Data privacy: We’ll ensure Nigerians trust digital platforms they use, says FG

The federal government says it is committed to providing protection to digital platforms and ensuring the confidence of the citizens while online.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy spoke on Thursday, at a two-day sensitisation workshop on data privacy and protection in Abuja.

The workshop, organised by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) sought to sensitise the public on the requirements of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

Tijani said in advancing the country digitally, it is important to build a structure around the regulation of data privacy and protection.

“Data privacy is not just a matter of convenience. It is a fundamental human right and we should care about the data we generate and what it is being used for,” the minister said.

“As we embrace the digital age, it is crucial that personal and sensitive information of our citizens is maintained under the eyes of confidentiality.

“We are committed as a government to ensuring that every Nigerian can trust the digital platforms that he uses, knowing that his personal data will not be misused.

“We are taking proactive steps to strengthen our data protection framework as evident in the setting up of NDPC.

“We are working with stakeholders including the national assembly to enact robust data protection laws that are aligned with international standards.

“We will also normalise the culture of transparency among our citizens so that everyone is fully aware of how his data is used.”

The minister said the government will collaborate with all the stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians are aware of their rights and how they can protect their digital identity.

Tijani said data protection is not the sole responsibility of the government, adding that “every individual should ensure people understand the value of their data and how they can protect themselves”.

He urged data protection officers (DPOs), ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure data privacy and protection.

“We must be responsible for this as we are the faces citizens interact with, it is important that we model what we want to see in the society,” he said.

“The digital economy is an era of growth and innovation that requires that we nurture it.”

NIGERIA NEEDS OVER 500k CERTIFIED DPOS TO DRIVE DATA PROTECTION

On his part, Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of NDPC, said the commission was engaging in rigorous sensitisation on the NDPA, and capacity building of DPOs and Nigerians.

Olatunji said the country requires over 500,000 certified DPOs because the skill is lacking.

“Another thing is the technology that will be used to drive data protection, we need indigenous solutions that can assist in building a data protection ecosystem,” he said.

Olatunji said there are so many vulnerable Nigerians who disclose and misuse their data, ignorant of the risks.

He said the commission is “working with the regulator of that sector, the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to ensure they see and understand data protection as a major thing”.

NDPC boss added that the commission is also working on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would guide activities in the sector.