BY CAROLINE AMEH
Experts and policy analysts have called for an urgent amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, highlighting critical gaps in the legislation that leaves sensitive data unprotected.
The call was made during a public forum at the National Assembly, where representatives of the Center for Applied Research and Policy Analysis (CAFRA) and other stakeholders engaged lawmakers on the need to expand the scope of data protection in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Segun Adebayo, Executive Director, CAFRA the proposed amendment focuses on several critical issues, including the classification and protection of GPS location data, financial and tax records, and media accountability.
He argued that Nigeria’s data protection law does not currently recognize GPS location as sensitive data, exposing individuals to security risks and surveillance threats. Many developed countries legally classify GPS data as sensitive, providing greater protection.
Also, concerns were raised over the tax reform bill currently before the National Assembly, which could allow foreign technology providers to manage Nigeria’s tax system. Experts warned that this could expose citizens’ financial records to external control, posing a national security risk.
Similarly, Joy Agashua called for media accountability, with a strong call for bloggers to be registered under professional associations. She noted that this would help ensure easy identification, accountability, and verification of information to combat fake news and misinformation.
“There is a need to regulate bloggers and online media practitioners to ensure they operate within ethical guidelines. Many countries already have structures in place to verify and hold media professionals accountable, and Nigeria must follow suit,” a CAFRA she stated.
The discussion emphasized the need to move beyond social media debates, which often focus on issues affecting bloggers, journalists, and social media platforms. While these are important, experts argue that more attention should be given to broader data protection concerns, such as safeguarding educational records, biometric data, and financial transactions.
CAFRA and other stakeholders urged Nigerians to engage with the details of the bill beyond social media rhetoric and critically assess how the law affects digital security, financial privacy, and national sovereignty.
The motion for the amendment of the Data Protection Act 2023 is gaining support among lawmakers, including Senator Nair, who has been actively pushing for updates to Nigeria’s data laws. The National Assembly is expected to conduct further hearings and consultations with data protection experts, financial analysts, and cybersecurity specialists before making final amendments to the bill.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, experts stress that control over personal data is as crucial as control over natural resources. Strengthening the Nigeria Data Protection Act is seen as a key step toward securing the country’s digital sovereignty and ensuring that citizens’ information is protected from unauthorized access and foreign exploitation.
