NDPB – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:07:55 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png NDPB – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 The Gathering of Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers Holds February 14 in Lagos https://techeconomy.ng/the-gathering-of-top-50-digital-economy-enablers-holds-february-14-in-lagos/ https://techeconomy.ng/the-gathering-of-top-50-digital-economy-enablers-holds-february-14-in-lagos/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:57:14 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=95547
  • Nigeria’s privacy ombudsman, NCC, NITDA, Industry Leaders Converge for future of sector at Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers in Lagos
  • Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Nati​​onal Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), will be joining other regulators including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and other industry leaders to stake out the sector’s opportunities and challenges at the Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers 2023.

    The Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers 2023 holds February 14, 2023 at the prestigious Providence by (Mantis) in Ikeja GRA, Lagos as a gathering of regulators and operators as the industry recognises its champions and discusses its future in a changing global economy.

    Designed to examine the challenges that have emerged to drive Africa’s fastest growing digital economy and honour its iconic actors, Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers including a mix of legacy and new players – “all dynamic and all embodiments of the struggles and triumphs of playing to win a peculiarly tough but rewarding environment,” said Chairman of the Top 50 2023 team, Dr. Shola Afolabi.

    On the list for the institutional lights for 2023 are Open Access Data Centres (OADC); FinTrak Software Co. Ltd; Ezzential Global Services Ltd; Crystalfix Nigeria LTD (CNL); Cedarview Communications Limited (CCL); Zora Communication Limited; Information Connectivity Solution Limited (ICSL); Unitellas International Limited; Swift Telephone Network Ltd (STN); HD Technologies; Smart Web Nigeria Limited.

    The list also has among others: Skymax Integrated Network Limited; ipNX Nigeria Limited; Infratel Limited; Switch Solutions Limited; Broadbased Communications Ltd; Medallion Data Centres Limited; UNICCON Group of Companies (The UNICCON Group); Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN); Precise Financial Systems Ltd; Tezza Business Solutions; and Data Services Protection Limited (DSPL).

    The Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers 2023 is a rallying ground for private sector players to mutually advance the interest of the industry.

    “The event is featuring a mix of old, rugged and new, innovative actors helping to remodeled an industry in transition,” added Dr. Sola Afolabi stressing that the event is “a platform for industry Recognition, Industry Stock-Taking & Industry Insights with a view to provide a guide as to what direction Nigeria’s entire spectrum of ICT ecosystem will take as the transition for a new government begins.”

    Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers has its lens on industry’s leaders within the rank of CEOs/Director Generals across corporate Nigeria and great team members of management helping to drive the agenda of their organisations’ at advancing Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.

    Powered by the continent’s major tech-biz publication, published since 2007, IT Edge News.Africa (www.itedgenews.africa) and its Partners including TechEconomy; ITPulse; TechandBiz..com; and TechTV (NTA), the Top 50 holds as an industry-sponsored event. “This event is driven by collaboration of stakeholders within and outside the media to ensure a wide, and more inclusive selection of the sector’s leading lights as well as to offer a broader understanding of the challenges and the inspirations that drive it,” said Top 50 team lead, Olusegun Oruame.

    To participate, register here.

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    ​NDPB at One: The Evolution of Data Privacy under Olatunji https://techeconomy.ng/ndpb-at-one-the-evolution-of-data-privacy-under-olatunji/ https://techeconomy.ng/ndpb-at-one-the-evolution-of-data-privacy-under-olatunji/#respond Fri, 03 Feb 2023 12:13:37 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=94901 Article By: Yusuf Yusuf

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    “People who ​​end up being first don’t actually set out to be first, they set out to do something they love”. Thus, creating a lasting legacy for themselves.

    Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the pioneer National commissioner/Chief Executive officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), is one man who have risen through ranks, expertise both in administrative roles as well as information technology field as a formidable force whose trajectory of achievements keep many on their toes.

    All these, he has managed to achieve without giving room for the notion of imitation but rather, by setting an exemplary step in advancing policies to ensure the development of the status quo.

