President Bola Tinubu has signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill, 2023 into law, solidifying its legal status and ensuring the safeguarding of personal information within the country.
Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), made this announcement during the NDPB Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) validation workshop held in Abuja.
The bill, initially proposed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, underwent thorough consideration and review in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It was ultimately approved and passed on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
With the new law in effect, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, replacing the previous NDPB, which was established by former President Buhari in February 2022.
Under the purview of the commission, a National Commissioner will assume leadership and assume the vital responsibility of regulating the processing of personal information, ensuring compliance with data protection protocols and laws.
The enactment of this legislation marks a significant step forward in prioritizing data protection and privacy in Nigeria, providing individuals with legal recourse and reinforcing the importance of responsible data handling practices.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission is expected to play a crucial role in fostering a secure and trustworthy digital environment, promoting transparency, and safeguarding the rights and privacy of Nigerian citizens.
