NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

Data ecosystem has capacity to drive trillion dollar economy – NDPC 

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says the data privacy ecosystem has the capacity to drive Nigeria to a trillion dollar economy.

Its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this at a news conference to commemorate the 2025 Global Privacy Day, in Abuja.

Beginning from Europe in 2008, the day highlights the significance of privacy and data protection.

The NDPC commissioner said that through the implementation of the pillars of its Nigeria Data Protection-Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP), localised technology adoption and global collaborations, indigenous data privacy could contribute to the growth of the economy.

“We can’t keep relying on foreign technologies for what we are doing here, so our local content must be encouraged.

“In NDPC, our platforms, the services, portal, and websites are locally developed, and they are very robust enough for us to use.

“This can drive technologies and we are talking of operating a trillion dollar economy for this country that will be driven by digital technologies.

“The private ecosystem alone can convey a lot of services that are being offered and you can imagine audit files alone, registration of data controllers, reporting breaches. A lot is going on and even creating awareness through various platforms,” he said.

He also encouraged startups to key into the data privacy ecosystem, adding that there was immense potential.

Speaking on the day, Olatunji highlighted the universality of data privacy principles but stressed the need for adapting them to local laws.

He urged stakeholders to leverage the knowledge of data protection not only within Nigeria but also on a global scale.

“All we want is for you to adapt the local laws of wherever you want to practice. The principles of data protection and security are the same worldwide and the knowledge you acquire here can take you anywhere,” he said.

Olatunji noted the immense potential in Nigeria’s data ecosystem, saying the nation’s human capital development remains critical to advancing its digital economy.

According to him, NDPC places significant focus on building capacity while encouraging the development of indigenous digital technologies to reduce reliance on foreign solutions.

He reiterated the NDPC’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration through initiatives that strengthen data privacy awareness, compliance and enforcement.

He stated that Nigeria’s acceptance into the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) and the hosting rights of the 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities conference was a testament that the country had demonstrated a good traction in data protection initiatives.

Olatunji highlighted that a robust data protection framework was a key factor for attracting multinational investments, ensuring compliance with global standards and safeguarding the rights of data subjects.

The commissioner said that the commission had signed Memoranda of Understanding with data protection authorities in Canada and United Arab Emirates, to ensure cross-border knowledge sharing on data privacy.

“Our law applies even when Nigerian data is processed outside the country and collaborating with foreign data protection agencies allows us to exchange knowledge effectively,” he said.

Olatunji stated that the commission had in the past engaged in a series of awareness campaigns, trained 55,529 individuals on data privacy, had 5,351 capacity building programmes, among other engagements.

Highlight of the event included the launch of the NDPC International Journal of Data Privacy and Protection and the release of the commission’s 2024 annual report.(NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Science & Tech

FG unveils national data protection certification programme

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Monday launched the National Certification Programme for Data Protection Officers (DPOs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 500 DPOs are expected to be trained in the first cohort of the programme, targeted at bridging the gap in data protection across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, hence the need to develop the digital economy sector.

He highlighted the role of the digital economy, saying that it currently contributed 14 per cent to 16 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with plans to increase it to 21 per cent within the next few years.

“We have a President that is taking bold decisions that may cause us some initial pains as a people, but will lead to a strong foundation for a future that will be inclusive and prosperous for every member of this country.

“President Bola Tinubu mentioned his intention and dedication to driving our economy to becoming a $1 trillion economy.

“Many people may not understand what that means but the implication is that if you have a country that is close to half a billion people, you have to provide job opportunities, and the only way you can do that is by growing the GDP of the country.

“It is only through economic activities and developing the digital economy that we can truly provide many meaningful jobs for our people,” he said.

Tijani reflected on Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution since 1999, noting its transformative impact on communication, financial services, and business operations.

He, however, raised concerns about the vulnerabilities posed by increased connectivity, particularly in data privacy and security.

The minister stressed the importance of building trust to ensure the success of digital technologies, innovation, and economic growth.

He urged the beneficiaries of the programme to leverage the opportunity, adding that it was government’s unique investment in their future and contribution to national development.

