By 
Olatunji: Commission keen on building globally competitive pool of data protection officers
The Nigerian government has announced the successful generation of over N400 million from data privacy enforcement, coupled with strategic plans to establish an indigenous certification body and embark on the digitalization of public services. This initiative anticipates a surge in citizens’ data usage across digital platforms.
RELATED: National Privacy Week: C-C Pro inducts secondary school students on privacy rights
At a National Privacy Week 2024 event in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, highlighted the presidential mandate to transform public services through technology. The envisioned digitalization aims to streamline and enhance public services, making them more accessible and efficient for citizens.
“President Tinubu has given us the mandate to transform the public services with technology, it means a lot more of the things we do in public service will be digitalised. A lot of the services that citizens consume in the coming months, years will also be digitalised,” said Tijani.
He added: “There may be dangers as we collect and share data, so there is need for us as government agencies to protect the data appropriately. We need to invest in innovative ways to promote data.”
The Data Privacy Week – Enforcement yields over N400m
The Data Privacy Week, observed annually in Nigeria from January 28 to February 4, is an international effort to promote privacy awareness and data protection. The event is celebrated across numerous countries, including 47 European nations, the United States, Canada, Israel, and Qatar.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), discussed the commission’s commitment to raising awareness about data subjects’ rights and ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). Olatunji revealed that over 1000 complaints had been received, leading to revenue generation exceeding N400 million through remedial actions in completed cases.
His words: “In the area of complaints and investigations, we have received over 1000 complaints and after thorough review, 50 have been verified and investigations are currently ongoing on 17 major cases.
“These cases are covering several sectors such as finance, technology, education, consulting, government, logistics and gaming\lottery among others. Through remedial actions for completed cases, we have generated over 400 million naira revenue for government.”
Licensing of Indigenous Certification Body
To bolster local capacity and comply with Executive Orders 003 and 005, which emphasize reducing pressure on foreign exchange, NDPC is working on licensing an indigenous certification body. This body will uphold global standards and international reach, ensuring the steady growth of the privacy sector without overburdening the country’s currency.
According to the National Commissioner, “the commission is keen on building a globally competitive pool of data protection officers (DPOs) who will be able to discharge the duties as required under Section 332 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act. We have identified at least 500,00 data controllers and data processors who need qualified DPOs in order to meet their obligation under the law,” said Olatunji.
Adding: “We cannot afford to subject this pool to compulsory foreign certifications as this will put pressure on our local currency and defeat the aims and objectives of the Federal Government Executives Orders 003 and 005. We have concluded arrangement for licensing of indigenous certification body with global standard and international spread to fill the gap.”
DPCOs now 163 as National Assembly commits to data privacy
The number of Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) has increased from 103 to 163. Under NDPA, DPCOs are responsible for conducting audits on behalf of data processing organisations. Nigeria’s annual audit filings now surpass 2000, contributing to an estimated sector revenue of N6.2 billion and the creation of approximately 10,100 jobs.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Stanley Adedeji, affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting data privacy in the country. He emphasized the need for compliance with the Data Privacy law, suggesting the automation of data collection processes in governmental interactions with MDAs and other organizations.
His words: “In performing our constitutional duties as legislators, we collect a lot of data, we have to make sure the mode in which we collect data is in compliance with the Data Privacy law. This means that we must automate the process of our interaction with MDAs and other organisations.’’
Olatunji added that Nigeria is now a member of the Global Privacy Assembly made up of about 130 countries.
