The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami, has stressed the need for an all inclusive data protection law for Nigeria.
He spoke during the opening of a two-day policy dialogue organized by the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau on the Nigeria Data and Privacy Law in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy recognizes the importance of data protections and privacy, and through its parastatals, has been pushing for national legislation and an agency to address data protection concerns.
Pantami, who was represented by the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Aliyu Aziz, said the growing dependence by businesses on information technology to manage their data has led to increase in information security and risk implications.
“Data has become a highly sought commodity and more people are concerned about how data is stored, processed and transmitted. Big data, availability of advanced data analytic tools, and surge in surveillance activities have transformed into a mass resurgence of the desire to have data collected and processed.
“With globalization and rapid technological advancement, there is obviously increased capability for organizations or businesses to perform these transactions on data. However, there is a need to do this only on a legal basis and for specified purposes. Across the globe today, data protection and privacy regulations are currently undergoing developments that have significant impact on digital economics.
“I am therefore pleased that the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau in partnership with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project as well as other key stakeholders have organised this dialogue to ensure adequate stakeholder engagement towards birthing an all inclusive data protection law for Nigeria.
“Thr growth of Nigeria’s political economy drives innovations and free flow of data which in turn implies the need to safeguard the rights, freedom and privacy of citizens.
“It is noteworthy that data protection legislation requires a legal basis for challenging the collection and unlawful use of data, negligent data handling, incorrect documentation of sensitive information, and growing corporate and state-sponsored surveillance activities.
“At the core of data protection legislation is the desire to protect individual’s right to privacy of their information and to secure lives and property. This is achieved through the implementation of legislations, policies and regulations on data privacy and protection.
“Therefore the call for this National Policy Dialogue on Data Protection law is timely as it provides the much needed avenue for wider consultation in view of the general applicability of data protection and privacy principles and regulations/laws in both the public and private sectors,” he said.
Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D), Mr Musa Odole Solomon, said data protection in Nigeria is a constitutional matter.
He said there were subsidiary legislations and regulations that protect citizens’ data in Nigeria, but there was no principal legislation that guarantees the safety and security of her citizens.
Solomon said presently efforts are being intensified to ensure citizens enrol for and acquire the National Identity Number, which will enable the country to have a national database to guide the government in planning.
He said, “In addition to other numerous benefits, the National Identity project aligns with number 16.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which expects that by 2030, every person in the world should have a digital identity. Therefore, every person should have a legal form of identity.Nigeria,and indeed,Africa,should not be left behind.
“Identity is a human right and not having any form of legal identity makes one invisible. However, it is one thing to assemble citizens’ data, and another to ensure that such data are utilized in a responsible manner. This can only be achieved through proper legislation.
“We need to continue to enhance the trust of the people. We must assure citizens of the security of their data. The level of success or failure of the Nigerian Identity project will be measured by the trust of the people.
“Many other countries of the world have data protection laws and it is our desire to ensure that our own is passed as soon as possible. Ensuring the enactment of a data protection law is one of the mandates of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project. This Policy Dialogue, therefore, seeks to bring together critical stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward, towards the enactment of a principal Data Protection legislation for Nigeria.
“The Dialogue is part of an elaborate, ongoing effort towards ensuring that Nigeria has a robust legal framework for Data protection. We assure you that the inputs from stakeholders shall be collated to enrich the draft Data Protection Bill for further actions.”
Country Director of World Bank, Dr Shubham Chaudhuri, said making sure every Nigerian has a digital identity would unlock a whole world of opportunities.
He said digitial identity, globally, has become key to unlocking the full potential of every individual and ultimately the economy and the country.
Chaudhuri said one of the key building blocks to achieving this is ensuring that there is the foundation of trust, robust security and legislation protecting the data and privacy of citizens.
A representative of Senator Oseni Yakubu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Mr Ayo Ogo, commended the organizers for the effort, and assured that the outcome of the dialogue would receive speedy legislative support.
National Commissioner of National Data Protection Bureau, Dr Vincent Olatunji, described the event as a major milestone towards having a robust principal legislation for data protection in Nigeria.
He urged all stakeholders to make input to build a solid foundation for data privacy and protection in Nigeria.
Acting Director General of the National Population Commission (NPC), Ugoeze Mbagou, said the essence of protecting data cannot be underestimated.
She said proper planning cannot be made without data and said it is important that the law has to come on board for a better living for Nigerians.