Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve efforts to protect consumer rights and their personal data.
The MoU is also aimed at fostering healthy trade competition within the Nigerian economic space.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, NDPB, Babatunde Bamigboye.
The National Commissioner,NDPB
Mr Vincent Olatunji, in his welcome remarks during the signing ceremony at NDPB Headquarters in Abuja, expressed optimism that the objectives of the MOU and the enforcement mechanism for consumer rights and data protection would be achieved.
According to Olatunji, the MOU will serve as a model in promoting an ecosystem of cooperation among regulatory authorities.
He also commended data controllers and data processors that have complied with the recently issued Compliance Notice within a very short time.
He said that “this is a clear evidence that many data controllers and processors in Nigeria are becoming more and more transparent and accountable in their dealings with data subjects.
“This is part of the national effort towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS)”
The National Commissioner further commended FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Irukera for his commitment to consumer rights and competitive trade practices in Nigeria.
The FCCPC Executive Vice-Chairman
Mr. Irukera expressed delight in the momentum that data protection has gained in the country since the establishment of the Bureau by President Muhammadu Buhari.
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He noted that the institutional possibilities of the MOU in leveraging data governance for sustainable development are compelling and pledged the full support of FCCPC to NDPB through the implementation of the MOU.
Both agencies established a Joint Technical and Enforcement Committee and agree among other things;
“Use their best endeavors in the exercise of their respective powers to enforce and ensure compliance with any mutually agreed decisions, actions, orders, recommendations or understandings arising from any effort, initiative, or investigation that is subject of this MoU or any mutual cooperation/collaborations by Parties.”
The MOU will, ultimately, foster:- prompt resolution of complaints, capacity building, awareness among consumers/data subjects and information sharing between the two agencies.
With the signing of the MOU, the National Commissioner called on all organisations who collect personal data/records/information on citizens – irrespective of age or gender – to avoid grave legal and reputational consequences by complying with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019.
Details of the compliance processes are contained in the recent Newsletter VOL.1/ NDPB/CN/ 1/22 posted on the website of the Bureau.