    ALSO READ: GTBank, Zenith under Investigation by NDPB

    A Certified Public Private Partnership Specialist (IP3 Specialist) and a PECB Certified Data Protection Officer, Dr Olatunji (FIIM, IAPP, and NCS) is a promising figure the technology world needs to watch out for in coming years.

    He joined NITDA in 2002 and has worked in various departments thereby rising to the position of a Director in 2014 and Acting DG in 2016 amongst other roles served in various departments before his recent appointment as National Commissioner.

    In just over a year, Dr Vincent Olatunji is creating a new legacy as the pioneer National Commissioner/Chief Executive officer of NDPB while setting the pace for the institutionalization of data protection laws in Nigeria.

    NDPB is an intrinsic segment of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy born on the 4th of February, 2022 out of the need to uphold the National Digital Economy Policy for digital Nigeria (NDEPS) by further strengthening as well as entrenching the protection of personal identifiable information as well as sensitive personal data.

    Such data includes: emails, names, telephone numbers, house address, religious beliefs, political lineage, medical records, labour union affiliations information being uploaded online in line with standard global practices in a digital economy.

    The objective of the bureau as stipulated by the Nigeria data protection regulation 2019 (NDPR) include;

    1. Safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy
    2. Foster safe conduct for transactions involving the exchange of personal data
    3. Prevent manipulation of personal data and
    4. Ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade through the safeguards afforded by a just and equitable legal regulatory framework on data protection

    While keying into the global digital revolution is inevitable, it is only pertinent that this rising need is met with accurate preparedness.

    It is on this note; a major milestone was recorded under the able leadership of Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, with the launch of the National Digital Economy Policy and strategy for a digital Nigeria (NDEPS).

    The NDEPS was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) in 2019.

    This subsequently led to the re-designation of the Ministry of Communications to include digital economy giving it a new phase. With this development, the journey of the much desired and envisioned digital Nigeria began.

    This was however, followed by a number of restructuring to accommodate the new set mandate of the Ministry And such restructuring included, the NDPR.

    Inarguably, Dr Olatunji has continued laying exemplary standards for any successor to measure up to in time memorial as he has managed to adapt existing resources and manpower to carter for the immediate needs of his bureau to ensure swift and immediate operations against all odds to kick start immediate operations.

    Stepping into the herculean task of laying solid bedrock for data protection policies and strategies. Without giving rooms for doubts or sloppiness while distinguishing himself as a formidable force to reckon with, as a pioneer, may pose a major challenge to many.

    This is because; the way of the pioneer is always filled with different hurdles stemming from proper administration to implementation of policies.

    However, Dr Olatunji draws strength from his love for his profession. Leaving no stone untouched in his quest for achieving excellence as he emulates the popular saying that “People who end up being first don’t actually set out to be first, they set out to do something they love”.

    The Bureau, within the last one year of its establishment, has recorded significant growth under various parameters including but not limited to the following:-

    • Rate of increment of the public sector integration into data privacy and protection framework – 100%,
    • Rate of increment in the enrolment of DPOs from data controllers and processors across Nigeria – 600%,
    • Rate of increment in the licensing of Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) – 50%

    Similarly, revenue generation through the implementation of the NDPR has increased by over 60%.

    The foregoing milestones are taking place at a time when the Digital Economy under Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is breaking records in its contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. The ICT sector for instance contributed 18.44% to the total real GDP in Quarter 2 of 2022 – outperforming virtually all other sectors.

    The establishment of the NDPB, under the visionary leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has strengthened the bulwark of fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens in the data economy ecosystem and has, to all intents and purposes, earned Nigeria a pride of place in the arena of international data governance and human capital development.

    With the recently approval of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill by Federal Executive Council (FEC) for further ratification and endorsement by the National Assembly, we wish Dr. Vincent, twice as much of the successes recorded by him just in one year as he sets out to achieve greater developments in the strategic implementation of data protection laws in Nigeria.

