Using CCTV at Home in Nigeria: What the Law Says About Privacy and Consent

Many Nigerians are now installing CCTV cameras and other surveillance tools in their homes to improve security. But as more people use these devices, questions are being asked about privacy and whether it’s legal to record others without telling them. What does the Nigerian law say about using CCTV to record visitors, house staff, and guests in private homes?

According to Tolu Adeyemi, a lawyer who works on legal disputes, many Nigerians don’t fully understand the legal risks of using surveillance cameras at home. Without knowing it, they could break the law.

What the Constitution Says About Privacy

Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution says that every citizen has the right to privacy. This includes privacy in their homes, phone calls, letters, and other private communications. So, if you are recording someone in your home without telling them, you could be violating their privacy rights.

The Data Protection Law and CCTV Use

Bernard Daniel Oke, a lawyer who works on privacy and data rights, explains that the 2023 Nigerian Data Protection Act also covers CCTV systems.

You Must Inform People

Hauwa E. Amuneh, a lawyer who works with companies, agrees. She says it is very important to tell people if they are being recorded. If you don’t, you could be reported to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). NITDA has the power to investigate and fine people who break the rules.

There Are Some Grey Areas

Queen-Esther Ifunanya Emma-Egbumokei, another lawyer who focuses on creative businesses and international law, says there is no law that completely bans the use of CCTV cameras at home.

But the law cares about why and how the camera is used. If you’re using cameras to spy on people or film them in private situations, like when they are naked, that would be illegal.

Oke gives an example: You cannot say your CCTV is for security and then use it to record private moments of guests or staff.

Emma-Egbumokei agrees and says cameras should not be placed in private spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms. They can be put in shared spaces like kitchens, entrances, or living rooms, but not where someone would expect privacy.

The main reason for CCTV should be security. You should only collect footage that is necessary to protect your home.

Can CCTV Footage Be Used in Court?

Amuneh says yes. If the footage is related to a crime or investigation, it can be used as evidence in court. What matters is how important the video is to the case.

How to Protect Yourself Legally When Using CCTV at Home

So, how can Nigerians avoid legal problems when using cameras at home?

Amuneh says:

Use CCTV only for real security reasons.
Don’t hide it or lie about having it.
Always record and use footage in good faith (meaning, for the right reasons).

Also, it helps to place signs or notices that let people know the space is under CCTV surveillance—even in your home.

Oreoluwa Kayode, a technology law expert, adds that Nigeria still has a lack of clear laws about home CCTV use. Because of this, homeowners may get into legal trouble without realizing it. More clear rules from groups like NITDA will help people understand their rights and avoid court cases.

In Summary

Recording people at home without telling them can be illegal in Nigeria.
The Constitution and Data Protection Act both protect people’s right to privacy.
You should always inform people that they are being recorded.
Private areas like bathrooms should never have cameras.
If done properly, CCTV footage can be used in court.
The government needs to create clearer rules so that people can use CCTV legally and responsibly.