The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has put Nigerians and the general public on notice about the on-going investigation of the alleged breach of data privacy rights of Nigerians by some Data Controllers.
It would be recalled that NITDA issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) on 25th January, 2019 with the aim of stemming the tide of wanton abuse of data privacy, improving the global image of the Nigerian business environment and to stimulate a data economy which would lead to the creation of 300,000 jobs by 2022.
Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday, in Abuja.
According to him, “In an effort to sensitise the general public and create the requisite awareness on the NDPR, series of publications were made in electronic, print and new media.
“The Agency has also written articles, made paper presentations and facilitated public and privately organised fora for the purpose of deepening compliance with the NDPR.
“We are happy to say that Nigerians and non-Nigerians have taken note of the NDPR as evidenced by over 400 phones calls and numerous email enquiries being received and treated daily.
“The Agency has gone further to prepare a detailed Draft Data Protection Implementation Framework and made available on the Agency’s website,www.nitda.gov.ng, for inputs from the general public.
“The Framework details expectations from every stakeholder.
“Furthermore, a sample Privacy Policy is attached to guide government agencies and the private sector on compliance with the NDPR”.
He noted that they are currently investigating some entities including Banks, Fintechs, Telcos etc, who are in alleged breach of the NDPR.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is also under investigation for alleged violation of Article 2.1(2,3) of the NDPR.
“We therefore wish to assure all Nigerians that NITDA is willing, able and ready to implement the NDPR with the ultimate aim of ensuring compliance and making businesses and government work better for every Nigerian”, he stated.
