Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA)
Effective Date: July 16th, 2025
1. Introduction
The Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) utilizes cookies and similar tracking technologies on our official website to enhance user experience and improve service delivery. This Cookies Policy provides detailed information about the types of cookies we employ, their specific purposes, and how users can manage their cookie preferences. By accessing and using the KASITDA website, users acknowledge and consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy, which operates in conjunction with our comprehensive Privacy Policy and aligns with the data protection principles outlined in Pillar 7 (Cybersecurity and Data Governance) of the KASITDA Strategic Roadmap.
2. Definition and Purpose of Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are automatically placed on a user’s device when they visit our website. These files serve multiple important functions that enhance the browsing experience and enable the effective operation of our digital services. Cookies allow our website to recognize returning users, remember preferences and settings, analyze how visitors interact with our content, and support the technical performance of our online platforms. They are widely used across digital platforms to make websites work more efficiently while providing valuable insights that help us improve our services.
3. Detailed Classification of Cookies Used
A. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These essential cookies are fundamental for the proper functioning of our website and enable users to navigate through our pages and use key features. Without these cookies, critical services such as secure login portals and application forms would not operate correctly. For example, session cookies maintain user authentication during a single browsing session, while load-balancing cookies help distribute network traffic evenly across servers to maintain optimal website performance. These cookies are typically temporary and are automatically deleted when the user closes their web browser.
B. Performance and Analytics Cookies
We employ analytical cookies to collect aggregated data about how visitors interact with our website, which helps us understand usage patterns and identify areas for improvement. These cookies gather anonymous statistical information, including but not limited to the number of visitors to different sections of our site, average time spent on pages, and navigation pathways. For instance, Google Analytics cookies provide insights into website traffic sources and user behavior without identifying individual visitors. This category of cookies may remain on a user’s device for longer periods, typically ranging from two months to two years, to facilitate trend analysis over time.
C. Functional Cookies
Functional cookies enhance the user experience by remembering preferences and customized settings across multiple visits to our website. These cookies enable features such as language selection retention, font size adjustments for accessibility purposes, and regional service preferences. By storing these choices, functional cookies eliminate the need for users to repeatedly reconfigure their preferences during subsequent visits. These cookies generally have a longer lifespan than strictly necessary cookies, often persisting for up to twelve months unless manually deleted by the user.
D. Third-Party Cookies
Certain pages on our website may incorporate content or features from external providers, such as embedded videos, social media plugins, or interactive maps, which may set their own cookies. These third-party cookies are governed by the respective privacy policies of the external organizations and are used for purposes including content personalization, advertising, and social media integration. For example, YouTube may place cookies when users view embedded videos on our site to track viewing preferences, while Facebook Pixel cookies help measure the effectiveness of our digital outreach campaigns. Users should review the cookie policies of these third-party providers for comprehensive information about their data practices.
4. Comprehensive Cookie Management Options
A. Browser-Based Controls
All modern web browsers provide users with robust tools to manage cookie preferences. Users can configure their browser settings to block all cookies, delete existing cookies automatically upon closing the browser, or selectively allow cookies from specific websites. Detailed instructions for adjusting these settings are typically available in the “Help” or “Preferences” section of each browser, with variations existing between platforms such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. It is important to note that disabling essential cookies may significantly impair website functionality and prevent access to certain services.
B. Initial Consent Mechanism
Upon first visiting the KASITDA website, users encounter a clear and prominent cookie consent banner that provides immediate control over their cookie preferences. This interface presents users with three distinct options: the ability to accept all cookies for full functionality, reject all non-essential cookies while maintaining basic operations, or access advanced settings to customize their cookie preferences by category. This consent mechanism ensures compliance with data protection regulations while respecting user autonomy.
C. Third-Party Opt-Out Procedures
For users who wish to specifically opt out of analytics tracking while still allowing other cookie functions, specialized tools are available. The Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on, for instance, prevents the transmission of usage data to Google Analytics without affecting other website features. Similarly, many third-party services provide individual opt-out mechanisms through their respective websites, allowing users to manage preferences across multiple platforms centrally.
5. Policy Review and Update Protocol
KASITDA maintains a commitment to regularly reviewing and updating this Cookies Policy to reflect technological advancements, changes in regulatory requirements, and evolving best practices in digital governance. Any substantive modifications to this policy will be clearly indicated through an updated Effective Date at the beginning of the document, accompanied by appropriate notifications on our website to ensure users remain informed about how their data is being handled. Continued use of the KASITDA website following such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy terms.
6. Contact Information and Support
For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Cookies Policy or our data practices generally, users may contact the KASITDA Data Protection Office through multiple channels. Our dedicated team can be reached via email at dpo@kasitda.ng or through physical correspondence at our official office address. We are committed to providing timely and comprehensive responses to all privacy-related inquiries in accordance with our service standards.
7. Official Authorization
This Cookies Policy has been formally approved and is implemented under the authority of:
Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, PhD
Director-General/Chief Executive Officer
Kano State Information Technology Development Agency
8. Strategic and Regulatory Alignment
The implementation of this Cookies Policy directly supports several key components of KASITDA’s governance framework:
- It operationalizes the data protection principles established in Pillar 7 (Cybersecurity and Data Governance) of the KASITDA Strategic Roadmap (2025-2030).
- It fulfills requirements outlined in Objective 5 (Data Governance and Cybersecurity) of the Kano State Digital Transformation Agenda.
- It ensures compliance with the transparency and user consent provisions of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR 2019).
- It reflects KASITDA’s institutional Core Value of Integrity by promoting clear communication about our data practices.
This policy represents KASITDA’s commitment to balancing technological innovation with robust privacy protections as we deliver on our mandate to transform Kano State through digital excellence.