According to Tijani, a strong digital economy relies on skilled individuals and trust, without which Nigeria risks falling behind.

The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said that with the adoption of emerging technologies, the World Economic Forum had projected in 2020 that 92 million jobs would be lost in six years.

Olatunji, however, noted that 170 million skills set and new jobs could be created as well, and they required digital skills.

He recalled that the Commission conducted a survey of data controllers and processors and discovered that over 500,000 data controllers and processors existed and needed to be employed as data protection officers.

The NDPC boss, however, said the skills were lacking, hence the need for them to train certified DPOs.

“In line with the Public-Private Partnership model, which we have started with implementing the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan.

“We came up with this idea of training and paying for the generation of data protection officers who will now be certified,” he said.

Olatunji also said it decided to train the DPOs, to reduce the burden of cost associated with data protection certification.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), advocated for skills and knowledge acquisition and certification, saying it was very relevant in building the digital economy.

Inuwa highlighted the importance of programmes that equipped young Nigerians with digital skills, noting their potential to reduce unemployment and enhance economic growth.

He congratulated participants of the certification programme, reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.

Also, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that sustainable data required a functional protection mechanism in an increasingly digital world.

Represented by CP Uche Henry, the National Commissioner, Cybercrime Centre, Egbetokun said the increasing application of emerging technologies had increased threats.

“The increasing application of emerging technologies and the management of public and firebase businesses with inherent vulnerabilities exposes the entire global ecosystem to cyber threats and data breaches.

“This has caused the urgent need for well trained professionals who can effectively navigate the complexities of data protection and regulatory frameworks,” he said.

Other goodwill messages were from the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande and Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd.

NAN reports that the programme will commence with the first cohort of 200 participants, with 100 each from Abuja and Lagos respectively.

In the subsequent weeks, a new cohort of 100 participants would undergo training each week until the full group of 500 selected participants had completed the training.

The training and certification of the 500 selected participants is being funded by the NDPC as part of its 2025 capacity-building initiatives and in line with its Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (2023-2027).

Beneficiaries of the programme will take a virtual certification examination at the end of the programme, which will be administered by the Institute of Information Management (IIM).(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Economy/Business

Stakeholders advocate data-driven economic reforms

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Some stakeholders on Thursday called for data-driven economic reforms with measurable outcomes to enhance the country’s Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ranking.

They made the call during the January9Collective (J9C) 13th Anniversary Lecture in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed: ‘Business and Policy Strategy: Examining the Role of Reform in Enhancing the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria’.

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, urged the Federal Government to implement more fiscal reforms.

Adebayo noted that such reforms should facilitate economic growth, improve efficiency, and foster economic stability.

He suggested the metering of oil wells to ensure accurate revenue generation.

He emphasised that the government must engage with businesses at regulatory intersections to enhance the ease of doing business and implement reforms to strengthen the legal system.

“The Nigerian government must look inwards, define the desired trajectory for the country, and carry out reforms based on that vision.

“The first reform should ensure that rules are not set by players but are enforced by independent entities. Businesspeople must approach the government for general regulations rather than specific ones.

“Economic reforms without political reforms are ineffective, as politics dictate the economy.

“For ease of doing business, we must also separate regulators from those they regulate and ensure economic crimes are punishable,” he said.

Adebayo further highlighted the need for transparency in land matters.

Dr Kayode Onafowokan, Chairman of Coleman Wires and Cables, described the event’s theme as reflective of efforts to promote professionalism, entrepreneurial excellence, honour, and integrity.

He called for increased investments in agriculture, food processing, industrial raw materials, building materials, and information and communication technology (ICT).

“Investment decisions are not sentimental; globally, the primary consideration is to invest where returns are guaranteed, though not taken for granted.

“Equally crucial is succession planning, which is vital for aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Founders of Nigerian businesses should encourage their children to engage with the institutions they have built to ensure sustained growth and continuity,” he said.

Mr Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, Founder of Nairametrics, underscored the importance of leveraging data for decision-making in reforms.

He noted that the difference between developing and developed economies lies in their ability to access and utilise data, adding that businesses that effectively harness data tend to outperform those that do not.

