cookies to enable informed choices.

Failure to provide fair processing information puts customers at risk of abuse, erodes public trust, and damages brand reputation – the group further noted. It vowed to continue monitoring sector data practices and publicly address any future violations.

With data protection regulation getting more prominent attention locally and globally, observers anticipate fines or sanctions on persistent violators who exploit legal gaps or ignorance to misuse personal data of customers or clients.

______________________________________________________________________ Revolutionizing Civil Litigation: Comprehensive 3-Volume Series Now Available A new serial publication with broad title "Civil Litigation Serial" has launched to provide concise resource guide for civil litigation practitioners. The first volumes are now available for purchase through a network of independent booksellers across Nigeria. Call 07051822705 ______________________________________________________________________

Nominations Open For Legal Leaders Awards 2025, Celebrating Excellence In Istanbul _____________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 35,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ____________________________________________________