Data Protection: Nigeria Takes Lead in Africa with over 200 million People 

The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, says Nigeria has gained the lead of Data Protection in Africa compared to other countries.

During an executive session at the Nigeria-Netherlands Economic Consultation in Abuja, Nigeria Dr. Olatunji reiterated the major significance of the Bureau to the contribution of Nigeria’s GDP.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Head Media Unit, NDPB, Itunu Doseku.

According to the National Commissioner, “the EU countries have gone ahead with Data Protection but Nigeria gain the lead in Africa with over 200 million people, we have put in place appropriate structure to create confidence and trust in whatever you are doing with us in terms of trade and commerce, because one of the objectives of the NDPR is to increase the global competitiveness of businesses in the country. We have a combined earning of N5.5bn in the sector, which is contributing to our GDP,” he said.

He gave the assurance that the personal data of the Dutch citizens is safe in Nigeria since appropriate safeguards have been put in place through the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau by the Federal Government.

Olatunji sought partnership in the areas of peer review in implementing data protection regulations and laws between the two countries and other areas.

“We are happy to work with you in the area of awareness and capacity building and spreading the gospel of data protection because it is the key, the bedrock of the global digital economy.”

The event was well attended by Delegates from the Netherlands’ Foreign Affairs, Chief Executive Officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Organized Private Sectors.