The Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, have agreed to deepen collaboration on data protection awareness and privacy rights among Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
The Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in a statement following a courtesy visit by the NDPC National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Olatunji, to NiDCOM in Abuja.
Balogun said the meeting focused on responsible handling of personal information, privacy awareness, staff capacity building and stronger institutional collaboration on data protection.
Speaking during the visit, Olatunji stressed the need for greater protection of personal data, noting that increasing digital activity had resulted in more Nigerians sharing personal information online.
He said individuals were leaving digital footprints that required “responsible handling and adequate safeguards.”
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Olatunji further noted that data protection was particularly important in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, where improper handling of personal information could result in misdiagnosis, wrong medication and, in extreme cases, loss of life.
According to him, the NDPC was established to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework and protect “the rights, freedoms and interests of data subjects.”
He said Ministries, Departments and Agencies were required to process personal data in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, while the Commission continued to promote public awareness, capacity building and the development of certified data protection professionals.
Olatunji offered the NDPC’s support to NiDCOM through staff training, public awareness and the development of Data Protection Officers.
Stronger Partnerships
Responding, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the proposed training and collaboration, stressing that data privacy was particularly important to the Commission because of the volume and nature of information generated through its engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the contributions of Nigerians to the global technology sector, particularly in Silicon Valley, and called for stronger partnerships with Diaspora professionals through public-private partnerships and greater integration into NiDCOM programmes.
She expressed concern about the extent to which individuals retain control over their personal information in the digital age, particularly when such information could be accessed or copied online without permission.
The NiDCOM boss therefore called for greater public awareness of data protection rights and suggested the consideration of a dedicated Diaspora desk to strengthen coordination between NiDCOM and the NDPC on Diaspora-related data issues.
Dabiri-Erewa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Nigeria Data Protection Act, describing it as an important framework for strengthening the protection of personal data in the country.
She disclosed that NiDCOM had taken steps to align its digital systems with data protection requirements, adding that its latest upgrade was undertaken with the support of a Nigerian based in Silicon Valley.
According to her, the upgrade was aimed at ensuring that NiDCOM remained abreast of evolving data protection standards and capable of responsibly managing information relating to Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Also speaking, the Head of Technology Transfer and Innovation at NiDCOM, Mr. Abdulrahman Terab, underscored the importance of data protection to the Commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping initiative.
Terab said information collected to facilitate effective engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora must be properly managed and protected.
He noted that NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal predates the establishment of the NDPC, reflecting the Commission’s longstanding efforts to develop reliable data on Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Terab stressed that as NiDCOM continues to collect information to support effective Diaspora engagement, “He said stronger collaboration with the NDPC would deepen awareness and institutional capacity, ensuring that Nigerians understand their rights as data subjects while institutions handle personal information responsibly, securely and in line with established data protection standards.
