Vincent Olatunji, Chairman of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has said that Nigeria’s digital economy requires robust privacy laws to safeguard personal data.
Speaking on Arise TV, Olatunji outlined how these laws are essential for fostering trust, attracting foreign investment, and driving sustainable economic growth. “Data protection is the foundation for the digital economy to survive,” Olatunji asserted.
He explained that personal data, including names, biometric information, financial details, and health records, is central to the operations of the digital economy. Proper safeguarding of such data ensures a trustworthy digital ecosystem.
Olatunji highlighted the enactment of the Nigerian Data Protection Act on 12 June 2023 as a watershed moment in the country’s efforts to align with international standards.
“We now have a law that guarantees the privacy of every Nigerian,” he said. The Act establishes comprehensive legal safeguards, imposes accountability on organisations handling personal data, and provides clear recourse for citizens in cases of misuse or breaches.
The chairman linked data protection to economic growth, stating that trust in privacy laws directly influences Nigeria’s ability to attract investment. “If you want to attract people to come to your country to invest, they need to feel secure that their data, and that of their customers, is protected,” he noted.
He also stressed the role of an independent data protection authority in ensuring compliance. Under the NDPC’s leadership, compliance levels in the public sector have risen from 4 percent to over 25 percent.
“We are not there yet, but we are moving,” he affirmed, adding that the commission’s collaborative efforts with public and private stakeholders continue to yield results.
Olatunji called for greater awareness among Nigerians regarding their rights as data subjects and urged caution when sharing personal information. “Data protection is a two-way thing. As data subjects, individuals need to understand their rights and be cautious about how they share their information,” he advised.
Simultaneously, organisations must take responsibility for securing the data they collect. “The safeguards are in the law,” Olatunji explained, detailing technical and organisational measures such as privacy policies, staff training, and secure data storage systems that businesses must implement.
Looking ahead, Olatunji advocated for a cultural shift where data privacy becomes second nature. “Protecting personal information must become a part of our everyday practices,” he stated, highlighting this as key to fostering trust and further compliance.
“While we are not yet where we want to be, the traction we have gained shows we are on the right path,” Olatunji added.
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