The Nigeria Data Protection
Commission (NDPC) and the Minister of Interior have partnered to ensure the integrity
of the personal data of Nigerians.
The partnership deal was sealed
when the National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, conducted an advocacy
visit to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at his office
in Abuja to raise awareness about Data Protection.
According to a statement endorsed
by the Head, Media Unit at NDPC, Itunu Dosekun, National Commissioner/CEO emphasized
the increasing digitization of the world and its impact on various aspects of
human life, particularly the sharing of personal data such as names, phone
numbers, email addresses, National Identity Number (NIN) and Biometric
Verification Number (BVN); all of which are crucial in identifying individuals.
He said: "There are some personal
data that are sensitive which require additional safeguards such as our health
records, labor union affiliation, sexual orientation, and information that can
be used for discriminatory purposes."
Highlighting the global focus on
safeguarding online identities, Dr Olatunji highlighted some existing
international efforts and particularly, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) which
ensures the protection of personal data, thus, contributing to Nigeria's global
recognition. He stressed the significance of compliance with the NDPA,
especially for the Ministry of Interior, which serves as a major data
controller due to its oversight of agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration
Service, Civil Defense, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service,
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, and the National Identity Management
Commission (NIMC).
Dr Olatunji said: "Something
as fundamental as our international passport, which now carries our NIN, serves
as our primary identity, equivalent to a social security number... we have come
to collaborate on strategies to enhance the integrity of the data of
Nigerians."
Responding, Hon Tunji-Ojo
commended Dr. Olatunji, saying he is one of the most accomplished figures in
the public sector. He commended the significant strides made in establishing a
robust Data Protection ecosystem in the country within a short period.
Recognizing the Ministry of
Interior's central role in the data protection landscape, the minister said:
"Apart from internal security, our core responsibility is to safeguard the
integrity of citizenship, personal data, and identity. Collaboration with you
is imperative in our marriage registries, citizenship matters, business
operations, rights of expatriates, places of worship, and even to our inmates
in the correctional service."
The Minister requested a
capacity-building program from NDPC for the Ministry of Interior's workers to
enhance their understanding and application of Data Protection principles in
their daily activities. Additionally, he proposed a comprehensive Data
Protection audit spanning the ministry and its agencies.
Dr Olatunji graciously agreed to
train the Ministry of Interior's staff at no cost and outlined the process for
conducting a Data Protection Compliance Organization-led audit. Furthermore,
both the NDPC and the Ministry of Interior identified potential areas for
collaboration and partnership.
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