States risk losing investment over weak data protection – NDPC

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned that states that do not establish robust data protection and privacy systems risk losing investor confidence and potential investment opportunities in an increasingly digital economy. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, emphasized that strong data protection could enhance a state's credibility, bolster public trust, and make it more attractive to foreign investors.

Speaking at a data privacy implementation workshop, Olatunji stressed that the growing movement of personal and commercial information across borders has made data protection a crucial factor for businesses considering investment or partnerships.

Effective implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act at the state level is crucial for building trust and confidence, Olatunji added. He urged state governments to focus on establishing frameworks, policies, and institutional structures for implementing the national law, rather than enacting separate state data protection laws.

Nigeria's privacy ecosystem has expanded significantly, with over 38,000 organizations registered with the NDPC and 346 licensed data protection compliance organizations. The number of people working in the ecosystem has also risen from fewer than 1,000 to over 27,000 within three years.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, warned that inadequate privacy protection could hinder investment and Nigeria's digital development. Tijani emphasized that trust is the foundation of a competitive digital economy and that without a secure and privacy-compliant environment, citizen engagement, investment, and digital progress would be compromised.

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Garo, highlighted the massive volume of personal information handled by state governments in various sectors, stressing the responsibility to handle this information lawfully, responsibly, and securely.