…says law will boost jobs, digital economy

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja

Project Sprint has intensified its advocacy for the passage of the Data Protection Bill (SB648), urging the Senate to expedite legislative action on the proposed law, which it said is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy, creating jobs for young people and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

The youth-driven organisation, which has been coordinating nationwide support for the bill, said it had mobilised a broad coalition of civil society organisations, youth groups and policy stakeholders to back the proposed legislation.

Speaking after leading the coalition to the Senate public hearing on the bill on July 23, the Country Director of Project Sprint, Israel James, described the overwhelming support demonstrated during the hearing as evidence of the growing national consensus on the need for a comprehensive legal framework for data protection.

According to James, the coalition comprised the Center for Africa Policy Research and Advisory, Southern Nigeria Youth Congress, Young Lawyers Forum, PCCSIGN and several other youth-led and civil society organisations from across the country.

He said the coalition unanimously adopted the position that the passage of SB648 would provide the legal and regulatory framework needed to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation while improving data governance, accountability and investor confidence.

James argued that the legislation would create significant employment opportunities for Nigerian youths by attracting greater investment into the country’s digital ecosystem and encouraging technology companies to establish and expand their operations in Nigeria.

He added that the bill would also increase government revenue through enhanced local economic activities within the technology sector while promoting long-term digital investments.

The Project Sprint Country Director further noted that the proposed legislation would strengthen Nigeria’s digital sovereignty by giving the country greater capacity to regulate digital services and manage data within its own legal framework.

He described SB648 as a strategic policy that would lay the foundation for a resilient digital economy where innovation, investment and national security can thrive under clear regulatory standards.

“The coalition views SB648 as an important foundation for building a resilient digital economy where innovation, investment and national security can grow together under clear regulatory standards,” James said.

Project Sprint also appealed to members of the Senate to demonstrate their commitment to the aspirations of young Nigerians by ensuring the speedy passage of the bill.

According to James, approving the legislation would send a strong signal that lawmakers recognise the importance of youth participation in shaping Nigeria’s digital future and are committed to enacting policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.

He noted that many young Nigerians see the Data Protection Bill as more than a legislative proposal, describing it as a pathway to job creation, innovation and improved national competitiveness in the global digital economy.

The organisation urged lawmakers to seize the opportunity to enact legislation that reflects the aspirations of Nigeria’s growing youth population while positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

Project Sprint reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining advocacy and mobilising public support for the bill alongside its coalition of civil society organisations, youth groups and policy stakeholders until it is passed by the National Assembly.