Mobile phones tightly guarded with passwords, fingerprints or face locks have become a common sight across Nigeria. From buses and offices to markets and classrooms, many Nigerians instinctively secure their devices, wary of prying eyes and unauthorised access. WEEKEND HOPE spoke with some Nigerians on why many people put passwords on their phones.
Excerpts:

By Adejoro Marvelous, Lydia Adeniyi
& Ilemobayo Odunayo Tosin

                                                                                                          Olayinka Adesida

Nigerians place passwords on their phones primarily to protect private information from prying eyes, secure banking apps against theft and maintain personal privacy in relationships. It acts as a shield against unauthorised access by acquaintances, children or in the event of theft, preventing fraudulent access to sensitive data and financial accounts

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mrs Toluwani Adetuase

Confidential office information are usually stored on my phone. I put password on it to prevent such information from getting leaked in case of loss.

I also put password on my phone to protect my children. My kids like to press anything they see, password helps prevent them from deleting files or dialing people by mistake.

These days, once your phone enters another person’s hand unlocked, you are at risk. They can transfer money or impersonate you. Password is security.

My phone has school work, pictures, chats with friend etc. Not everything is for everybody. Locking it doesn’t mean I’m hiding bad things, it means I value my space.

My phone carries my whole business. Customers’ numbers, bank alerts, WhatsApp messages for work. If I misplace it and there’s no password, the person that finds it can wipe me out financially.

People don’t respect privacy. They will say they want to make a call and next thing they are scrolling. Password helps me breathe.

We hear stories everyday of  phones theft and accounts hacking. So, people are wiser now. Passwords are basic digital sense.

Interestingly, a few respondents admitted passwords are about control and independence.

My phone is my personal space. Locking it reminds people that not everything is public.

                                                                                                Miss Boluwatife

Not every message needs explanation. Locking my phone saves me from unnecessary arguments.

Passwords are about safety in the event of phone lost. Even if my phone goes missing, the password gives me time to block my accounts. Others said it is simply a habit borne out of awareness.

We hear stories of hacked phones and stolen data everyday. Putting a password is just common sense.

My phone is like my second brain Everything is inside—my chats, my work files, even my banking apps. If someone opens it without my permission, it’s like entering my house.

I believe phone passwords protect personal dignity.

People like to read messages that are not meant for them. In Nigeria, if someone sees your chat, before you know it, the whole compound knows your business and probably your privacy.

                                                                                                Mr Lazarus Babatunde

Social media accounts are inside your phone. One mistake and someone can post rubbish or scam your contacts. Password is like a gate.

With mobile banking, your phone is now your ATM. You can’t leave an ATM open. That’s why I lock mine.

Password saves me stress.