In a bid to safeguard the personal data of Nigerians, the Federal Government officially launched its action plan on data privacy and protection on Tuesday. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), assured citizens that their data would be shielded from malicious use.
During the launch of the “Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan on Data Privacy and Protection” in Abuja, Olatunji emphasized the commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from identity theft and unauthorized access to their data. He highlighted the prevalent misuse of people’s data for various frivolous and criminal activities, signaling the need for robust measures to curb such practices.
Olatunji outlined the commission’s broader objectives, stating that it aims not only to prevent malicious use of data but also to harness the data collected in Nigeria for productive purposes. He emphasized the potential to generate approximately 500,000 jobs and contribute to the development of human capital in the nation.
Moreover, the National Commissioner expressed the government’s intent to foster home-grown solutions, particularly in the development of applications that can drive transformative changes. These applications would play a vital role in interpreting and enforcing laws safeguarding citizens’ data, as well as conducting investigations into breaches that may impact individuals and the nation as a whole.
The launch signifies a crucial step forward in the government’s commitment to ensuring the responsible and secure handling of personal data, aligning with global best practices in data protection and privacy.
