FG mulls indigenous solution for data protection law implementation

The federal government says it plans to design indigenous solutions to implement the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during an interview with journalists on the forthcoming 2024 Data Privacy Week.
Data Privacy Day is celebrated globally on January 28 but commemorated in Nigeria from January 28 to February 4 to mark the establishment anniversary of NDPC, which came into being on January 4, 2022.
It is an annual campaign to educate the public about the importance of online privacy and encourage citizens to be more aware of their personal data protection.
Mr Olatunji recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in June 2023, signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill into law, thereby providing a legal framework for the protection of personal information and the practice of data protection in Nigeria.
In implementing the legal framework, the NDPC commissioner said the government was considering strategies for using indigenous solutions.
He disclosed that a hackathon that would facilitate the possible use of indigenous solutions in implementing the act was part of the activities lined up for the 2024 Data Privacy Week.
“We are looking at what kind of technology we can deploy in terms of implementation of the mandate, enforcement, investigation, reporting, or any other thing that will come up.
“It is like creating a formidable ecosystem, and we want to have indigenous solutions that can address some of these areas,” he said.
Mr Olatunji said winners of the hackathon would be awarded, as well as organisations that had done well in data protection and compliant regulation.
The commissioner also disclosed that NDPC would partner with the Nigeria Association of Computing Students (NACOS) to deepen awareness of data privacy protection.
He recalled that the commission, in the previous years, engaged a handful of schools to educate them on data privacy protection.
“We are widening the scope this year, and we are encouraging stakeholders to go to schools to preach the gospel of data privacy,” he said.
Mr Olatunji assured that the 2024 Data Privacy Week would be filled with activities to create awareness, evaluate performances, and map out new strategies.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Gov. Otti tasks Abia state executive council on enhanced performance
Mr Otti said periodic assessments and leveraging past achievements are vital to improving governance and institutional efficiency.

NationWide
Tinubu running transparent govt devoid of religious, ethnic sentiment: Aide
“I want to assure you that the Tinubu administration is non-partisan; it is devoid of ethnic or religious sentiments,” said Ms Omotayo.

States
Ogun CP urges motorists to exercise patience
Ms Odutola said the CP went on an unscheduled security and safety tour to Ewekoro when he met a gridlock on the Lafarge dual carriageway.

States
FG announces Iddo Bridge height restrictions
The comptroller added that the ultimate goal was to improve the bridge and provide better service to the public.

NationWide
Nigeria leads in pork production in Africa, says association
The minister urged the association to identify areas of interest that could drive higher productivity.

States
Over one million children received malaria prevention drugs in Plateau in 2024: Group
He said that the intervention was part of the state government’s efforts to eradicate malaria by 2030.