Data Protection Bureau moves to sustain Digital Economy

Na'ankwat Dariem, Abuja

On Apr 18, 2022

The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr Vincent Olatunji says Data Privacy is key to a sustainable digital economy in the country.

In view of this the NDPB is partnering with the Nigeria Digital Identification For Development Project, ID4D, in strategizing ways to develop initiatives that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Mr. Olatunji stated this during a visit to the ID4D project facility in Abuja and also appreciated the ID4D for its effort so far in the development of the Nation’s economy.

The National Commissioner noted that “With your coordination of this team in which your task is really important to Nigeria coupled with a supervising Minister, Professor Isa Pantami who is a go getter and ready to drive the digital economy sector to enviable heights, I am convinced of an accelerated boost in development of the National Economy,” Olatunji stated.

The NDPB Boss however urged the hosts to always make the interest of the country their top priority by strategizing ways of developing initiatives that can assist the government.

He disclosed that the Bureau currently relies on the NDPR but with the cooperation of the ID4D are working round the clock in harmonising all related documents in getting an approval for a principal legislation on data privacy and protection.

Mr. Olatunji affirmed that National Identity and Digital Economy wouldn’t be functional without proper digital privacy and protection.

He explained that the industry’s relevant stakeholders are already being engaged on the drafting of the data protection bill with the aim of incorporating their contributions and critiques into it to make it more robust and generally accepted.

“After the drafting of the bill, we will need to engage stakeholders and make them see it as their own because they are making important contributions to whatever we are doing. We are already mobilizing them to get them ready for the bill that is coming,” he reiterated.

The Coordinator of the Ecosystem Strategic Unit, Solomon Musa Odole expressed his gratitude at the visit from the NDPB team and congratulated the NC on the official launching of the Bureau’s website, logo and core values.

While offering ID4D’S support to the bureau in accomplishing its mandate, Odole stated that the program’s activities for the year regarding data protection have been listed out and will be made available to the NC for his review before onward transmission to the World Bank for clearance.

“I always tell my colleagues that the NDPB happens to be our best ally when it comes to work because for now we are working with you and doing everything possible to support the bureau and ensure all your goals are achieved,” Mr. Odole said.