News

‘Withdraw Regulations On Customers’ Social Media Handles Or Face Legal Action’, SERAP Tells CBN

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2023

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Folashodun Shonubi, Acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to “immediately delete the patently unlawful provisions in the Central Bank of Nigeria (Customer Due Diligence) Regulations directing banks to obtain information on customers’ social media handles for the purpose of identification.”

SERAP also urged him to “withdraw the Circular number FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/007/076 of 20 June 2023 mandating banks and other financial institutions to implement and comply with the unlawful mandatory provisions on customers’ social media handles in the CBN Regulations.”

According to Section 6(a)(iv) of the CBN Regulations, banks and other financial institutions “shall identify their customer and obtain information on the social media handle of the customer.” Section 6(b)(iii) contains similar provision.

In the letter dated 24 June 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The CBN Regulations and directive to banks to obtain details of customers’ social media address violate Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy. It is inconsistent and incompatible with the rule of law.”

SERAP said, “The CBN ought to contribute to the advancement of respect for the rule of law and human rights in the discharge of its statutory functions, and not undermine or violate these fundamental legal requirements and standards.”

According to SERAP, “The purported mandatory requirement would inhibit Nigerians from freely exercising their human rights online. If obtained, such information may also be misused for political and other unlawful purposes.”

The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 3 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“The mandatory requirement of social media handles or addresses of customers does not serve any legitimate aim. Such information may be used to unjustifiably or arbitrarily to restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”

“SERAP is gravely concerned that the CBN Regulations and directive to banks and other financial institutions would impermissibly restrict the constitutional and international rights to freedom of expression, privacy and victims’ right to justice and effective remedies.”

“Requiring social media handles or addresses of customers as a means of identification would have a disproportionate chilling effect on the effective enjoyment by Nigerians of their rights to freedom of expression and privacy online.”

“The CBN bears the burden of justifying any restriction on people’s freedom of expression and privacy. Under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties to which the country is a state party, any restrictions on these rights must be applied strictly so that the rights are not put in jeopardy.”

“There are other means of identification such as passport, driver’s licence, Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN), which banks and other financial institutions already require their customers to provide.”

“The additional requirement of obtaining details of a customer’s social media handle or address fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

“The requirement of necessity implies an assessment of the proportionality of the grounds, with the aim of ensuring that the excuse of ‘regulations on customer due diligence’ is not used as a pretext to unduly intrude upon the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”

“The CBN Regulation does not demonstrate how the use of social media handle or address as a means of identification would serve to improve banks and other financial institutions’ ability to implement and comply with the laws and regulations relating to customer due diligence.”

“The Directive by the CBN, which does not in any event carry the force of law, also fails to provide any explanation as to how social media handles or addresses can facilitate compliance with regulations relating to customer due diligence.”

“Obtaining the details of customers’ social media handles or addresses would unduly interfere with the rights to freedom of expression and privacy. It would also be disproportionate to any purported legitimate aim that the CBN seeks to achieve.”

“The facts that there are sufficient means of identification for CBN, banks and other financial institutions to rely on to meet the requirement of Know Your Customer also heighten concerns of overreach, and confer far-reaching discretion on banks and financial institutions.”

“Obtaining information on customers’ social media handles or addresses as means of identification is therefore more intrusive than necessary.”

“The cumulative effect of any attempt to access details of customers’ social media handles or addresses would be to undermine the letter, substance and spirit of the rights to freedom of expression and privacy of Nigerians.”

“The effective enjoyment of these fundamental rights constitutes a fundamental pillar for building a democratic society and strengthening democracy.”

“The CBN fails to show how details of customers’ social media handles or addresses would assist banks and other financial institutions to effectively implement and comply with the laws and regulations relating to customer due diligence.”

“Human rights, the rule of law and democracy are interlinked and mutually reinforcing and central to the universal and indivisible core values and principles of the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States to which Nigeria belongs.”

“The CBN is bound to respect the constitutional and international human rights of Nigerians including the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”

“Under the principle of pacta sunt servanda and general principles governing the law of treaties, the CBN is also bound to uphold and apply in the discharge of its statutory functions the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“Indeed, under international human rights law, all public or governmental institutions including the CBN are in a position to engage the responsibility of the State.”

“The positive obligations on Nigeria to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and privacy will only be fully discharged if individuals are protected against violations by institutions like the CBN.”

“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees in Section 39 the right to freedom of expression and in Section 37, the right to privacy.”

“Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights also guarantee the right to freedom of expression. Article 17 of the Covenant also guarantees the right to privacy.”

“Freedom of expression and opinion are indispensable conditions for the advancement of any person or society, as the free exercise of the right facilitates the evolution and exchange of opinions, in turn enabling principles of transparency and accountability crucial for the promotion and protection of human rights.”

