Headlines
Accept Cookies: A Threat to Online Safety
By Zulaiha Danjuma
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ensures online safety by promoting digital literacy, governance, and security. But what about “Accept Cookies”?
2024 internet usage statistics in Nigeria
We’ve all been there – scrolling through our favorite website or app, only to be interrupted by a seemingly innocuous pop-up: “Accept Cookies?”
Most of us mindlessly click “Accept” to access the content we want. But have you ever stopped to think about what you’re really accepting?
KANO FOCUS reports, cookies are small files that websites store on your device, tracking your online activities, from the websites you visit to your search queries.
But that’s not all – these files can also store your personal data, leaving you vulnerable to targeted advertising, data breaches, and even identity theft.
Types an Uses of cookies
In today’s digital landscape, the internet is filled with users seeking information, entertainment, and connection. Meanwhile, companies and individuals are increasingly tracking and analyzing the online activities of these users, gathering valuable data and insights.
Virtually every online platform, from banking and financial apps to social media, news websites, gaming sites, and e-commerce platforms, rely on cookies to function.
As a result, it’s almost impossible for internet users to browse the web without encountering the ubiquitous ‘Accept Cookies’ pop-ups.
While cookies offer several benefits, such as enhanced user experience and personalized content, they also raise significant concerns regarding user privacy and security. These concerns have sparked intense debate and scrutiny.
Data Breaches in Nigeria (2022-2023)
Despite their widespread presence, many online users underestimate the impact of “Cookies” on user privacy.
Several individuals shared their perspectives
“I always accept ‘Cookies’ without really thinking about it,” says Hadiza Musa Yusuf. “If I don’t accept them, I can’t access the sites I want.”
Sa’adatu Auwal admitted to routinely accepting cookies without much thought: “It never crossed my mind. I just see them as a means to access the webpage I need.”
Abduljabar AbdulSalam Ibrahim views cookies as mutual agreements between users and websites: “I accept them, but not always. It’s an agreement between a user and the site visited.”
Aishatu Abdullahi Muhammad acknowledges potential risks: “Accepting cookies can be dangerous. Some websites aren’t legitimate.”
Adam Ismail exercises caution: “I only accept cookies on trusted sites.”
Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman said he rarely accepts cookies.
These diverse perspectives highlight varying levels of awareness and concern regarding cookies and online privacy.
Cookie Usage Statistics
Expert Insight
KANO FOCUS reached out to Nigeria’s Country Representative for West Africa ICT Action Network, Ms. Amina Ibrahim Idris, a professional in data protection and cybersecurity. She explained that automatically accepting cookies undermines user data, privacy, and digital security.
Understanding the hidden dangers to online tracking
“Some risks include tracking and profiling, cookies tracking users’ activities online, creating profiles used for targeted advertising,” she said.
Ms. Amina added that data breaches can occur from accepting cookies indiscriminately: “By clicking ‘Accept Cookies,’ some sites might save login credentials and data, compromising user data in case of a breach.”
NDPC figures on data breaches in Nigeria
According to Ms. Amina, cookies can collect specific user data, including:
IP addresses, revealing geographic locations, frequently visited websites indicating interests, Real names, physical addresses, contact information, Browser types and operating system details Geo-location data and GPS coordinates.
Malicious cookies can target vulnerable devices, injecting malware and viruses, and facilitate phishing attacks.
:Prevalence of Cyber Attack in Nigeria
The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how third-party cookies harvested Facebook users’ data without consent, influencing the 2016 US presidential election. This breach affected 87 million users.
Google faced a $170 million settlement for violating cookie tracking regulations. The search giant allowed advertisers to track users’ browsing habits despite opting out.
These incidents are not secluded to big tech giants. In Nigeria, MoMo Payment Service Bank had a data breach incident in 2022 resulting in losses worth $53 million. While, Patricia a fintech company suffered a cyber attack also in 2022, resulting in losses worth $2 million.
MoMo and Patricia data breach losses
Users’ Inability to Read Cookie Policies
Ms. Amina notes: “Cookie Policies are usually tiny and long. Users quickly accept cookies without knowing what they entail.”
To address this, Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives promote:
Digital literacy programs educating users about online safety. Regulatory frameworks like General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), ensures companies protect user data Security guidelines for safe browsing practices
Protect Yourself:
1. Read cookie policies carefully to understand data collection.
2. Utilize browser extensions like u-Block-Origin, Ghostary, and Cookie Auto-Delete to block tracking cookies.
3. Adopt alternative authentication methods, such as Token-based authentication like JSON Web tokens, Smart cards and Biometric authentication.
In the words of Ms. Amina; Companies should align policies with GDPR and CCPA, providing transparent control over user data.
By understanding cookies and DPI, you can make informed decisions.
This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus online Newspaper.
