Nigeria Data Protection Commission- NDPC

The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, was the keynote speaker at the Data Protection Workshop organised by KPMG Advisory Services, where he presented a paper titled "Data Protection Sustainability and the Role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO)." Dr Olatunji began by commending KPMG for organising the workshop, noting that it aligns with the Commission's strategic roadmap, particularly in the areas of awareness and capacity building. He emphasized the importance of differentiating between privacy and data security and highlighted the Commission's ongoing efforts to raise more awareness in these critical areas. In his presentation, Dr Olatunji discussed extensively on data protection sustainability, highlighting key aspects such as continuous compliance, privacy by design and default, awareness creation, and capacity building, among others. He stressed the need for data controllers and processors to adopt effective, long-term data protection practices, emphasising that such practices foster trust and confidence in their data processing activities. Additionally, he outlined the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by Data Protection Officers (DPOs). As part of the workshop, Dr Olatunji participated in a fireside chat, where he discussed the domestication of the National Data Protection Certification process. He highlighted its aim to create a robust pool of certified DPOs and establish a faculty for their professional development. He concluded by urging data controllers and processors to strengthen their compliance efforts, noting that the Commission will intensify enforcement, to ensure adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Participation at the workshop included CEOs and DPOs from various sectors, including financial institutions, telecommunications, insurance, energy, and multinationals, among others. #championingprivacyrights

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the Chairman, House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, conducted a five-day "Data Protection and Digital Literacy Training" in Ibadan, benefiting over 1,000 youths. This initiative is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about data protection and privacy practices across Nigeria. On behalf of the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, the Head of Strategic Planning and Communication, Mrs Abiola Jide-Abe, reiterated the Commission's commitment to upholding the privacy rights of every data subject in Nigeria and empowering over 500,000 youths within the data protection and privacy Ecosystem. She highlighted the significance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on June 12, 2023, underscoring the government's dedication to advancing data protection in the country. The training sessions covered essential topics, including an overview of the NDP Act, the principles and lawful basis of data protection, data security, and the obligations and responsibilities of Data Protection Officers (DPO). #championingprivacyrights

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) was represented by Ms. Adamma Isamade, a legal officer in the Legal, Enforcement and Regulations Department, at the 6th WTO Trade Policy Review of Nigeria, held at the World Trade Organisation Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Ms Isamade, at the review, answered questions from members of the Organisation, ranging from the critical significance of data protection in trading, to cross-border transfer issues, especially with regard to financial data. She highlighted some of the reforms introduced by Nigeria to improve her participation in the rule-based trading system. With over 400 questions, recommendations and suggestions from other members of the Organisation, Nigeria is set to integrate solutions into her reform programs and becoming an active member of the WTO. #championingprivacyrights

The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, was ably represented by the Head of the Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations Department, Babatunde Bamgboye Esq., at a knowledge-sharing session titled "How to Utilise Al-powered Services for Proactive Cybersecurity." The event, organised by SOPHOS, aimed to propose an end-to-end cybersecurity solution for data protection. In his remarks, Bamgboye Esq. noted that data breach, aside reputational damage to an organisation, can also attract penalty as high as 2% of the organisation's financial turnover. To mitigate this risk, data protection and privacy should be seriously considered. He posited that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be needed in cybersecurity, human interference is necessary so that the rights of data subjects wouldn't be infringed upon. Bamgboye Esq. pointed out that to underscore the seriousness of data protection and privacy in Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Act was signed into law in June, 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. He noted that while cybersecurity deals with data protection, data privacy is a major strand that must be considered. #championingprivacyrights

NEWS: NDPC Signs MoU with NAICOM to Strengthen Data Protection and Privacy in the Insurance Sector

