Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in the field of data privacy and protection as it is now a proud member of the esteemed Global Privacy Assembly (GPA).
The admission of Nigeria into this prestigious international organization is a testament to the country’s commendable efforts in advancing data privacy and protection. One of the key factors that led to Nigeria’s accreditation was the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrating the country’s commitment to safeguarding personal information.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission as an independent authority responsible for overseeing data protection in Nigeria played a vital role in evaluating the adequacy of data protection measures in the country.
The announcement of Nigeria’s accreditation as a member of the GPA was made during the 45th Global Privacy Assembly Closed Session, which took place from October 15th to 20th, 2023 in Bermuda.
The Global Privacy Assembly, founded in 1979, serves as an international platform for coordinating global efforts in advancing data privacy and protection. It brings together 130 Data Protection Authorities from around the world, including countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, and Senegal.
Upon hearing the news of Nigeria’s membership in the GPA, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, expressed optimism about the progress made by the Federal Government in digital transformation.
Dr. Olatunji emphasized the importance of maintaining a high standard of care when handling personal data for all stakeholders in the Data Processing ecosystem. He believes that this commitment to responsible data management will significantly contribute to building trust and confidence in Nigeria’s emerging digital economy.
