Fed Govt. Moves To Muzzle Social Media Activities As CBN Directs Banks To Obtain Social Media Handles Of Customers

It is not yet clear the reason the Federal Government is interested in controlling the social media accounts of the citizens. The report of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive to banks to obtain the social media handles of customers as part of enhanced Customer Due Diligence, CDD, regulations may have a far reaching consequences as to freedom of the Nigerians to freely express their opinions on issues.

The directive was contained in the CBN, Customer Due Diligence Regulation 2023 issued over the weekend via a circular signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, Mr. Chibuzor Efobi.

The regulation stated: “Financial Institutions, FIs shall not establish or keep anonymous accounts, numbered accounts or accounts in fictitious names.

“FIs shall undertake CDD measures when:

Establishing business relationships;

“Carrying out occasional transactions above the applicable and designated threshold of US$1,000 or its equivalent in other currencies or as may be determined by the CBN from time to time, including where the transaction is carried out in a single or several transactions or operations that appear to be linked;

Carrying out occasional transactions that are wire transfers, including cross-border and domestic transfers between FIs and when credit or debit cards are used as a payment method to effect money transfer;

“There are doubts as to the veracity or adequacy of previously obtained customer identification data; or

“There is a suspicion of ML, TF and PF regardless of any exemptions or any other thresholds referred to in these Regulations or the CBN AML, CFT and CPF Regulations.

“FIs shall establish internal processes and procedures for conducting CDD measures for all potential and existing customers, including occasional customers.”

The CBN further stated that, “CDD measures shall include —customer identification and verification of identity; identification and verification of identity of beneficial owners (BOs); understanding nature and purpose of business;

Understanding the sources of funds; and; and conducting ongoing due diligence on the business relationship and monitoring for suspicious activities.”

“FIs shall identify their customer (whether permanent or occasional, and whether natural or legal persons or legal arrangements) and obtain the following information —

(a) for Individuals —

legal name and any other names used (such as maiden name), permanent address (full physical address), residential address (where the customer can be located), telephone number, e-mail address and social media handle, date and place of birth, Bank Verification Number (BVN), Tax Identification Number (TIN), nationality, occupation, public position held and name of employe.

“An official personal identification number or other unique identifier contained in an unexpired document issued by a government agency, that bears a name, photograph and signature of the customer such as a passport, national identification card, residence permit, social security records or drivers’ license,

“Type of account and nature of the banking relationship, and signature, and politically exposed persons (PEPs) status