NAN reports that he cautioned Nigerians to ‘take the battle against the coronavirus pandemic seriously’.

Pantami urged citizens to observe social distancing and other preventive measures announced by the government and health official in order to flatten the curve.

He prayed for the repose of souls of Kyari and others who lost their lives to the disease.

Meanwhile, Pantami, has told the members of the public to ignore fraudsters claiming they have access to their data.

The minister said that the database included Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) or any other records.

Pantami, in a statement by Femi Adeluyi, his Assistant of Information Technology, clarified no government ministry or agency directed the sharing of people’s information.

“The government will never ask citizens to confirm their records via phone calls or digital means without an elaborate structure to ensure the safety of these records and effective communication to the public in this regard.

“I have directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as the custodian of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), to issue a comprehensive framework to guide public institutions,’’ he said.

The statement charged regulators, institutions, for public and private organisations that use personal data to prioritise information and cyber security.

He added that “all data controlling organisations are further expected to provide a means for efficient public communication across all platforms available throughout this period to respond to public enquiries and comments.”

Expressing commitment to ensuring that the use of data in the fight against COVID-19 complies with regulations, Pantami said unlawful disclosure, abuse or misuse of private information was a criminal offence, punishable under the laws of Nigeria.