FG launches Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan

Na'ankwat Dariem

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP) for the period between 2023 and 2027.

This strategic roadmap and action plan is aimed at boosting the digital sector in the country and is expected to create approximately 500,000 job opportunities while generating over N125 billion in revenue.

The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, announced the launch at a capacity-building workshop on Data Privacy/Protection for Data Protection Officers was held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The NDP-SRAP, which is championed by NDPC, provides essential guidance on executing a desired strategic direction in the Data Protection and Privacy ecosystem’s ability to catalyse the anticipated change in the digital space.

Olatunji stated that the NDP-SRAP and the training are important to achieving the commission’s mandate of creating a robust data protection sector in Nigeria.

Data Privacy

The National Commissioner said NDPC is working to protect Nigerians from malicious use of their identity and unauthorised access to their data.

“In the area of security, this is one area we’re also looking at in terms of data privacy. The malicious use of identity and unauthorised access to people’s data are being used for various purposes,” he said.

Jobs creation

Olatunji recalled that part of the renewed hope agenda of the current administration is to create about two million jobs from the digital economy sector.

He said jobs in the data protection sector were not limited to any profession because the NDP-SRAP has over 69 activities embedded in five pillars including governance, ecosystem and technology, human capital development, cooperation and collaboration as well as funding and sustainability.

“The NDP-SRAP comprises interlinked initiatives and activities like job, wealth creation, human capital development, revenue generation, foundational initiatives for the digital economy and enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation.

 “These activities are expected to create about 500,000 jobs, generate revenue of more than N125 billion and expand the sector within the lifespan of this roadmap.

 “The roadmap will contribute to the growth of our international businesses and global competitiveness of human capital of the country.” Olatunji stated.

According to the Chairman, SRAP Committee Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, “The roadmap will benefit government agencies, civil society, investors, operators, consumers, partner organisations, professional groups, and other stakeholders. We express our gratitude to the President of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his administration for their stewardship and support.”

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 The Chairman Board of Trustees,Mr Ivan Anya Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisation, (DPCOs) said a lot of engagements were already ongoing to ensure the implementation of the roadmap.

Anya said they were currently about 150 licensed DPCO and were expecting to have more to create opportunities for others to come in for the development of the data protection ecosystem and “we expect more activities now that the NDP-SRAP is a working document”.

 President, Institute of Information Management, (IM-Africa),Dr Ayodeji Oyewole,commended initiatives of the NDPC towards improving the data, information management landscape in the country and globally.

Oyewole said that the commission was identifying opportunities that would help strengthen the economy and provide platforms for professionals to develop their career and help others find a career path.

He added that from the content of the roadmap, it would have a futuristic impact on the country that ensured sustainability.

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