By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says it plans to review the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) to address emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and big data.
Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of the NDPC, spoke on Friday, in Abuja during an event marking three years since President Bola Tinubu signed the NDPA into law on June 12, 2023.
Olatunji said developments in the digital ecosystem and the rapid adoption of new technologies have made it necessary to update certain provisions of the law when it becomes due for review.
According to him, references to emerging technologies in the legislation were broad when the law was drafted because many of the innovations currently shaping the digital economy had not gained widespread prominence.
“We are in the era of emerging technologies. At that time, we could only make general references to emerging technologies, but today we can⁷ specifically mention Artificial Intelligence, robotics and big data,” Olatunji said.
“Ten years ago, nobody was talking about AI the way we are doing now, but today it has become central to virtually every aspect of digital transformation.
“We need to be more specific about what constitutes emerging technologies and provide examples because the technologies keep evolving.”
The NDPC boss said the increasing deployment of AI and other advanced technologies underscores the need for periodic reviews of the country’s data protection framework to ensure it remains relevant.
He, however, cautioned against excessive reliance on AI, stressing the need for human oversight.
“We still need the human component. We should not leave everything to artificial intelligence,” he said.
Olatunji also identified digital footprints and privacy-related concerns as areas that require continuous regulatory attention.
He said Nigeria would continue to review its data protection laws to keep pace with global developments rather than allow them to become outdated.
Speaking on the outlook for the sector, Olatunji expressed optimism that Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem would record significant growth over the next five years through increased awareness, stronger compliance and greater public trust.
“I see growth, development, awareness and greater trust in the ecosystem. Compliance will become a necessity rather than an option,” he said.
“We are building a culture of privacy that will make investors and other stakeholders see Nigeria as a country that is ready for digital business.”
Olatunji also said the rights, freedoms and interests of Nigerians and legal residents will be adequately protected.