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    JUST IN: GTBank, Zenith under Investigation by NDPB https://techeconomy.ng/just-in-gtbank-zenith-under-investigation-by-ndpb/ https://techeconomy.ng/just-in-gtbank-zenith-under-investigation-by-ndpb/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:01:38 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=94431 The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) has opened an investigation into allegations of data breach by two Nigeria Banks, namely Guarantee Trust Bank and Zenith Bank.

    The investigations were triggered by allegations of unlawful disclosure of banking records to a third party and unlawful access and processing of personal data.

    ALSO READ: NDPB Extends Deadline on Designation of DPOs by MDA to January 2023

    According to the directive of Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of NDPB, the investigation covers the data governance practice of the banks in all their branches in Nigeria and extends to all third parties carrying out data processing activities.

    In a statement made available to TechEconomy on Monday evening, Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, the Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulation at NDPB, said that the Bureau notes with concern that many data privacy and protection regulations and best practices are hardly implemented down the organizational strata of major data controllers in Nigeria.

    “Similarly, the Bureau enjoins organizations to heed the Federal Government circulars and general compliance notice directing them to send the names of their Data Protection Officers/Contacts to the Bureau.

    “There are reports by Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) which indicated that within 9 months of 2020, fraudsters attempted 46,126 attacks and they were successful in 41,979 occasion representing 91% of the time! This level of vulnerability to data breach is unacceptable and it can only be addressed through foolproof data security and data privacy measures by data controllers/data processors in the industry.

    “The National Commissioner enjoins all financial institution to emulate the example of the Central Bank of Nigeria in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019 and in creating a robust data governance system.

    “The National Privacy Week is an opportunity for all organizations to set their records straight on how they handle the data of citizens. Enforcement measures will be taken against willful violators of privacy rights forthwith”, the statement reads.

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    Nigeria Data Protection Bill Ready for Transmission to NASS https://techeconomy.ng/nigeria-data-protection-bill-ready-for-transmission-to-nass/ https://techeconomy.ng/nigeria-data-protection-bill-ready-for-transmission-to-nass/#respond Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:17:33 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=94192 The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Nigeria Data Protection Bill.

    Confirming the development, Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations (NDPB) said that by virtue of the historic approval

    Confirming the development, Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations (NDPB) said that by virtue of the historic approval, the Bill will now be transmitted to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill through the office of the Hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

    It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau on the 4th of February 2022.

    “The Bureau was mandated to, inter alia, implement the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and to coordinate the passage of an enabling Act for data protection. The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo presided at the FEC meeting.

    “The pioneer Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami the Bill to the Federal Executive Council. The central objective of the Bill is to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms, and the interests of data subjects, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, by —

    • providing for the regulation of processing of personal data;
    • promoting data processing practices that safeguard the security of personal data and privacy of data subjects;
    • ensuring that personal data is processed in a fair, lawful and accountable manner;
    • protecting data subjects’ rights, and providing means of recourse and remedies, in the event of the breach of the data subject’s rights;
    • ensuring that data controllers and data processors fulfil their obligations to data subjects;
    • establishing an impartial, independent, and effective regulatory Commission to superintend over data protection and privacy issues, and supervise data controllers and data processors; and
    • strengthen the legal foundations of the national digital economy and guarantee the participation of Nigeria in the regional and global economies through the beneficial trusted use of personal data

    “The National Commissioner and CEO, NDPB, Dr. Vincent Olatunji who accompanied the Hon. Minister to the FEC calls on all stakeholders to cooperate with the Federal Government in ensuring the sustainability of the abundant opportunities  in Nigeria’s digital economy.

    “With the full support demonstrated by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, a clear signal has been sent to the global data processing ecosystem that Nigeria is committed to safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens which may be impacted one way or the other by the activities of data controllers and data processors”, the statement clarified.

