The Nigerian Government has restated its commitment to improve on the security and privacy of the personal data of its citizens with the aid of the existing data protection law.
The National Commissioner and CEO of the National Data Protection Commission (NPDC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji made the commitment at the opening of a two-day dialogue on Internet Governance organised by Accountability Lab Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He said in an effort to enhance data protection and privacy for Nigerians, the Federal Government has resolved to be proactive in safeguarding personal information to ensure compliance with global data regulations.
Olatunji represented by the Head, of the Innovation Unit, NDPC, Chiderah Ikeokonkwo, said the government is committed to creating more awareness among Nigerians so as to strengthen data protection mechanisms to instill trust and confidence among Nigerian citizens.
According to the National Commissioner of 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 organizations like accountability lab, it centers around stakeholder engagements.
“We also organize 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.
The Country Director, of Accountability Lab, Mr. Odeh Friday Odeh, while advocating for FG’s support in upholding total rights and privacy, said: “For us, we have come to understand digital governance and it is one of our strategic key areas and focus areas as Nigeria is concerns. As an organisation, this is what we do globally.
“as citizens, we should be thinking about how our rights should protected, how can we ensure that the Government also stands for us.
“We want national unity but we need to build the foundation on truth and this look at what tools young people are using in terms of digital tools and how they can thrive in our society. Talking about what this means as citizens and how the government can support us,” he emphasised.
The Senior Manager at Paradigm Initiative and facilitator of the dialogue, Adeboye Adegoke stressed the importance and impact of human rights when it comes to internet governance, public policy and citizen’s perception.
“Human rights are very important and it is at the heart or base of digital policy. Also, digital technology has huge implications for human rights; it can help in the actualisation of human rights. So by duty, we say every time that government is the duty bearer when it comes to protection of human rights,” he said.
The dialogue was organised by Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with Spaces for Change, the National Data Protection Commission, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, and the National Endowment for Democracy.
Dominica Nwabufo
