Nigerian Government Pledges to Safeguard Citizens’ Data

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in a 2-Day sensitization workshop organised by the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) held in Abuja recently said that the government is committed to protecting the citizens’ data.

The workshop was organized for stakeholders, including heads of government agencies, and members of the Association of Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON), among others. It was part of efforts to create awareness and build capacity for data protection in Nigeria. 

Dr. Bosun Tijani commended the commissioner on the role of NDPC in establishing a structure around the regulation of data protection, while stating its extreme importance in the country’s journey.

In his remarks, “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.

“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 they use, knowing that their personal data will not be misused.”  

According to Dr. Bosun, the ministry is 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. 

He reiterated that organisations will be held accountable for how they collect and process data. And also normalise the culture of transparency among our citizens so that everyone is fully aware of how their data is used. 

The minister emphasizes that data privacy and protection conversation should go beyond technicalities, but become values that we all hold and uphold strongly. Nigeria is already initiating steps to improve its national Data Privacy Adequacy (DPA) globally.

“The digital economy is an era of growth and innovation that requires we nurture it. As we encourage the development of innovative technology, we should also prioritize the implementation of stronger data security and protection as well. As we mainstream the use of technology, not everyone in our society knows how to manage their data.

 “As we build an inclusive and prosperous digital future by fostering a collective culture of responsible data handling, we can ensure our citizens’ personal information is managed responsibly and also secured”, he concluded.

The government is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure everyone is aware of their rights and how they can protect their digital identity. The responsibility of data protection is everyone’s business and not the government alone.