By Emmanuel Elebeke

Nigeria has emerged as continental leader in Data Protection, compared to other African countries.

The National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr. Vincent Olatunji disclosed this during the ongoing executive session, at the Nigeria-Netherlands Economic Consultation.

The National Commissioner, who informed the assembly of the major significance of the Bureau to the contribution of Nigeria’s GDP, reiterated his resolve to improve on the gains so far made.

“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 structures 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 N5.5bn in the sector, which is contributing to our GDP” he said.

Dr. Olatunji further affirmed the resolve of the bureau to guarantee the safety of personal data of the Dutch citizens 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 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.