Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has raised alarm over the widespread use of free email services by government officials for official business, despite existing policies prohibiting the practice.
In a press release by MRA, the Programme Officer for Cyber-security, Esther Adeniyi, highlighted the significant risks this practice poses to national security, data privacy, and government integrity.
“The continued use of platforms like Gmail and Yahoo Mail for official communications opens up the possibility of data breaches, cyber-attacks, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.” Ms Adeniyi warned.
The Group pointed out that this practice violates the National Policy on Nigerian Government Second-Level Domains, approved by the Federal Executive Council in February 2022.
Despite directives from former President Muhammadu Buhari and the then Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, urging officials to use government domains, many continue to flout these instructions.
MRA calls for immediate enforcement of the government’s policy and a swift transition to secure, government-operated email systems.
Ms Adeniyi said, “It is imperative that government officials avoid using free email services for official business.”
The Group further called for investment in more secure communication infrastructure.