“Tax incentives are critical to encouraging both local and foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

“To increase foreign direct investment, the groundwork must include addressing the fiscal deficit, implementing foreign exchange reforms, and ensuring exchange rate stability changes that may materialise this year,” he said.

Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, urged the government to view manufacturing as pivotal to driving economic growth.

He called for policies to promote industrial development, incentivise private sector participation, and facilitate intersectoral engagement.

“It is essential to pass the four pending tax bills urgently and revise electricity tariffs to reflect actual consumption.

“We also urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to redeem the outstanding 2.4 billion dollars in foreign exchange obligations,” he said.

Mrs Toki Mabogunje, a former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the need to modernise reforms and ensure their proper implementation and enforcement.

She noted the role of sub-national governments in driving the ease of doing business.

“We must harness the value chain of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to compete globally, aggregate the mining sector, and unlock exports, particularly non-oil exports,” she said.

Mr Adedeji Popoola, Founder of Fina Trust Microfinance Bank, emphasised the importance of SMEs internalising business processes and maintaining proper documentation to enhance financial inclusion.

He also called on the government to address insecurity to foster inclusive economic development.

Mr Kingsley James, Captain of J9C, stated that the group, established in 2012, aims to consistently examine the Nigerian polity and offer solutions through dialogue and engagement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

General News

Geospatial data crucial to security, development- Goronyo

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By Ahmed Musa/Angela Atabo

Dr Mohammed Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, has emphasised the role of geospatial data in advancing Nigeria’s security and socio-economic development.

During his visit to the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation in Abuja on Wednesday, Goronyo noted the importance of developing data infrastructure as a cornerstone of the nation’s progress.

“We must develop our data infrastructure to succeed as a nation because accurate data is essential for achieving our goals,” he stated.

The minister observed that although the Office of the Surveyor-General has been operational for over 100 years, its equipment has become outdated due to rapid technological advancements.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to prioritising data utilisation to drive its security and socio-economic agenda.

He added that accurate data is indispensable for agencies involved in technology, mechanised agriculture, and security.

Goronyo also called for increased support for the Office of the Surveyor-General to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate.

He acknowledged the office’s efforts in spite huge challenges related to funding and resources.

Earlier, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr AbdulGaniyu Adebomehin, identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to the agency’s operations.

Adebomehin revealed that the agency currently has only two drones to cover the six geopolitical zones, severely limiting its capacity to execute projects efficiently.

The minister however assured that the government would address the issues raised, including improving staff welfare and providing additional geospatial equipment to enhance the agency’s coverage. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agriculture

Data crucial for agric. mechanisation- Stakeholders

278 total views today

 

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have emphasised the importance of accurate data in realising the full potential of agricultural mechanisation.

 

This was the central theme of a workshop on Mechanisation in Nigeria, organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Heifer International Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

 

Dr Tobi Lekan, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, noted that data plays a critical role in optimising tractor utilisation and maintenance.

 

“By embracing a data-driven approach, we can maximise the impact of each tractor and ensure the success of Nigeria’s mechanisation journey,” he said.

 

Lekan said that the workshop aimed to discuss strategies for supporting the ownership, deployment, adoption, and use of tractors to make them sustainable.

 

He emphasised that increasing the penetration rate of tractors in Nigeria was crucial, as the country currently had one of the lowest rates in Africa.

 

Mr Mohamed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, highlighted the government’s commitment to engaging youths as drivers of agricultural transformation.

 

“The first phase of the initiative aims to assemble and deploy 2,000 John Deere tractors, creating 2,000 models of mechanisation success stories.”

 

Mr Cornelius Adebayo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), stated that the government was making significant efforts to promote mechanisation through its agencies.

 

According to Adebayo, the government is working on clusterisation to fast-track mechanisation.

 

“We cannot achieve our mechanisation goals without clusterisation, so we have designed national programmes to ensure their success.

 

“These programmes include the Renewed Hope mega farm settlement, which provides thousands of farmers with access to social amenities and enables them to produce and earn a living.

