NLC, TUC suspend strike, nationwide - ITREALMS

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The leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their industrial action which began on Monday, reports ITREALMS.

The suspension, ITREALMS gathered in the light of the inability to reach common ground on a new minimum wage and the hike in electricity tariff for the past one week.

Confirmed! NCC orders telcos, 'suspend access to Twitter' - ITREALMS

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Telecommunication operators in the country have confirmed receipt of order from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to effect the suspension order on Twitter including citizens access, reports ITREALMS.

Confirming this to ITREALMS, the operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said they have received “order to suspend access to Twitter.”

Suspend NIN enforcement activities says Paradigm Initiative to NIMC - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The digital rights advocacy group, Paradigm Initiative has called for the immediate suspension of the enforcement of National Identification Number (NIN), as announced by the National Identity Management Commission, reports ITREALMS.

The NIMC, according to January 1st reports, has announced the commencement of the full enforcement of the use of the NIN by Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other bodies requiring the verification of individual’s identity in the country, such as security outfits, banks and other financial institutions. The commission also announced it was empowering other government agencies and private companies to collect citizens’ data on its behalf, a situation Paradigm Initiative finds disturbing.

According to Tope Ogundipe, Paradigm Initiative’s Director of Programs, “We have always been concerned about the ability of the Commission to ensure the protection of the data in their possession, in a country that has failed to put in place a data protection law. Full enforcement of NIN at this time could lead to denial of crucial services to millions of citizens who are not comfortable with sharing their data with the commission or its agents for good reasons.”

“While the harmonization of records and data might be a good step in the right direction for better accountability and statistical documentation in Nigeria, we consider the whole process premature at this time. There has to be a strong data protection law before citizens are forced to entrust their data to NIMC or other agencies of government,” Ogundipe added.

Weighing in on the issue, Paradigm Initiative’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan said, “Data protection is a core necessity in every society. It is a responsibility of the state and individuals alike to respect the privacy of citizens. Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees this unequivocally. There is no way that the right to a person’s privacy can truly be respected in the digital age without data protection laws, policies and mechanisms.”

The National Identity Management Commission is saddled with the mandate to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria. The Commission ought to take data protection very seriously; including ensuring that before the execution of such a nation-wide database harmonization exercise, there is extant and comprehensive legislation on data protection.

Paradigm Initiative urges the NIMC to cease all activities regarding the mandatory registration and use of the National Identification Number (NIN) pending when the nation enacts a data protection law. We have been following the legislative process of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (HB. 490) which contains comprehensive and internationally recognized provisions for data protection and we are confident that if the President assents to the Bill, the NIMC would have a sufficient data protection legislation to guide its activities.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Osun workers suspend strike

ITREALMS:

The Osun State workers have suspend their industrial action embarked upon last Wednesday, reports ITRealms.

The suspension, ITRealms gathered, came after the Labour Unions and the State government entered into Memorándum of Understanding (MOU) based on mutual agreement on the demands of workers.

Confirming this development, the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), comrade Jacob Adekomi said that the government has approved the full payment of December salary to workers and pensioners.

He also said that payment of full salaries and pension will hopefully commence between January and 2nd quarter of 2018.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the chief of staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, lauded  the workers for their sacrifices, understanding and perseverance.

Gbemi Ayandokun Omotoso/GEE

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Pix: Gov. Aregbesola of Osun State.