The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), organised an Implementation Workshop on the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act) and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) for State Governments.
The workshop, which had Commissioners, Heads of Service, and Attorneys-General as participants, was declared open by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Nadungu Gagare. The keynote address was delivered by the NC/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, while the welcome address was delivered by the DG of the NGF, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, who was ably represented by the NGF’s General Counsel and Legal Adviser, Chijioke Chukwu, Esq.
In his keynote address, Dr Olatunji highlighted the importance of data protection and privacy, as well as the consequences of non-compliance with the provisions of the NDP Act, drawing on relatable real-life experiences. He emphasised the critical role of State Governments in the implementation of national policies and urged participants to prioritise data protection and privacy in their respective states. He encouraged them to communicate the importance of data protection and privacy to their respective State Governors. He added that this will help foster trust and confidence among citizens, while also creating opportunities for citizens to benefit from the growing data protection ecosystem.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages at the workshop included the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office, Arch Joy Baderin; President of Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), Apostle Tokunbo Smith; the Chair of the African Union Cyber Security Expert Group, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola; and the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations of Nigeria (ALDAPCON), Mr Ivan Anya, among others.