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    Nigeria Ready for Global Privacy Day 2023 – NDPB https://techeconomy.ng/nigeria-ready-for-global-privacy-day-2023-ndpb/ https://techeconomy.ng/nigeria-ready-for-global-privacy-day-2023-ndpb/#respond Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:44:32 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=93959 As Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) says plans are underway to host the National Privacy Week, it says that Nigeria is ready to join the global community in celebrating Privacy Day 2023

    Nigeria will on Saturday 28th of January 2023 join the international community to observe Global Data Privacy Day 2023.

    “It is a Day that has been set aside to create awareness of fundamental rights and freedoms relating to the privacy of citizens in the data processing ecosystem”, a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, the Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations, at NDPB, reads.

    National Data Protection Bureau - NDPB

    “In line with the overarching global objective of awareness on data privacy, the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), will be organizing a National Privacy Week, which is a week of intensive focus on awareness creation in the area of data subjects’ rights, capacity building on data governance, data breach remediation among others.

    “The Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, will flag-off the National Privacy Week with a press conference on the Global Data Privacy Day. The National Privacy Week also coincides with the one year anniversary of the establishment of the Bureau.

    “The NDPB under the leadership of Dr. Vincent Olatunji as its National Commission and CEO will set-up an Accelerated Data Breach Remediation unit to resolve petitions from data subjects within the National Privacy Week”.

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    ALDAPCON Advocates for Data Protection Legislation in Nigeria https://techeconomy.ng/aldapcon-advocates-for-data-protection-legislation-in-nigeria/ https://techeconomy.ng/aldapcon-advocates-for-data-protection-legislation-in-nigeria/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:40:10 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=91335 The Association of Licensed Data Protection Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON) has advocated the need for the principal data protection legislation law to be put in place as the country pursues its digital transformation agenda.

    Mr. Ivan Anya, the Chairman of ALDAPCON, in a press conference, said the Data Protection bill when passed into law will address the data privacy and confidentiality of Nigerians, enable secure dataflow, economic development, and improve national security, job creation and better global positioning.

    He said this will also enable data processors and data controllers to have significant clarification of duties and responsibility for the protection of rights of data subjects (citizens).

    ALDAPCON logo
    ALDAPCON logo

    “From inception of our work in the industry we actually face a whole lot of this level of resistance, some of them are still there, some are still waiting for sectoral regulators to advise them as to what direction they should take, not understanding by themselves why they should ensure compliance. We also have the issue of technicality that is prevalent within the ecosystem; instances where you have businesses hosting Nigerians’ data outside of the country. You need to ensure that such hosts of Nigerians data are hosted in full compliance with the Nigerian data protection regulation.

    “The big issue is the aspect of the law. We are hopeful that as soon as the data protection bill is passed, it will address a whole lot of the technical and procedural issues we face now in terms of compliance.

    “The bill is expected to contribute to the legal foundations of the digital economy of Nigeria and its participation in the regional and global economies through the beneficial, trusted use of personal data to help mitigate issues on data leakage, and ensure confidentiality and privacy of data.”

    Speaking on the objectives of the association, Mr. Anya said Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs)  under the  umbrella body ALDAPCON as the privacy overseers in the country,  focuses   on driving  data compliance in the industry which  include to provide credible and authoritative data protection advisory to government, private and public organisations in Nigeria

    “So we are currently running our second year since inception and we have been working with the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) in championing what should help guide data protection practice in Nigeria.

    “The data protection compliance model is the only one of its type globally and no other country currently practices what we do. It is called the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement where the supervising authority in this case, the NDPB has delegated some of its functions to the DPCOs to go to business organisations and assist them achieve compliance, this is what exactly we do,”

    He said the association is helping create awareness on the importance of data protection and cyber security as well as the provision of data protection regulation in Nigeria.

    “[This is] in addition to being the body of knowledge for data subjects on the Nigerian data protection legislation and its execution; as well as working with stakeholders to influence and assess the impact of data protection in Nigeria.”

    He added that ALDAPCON has also provided certification training in data protection as well as the implementation and filling of gaps that may arise in the course of an audit assessment of how an organisation is compliant to the data protection regulations or the laws.

