News
Stakeholders Consent to Privacy Law for Nigeria …As World Bank Tasks FG on Data Protection
No fewer than two hundred and fifty stakeholders, Wednesday, unanimously gave their nod to the steps towards enacting a principal Data Protection law for Nigeria.
Rising from a two-day Policy Dialogue on Nigeria’s Data Protection law, held in Abuja, the participants were of the view that a data protection law for the country was long overdue.
The Policy Dialogue, convened by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, with support from Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project, had in attendance, representatives of relevant public institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Speaking at the event, World Bank’s Country Director to Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri charged the Nigerian Government to take urgent steps towards enacting a Data Protection Law for Nigeria.
Chaudhuri, who described digital identification key to unlocking the potentials of nations, argued that a data protection law was critical for Nigeria.
“Digital identification is key to unlocking the potentials of nations. A data protection law is very critical for Nigeria. Nigeria’s potentials for a digital economy is high. We are hopeful that Nigeria will be able to enact a data data protection and privacy law soon.”
Speaking at the event, Honourable Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami commended the Nigeria Digital ID4D project for supporting the event, describing data protection as very important for the country.
According to him, “data has become a highly sought commodity and more people are concerned about how their data is stored, processed, and transmitted.”
Represented by the Director General, National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Aliyu Aziz, the Minister argued that a Data Protection Law would provide legal basis for challenging unlawful use of data.
Adding his voice, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji assured that the proposed law will help to secure the data of citizens.
Also speaking, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project, Musa Odole Solomon said Data Protection was a constitutional matter, even as he made a case for a principal privacy law for Nigeria.
Solomon highlighted the benefits of digital identification, adding that the drive for citizens’ enrolment for National Identity Number, makes timely enactment of the law expedient.
“It is one thing to collate citizens’ data, and another to ensure that such data are utilized in a responsible manner. This can only be achieved through a proper legislation. We need to continue to enhance the trust of the people. We must assure citizens of the security of their data.”
Assuring stakeholders of the commitment of the National Assembly to enact a Data Protection Law for Nigeria, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security, Senator Yakubu Oseni said the National Assembly was willing to enact a privacy law for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Immigration Service, represented by Acting Deputy Comptroller General, in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dora Amahian; National Population Commission, represented by the Director General, Ugoeze Patience Mbagwu, National Information Technology Development Agency, National Pension Commission, and several other public institutions took turns to justify the need for a data protection legislation for the country.
Private sector and civil society actors all spoke in favour of a Data Protection Law for Nigeria.
Highlights of the event were panel discussions, break-out sessions, plenary, among others.
Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project is a Nigerian project, jointly funded by The World Bank, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency.
Walter Duru, Ph.D
Manager, Communications
Nigeria Digital ID4D Project
July 27, 2022
Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has cautioned that Nigerians might eventually face petrol prices of N5,000 per litre.
In an interview with Weekend Trust, Upah criticized the recent increase in fuel pump prices and argued that it contradicts the agreement previously made between the NLC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He asserted that the Federal Government’s claims of restoring the fuel subsidy are untrue.
Upah remarked, “The subsidy was never reinstated as they have stated. So, what justifies the rise in pump prices from N650 to N1,500 or even N2,000?
“This situation suggests that we might not have seen the worst yet. There is a possibility that fuel prices could reach N5,000 per litre. We hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, it will be up to Nigerians to make the decision.”
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the receipt of a two million Naira bank draft from Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, a former student loan beneficiary.
This information was disclosed in a statement by Monalisa Dike from the Corporate Communications Department of NELFUND on Friday in Abuja.
Dike noted that Awomolo had received the loan during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1975 to 1977.
She mentioned that Awomolo had fully repaid the loan, showing his strong commitment to the country.
“The original loan amount was N1,000 for two academic sessions, which played a crucial role in his completion of the law degree.
“Although Awomolo had attempted to repay the loan several times over the years, he was only able to settle it now.
“In his letter to NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Awomolo expressed his appreciation for the student loan opportunity provided by the Nigerian government,” Dike said.
She added that Awomolo praised the transparency and accountability NELFUND has shown in managing student loans.
Dike emphasized that Awomolo’s repayment highlights the enduring impact of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative and NELFUND’s continued importance in supporting Nigerian students.
She also mentioned that the repaid funds will be used to support the education of current students in need of loans.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has issued a warning to the public about scammers pretending to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.
The NDDC also noted that registration for the scheme ended on August 31, 2024.
This information was released in a statement on Friday by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at the commission, and shared with DAILY POST.
The statement reads, in part: “We have received reports of individuals receiving unsolicited messages claiming they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, which includes requests for personal information and an acceptance fee.
“The NDDC does not charge any fees for placing qualified youths in its internship programme. We want to make it clear that these fraudulent selection messages are not affiliated with the NDDC.
“Any official communication from us will only come through our verified websites and social media channels. If you receive a message like this, please ignore it and report it to the relevant authorities. Your safety and privacy are our top priorities.
“For genuine inquiries about our empowerment programs, please contact us directly through our official channels.”
-
Sports6 months agoAnthony Joshua to face winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
-
News3 years agoAvram Grant: Former Chelsea Coach Accused Of Sexual Harassment
-
News5 months agoNaira appreciates to N1,000 per dollar at FX black market
-
News4 months agoKing Charles III returns to public duties after cancer treatment
-
News1 year agoTinubu Appoints Akume SGF, Confirms Gbajabiamila CoS
-
News1 year agoSenate Presidency: North-Central Lawmakers Reject APC Consensus List
-
News1 year agoNBC Has No Powers to Fine Broadcast Stations, Court Rules
-
Politics2 years agoTinubu Campaign Group DG, Abdulmumin Jibrin, Dumps APC