Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Benin Energy ("we," "us," or "our") operates the website beninenergi.com and the Benin Energy mobile applications (collectively, the "Services"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Services.

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register, apply as an agent or driver, sell used cooking oil, or contact us, we may collect:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Physical address / location
• Bank account or mobile money details (for payments)
• Government-issued identification (for agent/driver verification)
• Business name and registration details (where applicable)
• Photos of collected UCO or containers (for quality verification)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Services, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (model, operating system, unique identifiers)
• IP address and approximate location
• Browser type and version
• Usage data (pages visited, features used, time spent)
• GPS location data (mobile apps, with your permission, for collection routing and pickup scheduling)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from payment processors, identity verification services, and certification bodies in connection with our operations.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our Services
• Process transactions and send payment confirmations
• Verify your identity for agent and driver onboarding
• Schedule and manage UCO collection pickups
• Communicate with you about your account, orders, and support requests
• Send operational updates, including pickup schedules and route information
• Improve our Services through analytics and usage patterns
• Comply with legal obligations and ISCC certification requirements
• Maintain traceability records as required by EU Renewable Energy Directive regulations
• Detect and prevent fraud or unauthorized access

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Payment processors, cloud hosting providers, SMS/notification services, and analytics providers that help us operate our Services.
• Certification Bodies: ISCC auditors and regulatory authorities as required for our sustainability certification and traceability obligations.
• Business Partners: Buyers of UCO feedstock may receive aggregated, anonymized data about sourcing regions and volumes. Individual seller data is never shared without consent.
• Legal Requirements: Law enforcement or government authorities when required by applicable law, regulation, or legal process.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure servers with encryption at rest and in transit. We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Encrypted storage of sensitive personal information
• Role-based access controls for employees and contractors
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Secure backup procedures

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our Services. Traceability records required for ISCC certification are retained for a minimum of five (5) years as mandated by regulation. You may request deletion of your account and personal data at any time, subject to legal retention requirements.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Withdraw consent for data processing
• Object to or restrict certain processing activities
• Request a portable copy of your data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@beninenergy.com.

8. Location Data

Our mobile applications may request access to your device's GPS location. This is used for:

• Routing drivers to pickup locations
• Verifying collection locations for traceability
• Displaying nearby agents or collection points to sellers

You can disable location access at any time through your device settings. Some features may not function correctly without location data.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@beninenergy.com
• General Enquiries: info@beninenergy.com
• Address: Lagos, Nigeria