In a pivotal move for data protection and regulation in Nigeria, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has officially ushered in the formation of the National Committee for Nigeria Data Protection (NDP) Act General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID). This momentous announcement came via an official statement from Itunu Dosekun, who leads the Media Unit at NDPC, signifying the Commission’s commitment to enforcing data protection measures.
The rollout of the NDP Act GAID marks a significant milestone in a series of carefully orchestrated regulatory initiatives spearheaded by the Commission. The overarching goal of these measures is to establish a streamlined and effective compliance framework under the ambit of the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023.
At the core of this development lies the pivotal role assigned to the committee. Its principal mission is to furnish comprehensive guidance pertaining to the technical and organizational measures that data controllers and data processors are mandated to adopt. These measures are designed not only to safeguard the privacy of data subjects but also to fortify data security and uphold the principle of data sovereignty within the Nigerian context.
Moreover, the GAID will play a crucial role in shedding light on fundamental terms and concepts encapsulated within the legislation. It will seek to provide clear and unambiguous definitions of essential elements such as Child Consent, Data Subjects’ Rights, Lawful Basis of Data Processing, Registration of Data Controllers and Data Processors, as well as Cross-Border Data Transfers, among others. By doing so, the committee aims to eliminate any ambiguities and ensure a uniform understanding and application of these critical aspects of data protection.
Comprised of eight esteemed members, the committee is under the able leadership of Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq., who serves as the Commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations. Working alongside him, Mr. Tokunbo Smith from the Association of Licensed Data Protection Organizations of Nigeria assumes the role of Co-Chair, contributing valuable insights and expertise from the private sector. The pivotal role of Secretary falls to Hauwa Hadejia, Esq., responsible for coordinating the committee’s activities and ensuring efficient communication.
The remaining committee members, including Ozoemena F. Nwogbo, Esq., Mr. Gbenga Sesan, Mr. David Daser, Femi Daniels, Esq., and Ifeoma Peters, Esq., bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to the table, ensuring that the committee operates with a well-rounded and informed perspective.
Overall, the launch of the National Committee for Nigeria Data Protection Act General Application and Implementation Directive represents a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s data protection landscape. It signals the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the privacy and security of its citizens’ data while fostering an environment conducive to responsible data management and international data transfers.
