NITDA assures Data Privacy Rights of Nigerians

By Etuka Sunday

The Management of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) yesterday brought to the notice of the general public of on-going investigation of alleged breach of the data privacy rights of Nigerians by some Data Controllers.
It may be recalled that NITDA issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) on 25th January, 2019 with the aim of stemming the tide of wanton abuse of data privacy, improving the global image of the Nigerian business environment and to stimulate a data economy which would lead to the creation of 300,000 jobs by 2022.
The agency said, an effort to sensitise the general public and create the requisite awareness on the NDPR, series of publications were made in electronic, print and new media.
The Agency has also written articles, made paper presentations and facilitated public and privately organised fora for the purpose of deepening compliance with the NDPR.
A statement by the Director General/CEO, NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) in Abuja said, “we are happy to say that Nigerians and non-Nigerians have taken note of the NDPR as evidenced by over 400 phones calls and numerous email enquiries being received and treated daily.
“The Agency has gone further to prepare a detailed Draft Data Protection Implementation Framework and made available on the Agency’s website, www.nitda.gov.ng, for inputs from the general public. The Framework details expectations from every stakeholder. Furthermore, a sample Privacy Policy is attached to guide government agencies and the private sector on compliance with the NDPR.
“NITDA is currently investigating some entities including Banks, Fintechs, Telcos etc. who are in alleged breach of the NDPR. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is also under investigation for alleged violation of Article 2.1(2, 3) of the NDPR. We therefore wish to assure all Nigerians that NITDA is willing, able and ready to implement the NDPR with the ultimate aim of ensuring compliance and making businesses and government work better for every Nigerian,” the statement said.