Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s largest buyer of smart city surveillance technology, investing over $470 million in advanced monitoring systems — a move that is raising fresh concerns over privacy and data protection.
At the centre of the investment is the National Public Security Communication System (NPSCS), a nationwide surveillance project designed to strengthen security operations and enhance crime detection. The initiative is jointly funded by the Nigerian government and a loan from China Eximbank, with Abuja contributing 15 per cent while the remaining 85 per cent — about $399 million — was financed through external borrowing.
The project was awarded to Chinese tech giants ZTE Corporation and Hikvision, and is aimed at supporting the Nigeria Police Force with real-time video surveillance, facial recognition systems, and video conferencing infrastructure in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.
Implementation Challenges Trail Project
Despite its ambitious scope, the surveillance programme has faced persistent setbacks. First introduced in 2010, reports suggest that by 2013, several installed systems had become non-functional or fallen into disrepair.
There have also been allegations of poor project execution and possible mismanagement of funds, raising questions about transparency and long-term sustainability.
States Expand Surveillance Footprint
Beyond federal efforts, state governments have intensified investments in “safe city” infrastructure.
In Lagos State, authorities launched a major surveillance initiative in 2016, deploying around 13,000 CCTV cameras across the state. The system was later expanded in 2019 with an additional 10,000 high-definition cameras equipped with facial recognition capabilities.
Similarly, Oyo State partnered with global technology providers, including Huawei and Hikvision, to roll out modern surveillance systems aimed at improving public safety.
Security Gains vs Privacy Concerns
Government officials have defended the investments as critical tools for tackling crime, improving emergency response, and strengthening national security.
However, civil society groups and digital rights advocates warn that Nigeria’s rapid adoption of AI-powered surveillance technologies is outpacing regulatory safeguards.
Critics point to the absence of comprehensive legislation governing mass surveillance, as well as a lack of clear human rights impact assessments before deployment.
The growing use of facial recognition and automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems has intensified fears over potential abuse, unlawful tracking, and data misuse.
Debate Over Balance Intensifies
As Nigeria deepens its embrace of smart surveillance infrastructure, the debate continues over how to balance security needs with citizens’ fundamental right to privacy.
Experts say the challenge going forward will be establishing strong legal frameworks, ensuring transparency, and building public trust — while leveraging technology to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
