Privacy Policy

JOAD Scientific Services Nigeria Ltd (“JOAD”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who interact with our website, client portal, laboratory service request processes, and related communications. This policy applies to information collected through our website, client-facing systems, sample submission and service processes, and other business interactions.

We collect and process information only where we have a legitimate business need to do so, where it is necessary to provide our services, or where required by law or regulatory obligations. This policy is intended to provide a clear explanation of our practices and is written with awareness of Nigeria’s data protection considerations, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), while avoiding unsupported legal claims or certifications.

We may collect and process the following types of information:

• Personal information such as names, contact details, and identifying information provided by a client, customer, visitor, or portal user.
• Contact information including email addresses, telephone numbers, WhatsApp details, and physical addresses where relevant.
• Client or account information relating to service requests, account setup, user access, business details, and communication records.
• Sample-related information associated with submitted samples, product details, source information, batch references, and related laboratory data necessary for testing and analysis.
• Laboratory service information such as service requirements, testing requests, analytical specifications, turnaround expectations, and report-related details.
• Payment and transaction information used for invoicing, billing, payment administration, and service account management.
• Uploaded documents or files where a client or portal user submits supporting materials, certificates, permits, delivery documents, proof of payment, or other items needed for service delivery.
• Information submitted through forms including contact, consultation, quote, walk-in, and inquiry forms.
• Technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, and general website usage information where relevant for security, analytics, and service improvement.

• Through website contact, inquiry, quotation, booking, and other forms.
• During client portal registration and account creation.
• When a client submits samples, requests testing, or provides information for laboratory analysis.
• During laboratory service requests and communication with our team.
• Through direct communication such as email, phone calls, messaging apps, or in-person meetings.
• Through cookies, browser settings, and other technical technologies where used for website functionality, security, or service administration.

We may use information to provide, support, and improve our services, including to:

• Process laboratory service requests and testing requirements.
• Receive and manage submitted samples.
• Track samples and maintain service records.
• Prepare and deliver laboratory reports.
• Manage client accounts and service access.
• Process invoices, payments, and billing administration.
• Respond to inquiries, consultations, and support requests.
• Provide customer support and service updates.
• Communicate important service information.
• Improve website functionality and service quality.
• Maintain security and help prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
• Meet applicable legal, accounting, regulatory, and business obligations.

Information associated with submitted samples may be used for identification, testing, laboratory analysis, quality control, reporting, and service administration. This may include product or sample details, references, client information, and records necessary to ensure correct handling, traceability, and accurate analytical reporting. We use reasonable procedures to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and appropriate access controls for sample- related information and associated laboratory records.

Where users create or access a client portal account, we may collect account information, login details, service-related activity, and relevant communication records to enable account management and service delivery. Users are responsible for keeping their account credentials confidential and for all activity conducted through their account. If you believe your login information has been compromised, please contact JOAD immediately so appropriate action can be taken.

Payment information may be used for billing, payment processing, and service administration. JOAD may use appropriate payment and invoicing systems for this purpose. We do not claim to store card details unless such a service is specifically implemented and clearly disclosed. If third-party payment providers or banks are used, their own privacy policies and terms may also apply, and those providers may process payment-related information on our behalf or as part of the payment transaction.

Our website may use cookies or similar technical tools where necessary for functionality, session management, security, and user experience. Cookies may help remember user settings, improve website operation, and support basic site administration. We do not assume that all cookies are advertising or tracking cookies; the use of cookies depends on the technologies actually implemented on the site. You may be able to manage or disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may not work properly if cookies are disabled.

JOAD uses reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to help protect personal and business information from unauthorized access, misuse, loss, modification, or disclosure. These safeguards may include access controls, authentication measures, secure hosting and data handling practices, restricted administrative access, and routine monitoring of security procedures. However, no digital or physical system can be guaranteed to be completely secure, and we do not make absolute claims that information is immune from all risks.

We may share information only where reasonably necessary to operate our business and deliver services. This may include sharing information with:

• Authorized employees, directors, or staff who need the information to perform their duties.
• Service providers and business partners who support our operations, including IT, hosting, communications, or administrative functions.
• Payment providers or financial service partners where necessary to process invoices or payments.
• Legal, regulatory, or governmental authorities where required by law, regulatory instruction, or legitimate legal process.

We do not sell personal information. Where appropriate, we may require third parties to use information only for the specific purpose for which it is shared and to apply appropriate confidentiality obligations.

Information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, manage client relationships, process payments, maintain records, meet legal and regulatory obligations, resolve disputes, and support legitimate business purposes. Where information is no longer needed, it may be securely deleted, anonymized, or otherwise handled in accordance with applicable policies and legal requirements.

Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Request deletion or erasure where legally applicable and appropriate.
• Request restriction of certain processing activities.
• Raise a concern or complaint regarding how your information is handled.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent and applicable law allows withdrawal.

To exercise your rights or ask a question regarding this policy, please contact us using the details below. We will consider requests in line with applicable legal and contractual requirements.

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. These external websites are not controlled by JOAD and may have their own privacy policies, terms, and practices. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites, and we encourage users to review the privacy policies of any external websites they access.

The website and services are not specifically directed toward children, and JOAD does not knowingly seek to collect unnecessary personal information from children. If a parent or legal guardian becomes aware that a child has provided information without appropriate consent, please contact us and we will take reasonable steps to address the matter in line with applicable law.

JOAD may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service offerings. Any revised policy will be posted on this website and the updated version will become effective when published. We encourage visitors and clients to review this page periodically to stay informed of any changes.