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Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has raised concerns regarding the lack of privacy features in solutions developed by innovators from various organizations to drive transformation in the country’s public service.
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Addressing participants at the April 2024 edition of the DevsInGovernment initiative themed ‘Tech Leadership in Government: Empowering Civil Servants for Innovation,’ Olatunji emphasized the need to prioritize data protection during solution development. He stressed the importance of incorporating privacy by design and default to safeguard personal data.
While acknowledging the potential cost-saving benefits and human capital inherent in digital technology solutions for the public sector, Olatunji urged developers to familiarize themselves with the statutory privacy requirements outlined in the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This, he said, would ensure that innovative solutions enhance service delivery by civil servants while adhering to the principles of the NDPA.
Olatunji proposed providing data protection and privacy training by the NDPC for participants of DevsInGovernment in future editions.
Moderating the demo session, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, underscored the importance of the public service as the engine driving government agendas and impacting citizens as desired.
During the panel discussions, sub-themes such as Enterprise Management Content, Task-Trigger Information Management System, Time and Attendance Application, and MPA Savings and Loans Coop were explored.
Launched earlier in the year by Dr. Tijani, DevsInGovernment serves as a community of technology enthusiasts within the civil service, contributing to and leading digital transformation across all government institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen digitalization for improved service delivery to the populace.
The community, comprising technologists and tech enthusiasts from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government, aims to deepen the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a catalyst for transforming the Nigerian civil service into a world-class institution and improving government services to the people.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the pivotal role of technology in transforming the civil service into a high-performing, efficient, and citizen-centered institution.
He stressed that the transformation of government services is foundational to Nigeria’s prosperity and is essential for building other digital capabilities in government.
