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, says Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The Minister made the remark during two-day sensitization workshop organized in Abuja by the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
He said that as individuals, businesses and the government embrace the digital age, it is crucial that personal and sensitive information of the citizen is maintained under the eyes of confidentiality.
He commended the NDPC under the leadership of Dr Vincent Olatunji for playing key role in ensuring the country has data protection regulations.
Dr. Tijani said: “I commend the work of Dr Olatunji, the role of ensuring that we have a structure around the regulation of data Protection is extremely important in our journey as a nation.
“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 day will not be misused.
“To achieve this, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our data Protection framework as evident in setting up of NDPC, we are working with stakeholders including national assembly to enact robust data Protection laws that is aligned with international standards.
“This involves holding organisations accountable on how they collect and process data, we will also normalise the culture of transparency among our citizens so that everyone is fully aware of how their data is used. We will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure everyone is being aware and f their rights and how they can protect their digital identity.
“This is not the responsibility of government alone, each one of us should ensure that everyone around us understand the value of their data and how they can protect themselves. As data Protection officers and MDAs, we must be responsible for this as you are the faces citizens interact with.
“It is important that we model what we want to see in the society. The digital economy is an era of growth and innovation that requires we nurture it. The president is interested in the power of digital economy. As we encourage the development of innovative technology, we should also prioritize the implementation of stronger data security and protection as well.
Finally, I want to emphasize that data privacy and protection conversation should go beyond technicalities, they should become values that we all hold and uphold strongly. 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.
“As a minister, I am personally committed to this and I ask that you all join us to work towards the Nigeria where everyone’s data is protected and secured. As we mainstream the use of technology, not everyone in our society knows how to manage their data, people are coming on more on social media, and sharing of indiscriminate message on social media shouldn’t be. we continue to push and enlighten our citizens to protect their data we also ask that you join us on this journey to protect the data of our citizens”.
