National Data Strategy: Nigeria Inaugurates Technical Working Committee

The Nigerian Government has inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the implementation of the National Data Strategy (NDS) for digital economy growth in the country.

The Group, which is championed by Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is to make recommendations for effective data utilisation for improved national security, job creation, social welfare, quality healthcare, quality education and innovation to accelerate economic growth.

Inaugurating the Committee in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, said, Dr. Williams Alo said the government played diverse roles in ensuring data utilisation.

He said that the government ensured access to data and availability, data privacy and protection, data governance, among other functions.

“The overall government’s responsibility in data utilisation is to strike a balance between promoting data-driven innovation and protecting individual rights, privacy and societal wellbeing.

“This is done by establishing appropriate regulatory instruments such as the NDS and promoting responsible data practices, harnessing the power of data for the benefit of the society,’’ the permanent secretary said.

Harnessing sharing data

Dr. Alo identified collaboration and stakeholder engagement across sectors as key in harnessing sharing data noting that this will help prevent working in silos and duplication of functions.

“Today, we will create an inclusive and participatory environment that fosters innovation and empowers our people,” Alo said.

He said that the NDS would guide the nation to identify new opportunities, optimise existing processes and make informed decisions that accelerate economic growth.

“Today, we can build a connected data ecosystem that unlocks new opportunities for Nigeria because NDS will promote societal growth and drive inclusive development,’’ 

Driving force

He gave assurance that data driven decision making will be the driving force behind Nigeria’s progress.

“The NDS places great importance on promoting Data for social growth .We understand that Data has the potential to address society challenges and drives inclusive development in the country,” he stated.

The Director-General of NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa said that data is  the driver of every digital economy and the NDS implied that Nigeria was ready for it.

Inuwa recalled that the NDS was launched in March 2022, and had seven pillars including Data Literacy and Skills, Data Security and Data sovereignty.

“We need to train our citizens with prerequisite skills to build our economy through data and for social gains.The more information you have about something, the more control you have over that thing, so we need to secure our data at whatever stage it is, ensuring privacy and protection.

“Data sovereignty looks at the data localisation, data transfer, hosting of all our data locally or considering if it will be partially hosted locally,’’ he explained

Researchers and innovators

The NITDA Boss also highlighted Data Availability and Data infrastructure which will provide data for researchers and innovator as well as ensure connectivity, broadband penetration.

“Open data  this will enable  data available for researchers and innovators to develop digital services because available it because digital economy or platform based economy

“We need to build the infrastructure, we need to expand our broadband coverage. We need to get every Nigerian to have access to connectivity to the internet,” he stated.

Other pillars of the National Data  Strategy are  Data Harmonisation and Data Usability

Inuwa urged the members to chart ways to standardise data in the country to ensure effective integration  which will turn help regulatory agencies and Nigerians benefit from the data economy.

Lateefah Ibrahim