National Commissioner and CEO, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC); Dr Vincent Olatunji has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment towards strengthening data policies and increasing awareness about data protection in Nigeria.
He made this known while speaking at the CIL Dialogues’ Panel Discussion on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023 organized by the Centre for Business Law and Policy of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The event was held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Ayo Ajomo Hall of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).
Speaking on the theme: One Year of the Data Protection Act and Five Years of Regulating Data Processing in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges, Dr. Olatunji traced Nigeria’s sojourn towards having a data protection law to 2018 when ECOWAS mandated all member countries to formulate data protection laws to protect and guarantee the data privacy and rights of individuals.
While applauding former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu for their commitment towards instituting a proper data security system in the country, Dr Olatunji said the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) which was upgraded from its initial status of a Bureau remained committed to its ideals of: enforcing data protections laws and policies, building capacity, creating awareness and ensuring global competitiveness.
The NDPC Boss highlighted ongoing efforts to domesticate certifications in data protection in Nigeria, a step which he adjudged a quantum leap towards further democratizing the ecosystem and increasing job prospects for youths. He therefore enjoined UNILAG students and youths across the country to explore career opportunities in data security.
The array of panellists at the CIL Dialogues’ Panel Discussion included Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, UNILAG), Dr Victor Odumuyiwa (Acting Director, NITHub, UNILAG), Dr. Ololade Shyllon (Meta, Head of Privacy Policy for Africa & Middle East) and Mr Bidemi Olumide (MD/CEO, TaxTech). They all shared their views about the theme and data safety in Nigeria.
Prof. Atsenuwa announced that a Data Management Policy for the University of Lagos is nearing completion and will be delivered by December 2024. She expressed concerns about Nigeria’s susceptibility to data breaches due to poor technological infrastructure and low awareness.
Dr Odumuyiwa, in his remarks, advocated a distilling of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 to involve innovators while there should be deliberate investment in building compliance platforms.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the event, Mr Olabisi Makanjuola who is the current Chairman of the lagos branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) described the CIL Dialogue as a platform to celebrate the successes of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) since it came into being, evaluate its effectiveness and make suggestions for improvement.
Mr Makanjuola noted that the National Data Protection Law, among other things, guarantees transparency, accountability and innovation just as it justifies the place of technology as the heart of development.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Islamiat Akanni
