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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has promised to increase its sensitization and awareness programmes for Nigerians to have better understanding of data protection and privacy.
The Commission said its deeply committed to any proactive measures that would safeguard personal information of Nigerians and also ensure compliance with global data regulations.
National Commissioner/CEO, National Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, made the commitment at a digital rights innovation lab meeting, held on Tuesday, in Abuja.
The dialogue was organised by Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with Spaces for Change, National Data Protection Commission, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, and National Endowment for Democracy.
Dr. Olatunji, represented by the Head, Innovation Unit, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Chiderah Claire Ikeokonkwo, said the federal government is committed to strengthening data protection mechanisms to instill trust and confidence among Nigerian citizens.
She said: “Everything we do these days is connected to technology and as a result of that, we need to be able to have some control over the use and access, as well as what exactly is being done with the information that we exchange online.
“So, at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, we regulate the processing of personal data, which means that we superintend over issues of data protection and privacy in all sectors of the economy and so, in terms of work, the kind of work that we do with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) like Accountability Lab Nigeria, it centred around stakeholder engagements.
“We also organise trainings and capacity building just to make sure that we are doing something to positively increase the awareness on data protection and privacy in Nigeria, and to also make sure that we’re building the number of experts on the issue of data protection and privacy.
“If people are aware of what happens when they are exchanging information online, then they will be better informed about how they can protect themselves online. Because most of these platforms are free of charge. It’s free to use and then we process your information, usually based on consents.
“You sign up to an app and you exchange the information. So, it then becomes necessary for citizens, data subjects, users, whatever you would call them, to be informed about data protection laws about their digital rights so that the more that they know about these rights the better they will be in a better position to actually make sure that these rights are not being abused.
“So, it’s not a question of how safe are you. I think it’s more of how much do you know and how much are you willing to do to protect the value of that information that you’re sharing online.”
On his part, the Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Odeh Friday Odeh, in his remarks advocated Federal Government support in upholding total rights and privacy.
He said: “For us, we have come to understand digital governance and it is one of our strategic key areas and focus areas as Nigeria is concerns. As an organisation, this is what we do globally.
“Just thinking what has happened over internet governance, internet shutdown in Africa and in the world, how can we, as citizens have our rights protected, how can we ensure that the Government also stands for us.
“We want national unity but we need to build the foundation on truth and this look at what tools young people are using in terms of digital tools and how they can thrive in our society. Talking about what this means as citizens and how the government can support us.”
