Expert Urges Government to Digitise Civil Service
Dr Gabriel Akinremi, an expert in data privacy and protection, has called on the federal government to digitise the civil service in order to improve service delivery, increase efficiency, and safeguard data. In honour of Global Data Privacy Day, Akinremi offered counsel in an interview held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Data Privacy Day is observed on January 28 worldwide to increase awareness of the value of safeguarding personal data and encouraging privacy practices.
From January 28 to February 4, the Nigerian Data Protection Commission celebrates the week with the theme “Fostering Trust and Inclusion Through Data Privacy.”
THE NATIONAL PRIVACY WEEK 2025!
Theme: Fostering Trust and Inclusion Through Data Privacy.
Date: 28th Jan ’25 – 4th Feb ’25 pic.twitter.com/6LvIimBEwu— NDPC Nigeria (@ndpcngr) January 24, 2025
Nigeria has to join the global trend of governments digitising public services, according to Akinremi, in order to improve the service and offer digital security and privacy for civil servants’ identities.
“As the digital transformation of governmental operations is gaining momentum worldwide, Nigeria should not be an exception,” he said.
He claimed that the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) establishment was essential to Nigeria’s attempts to modernise public services and simplify communications with the populace.
According to Akinremi, improving digital identity management in Nigeria’s civil sector would lessen the risks of data breaches, losses, and misuse.
Additionally, he said that the digitisation of the civil service will greatly enhance the service, facilitate efficient oversight, and increase accountability and transparency in the public sector.
“Digital transformation will ensure compliance to rules and regulations, and most importantly, ensure the protection and privacy of civil servants data.
“It would also improve the resilience of digital identity systems and advance the privacy rights of Nigerian civil servants,” he said.
Read Also: NDPC Commits to Enhancing National Data Privacy
He asserts that the adoption, application, and enforcement of data protection laws in the civil service are still essential to digitisation.
In order to stop cyberattacks on public service databases, Akinremi recommended the government invest in specialised staff and standard cyber-security systems.
He offered guidance on the necessity of routine audits and evaluations of digital identification systems to quickly detect risks and weaknesses and offer effective remedies.
The National Certification Program for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) was just introduced by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
NAN
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