The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) received a delegation from the Cedar Seed Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, on a courtesy visit. The delegation, led by its Founder, Lois Auta, was received on behalf of the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, by his Technical Assistant on Legal, Ms Saratu Samande.

Ms Auta stated that they were at the Commission to understand the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act) for persons with disabilities. Highlighting some of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, she noted that Cedar Seed Foundation seeks inclusivity as it seeks to create a world where persons with disabilities participate in society as they choose and enjoy equal human rights.

Ms Samande affirmed the validity of the concerns expressed by persons with disabilities. She noted that details of their disabilities are classified as sensitive personal data because they are health-related. She agreed that this could lead to discrimination and spoke on initiatives by the Commission that they could leverage to maximise the provisions of the NDP Act, 2023.

Speaking based on a personal encounter, Ms Auta commended Dr Olatunji for his support for persons with disabilities and commended the NDPC for its stance on inclusivity. Ms Samande assured them of the Commission’s readiness to work with them to ensure that the digital rights of persons with disabilities are adequately protected.