The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) unveiled the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP 2023-2027) on Wednesday in Abuja, aiming to create an estimated 500,000 jobs and generate over N125 billion in revenues. The launch of the NDP-SRAP, organized around five pillars—governance, ecosystem and technology, human capital development, cooperation and collaboration, and funding and sustainability—coincided with a capacity-building workshop on Data Privacy and Protection for Data Protection Officers.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, NDPC’s National Commissioner, emphasized the significance of the NDP-SRAP and the associated training in enabling the commission to fulfill its mandate of establishing a robust data protection sector. As part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda, President Bola Tinubu’s administration aspires to create around two million jobs in the digital economy sector, with the data protection sector alone anticipated to contribute over 500,000 jobs.
The NDP-SRAP, comprising interlinked initiatives and activities, is expected to drive job and wealth creation, human capital development, revenue generation, foundational initiatives for the digital economy, and enhance Nigeria’s global reputation. The roadmap is projected to create 500,000 jobs, generate revenue exceeding N125 billion, and bolster the sector’s growth within its stipulated timeframe. Olatunji emphasized that the diverse opportunities within the data protection sector are not restricted to any particular profession, with more than 69 activities embedded in the five pillars.
Public institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media are all seen as crucial stakeholders in ensuring the effective implementation of the action plan. The NDPC is considering endorsing a Data Protection and Certification body, enabling certified professionals to work, a practice consistent with global standards.
Olatunji expressed concern that certified professionals in Nigeria often rely on expensive foreign certifications, advocating for home-grown solutions and certifications that are globally competitive. The one-year preparation of the roadmap aligns with the “Renewed Hope” agenda mandates and the blueprints of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Mr. Ivan Anya, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organizations (LDPCOs), highlighted ongoing engagements to facilitate the roadmap’s implementation. With approximately 150 LDPCOs presently, more registrations are expected to create opportunities for the development of the country’s data protection ecosystem.
Dr. Ayodeji Oyewole, President of the Institute of Information Management (IM-Africa), commended NDPC’s initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s data and information management landscape. He praised the commission for identifying opportunities to strengthen the economy, provide career development platforms for professionals, and create sustainable paths for the future.
The workshop saw the participation of 150 data protection officers.
