Nigeria to join global cross-border forum for data protection

Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), says Nigeria will join the global cross-border privacy rules (CBPR) forum as an associate member to strengthen accountability in data transfers.

The Global CBPR Forum enables trusted data flows globally through international data protection and privacy certifications.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, ahead of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) conference, Olatunji said the CBPR framework would give indigenous data protection compliance organisations “more options for cross-border data transfer”.

Olatunji also said the framework will ensure that protections enshrined under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) are strictly enforced.

“Joining the CBPR Forum will allow Nigeria to observe the procedure for ensuring accountability during international data transfers, giving our organisations the opportunity to align with global standards,” he said.

The data protection chief also said the country is setting up a strategic task team of stakeholders to strengthen safe cross-border data transfer and maximise data’s beneficial use for national development.

‘NADPA-RAPDP CONFERENCE A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN NIGERIA’S DATA’

Olatunji added that Nigeria’s hosting of the NADPA-RAPDP conference is a vote of confidence in its growing data governance ecosystem—a status bolstered by President Bola Tinubu’s enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in June 2023.

The conference, ‘Balancing Innovation in Africa, Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,’ will be held from May 6 to 8.

According to Olatunji, the event will attract participants from over 30 African countries and representatives from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

“The progressive nature of this enabling Act endeared Nigeria to the international community, opened new vistas of growth for our digital economy, and has helped Nigeria secure crucial funding for strategic developmental initiatives,” he said.

“The conference will feature 15 strategic events, including a white paper launch on Nigeria’s data management ecosystem and exhibitions by public and private sector players. Global tech giants, including Google, Amazon, Huawei, Meta and Microsoft, support the event alongside local financial institutions like Access Bank, GTBank and Zenith Bank.

“Sessions will focus on topics such as artificial intelligence, data protection in fintech, privacy and regulation, and preparing the next generation of privacy professionals in Africa.”

Olatunji expressed gratitude to the federal government, partners like the European Union and World Bank, and the Association of Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations of Nigeria for their support.

“The opportunity for international cooperation created by the NADPA-RAPDP event is one in a continuum of measures we are taking to foster trust and confidence in Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

Christine Harbaugh, the United States (US) Embassy’s acting deputy chief of mission in Nigeria, said Nigeria’s decision to join the GBPR Forum was a significant milestone.

“By joining the CBPR Forum as an associate member, Nigeria is sending a clear message to the world: it is open for digital business,” Harbaugh said.

“The immense potential that the digital economy holds for Nigeria is undeniable. This move underscores an important step in creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, growth, and collaboration.

“By beginning the process of aligning with the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is further solidifying its position as a global hub for digital business and innovation.

“This move tells the U.S. and global tech companies and investors that the Nigerian market presents tangible global opportunities.”

Harbaugh also said the decision to join the CBPR Forum will open new avenues for commercial opportunities between U.S. and Nigerian companies.