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, led the Commission's delegation to the Commissioner for Insurance/CEO of NAICOM, Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NAICOM office in Abuja. The MoU aims to strengthen the partnership between the NDPC and NAICOM. This marked another milestone for the Commission in advancing data privacy in Nigeria. Building on a previous courtesy visit, the implementation of the initiatives discussed has already commenced. These include training NAICOM staff on data protection and engaging with CEOs of insurance organizations to discuss the significance of data protection and privacy within their sector. Dr Olatunji commended Mr Omosehin for his efforts to improve the insurance sector, noting his valuable experience from the private sector and also proposed the establishment of an implementation committee to follow up on the progress of the MoU. Mr Omosehin expressed his gratitude to Dr Olatunji for engaging with stakeholders in the insurance sector and reassured the Commission of NAICOM's commitment to upholding data protection principles within the sector. #championingprivacyrights

The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji at the "Mr Lottery" Book Launch in celebration of the 60th birthday of Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director-General/CEO of the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission. In his goodwill message, Dr Olatunji congratulated the celebrant, stating that age is a significant milestone in anyone's life. He commended Mr Gbajabiamila for documenting his achievements in a book, emphasising that such a feat reflects his many accomplishments. "People will learn a great deal from your lessons, especially regarding the challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. You have touched many lives and supported numerous people, which is why we are here today to celebrate with you," he said. He also remarked that positions of authority come with great responsibility and trust, encouraging all to contribute positively to society and leave a lasting legacy. Dr Olatunji concluded by wishing him even greater success in the future and more congratulations. The event was also attended by the celebrant's family and friends, along with several dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Rt. Hon. Akin Alabi; and other notable guests.

KNOW YOUR OBLIGATIONS as a Data Controller/Processor If you are an organization that collects and processes personal information, you are a data controller or processor. Therefore, you must register with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and put in place measures to safeguard this personal information. #championingprivacyrights

The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received in audience, members of the Financial Inclusion Centre (FIC), led by the Group Director, Business Development, FIC, Sola Brickersteth, on a courtesy visit and presentation of a data protection-inclined product to the Commission. Mr Brickersteth said that the FIC team was at the Commission to inform the NDPC about a pact FIC signed with the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the training of 210,000 agents with access to personal data of Nigerians. He said as much as they intend to carry out the training themselves, they need the guidance of the NDPC. On the product, Mr Brickersteth stated that the product is aimed at eliminating paper-reliant registration and the usual subsequent misuse of data given in this format by making use of Quick Response (QR) Code to confirm the identity of anyone previously registered with the National Identity Management Commission. In his remarks, Dr Olatunji commended the FIC for the initiative to enlighten data processors (such as POS agents) on the need for data protection and privacy in a digitally evolving environment like Nigeria. He noted that for FIC to have the rights to train anyone on data management in Nigeria, they must be fully complied with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. Commenting on the product, Dr Olatunji commended the innovative approach of FIC to mitigate mismanagement of personal data. He pointed out some lapses in the build-up of the product, and advised the FIC team to work with the NDPC's Legal and Technical teams to come up with a more data security-conscious product. #championingprivacyrights

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) was represented by a legal officer from its Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations Department, Princewill Odinaka, Esq., at the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN) National Conference 2024, held in Owerri, Imo State. Princewill Odinaka delivered a presentation titled "The Role of Data Protection in Rethinking the Future for Nation Building." He emphasised the importance of data protection, the necessity of safeguarding privacy, and the NDPC's critical role in the data protection ecosystem. Addressing the audience of future legal professionals, he urged them to uphold the rule of law, noting that data protection is a crucial element of this mandate in the digital age. He highlighted that the rapid growth of technology, social media, and digital platforms has made the collection, storage and processing of personal data a routine activity, hence the obligation to safeguard individuals' privacy. In addition, he discussed the National Data Protection Certification process, aimed at developing globally competitive data protection experts. He encouraged the participants to engage with this initiative, highlighting its potential to create employment opportunities within the data protection ecosystem. This effort aligns with the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in promoting economic growth and job creation. Princewill Odinaka concluded by reaffirming the NDPC's commitment to supporting LAWSAN in advancing its human capital development initiatives. #championingprivacyrights