    Assessment in areas of default and ensuring that at every point in time businesses are in full compliant with the requirements of the regulations

    He noted that the data privacy sector has recorded significant achievements.  Between 2020 and 2021, compliance recorded 68% improvement. “We are hopeful that by the time the 2022 report comes out during the data privacy week of 2023; we’ll see exactly what has happened or what level of progress has been achieved.”

    He added that the need assessment audit report published early this year for 2021 shows that there has been a significant improvement in terms of compliance within the fintech sector which has been quite remarkable.

    Mr. Abdullaziz Ari, the Secretary of the Association, disclosed that the Association is coming up with standards to guide compliance in the industry, developing capacity within the ecosystem  and most importantly, to create awareness on how to assist the ecosystem comply with the requirements of the regulation.

    “Well, for now we try to focus mostly on the public and private sectors. The memos will help bridge the gap in the public sector as the private sector has been more responsive in terms of compliance” Ari added.

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    NDPB Extends Deadline on Designation of DPOs by MDA to January 2023 https://techeconomy.ng/ndpb-extends-deadline-on-designation-of-dpos-by-mda-to-january-2023/ https://techeconomy.ng/ndpb-extends-deadline-on-designation-of-dpos-by-mda-to-january-2023/#respond Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:52:56 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=90248 Head of Service Reinforces Data Protection Compliance in MDAs as Data Protection Bureau Extends Deadline on Compliance Notice

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    The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation under Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan has issued a Guideline on Personal Information Technology Devices (PITeD) Provision and Usage in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    This was disclosed in a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations at Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDBP).

    The Guideline, according to Bamigboye, seeks, among others, to “foster strict adherence to government policies and global best practice in respect of data protection; provide clarity on the legitimate uses required on the part of users and the consequences of breaching the provisions of the Guideline”.

    In order to reinforce data privacy and protection practices in MDAs, Part X of the Guideline provides inter alia:-

    1. Each MDA shall ensure that the usage of PITeD is consistent with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and any regulatory instrument on data privacy and protection in Nigeria.
    2. The measures to be taken by each MDA for the purpose of data protection and accountability shall include but not limited to the following:
    3. Designation or appointment of a suitable officer within the MDA as a Data Protection Officer (DPO).
    4. Development of a Data Protection Policy in line with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and other applicable regulatory instruments on data privacy and protection.
    • Forwarding of the contact details of the data protection officer to the Office of the Head of Service and the Nigeria Data Protection
      Bureau.

    “It will be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, recently issued a service-wide circular directing MDAs to comply with the provisions of the NDPR.

    “The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has lauded the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for taking this bold and strategic measure.

    “The Bureau sees this effort by the Federal Government as another clear demonstration of commitment to fundamental rights and freedoms which are often impacted by data processing.

    “In view of this encouraging development in the public sector, the National Commissioner has approved an extension of time for data controllers and data processors to comply with the earlier notice on National Data Protection Adequacy Programme (NaDPAP) Whitelist.

    “The deadline for the submission of details of Data Protection Officers/Contacts, among others, has now been shifted to 20th of January, 2023.

    “Data Controllers and Processors who submitted before the deadline of November 25th, 2022 have been awarded full marks of 10 points under Accountability Metrics and Responsiveness to Regulatory Processes. This represents 10% of the total number of scores to be awarded in order to be eligible for inclusion on the NaDPAP Whitelist.

    “The Bureau will also evaluate data controllers and data processors on other performance metrics including but not limited to Implementation of NDPR Compliant Privacy Policy; Sensitization of Data Subjects on Data Subjects Rights; Filing of Annual Compliance Audit Returns and Globally Acceptable Information Security Certifications”.

