The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a stern warning to social media content creators about the need to respect the privacy rights of citizens, following a series of viral videos showing the struggles of commuters at a major Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal in Lagos.
In a press release dated 13 March 2026, the Commission said it had noted the growing trend of individuals capturing images and video footage of unsuspecting members of the public and sharing them across social media platforms without consent. The NDPC said such acts run afoul of the right to informational self‑determination guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act).
“The wilful invasion of citizens’ privacy serves neither a public nor a legitimate interest,” the statement said, noting that people captured in such materials generally do not expect that their images will be distributed worldwide by unknown individuals.
The warning from the data protection authority comes amid an online debate sparked by videos shared by a content creator, popularly known as @darkskinned.ella, detailing the challenges commuters face at the BRT terminal in Elepe, Ikorodu.
The BRT videos that went viral
In recent days, Ella took to TikTok and other platforms to post videos showing the struggles of commuters at the BRT Elepe/Ikorodu terminal, with very few buses in service. The clips gained traction online, with many residents sharing similar frustrations about inadequate public transport services along the corridor.
Her videos ignited conversation across social media, with some praising her for spotlighting commuter struggles and others questioning the method of filming without consent.
Following the posts, the creator shared another video, where she said she had been contacted by the Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Mr Gbenga Omotoso who reportedly assured her that more BRT buses would be deployed to help alleviate waiting times along the route. In another follow‑up post, she appeared to be at the terminal, suggesting that extra services had been provided in response to the public attention.
While some saw her efforts as a form of civic advocacy, others raised concerns about the privacy of commuters and staff inadvertently captured in the videos.
NDPC: privacy is not optional
Following these incidents, the NDPC stepped in with its statement, emphasising that sharing images and video of individuals without their consent can amount to unlawful processing of personal data under the NDP Act. The Commission highlighted that content creators must identify a lawful basis for processing such personal information, which can include consent or another legitimate ground recognised by law before posting.
The data protection authority also called on social media platforms, including TikTok, X and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent harm resulting from unlawful and unfair processing of personal data. The NDPC warned that platforms that fail to act in a timely manner to address such harms could face sanctions under the NDP Act.
“Individual content creators are accountable for their acts and omissions, and may be liable to criminal prosecution for violating the privacy rights of citizens and other data subjects,” the statement read.
