The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP 2023-2027). expected to create about 500,000 jobs and generate more than N125 billion in revenues.
The launch of the five-pillar NDP-SRAP was held concurrently with a capacity-building workshop on Data Privacy and Protection for Data Protection Officers in Abuja
The five pillars comprised governance, ecosystem and technology, human capital development, cooperation and collaboration as well as funding and sustainability.
The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in his keynote address at the forum said the NDP-SRAP and the training were important to enable the commission to achieve its mandate of having a robust data protection sector.
While recalling that part of the “Renewed Hope’’ agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is to create about two million jobs in the digital economy sector, the NDPC boss projected that the data protection sector alone could create more than 500,000 jobs in the economy.
He expatiated: “The NDP-SRAP comprises interlinked initiatives and activities like job, wealth creation, human capital development, revenue generation, foundational initiatives for the digital economy and enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation.
“These activities are expected to create about 500,000 jobs, generate revenue of more than N125 billion and expand the sector within the lifespan of this roadmap.
“The roadmap will contribute to the growth of the country’s international businesses and its global competitiveness in human capital.
“In security, it is one area that will check malicious use of identity; unauthorised access to people’s data and information used for various things; build trust and improve the global perception of Nigerians,’’ Olatunji added.
He pointed out that jobs in the data protection sector were not limited to any profession because the NDP-SRAP has more than 69 activities embedded in the five pillars.
According to him, public institutions, the organized private sector (OPS), civil society organisations (CSOs), and the media have roles to play to ensure an effective action plan.
He hinted that the commission was considering endorsing a Data Protection and Certification body where certified professionals worked as obtainable in global practice.
Decrying the current situation in which most certified professionals in Nigeria had foreign certifications, which were expensive to obtain through examinations and the annual renewal of the certifications, the expert maintained: “We have the competence to have our own home-grown solutions and certifications that compare favourably with those around the globe.”
Olatunji explained that the roadmap took one year to prepare and was recognised in the “Renewed Hope’’ agenda mandates and the blueprints of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Speaking at the forum, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (LDPCOs), Mr. Ivan Anya, disclosed that various engagements were on-going to ensure the implementation of the roadmap.
Anya said there were currently about 150 LDPCOs and more were expected to register to create opportunities for the development of the country’s data protection ecosystem.
According to him, increased activities are expected since the NDP-SRAP is a working document.
In his remarks, President of the Institute of Information Management, (IM-Africa), Dr. Ayodeji Oyewole, commended the initiatives of the NDPC to improve Nigeria’s data and information management landscape.
He noted that the commission was identifying opportunities that would help to strengthen the economy and provide platforms for professionals to develop their careers and help others to find career paths, adding that from the content of the roadmap, it would have a futuristic impact on the country and ensure sustainability.
