VP Shettima: Secure Data Sharing Crucial for Africa's Growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima is urging African countries to prioritize data safety and security as a key driver for the continent’s socioeconomic progress.

Addressing the 8th Installation of the African Network of Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RADPB) In Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima highlighted the importance of cooperation between African data protection agencies to create a safe and legal environment for sharing information.

The Vice President, who was introduced by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff for President Bola Tinubu, stated that Africa could greatly profit from responsible cross-border data sharing.

The federal government took this opportunity to introduce the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy, a program designed to boost data privacy education.

The gathering took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and convened attendees from more than 30 African nations along with representatives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S. Centered around the topic "Balancing Innovation in Africa: Safeguarding Data Protection and Privacy Amidst Advancing Technologies," this three-day symposium delves into methods for harmonizing tech progress with individual privacy rights.

Shettima pointed out that Nigeria's path towards data privacy began with the adoption of the African Charter in 1983, setting the stage for subsequent constitutional and legal structures, such as those included in the 1999 Constitution.

Shettima said the conference was a testament to the progressive nature of the Nigeria’s legal framework for data protection, assuring that the government remained committed to the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

The VP emphasized that data is more than just a digital asset; it is a narrative of humanity expressed through figures, acting as a means to foster economic confidence.

“As the African continent expands the scale of its African exchange, our ability to share data securely and lawfully will define our capacity to thrive.

That’s precisely why platforms such as these are not just welcomed but are crucial; they provide us with opportunities to share concepts, foster talent development, and enhance frameworks for collaborative legal support.

“They allow us to create an African consensus on data governance that respects our people and reflects our values,” he said.

He called on delegates and participants at the conference to utilise the opportunity to shape the right strategies for Africa in the area of data privacy.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani who launched the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy, said the inauguration of the Academy would fast track implementation of the programmes already outlined by government for data safety, security and protection.

Dr. Tijani stated that this academy, being the first of its type on the continent, is designed to provide online instruction in data protection and privacy for both governmental agencies and private enterprises.

Dr. Tijan stated, "Seeing the potential throughout our continent, we've established a digital trade desk—a single hub designed to encourage Nigeria's exports and open up international markets for technology-driven companies."

To maximize the advantages of this initiative and others like it, we view data as the foundation and digital security as the safeguard.

As we transition government services to digital formats, establish open digital trade routes, and promote the requirement for digital identities on these platforms, it is crucial that we maintain the security, fairness, and transparency of our value chains.

To achieve this, I am initiating the Data Protection Virtual Academy, providing all Nigerians—from government workers to those in the private sector, even aspiring job hunters—access to hands-on training in data protection principles and straightforward cybersecurity practices.

He mentioned that the academy will utilize the nation’s cultural legacy via narrative techniques and use this platform as a means to advocate for data privacy.

Iro Adamou, Chairperson of NADPA, stated that the main objective of NADPA was to encourage cooperation among its members and enhance African voices when interacting with international partners in the field of data protection.

Adamou stated, under the representation of Mrs. Immaculate Kassiat, the NADPA Vice President, that safeguarding individual information is a collective duty for every nation in Africa.

Regardless of gender, human beings possess shared traits, and it is essential to protect and uphold their rights concerning personal data within this ever-changing digital environment.

“Our presence in Abuja serves as a testament to the unity and shared aspiration of Africa, and together we are committed to advancing towards a trustworthy digital environment that safeguards the privacy of individuals.”

The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said Nigeria was focused on enabling a future-proof regulatory environment that supported innovation and wide-advancing data protection as a fundamental right and driver of trust in the digital economy era.

Olatunji said that within the few years of the establishment of the Commission, the data protection ecosystem has generated a cumulative revenue of over $10 million and created about 23,000 jobs.

Olatunji highlighted additional accomplishments such as implementing the Public-Private Partnership approach, resulting in the accreditation of 267 Data Protection Compliance Organizations, along with the registration of more than 40,000 data handlers including both controllers and processors.

We have conducted more than 5,047 compliance evaluations, approximately 223 investigations, and 12 distinct organizations across various industries have undergone remediation.

In regard to funds for the government, in under twenty-four months, we successfully generated more than $1.2 million through registration fees, audit submission charges, and adherence payments.

"On our end, as data controllers and processors, we have set up agreements, worked closely with various African data protection authorities, and entered into Memorandums of Understanding," he stated.

He emphasized that NADPA needs to keep evolving as a key hub for continental data management, noting that more extensive collaboration was essential for enhancing enforcement coordination, developing capabilities, and fostering knowledge exchange.

We similarly promote the creation of compatible data management guidelines that align with international best practices.

“I urge all member states who are yet to enact a data protection legislation to do so without delay, as strong data protection laws are not barriers to innovation, but enablers of an inclusive digital economy,” Olatunji said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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