Data protection is constitutional in Nigeria – Communications Minister 

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has emphasised that the protection of citizens’ data in Nigeria is a constitutional requirement. 

He stated this while addressing the Forum of technology ministers at the Future Tech Forum in London. 
 
The Minister explained that “the protection of citizens data in the country is not just a secondary legislation but a constitutional requirement.” 
 
Professor Pantami  explained  “Nigeria already has some policies in place to ensure the protection of citizens’ data and to also build trust between government and citizens. 
 
“There is also a subsidiary legislation called the guidelines for processing personal data which gives impetus to the NDPR and assurance of confidentiality to citizens. 
 
“Thirdly, the government also invested in creating awareness among the citizenry to enable understanding of both the regulation and government’s willingness to adhere to the dictates of law regarding confidentiality,” the Minister affirmed. 
 
He also said before the NDPR of 2019, the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 existed, adding that the Federal Government has engaged the services of Data Protection Compliance officers to create awareness and serve as middlemen between the government and citizens in addressing data breaches.   

Nnenna.O