 

“Additionally, the government plans to resettle displaced persons and cluster them in areas where they can farm and earn a living.”

 

Dr Nneka Enwonwu, Hello Tractor’s Country Managing Director, emphasised the crucial role of innovative financing in effective mechanisation.

 

“Our organisation tackles financial and operational hurdles that limit access to mechanisation.

 

“We connect smallholder farmers to mechanized service providers, optimising tractor utilisation and maintenance through data-driven solutions like Pay-As-You-Go models and technology-enabled tracking,”she said.

 

Enwonwu stressed that achieving food security requires mechanising smallholder farmers.

 

“We must provide them with access to mechanised services, tractors, implements, and harvesters to boost productivity and yields.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Why I sponsored data protection act amendment—Nwoko

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By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), says his bill on amendment to Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 will ensure compliance with global best practices and provide economic and security benefits to the nation.

 

Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, said the bill has passed through the first reading.

 

Nwoko is the Senate Committee Chairman on Reparations and Repatriations.

 

He said the amendment also aimed to enhance the swift resolution of complaints, and foster stakeholder confidence.

 

Nwoko said the bill would mandate social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating within Nigeria to establish and maintain physical offices within the country.

 

It is entitled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters”.

 

“I proposed in the bill that Section 5 of the 2023 Act be altered by the addition of a new article P.

 

“It shall read that the commission shall mandate all data controllers, data processors, or operators of social media platforms to establish and maintain a physical office situated within the territorial boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

“Failure to comply with this requirement for a continuous period of 30 days shall render the entity liable to a prohibition from conducting operations within the jurisdiction of Nigeria,’’ he told NAN.

 

He further proposed that Section 65 of the Principal Act be altered by the addition of new terms and their interpretations.

 

“They shall read that Data Controllers means entities that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data and bear legal responsibility for compliance with data protection laws,” he said.

 

Nwoko said Data Processors in the context of the bill meant entities that process personal data on behalf of a data controller based on specific instructions and without autonomy over the purposes or means of processing.

 

“Operators of Social Media Platforms means legal persons or entities responsible for owning, managing, or controlling digital platforms that facilitate user interaction, content sharing, or communication.

 

Nwoko said Physical Offices as referred to in the bill means a fixed and operational business location within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

He said they should be staffed and authorised to engage with regulators, stakeholders, and the public for the purpose of fulfilling legal and operational obligations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Economy/Business

Use statistics to tell Africa’s story- Bagudu

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has urged the African statistical systems to use statistics to tell the African story.

Bagudu said this at the 2024 African Statistics Day  Celebration, organised by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the Day is ‘Supporting Education by Modernising the Production of Fit-For-Purpose Statistics’.

He said there were calls for Africa to create its own credit rating agency which would adequately capture the realities of the continent.

The minister said this had become necessary because the methodologies used by some of the rating agencies were not known.

According to him, the African statistical system must help us tell the African story, and the African story is that of hard-working men and women.

“We are not going to wait for someone to develop a methodology for us to say it. That is as fit- for purpose as it could be.

“That at 4 am, a woman is carrying a child on her back, going to the farm or fishing ground, or moving around with livestock or by the roadside roasting corn or plantain, and this is as hardworking as it can be.

“But yet the global credit system has excluded these hard-working women.

“Yet maybe somewhere a woman who wakes up at 11 am and works for five hours a day some statistical system is likely to accord her more avenues for inclusion.

“Who should say this, who should tell the world this? Not only is she hardworking, she is honorable and this is the picture across our continent.

Bagudu said there was a need to reverse these statistics that put the continent  in a bad light or “show us as otherwise”.

He said this was important so the world capital market could appreciate that Africa is a continent of hardworking men and women.

“Also, that we have governmental systems in Africa  that ensure statistical systems are independent”.

The minister said the “sanctity of data” is the watchword of  President Tinubu-led administration.

“We have recognised and given independence to NBS; we have never sought to interfere with the formation, timing and release of data.

“We are not where we want to be but let us confront our reality and make choices pleasant and unpleasant.

“This will help us reach where we want to, and data systems can help us, and this is the African story,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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