President Muhammadu Buhari has today given the approval for the creation of a new agency, the Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB). The agency was a result of a recommendation forwarded by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, for the protection of data and privacy of Nigerians in line with Global best practices.
The Minister said the successful implementation of the country’s Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for Digital Nigerians has surged significantly and requires a need for a data platform that will guarantee its security through ‘datafication’ of the country.
“This has increased the importance of having an institution that focuses on data protection and privacy,” Uwa Suleiman, Media aid to the Minister said while speaking on his behalf.
He added “the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January 2019, as subsidiary legislation to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007, has increased awareness about the need for data protection and privacy.
Suleiman explained that “The Bureau will be responsible for consolidating the gains of the NDPR and supporting the process for the development of a primary legislation for data protection and privacy.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Buhari through the recommendation of the Minister has approved the appointment of Dr. Vincent Olatunji from Ekiti state to head the agency.
Dr. Olatunji before his appointment as Director of the eGovernment Regulation Department at (NITDA), and the appointment is with immediate effect.
