FG Highlights Revenue Potential of Data Privacy Sector at NDPC Anniversary Event
FG Highlights Revenue Potential of Data Privacy Sector at NDPC Anniversary Event
By Matthew Eloyi
The Federal Government has underscored the revenue-generating potential of the Data Privacy and Protection ecosystem, emphasizing its role in strengthening the ICT sector and fostering economic diversification.
Speaking at the second-anniversary dinner and awards night of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, highlighted the significant contribution of the ICT sector, which accounted for 18.45 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2023.
Represented by Mr. Faruk Yabo, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Tijani emphasized the importance of leveraging this success to further develop the sector, stressing that data protection is integral to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the growth of the digital economy.
In his address, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, highlighted the responsibilities vested in the commission following the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in 2023. He outlined the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDA-SRAP), aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the mandates of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Olatunji emphasized the progress made in NDPA implementation, focusing on governance, human capital development, ecosystem and technology, cooperation and collaboration, and funding and sustainability. He reiterated NDPC’s commitment to data protection and ensuring compliance from Data Protection Organizations.
The award ceremony recognized the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the ‘Most Compliant Organization,’ with a Special Recognition Award presented to Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, among others.
The event also featured various activities throughout the National Data Privacy Week, including a news conference, webinars, policy dialogues, school visits to promote data protection awareness, and a hackathon. Additionally, the commission’s annual report for 2023 was released, and prizes were awarded to hackathon participants during the ceremony.
