World Bank, Other Stakeholders Charge Nigerian Govt To Enact Data Protection Law

The growing complexities of society, coupled with emerging trends have made it imperative to enact data privacy protection laws in Nigeria for effective planning and management, especially in the areas of security and the economy.

This was the view of no fewer than 250 stakeholders, who gathered at a two-day Policy Dialogue on Nigeria’s Data Protection law, held in Abuja earlier this week.

The participants were of the view that a data protection law for the country was long overdue, and urged that urgent necessary steps should be taken by the Nigerian government to achieve that.

The Policy Dialogue, convened by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, with support from Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project, had in attendance, representatives of relevant public institutions, the private sector and civil society.

Speaking at the event, World Bank’s Country Director to Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri charged the Nigerian Government to take urgent steps toward enacting a Data Protection Law for Nigeria.

READ ALSO: 200 Stakeholders To Hold Policy Dialogue On Data Protection In Abuja

Chaudhuri, who described digital identification as a key to unlocking the potentials of nations, argued that a data protection law was critical for Nigeria.

“Digital identification is key to unlocking the potential of nations. A data protection law is very critical for Nigeria. Nigeria’s potential for a digital economy is high. We are hopeful that Nigeria will be able to enact a data protection and privacy law soon.”

Speaking at the event, Honourable Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D project for supporting the event, describing data protection as very important for the country.

According to him, “data has become a highly sought commodity and more people are concerned about how their data is stored, processed, and transmitted.”

Represented by the Director General, National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Aliyu Aziz, the Minister argued that a Data Protection Law would provide the legal basis for challenging any unlawful use of data.

Adding his voice, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji assured that the proposed law will help to secure the data of citizens.

Also speaking, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project, Musa Odole Solomon said Data Protection was a constitutional matter, even as he made a case for a principal privacy law for Nigeria.

Solomon highlighted the benefits of digital identification, adding that the drive for citizens’ enrolment for National Identity Numbers makes timely enactment of the law expedient.

“It is one thing to collate citizens’ data and another to ensure that such data is utilized in a responsible manner. This can only be achieved through proper legislation. We need to continue to enhance the trust of the people. We must assure citizens of the security of their data.”

Assuring stakeholders of the commitment of the National Assembly to enact a Data Protection Law for Nigeria, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security, Senator Yakubu Oseni said the National Assembly was willing to enact a privacy law for Nigeria.

The Nigeria Immigration Service, represented by Acting Deputy Comptroller General, in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dora Amahian; National Population Commission, represented by the Director General, Ugoeze Patience Mbagwu, National Information Technology Development Agency, National Pension Commission, and several other public institutions took turns to justify the need for a data protection legislation for the country.

Private sector and civil society actors all spoke in favour of a Data Protection Law for Nigeria.

Highlights of the event were panel discussions, break-out sessions, plenary, among others.

Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project is a Nigerian project, jointly funded by The World Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency.