By Hillary Asemota
The National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, on Wednesday said Nigeria has gained the lead of Data Protection Governance, implementation and drive in Africa following its contribution of N5.5 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The performance has therefore placed Nigeria ahead of other African countries, the NDPB boss, averred.
Olatunji, made the disclosure at the instance of the Executive Session, which was held at the Nigeria-Netherlands Economic Consultation in Abuja.
The Head of Media and Communications at the Bureau, Mr. Itunu Dosekun, in a statement said the National Commissioner underscored the major significance of the Bureau to the contribution of Nigeria’s GDP.
“The EU countries have gone ahead with Data Protection but Nigeria gain the lead in Africa with over 200 million people, we have put in place appropriate structure to create confidence and trust in whatever you are doing with us in terms of trade and commerce, because one of the objectives of the NDPR is to increase the global competitiveness of businesses in the country.”
“We have a combined earning of N5.5 billion in the sector, which is contributing to our GDP.” he said.
Olatunji further guaranteed that the personal data of the Dutch citizens is safe in Nigeria since appropriate safeguards have been put in place through the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau by the Federal Government.
He however requested partnership in the area of peer review in implementing data protection regulations and laws between the two countries and other areas, “we are happy to work with you in the area of awareness and capacity building and spreading the gospel of data protection because it is the key, the bedrock of the global digital economy.”
The event was attended by delegates from the Netherlands’ Foreign Affairs, Chief Executive Officers from Ministry Department and Agencies (MDAs) and Organized Private Sector were present at the consultation.