“While under certain narrow circumstances, a State may restrict the right to freedom of expression, any such restrictions must be strictly limited and meet the conditions of legality (i.e. be “provided by law”), legitimate purpose, necessity, and proportionality. The CBN Regulations mandating social media handle or address as a form of identification for customers fail to meet these legal requirements.”

“In particular, Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes Nigeria’s obligations to respect and ensure ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers.”

“Under article 19(3), restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary ‘for respect of the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals.”

“The principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, apply to the right to privacy in the same manner as they do to freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms.”

“Restrictions to the rights to freedom of expression and privacy that do not comply with the elements of legality, legitimate purpose, and necessity and proportionality shall be deemed unlawful.”
VANGUARD

News

Remain Apolitical – NAF Warns Personnel

Published

4 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has called on all personnel not to involve themselves in any political activities in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Usman Abdullahi, the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Bauchi, made the call during the 2025 annual 10-kilometer walk and jog exercise organised by the Nigerian Air Force.

He also called on the personnel not to involve themselves in activity that is inimical to the calling of the military profession.

“You must remain apolitical. Don’t involve yourselves in any political activities and do not involve yourselves in activity that is inimical to the calling of our military profession.

“I urge you to remain loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President and the Commander in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Abdullahi, who emphasised that the NAF pays serious attention to physical fitness for all its personnel, said that the exercise was to increase their cohesion, keep their mental fitness as well as for them to be on the alert at all times.

He commended the Bauchi state government for their cooperation and synergy as well as the creation of an enabling environment.

Also speaking shortly after the 10-kilometer walk and jog, governor Mohammed said the participants’ outstanding performances were the result of discipline, consistency and determination to succeed.

These qualities, he said, were central not only to physical fitness but also to succeed in every area of life, adding that they had demonstrated team work, endurance and commitment to the values that made the Nigerian Air Force a model institution.

Represented by his Deputy, Alh. Auwal Jatau, the governor, said the exercise was more than just a fitness exercise but a celebration of unity and shared purpose.

“Seeing officers comprising airmen, airwomen, sister security services, paramilitary agencies, and NYSC members come together in such a lively atmosphere reminds us that sports and fitness can be powerful tools for strengthening peace and solidarity.

“Here in Bauchi State, we take pride in the harmonious relationship between the government, the Nigerian Air Force and all security agencies operating within the State.

“The Special Operations Command and other military and paramilitary formations have played a vital role in maintaining the relative peace and security that our people enjoy today,” he said.

Nothing less than 32 people received different prizes for their outstanding performances during the exercise which included Airmen, Airwomen, Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs Service and civilians among others.

News

Edo: Real Estate Firm Unveils Renowned Media Personality, Okosun, As Brand Ambassador

Published

4 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

It was an atmosphere of excitement blended with professional elegance at the University of Benin on Friday as renowned media personality, philanthropist, and influential leader, Dr. Sunny Duke Okosun, was made brand ambassador of UNILODGE Group of Companies.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Managing Director of the UNILODGE Group of Companies, Mr. Goodnews Obayuwana, said the act was not just a partnership, but to forge an alliance.

“An alliance between solid foundations and far-reaching influence; between brick-and-mortar and the power of human connection,” he added.

He described the brand ambassador —Okosun —as not just a familiar face in the media space, but a kindred spirit man whose “work ethic, integrity, and profound impact on this state mirror the very values upon which UNILODGE was built.”

“His accomplishments are not merely personal triumphs; they are testaments to his ability to mobilize, inspire, and get things done,” the CEO added.

In his acceptance speech, the brand ambassador —Okosun — expressed delight, said: “Thank you, Mr. Obayuwana, for those incredibly generous words, and for the immense trust you and the entire UNILODGE family have placed in me today,” Dr. Okosun commenced.

“When we first discussed this vision, I was struck not only by the robustness of the UNILODGE portfolio but by the authenticity of its mission. This is not just about selling properties; it is about curating homes, enabling legacies, and building communities,” he said.

News

Man Shares Journey Of Living As Female For 25 Years Before Transition

Published

6 hours ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Tosin Odunlami, a Nigerian-born intersex advocate, has opened up about his journey of self-discovery, transition, and his ongoing fight to promote intersex visibility and inclusion in Nigeria.

In an interview released on Friday by The Podcast Network, Odunlami reflected on his childhood, his experience living 25 years as a female, and the challenges of navigating identity in a society that often misunderstands intersex persons.

Intersex is a term used to describe people who are born with physical or biological traits, such as chromosomes, hormones, or reproductive organs, that don’t fit the typical definitions of male or female bodies.

According to a landmark study by biologist Dr Anne Fausto-Sterling (2000) of Brown University, up to 1.7% of the global population is born with intersex traits.

