…Train journalists on opportunities inherent in data protection sector
By Chinenye Anuforo [email protected]
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has said that it’s working with other governments agencies to ensure that it protect Nigerians from unsolicited phone calls by digital lending apps, also known as loan sharks.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/ CEO of the commission, disclosed this at the sidelines of a sensitisation workshop on data privacy/protection held in Lagos.
Olatunji noted that the commission is working with other government agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC), NITDA, NCC, CBN, ICPC, EFCC to ensure that the data privacy of Nigerians is not breached by loan shark firms.
According to him, “We’re working together with a lot of regulators on unsolicited phone calls from loan sharks. We have the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC), NITDA, NCC, CBN, ICPC, EFCC, we are all working together to address this issue because it is about our citizens and the vulnerable groups that loan small amount of money and if they default once or twice, these loan sharks will start publishing their names which is illegal in any case, so we are already dealing with it.
“Very soon this will stop in Nigeria because we’re using multi-sectoral approach, we’re bringing a lot of regulators together for this cause”.
While disclosing that one of the lending apps was recently fined N50m, he said it is now mandatory for all digital lending apps to get the certification of their privacy policy from NDPC as part of the criteria for their registration with FCCPC.
Speaking further on reasons for the sensitization program, Olatunji said that the commission is committed to sensitizing Data controllers and processors on the duty of care and accountability to ensure that data collected is protected in terms of technological measures, and in terms of organisational measures so that data collected is secured.
Also, he added that the workshop was to create awareness for data processors and controllers on the need to build confidence and trust in our Nigerian system.
In another development, Commissioner, urged journalists covering ICT sector, under the aegis of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the National Data Protection sector.
He made this call during a capacity building workshop organised by the National Data Protection Commission for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), held also in Lagos.
The national commissioner noted that the sector is a job creating sector, he thereby urged members of the media covering the activities of the commission to be conscious of the opportunities inherent for them.
He stated that journalist while creating awareness on the importance of Data protection should also consider a second career as Data Protection Officers (DPO).
He said that the President had said that he would create one million digital jobs but the NDPC alone would create 500,000 jobs in digital space.
According to him, “with the high rate of unemployed youths, this is a new job area. A new sector contributing to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in the country.
“In Nigeria we are talking about the data of 200m people in the country and have over 500,000 Data processors and controllers.
“Whereas those certified in data privacy are about 100,000 leaving a gap of over 400,000 which is really dangerous.
“As agents we want to protect their data and their interests and the qualified DPOs are not up to 10,000 we do not have enough skilled manpower that would serve as data protection experts.
“Journalist should think of having a second career in the sector and can work anywhere in the world go for further training, get certified which does not have anything to do with what one studied in the university,” he said.
Mr Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman of NITRA while appreciating the commission for the capacity training, assured of continued support from journalists
Onwuegbuchi said that the training was insightful, timely and encouraged journalists while advocating for the commission, should consider a second career in Data processing.