Many Nigerians face a critical privacy invasion: loan apps accessing personal photos and contacts without clear consent. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step solution to reclaim your digital privacy.
The harassment from lenders contacting your entire phonebook is both embarrassing and illegal under Nigerian data protection laws. You have the right to stop it.
Requirements / What You Need
- Your Smartphone: The same device where the loan app is installed. You do not need a new phone, but access to one is essential for the steps.
- Basic App Navigation Skills: Knowing how to find your phone’s Settings menu, then Apps or App Permissions.
- Stable Internet Connection: A mobile data plan or Wi-Fi. If you’re using a cyber café, ensure you can physically access your own phone’s settings; they cannot do this remotely.
- Your Bank Verification Number (BVN): Not for changing permissions, but crucial if you need to formally report the lender to authorities like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) or the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- Evidence: Screenshots of the app’s permissions, recorded calls, or messages where agents harass your contacts. This strengthens any formal complaint.
- Important Note: There are no official fees (₦0) to change app permissions on your personal device. Any agent or cyber café operator claiming you must pay to revoke access is misleading you.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify the Offending Loan App
Go to your phone’s Settings. Scroll and tap on Apps or Application Manager. Here, you will see a list of all installed apps. Scroll to find the specific loan app (e.g., Carbon, FairMoney, Okash, etc.) that you want to restrict. Tap on its name to open its specific settings page.
Step 2: Navigate to App Permissions
Inside the loan app’s settings page, look for and tap on Permissions. This section lists everything the app can access on your phone, like Contacts, Camera, Storage (Gallery), SMS, and Location. The list might be long, so scroll carefully.
Step 3: Revoke Access to Gallery & Contacts
Tap on Storage (or “Files and Media”). A pop-up will ask you to allow or deny. Select Deny or Don’t Allow. Go back and repeat this for Contacts. Watch out: Some Android versions may show “Allowed only while using the app.” Choose Deny for complete security. The app may glitch or show an error message when you next open it; this is normal.
Step 4: For iPhone Users (iOS)
Go to Settings > scroll down and tap on the loan app’s name. You will see toggles for Photos and Contacts. Simply toggle them OFF (the switch turns white/grey). This action is immediate and does not require a restart.
Step 5: Clear the App’s Cache & Data (Advanced)
Back in the app’s settings, find Storage. Tap Clear Cache first. Then, for a more thorough reset, tap Clear Data or Clear Storage. Warning: “Clear Data” may log you out and delete any downloaded documents within the app. Have your login details handy if you still have an active loan.
Step 6: Uninstall the App (Final Step)
After revoking permissions, the safest action is to uninstall the app completely. From the same app settings page, tap the Uninstall button. If you have an outstanding loan, ensure you have other repayment channels (like USSD or bank transfer) before uninstalling to avoid missed payment penalties.
Alternative Methods
If the direct phone settings method fails or you need a more formal resolution, consider these alternatives tailored for the Nigerian context.
1. Formal Complaint to Regulatory Bodies: This is better when you are being harassed after revoking permissions. File a detailed complaint with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) via their website or the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Consumer Protection Department. Include your evidence (screenshots, call logs). This process can be slow but is effective for forcing lenders to cease harassment and comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
2. Use a Dedicated “Sandbox” or Secondary Phone: For individuals who frequently test or use various loan apps, a practical alternative is to use a dedicated, low-cost Android phone or an old device. Install all financial apps only on this secondary phone. Do not store personal photos or contacts on it. This physically separates your sensitive data from the apps’ access, a method favored by many savvy Nigerian users and small business owners.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “Permission Denied” or Settings Option is Greyed Out
You navigate to the app’s permissions, but the toggle for Storage or Contacts is inactive and you cannot change it. This often happens on some Tecno, Infinix, or Itel phones with custom Android skins (like HiOS or XOS).
Solution: Go to your main phone Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps (or a similar path). Find the loan app here and ensure it’s not granted special administrator privileges. If it is, revoke it. Alternatively, check Settings > Security > Device admin apps and deactivate the loan app. This should unlock the permission toggles.
Problem: App Crashes or Demands Permissions Upon Relaunch
After you deny permissions, the loan app immediately crashes on opening or displays a full-screen pop-up forcing you to grant access to proceed, essentially locking you out.
Solution: This is a deliberate design by the lender. Do not re-grant access. Your best course is to uninstall the app immediately. If you have an outstanding loan, use the lender’s official USSD code (e.g., *1303# for some apps) or make a direct bank transfer to their provided account details to repay, then uninstall. Contact their customer service via email to state you will only use alternative repayment channels.
Problem: Harassment Continues Even After Permissions Are Removed
You’ve revoked contacts access, but your family and friends are still receiving threatening calls and messages from the lender’s agents.
