By 
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has embarked on a strategic endeavor to fortify data protection initiatives across various sectors, solidifying its stance with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) through two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
RELATED: NDPC releases guidelines for registering key data controllers and processors
Representatives including Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC; Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General of NLRC; and Mr. Charles Odii, DG of SMEDAN, gathered at the Headquarters of SMEDAN and NLRC respectively to sign the MOUs, marking a pivotal moment in collaborative efforts toward enhanced data protection.
The partnership with SMEDAN aims to bolster data protection within the Small and Medium Enterprise ecosystem, which comprises approximately 40 million SMEs. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration, including the formation of a working group to focus on capacity building in data protection. This initiative seeks to educate SMEs on adopting suitable technical and organizational measures to safeguard data privacy.
Dr. Olatunji expressed optimism about the implementation of these memoranda, emphasizing that the trusted use of data is pivotal for short, medium, and long-term growth. He highlighted the potential exponential growth within the sector if transactions are conducted on the basis of trust and confidence, stressing the importance of privacy in sectoral activities.
The MoU with the NLRC reinforces collaboration between the two commissions, formalizing the commitment to uphold data protection laws and implement best practices in data storage and processing within the gaming ecosystem. Mr. Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude for NDPC’s ongoing support and emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal data within the gaming industry.
Dr. Olatunji reiterated the significance of this partnership, particularly in protecting the personal data of approximately 60 million individuals within the gaming sector. He underscored the importance of training NLRC staff and stakeholders on data protection principles to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Mr. Odii expressed appreciation for NDPC’s readiness to collaborate, highlighting the importance of data protection and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, in preparing for international business. He emphasized SMEDAN’s commitment to sensitizing and upskilling small businesses on data protection laws to foster development and ensure data security.
These collaborations signify significant milestones in NDPC’s mission to promote data protection and privacy across diverse sectors in Nigeria. The commission remains steadfast in fostering partnerships that uphold individual rights and ensure responsible handling of personal data.
