By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), says data protection awareness is important for the judiciary system to secure equal rights for data-related matters.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, NDPC, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN reports that NDPC had in a statement said it has concluded plans to partner National Judicial Institute (NJI) to ensure data protection in the judicial system.

The statement was issued by the commission’s Head of Media, Mr Itunu Dosekun.

Justifying the move, Olatunji told NAN that the judicial system needed to be abreast with the requirements of data protection so as to avert injustice in data-related cases.

“We are in an era of disruptive technologies and a lot of people are on the digital space and the way one is treated affects others.

“We expect that justice on issues of data protection should be tripartite in nature, such that judgement in the entire spectrum does not affect the right of others.

“Decisions on enjoyment of data privacy rights in relation to one citizen have fundamental implications on all citizens,’’ he said.

Olatunji further said that countries globally were putting adequate measures in place to ensure enforceable data protection rights as well as to establish data protection authorities to enforce data protection laws.

The national commissioner also said that in the digital age the protection of the privacy of all citizens worldwide was paramount. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne