The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have called for increased public awareness of data protection and privacy rights as digital activities continue to expand.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by the NDPC, led by its National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vincent Olatunji, to NiDCOM, where both organisations discussed responsible management of personal information, privacy awareness, staff capacity development and stronger institutional collaboration.
Olatunji stressed the importance of protecting personal data, noting that the increasing amount of information shared online by individuals has created digital footprints that require responsible management and adequate safeguards.
He particularly highlighted the importance of data protection in the healthcare sector, warning that improper handling of personal information could have serious consequences, including misdiagnosis, wrong medication and, in extreme cases, loss of life.
The NDPC chief explained that the Commission was established to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework and safeguard the rights, freedoms and interests of data subjects.
He noted that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are required to process personal data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
Olatunji also outlined the NDPC’s efforts to deepen public awareness, build institutional capacity and develop certified data protection professionals across the country.
He offered the Commission’s support to NiDCOM through staff training, public awareness initiatives and the development of Data Protection Officers, while expressing readiness to strengthen collaboration between both agencies.
Responding, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the proposed training for the Commission’s personnel, stressing that data privacy was particularly important to NiDCOM because of the nature and volume of information generated through its engagement with Nigerians living abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the contributions of Nigerians to the global technology industry, particularly in Silicon Valley, and called for stronger partnerships with Nigerians in the Diaspora through initiatives including public-private partnerships and greater participation in NiDCOM programmes.
She raised concerns about the extent to which individuals can retain control over their personal information in the digital age, particularly when data can be accessed or taken online without their consent.
The NiDCOM boss consequently advocated increased public education on data protection rights and suggested the consideration of a dedicated Diaspora desk to enhance coordination between NiDCOM and the NDPC on matters relating to Diaspora data.
Dabiri-Erewa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Nigeria Data Protection Act, describing it as an important framework for strengthening the protection of personal information in the country.
She disclosed that NiDCOM had taken steps to align its digital systems with data protection requirements, adding that the Commission’s latest system upgrade was carried out with the support of a Nigerian based in Silicon Valley.
According to her, the upgrade was designed to ensure that NiDCOM keeps pace with evolving data protection standards and is better equipped to responsibly manage information concerning Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Also speaking, the Head of Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI), Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, underscored the importance of data protection to NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping initiative.
Terab said information gathered through the initiative to facilitate effective engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora must be properly managed and adequately protected.
He noted that NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal predates the establishment of the NDPC, describing it as evidence of the Commission’s longstanding efforts to develop reliable data on Nigerians living outside the country.
