Communications Minister advocates for adequate funding for Data Protection

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Olatunbosun Tijani, has emphasised on the need for sufficient funding to boost technological advancements in safeguarding personal data of Nigerians.

Tijani stated this when he received the National Commissioner of Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, along with some of the Commission’s management staff in Abuja, Nigeria ‘s capital.

The Minister commended and congratulated Dr. Vincent Olatunji and the former Minister, Prof. Isa Pantami for ensuring the passage and ascent of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the giant strides already achieved.

He stressed the need to address data protection as a major concern for national security noting that global advancements in technology and innovation were leading to the increase in threats to personal data.

According to Tijani, science and technology should be prioritised alongside regulations in the sector.

Read Also: Nigeria Data Protection Act to address technological Challenges 

For this reason, he said there was a need for the expansion of experts and overall staff count to effectively tackle the challenges highlighted in the Commission.

Recognizing the importance of achieving the Commission’s mandates, the Minister directed regular strategic meetings, which he opined would be instrumental in fulfilling the Commission’s objectives and facilitating digital job opportunities and wealth for Nigerians.

During the meeting, Dr. Vincent Olatunji briefed the Minister on Data Protection globally and its evolution in Nigeria.

He also highlighted the traction in the sector, opportunities, challenges and future plans of the Commission.
The meeting forms part of briefing from Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Voice of Nigeria reports that experts in the Data protection ecosystem have called on the minister to strengthen the recently signed Nigeria Data Protection Act as digital activities multiply, the protection of citizens’ data and ensuring cybersecurity become paramount.

According to them, this would be achieved by nurturing the newly introduced Nigeria Data Protection Commission and fostering public-private partnerships which will in turn create a robust framework that safeguards personal data and facilitates secure digital transactions.