FG Reiterates Commitment To Improving Data Protection, Privacy

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to take proactive measures to safeguard personal information and ensure compliance with global data regulations in the country.

The national commissioner/CEO, National Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this during a dialogue organised by Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with Spaces for Change, National Data Protection Commission, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, and National Endowment for Democracy yesterday in Abuja.

Olatunji highlighted the significance of data protection, saying it has become increasingly evident in this age of advanced technology and digitisation, as cases of data breaches and privacy infringements have plagued both individuals and organisations worldwide.

Represented by the head, Innovation Unit, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Chiderah Claire Ikeokonkwo, Olatunji said the federal government is committed to creating more awareness in Nigerian, more so strengthening data protection mechanisms to instill trust and confidence among Nigerian citizens.

“Everything we do these days is connected to technology and as a result of that, we need to be able to have some control over the use, the access, and what exactly is being done with this information that we exchange online.

“So, at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission we regulate the processing of personal data, which means that we superintend over issues of data protection and privacy in all sectors of the economy and so in terms of work, the kind of work that we do with civil society organisations like accountability lab, it centers around stakeholder engagements.

“We also organise trainings you know, any form of capacity building just to make sure that we are doing something to positively increase the awareness on data protection and privacy in Nigeria and to also make sure that we’re building the number of experts on the issue of data protection and privacy.

“If people are aware of what happens when they are exchanging information online, then they will be better informed about how they can protect themselves online. Because most of these platforms are free of charge.”

He said it’s free to use and then we process your information, usually based on consent.

“You sign up to this app and you exchange the information. So, it then becomes necessary for citizens, data subjects, users, whatever you would call them, to be informed about data protection laws about their digital rights so that the more that they know about these rights the better they will be in a position to actually make sure that these rights are not being abused,” he added.