The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has unveiled the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP) 2023-2027, presenting a blueprint for significant economic growth and job creation. The launch, held in Abuja, coincided with a comprehensive workshop on Data Privacy and Protection for Data Protection Officers.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of NDPC, emphasized the pivotal role of the NDP-SRAP and the associated training in empowering the commission to establish a robust data protection sector. He highlighted that the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration aims to create two million jobs in the digital economy sector, and the data protection sector alone has the potential to generate over 500,000 jobs.
The five pivotal pillars of the NDP-SRAP encompass governance, ecosystem and technology, human capital development, cooperation and collaboration, as well as funding and sustainability. Dr. Olatunji underscored the interconnected nature of the initiatives within these pillars, outlining their collective potential to create about 500,000 jobs, generate revenue exceeding N125 billion, and bolster Nigeria’s global reputation in the digital economy.
Moreover, Dr. Olatunji emphasized that the strategic roadmap will contribute to the growth of international businesses, enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness in human capital, and fortify security measures to combat unauthorized access to sensitive data. He stressed that the opportunities within the data protection sector span an array of professions, with more than 69 activities embedded in the five pillars, thereby inviting the active participation of public institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media to ensure the effective implementation of the action plan.
In a bid to enhance professionalism within the data protection sector, the commission is contemplating the endorsement of a Data Protection and Certification body. This initiative aims to establish home-grown solutions and certifications that align with global standards while reducing the reliance on expensive foreign certifications.
The comprehensive one-year preparation of the roadmap aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda mandates and the blueprints of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. This underpins the commitment to realizing a sustainable and progressive data protection ecosystem in Nigeria.
Ivan Anya, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (LDPCOs), underscored the ongoing engagements to facilitate the seamless implementation of the roadmap. With approximately 150 LDPCOs currently in operation and an influx of new registrations anticipated, the NDP-SRAP is poised to pave the way for the advancement of Nigeria’s data protection landscape.
Dr. Ayodeji Oyewole, President of the Institute of Information Management, IM-Africa, lauded the initiatives of NDPC, underscoring the roadmap’s potential to strengthen the economy and provide career development opportunities for professionals while creating a lasting impact on the country’s data management landscape.
In conclusion, the participation of 150 data protection officers in the workshop signifies an enthusiastic embrace of the NDP-SRAP, heralding a significant leap towards establishing a sustainable and dynamic data protection sector in Nigeria.
NAN
