The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to comply with the provisions of the nation’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations of the Bureau, Babatunde Bamigboye who made this in a statement, also disclosed that directive was contained in service-wide circular dated 7th November, 2022 with Ref No. SGF/OP/l/S.3/Xll/186.
According to Bamigboye, the Circular which was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, is to the effect that MDAs should; “Designate appropriate officers as their Data Protection Officers (DPOs) who will on regular basis advise management on data processing activities of their organization and ensure compliance with the provisions of the NDPR and all matters relating to protection of the privacy, rights and freedom of data subjects. forward the name and contact details of the DPOs to Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) for documentation and requisite induction training. Appoint licensed Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) who will guide the MDAs through compliance framework and file their annual reports with the NDPB. Make appropriate budgetary provision for annual Data Protection Audit compliance process and capacity building of Data Protection Officers as well as other staff and an annual basis, file the report of their Data Protection Audit to the NDPB not later than the 30th day of March of every year.”
He added that the implementation of the Circular is with immediate effect.
In view of this the National Commissioner of the Bureau, Dr Vincent Olatunji, lauded the Nigerian Government for taking this historic step towards advancing fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens and residents, particularly in the area of privacy.
“As an agency of government, we are cheered by this development because it clearly demonstrates the preparedness of public sector organizations and functionaries in providing an enabling environment for the growth of our digital economy. With this circular, over 200 million Nigerian citizens now have additional reference to call in aid in order to protect lives and livelihoods in a data-driven ecosystem.
“The Bureau will continue to cooperate with stakeholders so that the numerous benefits of lawful data processing such as job and wealth creation can spread to all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.“
The Bureau added that MDAs may wish to make enquiries at the headquarters of NDPB at No. 5 Donau Crescent Maitama, Abuja or visit www.ndpb.gov.ng.
PIAK
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