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The National Data Privacy Awareness Week flagged off by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) January 23 ends today January 28 with a World Privacy Day and Public Awareness Workshop organized by the regulatory agency as part of the enlightenment campaign on the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and how it impacts on citizens and corporate entities.
Globally, the World Privacy Day is being celebrated today. NITDA kicked off its campaign last week to educate Nigerians on the far-reaching implications of data regulation and how data protection law is at the heart of the digital economy.
The Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami while speaking in Abuja at the National Privacy Week Workshop with the theme: Data Privacy in a Digital Economy; stressed the connection between data privacy with protection and inherent challenges of a digital economy. According to him, the entire thrust of the digital economy is built on data. It is therefore important that data subjects are assured of the protection of their data under the custody of the data collectors and keepers.
Nigeria’s huge population and strategic position makes it imperative for the country to embrace the digital economy and build “a future for our younger ones.”
As data increasingly becomes the nexus of modern economy, regulation by government and awareness by citizens against possible breaches and abuses become important, said Pantami as he commended the NITDA for aggressive approach at ensuring Nigerians leverage on the NDPR to become part of the global community that is data-led.
Part of the objectives of the World Privacy Day workshop include create greater understanding of the NDPR; highlight the implication of NDPR on the National Digital Economy Strategy & Policy; educate citizens on the rights of data subjects and; explain the roles of CEOs & Management in the architecture of data protection.
“The 28th January has been dedicated as International Data Privacy Day. Last year, the day was celebrated in about 50 countries, including the USA, India, Canada, and much more,” said Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi during his welcome address at the workshop.
“It’s interesting to know that from inception, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has been driving economic reforms. The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) is one of the government initiatives for economic change, among others. The ERGP has three key objectives, firstly to restore growth, secondly to build a globally competitive economy, and thirdly to accelerate inclusive growth by investing in our people,” added Abdullahi while noting that achieving the goals of the ERGP hinged greatly on how Nigeria leverages on the opportunities inherent in the global digital economy.
“I urge you all to be conscious about your privacy because whoever controls your data controls your world,” said the NITDA’s boss.
“As your take-home, the following can help you protect yourself: On any new device, set your privacy settings immediately – this includes new applications, social media, and programs; never use unsecured WiFi – especially for banking or shopping; keep your software up to date. Out of date software is vulnerable to hackers; never give personal information over the phone, email, or text; use strong password phrases. The longer the password, the harder it is to break; do not save your passwords on your device; change passwords when your accounts may have been compromised; and use virus protection and a firewall,” he added.
The workshop drew participants from the public and private sector, the military and other security agencies. Dignitaries at the event include the Chairman, Governing Board of NITDA, Dr. Abubakar Sa’id and Post Master General, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi.