Headlines
NAHCON Secures ₦19 Billion Cost Reduction for 2026 Hajj, Pilgrims to Save Over ₦200,000 Each
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj, following a successful negotiation with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. He explained that the deal translates to a direct saving of more than ₦200,000 per pilgrim. Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the visit, NAHCON signed key service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured better accommodation and feeding arrangements in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.
Professor Sale further announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj as follows:
Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million
Other northern states: ₦8.24 million
Southern states: ₦8.56 million
He stressed that State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards must remit 50 percent of the fares by October 8, 2025, while full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.
“The deadlines are critical to enable early bookings and smooth operations,” he said, reaffirming NAHCON’s commitment to delivering a hitch-free Hajj exercise in 2026.
The NAHCON boss also appealed to the media for sustained support in sensitizing the public, noting that effective collaboration will ensure that the commission achieves its goals for Nigerians
… As Gov. Yusuf Condemns CP Bakori’s Partisan Conduct
… Demands His Immediate Removal for Sabotage, Unethical Behaviour
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned in the strongest terms the unprofessional and partisan conduct of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, describing his actions as deliberate sabotage against the people of Kano and the Nigerian state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed outrage over the sudden withdrawal of police participation from the 2025 Independence Day celebration in Kano — an order CP Bakori issued just hours before the commencement of the event.
Governor Yusuf said the action was a clear demonstration of bias, insubordination, and betrayal of the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional duty.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, we cannot tolerate sabotage to the peace, security, and wellbeing of our citizens. It is disgraceful that a Commissioner of Police would descend so low into partisan politics by boycotting a national event that symbolizes unity, patriotism, and democracy,” Governor Yusuf stated.
The governor accused CP Bakori of consistently aligning with political interests opposed to the will of the people of Kano, thereby eroding public trust in the police command. He described the CP as a “political police officer” who has abandoned professionalism and is actively undermining democracy.
“The police must never be seen as tools of politicians. They are expected to protect all Nigerians, regardless of political leanings. Unfortunately, CP Bakori has turned himself into a willing instrument of division and insecurity in Kano State,” the statement added.
Governor Yusuf therefore led the voices of Kano stakeholders who were present at the 2025 Independence Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove CP Bakori from office and replace him with a competent and non-partisan officer who will restore confidence, fairness, and neutrality in policing Kano State.
The stakeholders who joined their voices with that of the Governor included traditional and religious leaders, NNPP members of the state and national assemblies, the business community, youth groups, and labour organizations.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people, stressing that no act of sabotage from compromised security officials will succeed in destabilizing Kano under his watch.
He also commended the efforts of other security agencies in the state — with the exception of the police.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the leadership of the state commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and the State Directorate of Security Services, all of whom participated in the 2025 Independence Parade.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Dr. Musa Mohammed Bello, State Focal Person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), announced significant progress in a Gavi-funded immunization project implemented in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) across Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno states since September 2023.
KANO FOCUS reports that the project has recorded notable reductions in the number of zero-dose children those who have not received any vaccines particularly in Kano, where 15 local governments were identified as high-burden areas.
During a recent review meeting focusing on Kano State, stakeholders assessed successes and challenges related to immunization budget allocation, vaccine supply chain disruptions, cold chain management, and access to immunization services by parents and caregivers.
Dr. Bello commended the Kano State government for consistently allocating above 15% of the budget to health surpassing the Abuja Declaration recommendation but pointed out issues with approval and release of funds that hinder smooth project implementation.
He also stressed the need for Kano State to reduce its heavy reliance on donor funding from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by strengthening local counterpart contributions. Isyaku Lawan Dawakin from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
Dr. Bello further highlighted the strengthening of advocacy and government relationships through the 2023-2024 Accountability Scorecard initiative, which has enabled better communication and cooperation with key government committees on health and appropriation. Evidence-based advocacy built on decentralized immunization monitoring assessments by AFENET has helped identify specific challenges at the local government and health facility levels, informing targeted interventions.
He presented recent data from September 2025 showing high reporting rates from primary health care facilities on routine immunization services via SMS across the targeted local governments, reflecting increased monitoring and responsiveness. The project has fostered deeper understanding of the budgetary process among civil society and health stakeholders, contributing to increased awareness and coordinated action to address zero-dose children.
Crucially, Dr. Bello revealed that Kano State has seen a tremendous decrease in zero-dose children—from over 539,000 in 2020 to around 120,000 by December 2024—attributed to collaborative government and partner efforts.
This achievement underscores the positive impact of strengthened immunization systems, accountability frameworks, and partner coordination in improving child health outcomes across the region.
”This initiative forms part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage and accountability in West Africa, aiming to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated and vulnerable to preventable diseases,” he said.
Isyaku Lawan Dawakin Tofa from Kano State Bureau of Statistics emphasized the value of peer learning activities to close knowledge gaps and boost vaccine outreach.
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