Data Protection Act, Key To Nigeria’s Digital Economic Transformation – Olatunji

The national commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has described the Data Protection Act as key to opportunities in the Nigerian digital ecosystem and a great incentive to business and investment into the country.

Olatunji said this during a media chat to mark the one year of the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing that the bill passed by the 9th Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023 was a major milestone.

He said “in terms of economic value, we have an ecosystem that is worth over N10 billion now because of the law. In the area of Foreign Direct Investment, this law has positioned Nigeria as a country that is ready for digital business because most countries and governments now partner with us.”

He noted that the law has boosted opportunities in job creation, training, workshops and awareness, adding that the law has become Nigeria’s global brand in capacity building in the area of data management.

He also said that because of the law Nigeria has won the right to host all Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in Africa in May next year. This, he said, would not have been possible if Nigeria did not have this law.

“You know what that means in terms of economic value, tourism and culture, perception and FDI, a lot of investment will be coming because we will bring about 30 African countries in one room, which is a huge opportunity for an average investor and an average development partner.”

He commended President Tinubu for his support and understanding, pointing out that the bedrock of digital technology is foundational Identity.

He stressed the need for more investment in data protection adding that without adequate protection of this data identity, everybody is exposed to grave consequences.

“We are looking at the 8 point agenda of the government and technology will be used to drive every aspect.  There is nothing that we can do in this current world without the effective deployment of technology.  And the area of ID is very key to protect the right, freedom and interest of all citizens,” he said.

The NDPC  boss noted that the commission has received about 1000 reported cases of data breaches out of which seven  has been identified while N400 million has been realised from those who failed to comply with the law.

He told reporters that the commission has launched a scheme to train 10, 000 public servants in responsible data management, stressing that about 5,000 have so far been trained.

He said further that the commission has taken steps to train 1000 Data Processing Officers that will be certified within the next one month.

Solomon Odoli, Project Coordinator of Data for Development, in his remarks , expressed readiness to support  the commission  to fulfil  its mandate to ensure  that personal information of Nigerians are protected.