Ministry of Environment pledges to support NDPC on data protection

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako has pledged to support the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, (NDPC ), on it’s mandate of Data Protection in the Country.
This was contained in a press statement signed and issued by Ibrahim Haruna
Head, (Press and Public Relations Unit).
The Minister disclosed this during an official working visit to the Federal Ministry of Environment by the National Commissioner/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vincent Olatuji and his entourage on Tuesday, in Abuja.
Salako stated that Data collection is important, and it guides in decision making process in the Country.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Data Protection bill into law 2 weeks after his assumption of office, emphasizing that Data collection and protection is critical in Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He commended the Commission for creating awareness within the MDAs and citizenry about the importance of data protection.
Earlier, the National Commissioner / CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji congratulated the Minister on his appointment as a Cabinet Minister, stressing that it is a well deserved appointment.
Dr Vincent emphasised that Data generation and Protection is critical in the development of any country, adding that unauthorised access to somebody’s data in the medical field for instance could lead to loss of life .
He further disclosed that data protection is a major criteria in any trade bilateral agreement.
He urged all Ministerial Department and Agencies (MDAs) to protect data of it’s employees ,stressing that his Commission is creating awareness on data protection in the country.
It would be recalled that Nigeria is among the 26 countries in Africa that has signed the Data protection into law.