TheCable

The federal government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has unveiled a five-year data strategic roadmap and action plan (NDP-SRAP 2023-2027).

The roadmap will create about 500,000 jobs and help the country generate more than N125 billion in revenues, the NDPC said.

The launch of the five-pillar plan was held concurrently with a capacity-building workshop on data privacy and protection for data protection officers, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The five pillars include governance, ecosystem and technology, human capital development, cooperation and collaboration, as well as funding and sustainability.

Speaking at the launch, Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner of NDPC, said the training was important to enable the commission to achieve its mandate of having a robust data protection sector.

According to Olatunji, the data protection sector alone could create more than 500,000 jobs.

“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,” he said.

“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 said jobs in the data protection sector are not limited to any profession because the NDP-SRAP has more than 69 activities embedded in the five pillars.

He said public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and the media have roles to play to ensure an effective action plan.

The NDPC boss also said the commission is considering the endorsement of a data protection and certification body where certified professionals work as obtainable in global practice.

Olatunji said the certified professionals in Nigeria had foreign certifications, which are expensive to obtain through examinations and the annual renewal of the certifications.

“We have the competence to have our own home-grown solutions and certifications that compare favourably with those around the globe,” he said.

In his remarks, Ivan Anya, chairman of the board of trustees at the Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (LDPCOs), said a lot of engagements are ongoing to ensure the implementation of the roadmap.

Anya said there are currently about 150 LDPCOs and more are expected to register to create opportunities for developing the country’s data protection ecosystem.