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    Data Governance will Ensure Maximum Value Derivation from Digital Economy – DG NITDA https://techeconomy.ng/data-governance-will-ensure-maximum-value-derivation-from-digital-economy-dg-nitda/ https://techeconomy.ng/data-governance-will-ensure-maximum-value-derivation-from-digital-economy-dg-nitda/#respond Sun, 20 Nov 2022 16:20:07 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=88880 As data affects how we make decisions on the path to creating a sustainable future especially in the post-COVID-19 era and the emerging challenges, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that the governance of data and how Nigeria as a country seeks to position herself in this agenda is key to ensuring that maximum value is derived, and provide the needed support for the thriving innovation ecosystem.

    Inuwa who was represented by Engr. Salisu Kaka, the Acting Director, Digital Economy Development Department (DED), made this statement while delivering his welcome address at a stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft National Data Strategy (NDS) organised by NITDA in Abuja.

    The Stakeholders’ Engagement is to provide information about the proposed NDS; opportunities for stakeholders to discuss their opinions and concerns; address expectations and misconceptions regarding the NDS and discuss the potential impacts of the strategy.

    Inuwa stated that, “the non-depletion characteristics of data make it a special asset for the creation of value and is of key strategic importance for both the public and private sectors. Its proper utilisation can create a competitive advantage, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in this era of data economy.”

    Data Governance by NITDA
    | Guests at stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft National Data Strategy (NDS) organised by NITDA in Abuja

    Speaking on the Draft, Inuwa noted that the strategy seeks to create an enabling environment for access to data to develop the digital economy, adding that it also supports the development of Data Infrastructures, Data for Public Good, Open Government Data, Data Privacy and Protection, and Upskilling Nigerians in both public and private sectors”.

    The DG opined that data collection/acquisition, transmission, storage/warehousing, processing, use, and protection must be carried out in a manner that is respectful of the rights enshrined in the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    He added that Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) has also been created to further mainstream data privacy and Protection.

    Presenting the Nigeria Data Strategy to stakeholders Mr. Lukman Lamid said “the essence of the engagement is not just to have an excellent document but one that can be implemented”.

    He said the vision of NDS is “to make Nigeria one of the top leaders in the global data economy translating into prosperity of all.”

    Mr. Lamid explained that, “the mission of the NDS is harness the economic and social values of data for the advancement of Nigeria. He added that the goal is to make data as accessible, sharable, and actionable as possible for all categories of stakeholders who might need it for economic and social gains.”

    While noting that the value proposition of the NDS is ownership, security and privacy, public good, job creation, and global competitiveness.

    Mr. Lamid said it will also take cognizance the global issues around Data and Data Strategy such as; data security and protection, data privacy, data sovereignty, and data mobility and cross-border data flows.

    The event witnessed four break-out sessions. While the first and second break-out session focused and made recommendation on the NDS aspirations (vision, mission, goals, objectives, principles, and value proposition), Governance, and Ecosystem structure, the third and fourth discussed and made recommendations on the NDS enablers, drivers, pillars, and implementation strategy.

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    FG’s Directs MDAs to Designate DPOs for NDPR Compliance https://techeconomy.ng/fgs-directs-mdas-to-designate-dpos-for-ndpr-compliance/ https://techeconomy.ng/fgs-directs-mdas-to-designate-dpos-for-ndpr-compliance/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:51:45 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=88566 The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

    The service-wide circular dated 7th November, 2022 with Ref No. SGF/OP/l/S.3/Xll/186, directed all MDAs of government to comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

    The Circular which was signed by Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is to the effect that MDAs should:

    a) designate appropriate officers as their Data Protection Officers (DPOs) who will  on regular basis advise management on data processing  activities of their  organization and ensure compliance with the provisions of the NDPR and all  matters relating to protection of the privacy, rights and freedom of data subjects; 

    b) forward the name and contact details of the DPOs to Nigeria Data  Protection Bureau (NDPB) for documentation and requisite induction training;

    c) appoint licensed Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) who will  guide the MDAs through compliance framework and file their annual reports with the NDPB; 

    d) make appropriate budgetary provision for annual Data Protection Audit compliance process and capacity building of Data Protection Officers as well as other staff; and

    e) on annual basis, file the report of their Data Protection Audit to the NDPB not later than the 30th day of March of every year.