Solution: This means they already scraped and saved your contact list before you changed permissions. Changing settings now only prevents future access. You must take legal action. Send a formal complaint with all evidence to NITDA (data.protection@nitda.gov.ng) and the CBN. Quote sections of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. This official pressure is often the only way to stop the harassment.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the true cost of securing your data from loan apps is crucial to avoid scams.
Official Costs: The process of changing app permissions on your personal device is completely free (₦0). There are no government or regulatory fees for accessing your phone’s Settings menu. Filing a formal complaint with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) or the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is also free of charge.
Unofficial Costs & Warnings: Be wary of individuals at cyber cafés or “tech agents” who may charge between ₦500 to ₦2,000 to perform this 2-minute task for you. This is an unnecessary service. If an agent claims a special “software” or “link” is needed for a fee, it is a scam.
Timeline: Revoking permissions takes 2-5 minutes and is effective immediately. However, if you file a formal complaint with NITDA, acknowledge that investigation timelines can vary from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the complexity and the lender’s responsiveness.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake “Permission Removal” Agents: Individuals on social media or at local markets may offer to “permanently block” loan apps from your phone for a fee. They often ask for remote access via apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Never grant this. They can install malware or steal banking details.
- Phishing Links via SMS/WhatsApp: You may receive messages claiming to be from “CBN Loan App Compliance” or a similar fake authority, with a link to “de-authorize” apps. These links are designed to steal your BVN, bank login, or OTP codes. Official bodies will never contact you this way.
- Overcharging at Cyber Cafés: While some cafés offer legitimate assistance, many inflate the price for this simple task. Agree on a maximum fee of ₦200-₦300 for guidance if you are truly stuck, but it’s always better to learn and do it yourself.
- Fake Regulatory Portals: Only use the official NITDA (nitda.gov.ng) and CBN (cbn.gov.ng) websites to file complaints. Do not search for “report loan app” and click on sponsored ads, as these often lead to impersonator sites collecting your data.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
The methods described in this guide are universally accepted and effective on all Android and iOS devices used in Nigeria. The authority to change app permissions is built into your phone’s operating system, whether you are in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or any other state. The steps are the standard procedure recognized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as a user’s right under data protection principles.
Your immediate next step should be to open your phone’s Settings and audit all financial and lending apps. Revoke unnecessary permissions for contacts, gallery, SMS, and call logs from each one. This is a proactive measure beyond just the problematic app.
Important Limitation: Revoking permissions is a preventive and future-facing action. It does not delete data already harvested and stored on the lender’s servers before you changed the settings. If harassment based on old contact data continues, your next step must be the formal complaint route to NITDA or CBN to demand they delete your illegally obtained data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can loan apps access my gallery after I uninstall them?
No. Once you uninstall an app, it loses all access to your device, including your gallery and contacts. However, any data (like your contact list or uploaded photos) that was already transmitted and stored on the lender’s servers before uninstallation may still be in their possession. This is why formal complaints to NITDA are necessary to demand data deletion.
Is it illegal for loan apps to contact my friends in Nigeria?
Yes. Under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and CBN guidelines for digital lenders, using personal contact details for debt shaming or harassment is illegal. They can only contact the borrower directly. You can report such practices to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for enforcement and sanctions.
Will denying permissions affect my ability to get a loan?
It should not affect legitimate loan assessment. Reputable apps use your BVN, bank statements, and credit history for checks. However, many high-risk digital lenders rely on contact access as collateral for intimidation. Denying permissions may cause their app to malfunction or your application to be rejected by them, which is often a sign of a lender to avoid.
How do I stop the text message spam from loan apps?
For SMS spam, you can directly block the sender’s number on your phone. For persistent spam from multiple numbers, register your line with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service by texting “STOP” to 2442. This should reduce unsolicited promotional messages, though enforcement on loan harassment messages can be inconsistent.
Can I sue a loan app for harassment in Nigeria?
Yes, you have grounds to sue for violation of your data privacy and mental distress. The first and more practical step is to file a detailed complaint with NITDA, which has the power to investigate and impose heavy fines on the lender. This often resolves the issue faster than a civil suit. Keep all evidence (screenshots, recordings) for any legal action.
What should I do if the loan app still has my nude pictures?
This is a serious offense. Immediately file a report with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Cybercrime Unit and a detailed complaint to NITDA, citing sections of the Cybercrimes Act and NDPA. Demand the immediate deletion of your data. Do not engage with the lender’s agents. Seek legal aid from organizations like the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes based on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines, and standard mobile operating system procedures. It offers general advice and does not constitute legal counsel. Regulations and platform interfaces may change. For specific legal action or complex cases, consult a qualified legal practitioner or contact the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) directly through their official channels.