Comply with data protection act, CSO tells stakeholders, security agencies

Accountability Lab Nigeria, a civil society organisation, says stakeholders and security agencies need to comply with the data protection act to ensure strong digital governance.

The organisation made the call during a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the need to prioritise digital rights and inclusion in Nigeria.

The meeting was organised to strengthen the partnership with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in enforcing measures aligned with the National Data Protection Act of 2023.

President Bola Tinubu had in June signed the data protection bill into law to safeguard private information of citizens.

Speaking during the meeting, Odeh Friday, country director of the organisation, said the act is crucial in protecting the interest of Nigerians and ensuring accountability in data management.

Friday said the organisation is committed to engaging with stakeholders and other relevant parties to ensure strict adherence with the act.

“It is imperative that we seize this moment to ensure that the provisions of the act are adhered to by all stakeholders, including security agencies and other operators,” he said.

Commenting on the role of ISPs and MNOs, Shiiwua Mnenga, project officer of the organisation, highlighted the evolution of data protection in Nigeria.

Mnenga said the digital landscape has been swarmed with risk and apprehension as data of citizens are entrusted to online platforms.

“The data protection act has ushered in a new era of security, ensuring responsible and secure handling of personal information,” he said.

He said signing the bill into law will now ensure the “protection of individuals from potential harm, the safeguarding of their individual freedoms, and the establishment of trust while upholding human rights”.

He said individuals now have the right to give consent before their personal data is collected, adding that no information can be used beyond the agreed terms.

“Individuals have the right to request modifications to information submitted to any organization and even request the deletion of such data,” he said.

“Sections 40, 49, and 51 of the Act provide provisions for breach reporting and penalties for violations of data privacy.”

Also speaking, Chidera Okonkwo, representative of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), commended Accountability Lab for its efforts in promoting digital leadership and accountability in Nigeria.

Okonkwo added that the commission is committed to sustaining the principles of data protection in Nigeria.