However, later research by Dr Leonard Sax (2002) published in the Journal of Sex Research estimated a narrower range of about 0.018%, depending on which medical conditions are classified as intersex.

Despite these variations, both studies affirm that intersex variations are a natural part of human diversity, not disorders or abnormalities, a position also supported by the United Nations Free & Equal campaign (2019) and the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2022).

Tosin began by clarifying common misconceptions about gender identity. “Intersex persons are not transgender. Neither are they gay or lesbian,” he said. “Intersex means being born with biological variations, it could be internal, chromosomal, or genital.”

“It’s a privilege for me to speak about my experience. I discovered that I’m an intersex person at age 25. Basically, I lived all my life for 25 years as a female, and it wasn’t eas,” he said.

When asked whether he is medically capable of reproduction, Tosin confirmed that he can reproduce as a man, “Yes, because I’ve done some examinations.”

Born and raised in Nigeria, Odunlami recounted growing up under societal pressure to conform to the gender assigned at birth.

“You have to behave in the female way, And if you’re not doing all of that, the society and the community start looking at you in a certain way.”

He revealed that during puberty, he noticed bodily changes that made him question his identity, but fear and stigma kept him silent.

“I started seeing some changes in my body, and I was scared. I couldn’t talk to anyone because when you tell them this is what you’re seeing in your body, they decide to discriminate or tell you you’re taboo,” he said.

Odunlami shared how his mother discovered his condition and sought medical help. However, the doctors themselves were confused.

“The doctor did not even know who I am. They tried to confirm me to their ascribed gender and said they had to do surgery to cut off what they were seeing,” he recounted.

He described how his mother rejected the risky surgical option and instead turned to religious interventions.

“My mom took me to several churches; they gave me soaps and prayers, just to make me grow breasts,” he said, recalling years of internal struggle and isolation.

At university, he continued to live as a woman but in secrecy. “I lived with two females in the same room, and when we were dressing up, I shifted myself to the corner. I wore padded bras because I wanted to fit in,” he said.

Odunlami’s transition came after a medical consultation confirmed that his hormones were predominantly male.

“The doctor said my hormones are more male hormones. That was when I told the doctor, ‘Okay, I think I’m going to come to the male gender,’” he explained.

Speaking on how people reacted to his transition, he said, “Some were surprised, some were supportive, and some are still anxious about it. But I’m always open to share with them.”

On his sexual orientation, Odunlami said he is attracted to females. “I’m attracted to women, emotionally, mentally, and physically,” he said, clarifying that being intersex does not define his sexuality.

Speaking about his church community, he revealed how he came out to his pastor and congregation: “On a Sunday, he said I should come out and you know, it’s also a form of advocacy — educating people, mothers, adults, youths on all of this.”

He continued, “Although it was a shock to them, they were like, ‘No, Sister Esther?’ Because then I was ascribed a female gender, so my first name is Esther. They were saying, ‘What? Sister Esther? Are you a trans? Are you gay?’ They didn’t really understand the whole situation, even after I shared with them that this is me, I’m an intersex person.”

He added that although some members initially distanced themselves, others eventually accepted him.

“Some were like, ‘Don’t near my female daughter,’ and I was a children’s teacher, so I had to step back to see how they received the information. But later they were all open arms, they received me back, and I started teaching again.”

When asked whether being intersex makes one a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Tosin clarified that intersex persons form part of the wider group while maintaining their distinct identity.

“The ‘I’ in the LGBTQIA, that’s intersex,” Tosin explained. “We can stand alone, and as well we cannot stand alone. We are part of the community because we work together in different ways, for programming, advocacy, and education. Sometimes, Intersex Nura even educates the LGBT community. So we are a community of one.”

Tosin, however, noted that being intersex does not automatically determine sexual orientation, “An intersex person does not necessarily identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual,” they said. “All of that does not necessarily apply.”

Speaking further, Tosin said there is a growing intersex community in Nigeria that meets regularly for support and advocacy.

“We have intersex persons in different states across Nigeria. We hold monthly check-ins and community meetings. On October 26, we’ll celebrate Intersex Awareness Day, a day to celebrate our growth, resilience, and visibility,” Tosin added.

They also highlighted ongoing collaborations between Nigerian intersex advocates and global organisations, “There is international support,” Tosin noted.

“The Executive Director of Intersex Nigeria, Obioma, is part of the Intersex Alliance Movement globally, working to advance advocacy and programming. We also receive funding and support from international organisations for our work here in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on faith and acceptance, he described how his church community ultimately responded positively. “I had this peace, that I am living my full self,” he said.

Now an active intersex advocate, Odunlami continues to champion inclusion and awareness through public speaking and advocacy efforts. “It’s not a disability,” he affirmed again. “I’m a normal person like every other person.”
(PUNCH)