By KatsinaTimes | Abuja, April 14, 2026
The Federal Government has commenced investigation into the activities of some “sharp sharp” loan operators over alleged violations of customers’ data privacy.
The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Sharp sharp” loan operators, often described as loan sharks, are largely unregulated private lenders that provide instant loans to customers, sometimes without collateral.
Olatunji, who spoke on the sidelines of a training programme for Data Protection Officers (DPOs), said the government was aware of widespread breaches by some operators in their attempts to recover loans.
He identified some of the violations to include unauthorised access to borrowers’ phone contact lists, contacting their family members and associates, sharing personal images without consent, and sending defamatory or threatening messages.
The NDPC boss stressed the need for greater public awareness, urging Nigerians to understand their rights and carefully review loan agreements before accepting such offers.
According to him, unethical data practices by digital lenders are not limited to Nigeria but constitute a global concern.
“Many borrowers unknowingly expose their personal data by failing to read loan agreements before accessing loans. This is a global issue, not peculiar to Nigeria.
“Many of these operators function solely online without physical offices, making regulation more complex. However, compliance with data protection laws is mandatory,” he said.
Olatunji noted that several regulatory bodies are involved in consumer protection and oversight of digital lending in Nigeria. These include the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigerian Communications Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Police Force.
He explained that digital lenders are required to obtain approval and licensing from the FCCPC, with strict compliance obligations on data privacy.
“Any unauthorised access to individuals’ contacts is an offence, and we will take action against offenders,” he warned.
On ongoing investigations involving Sterling Bank, Remita and Temu, Olatunji said the commission was adhering strictly to due process.
“Investigations take time because we follow laid-down procedures. Organisations are invited, their submissions reviewed, and they are given the opportunity to defend themselves.
“For Sterling Bank, the process has been concluded and a decision issued, while Temu’s case is ongoing, with an extension granted for its appearance,” he said.
He reiterated that the NDPC remained committed to ensuring accountability among data controllers and processors, as well as safeguarding the personal data of Nigerians. (NAN)
