Technology
Nigeria Eyes Multi-Billion Naira Data Privacy Sector
By Adedapo Adesanya
With the latest conversation around data privacy and its enforcement, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to develop a multi-billion naira data privacy sector which will strengthen job creation among others in 2021.
This disclosure was made by the agency’s Director-General, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, on Monday in Abuja at the virtual news conference to open the 2021 National Data Privacy Week.
Data Privacy Week is a global event held every last week in January, with this year’s celebration falling between Monday, January 25 and January 28.
Mr Inuwa said that boosting the data privacy sector will be done through the consolidated implementation of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
According to him, the NDPR established on January 25, 2019, by Mr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, was designed to guide the use of data in public places.
“It will also meet the global principles on data protection, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),’’ the director-general said.
He said that the NDPR recorded huge success between 2019 and 2020, through sustained public awareness, training, workshops for Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) and Data Breach Investigation Team (DBIT).
He said that other achievements were the implementation structure of NDPR that approved licences for DPCOs on data protection implementation, legal and political structure for sustainability.
“In March 2020, NITDA was selected as a member of the Technical Working Group on Data Protection Laws Harmonisation and Localisation in Africa.
“In December 2020, NITDA was appointed as a full member of the Common Thread Network, a network of commonwealth nations’ data protection authorities.
“In 2021, we are working on the development of sectorial implementation toolkits and the objective is to get sector stakeholders to agree on a single, workable template for compliance in their sector.
“We shall engage vigorous and experienced Nigeria-based institutions that will help us standardise and accredit data protection, information security training and certification.
“We hope to develop a multi-billion naira sector that will create thousands of jobs for trainers, content providers and other professionals.
“We are also going to re-jig our enforcement mechanism to improve compliance,” the NITDA boss said.
He further said that data privacy was challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis which led to a mental health crisis, thereby impeding compliance and enforcement of the regulation.
“We are going to redouble our efforts in the direction of enforcement and compliance as data protection has become a pivot for the continued growth of the digital economy,” Mr Inuwa said.
He, however, stated that the agency was going to create more awareness on the regulation, further work with the media to upscale its publicity and build the capacity of officers on data protection management in collaboration with stakeholders.
“Our current effort at enforcement is salutary but not nearly enough, we are considering all options to ensure we do not kill businesses while also ensuring businesses do not kill Nigerians through wanton abuse of their data,’’ he said.
Mr Inuwa further called on all data controllers and processors to file their annual data audit report before March 15, 2021.
The NITDA DG emphasised that non-filing of their report was a punishable offence under the NDPR and the agency was set to fully enforce the provision this year.
“Our audit reports for filed entities of 2019-2020 from some DPCOs show compliance level of financial services at 35 per cent, fast-moving consumer goods at 14 per cent and energy at 10 per cent.
“The consultancy sector compliance was at nine per cent, ICT at eight per cent, transport and logistics five per cent and others at 19 per cent.
“With the direction we are moving on NDPR audit compliance filing, we are very glad that we have set out in the right way.
“Our strategy of licensing DPCOs is yielding bounteous fruits as Nigeria now has more data protection experts per capita than any other African country,” the NITDA boss said.
He further said that wealth was generated through the DPCO scheme, hence aligning with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda to diversify the economy, create sustainable jobs and digitally develop the country.
Mr Inuwa also said that strategies to implement the NDPR were helping lawmakers pass a befitting Data Protection Bill.
He outlined activities to mark the week as Privacy Tech Expo, webinars on Privacy and Public Health Management – Lessons from COVID-19 – and National Virtual Class on Data Protection for Secondary Schools.
Other activities he said would include a webinar on National Identification Number (NIN): Preserving Privacy; Promoting the Digital Economy, discussing the issues around the issuance of the National Identity Number and its implications on privacy and the digital economy.
He added that on January 28, Mr Pantami would anchor the Global Privacy Day, National Quiz Competition and a roundtable discussion comprising African Data Protection executives.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A mobile application, MyLagosApp, designed to provide real-time updates on events, entertainment, hospitality, transport services and government-related payments, has been launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
The digital platform was created by the Software Lab in MTN, according to the Chief Information Officer of MTN Nigeria, Shoyinka Shodunke, and is embedded with global security standards and practices with ISO 27001 certification.
At the launch of the app last Thursday, it was emphasised that security was a key priority in the design and development of the app to ensure the protection of user data and secure access to the app’s features and functionalities.
MyLagosApp, currently entitled MyCityApp on the app store, is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Users have been encouraged to download it to experience firsthand how urban living in Lagos has been transformed with the app.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mr Obafemi Hamzat, while speaking at the unveiling of the app, reinforced the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced city management and connectivity.
He described it as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to enhancing the lives of citizens through technological innovation.
“I commend the collaboration between MTN Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, alongside other key stakeholders, for making this vision a reality.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of technology in bridging the gap between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and improve lives.
“The app serves as a vital link between the government and the people, simplifying access to public services, providing real-time updates, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
“Whether you need to navigate government processes, access essential city services, or stay informed about key developments, MyLagosApp places all the information you need right at your fingertips,” Mr Hamzat said on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
On his part, the chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, said, “As we embrace the future of e-governance, digital entertainment and commercial innovation, initiatives like this are essential in making Lagos a truly smart city, and we are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government to drive digital transformation and enhance urban living.
“With the launch of MyLagosApp, we are leveraging technology to simplify access to essential services, improve connectivity, and create a smarter, more efficient Lagos for residents and visitors alike.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, amid growing concerns over potential privacy violations.
This was disclosed, the chief executive of NDPC, Mr Vincent Olatunji, at a press conference in Abuja, where he also announced the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDPC act – GAID 2025).
According to Mr Olatunji, the commission is particularly concerned about how these platforms handle Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.
He said the NDPC is actively investigating the data processing activities of Tiktok and Truecaller to ensure their compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
He noted that the goal was to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data.
The investigation follows increasing scrutiny of global technology companies over data privacy concerns, particularly regarding how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025 provides a comprehensive framework for the implementation of Nigeria’s data protection law, setting out specific guidelines for compliance, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both private and public sector organisations.
He emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring that individuals’ rights to privacy are upheld in line with international best practices.
Mr Olatunji further reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must align with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions on their operations.
The NDPC has called on the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The agency stated that reporting data breaches have become easier with dedicated channels of reaching out to the commission from its official website.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Google has intensified calls for Nigerian businesses to tap into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as data shows how it is fundamentally transforming consumer behavior and creating unprecedented opportunities.
According to Mr Brendon Kraham, Vice President of Search and Commerce, Global Ads Solutions, the numbers show that Google products around the intersection of searching, streaming, scrolling, and shopping can help position businesses for growth.
Amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, technology is proving to be a pathway to drive brand awareness that resort to action.
“We’re observing a significant evolution in how people interact with technology and brands. This evolution is driven by AI and characterized by a multi-modal consumer journey, where searching, streaming, scrolling, and shopping seamlessly intertwine,” Mr Kraham stated.
He added that AI is now powering businesses when it comes to modern search and advertising with Google’s AI Overviews, powered by Gemini, demonstrating how AI can provide richer, more conversational answers, leading to increased user engagement and exploration.
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