    The implementation of the Circular is with immediate effect.

    The National Commissioner and CEO, NDPB, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, lauds Federal Government for taking this historic step towards advancing fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens and residents particularly in the area of privacy. “As an agency of government, we are cheered by this development because it clearly demonstrates the preparedness of public sector organizations and functionaries in providing an enabling environment for the growth of our digital economy.

    According to a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations at NDPB, with this circular, over 200 million Nigerian citizens now have additional reference to call in aid in order to protect lives and livelihoods in a data driven ecosystem.

    “The Bureau will continue to cooperate with stakeholders so that the numerous benefits of lawful data processing such as job and wealth creation can spread to all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

    “MDAs may wish to make enquiries at the headquarters of NDPB at No. 5 Donau Crescent Maitama, Abuja or visit here”, the statement reads.

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    Boss Mustapha Tips ​NDPB to Institutionalize Data Protection in Nigeria https://techeconomy.ng/boss-mustapha-tips-ndpb-to-institutionalize-data-protection-in-nigeria/ https://techeconomy.ng/boss-mustapha-tips-ndpb-to-institutionalize-data-protection-in-nigeria/#respond Sun, 04 Sep 2022 23:05:32 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=82755 Dr. Vincent Ola​​tunji, the National Commissioner of Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), led some staff of the Bureau on a visit to Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) at the Shehu Shagari Complex in Abuja-FCT.

    The SGF expressed his delight on the visit of the National Commissioner and reinforced the need for the establishment of the Bureau in line with global best practice. He noted that Nigeria is fast becoming a data driven society hence, the need to curb the menace of data breaches. 

    He said, “Data theft is one of the most thriving businesses in the world. Everywhere you go, every country is putting measures in place so that data of its citizens are protected because accessibility to people’s data, unauthorized ones, would invariably allow anybody doing that to take absolute control over the people’s lives, from their financial transactions to their health records, to their access to certain information which can be manipulated.

    “I am glad that we are starting well, by laying the foundation that is required, which is having an institution by way of the Bureau.”

    He also assured the NDPB of the federal government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the Bureau to achieve its statutory obligations by ensuring that the needed legislative framework is put in place.

    The SGF assured that the Federal Government would do everything within its capacity to support the Bureau by ensuring that the needed legislative framework and service-wide circulars were worked out.

    In his words: “I have listened to you and I have seen the prospects of the Bureau. I would want to assure you that if there is anything I can do to ensure that the necessary legislation is put in place as quickly as possible, I’m ready to do it. Because you are operating with regulation that was put up earlier, but you need a legislative framework that would strengthen your hands, even your surveillance over organizations that are supposed to process data – your ability to impose fines and penalties in cases of infractions.

    “I want to thank you for this visit and to assure you that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is willing to be one of your strongest advocates. And if need be, at the appropriate moment, you can work along with the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office so that you can craft a service wide circular to ensure compliance by the MDAs.”

    Speaking earlier, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPB, Vincent O. Olatunji, said that the purpose of the visit was to acquaint the SGF with the activities of the Bureau and to seek collaboration with his office toward the implementation of a robust data protection regulation in Nigeria.

    He also appealed for the institutionalization of data protection in the public sector through the issuance of a service-wide circular to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

    According to him, the Bureau has embarked on a sensitization tour to different MDAs to keep them abreast of what the Bureau is doing, as enshrined by the law in data protection, and to also get their buy-in.

    “We are taking the lead to ensure that we have a principal law for the data protection in the country. What we are doing now is to create awareness. We have visited more than 35 public sector organizations. We have discovered that in the audit report, the performance of the public sector is very poor, just 4 percent while the financial sector is 49 percent. So, we have been visiting major data controllers in the public sector to create awareness. That is why we are here today too brief SGF,” he said.

    He further said that the Bureau is ready to build the capacity of public servants in data protection with the aim of creating awareness on the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

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