The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to protect consumer rights and personal data, as well foster healthy trade competition within Nigeria’s economic space.
In his remarks during the ceremony at NDPB today (August 28, 2022), the NDPB national coordinator, Dr. Vincent Olatunji was optimistic about the objectives of the MoU and the enforcement mechanism for consumer rights and data protection.
He noted that the MoU will serve as a model in promoting an ecosystem of cooperation among regulatory authorities. The commissioner further commended the FCCPC executive vice chairman, Barr. Babatunde Irukera for his altruism and commitment towards consumer rights and competitive trade practices in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Irukera expressed delight in the momentum that data protection has gained in the country since the establishment of the bureau by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He noted that the institutional possibilities of the MoU in leveraging data governance for sustainable development are compelling and pledged the full support of FCCPC to NDPB through the implementation of the MoU.
Both agencies established a joint technical and enforcement committee and agreed to, among other things, “use their best endeavours in the exercise of their respective powers to enforce and ensure compliance with any mutually agreed decisions, actions, orders, recommendations or understandings arising from any effort, initiative or investigation that is the subject of this MoU or any mutual cooperation/collaborations by parties”.
The MoU will foster prompt resolution of complaints, capacity-building, awareness among consumers/data subjects and information sharing between both agencies.
Also, Olatunji commended data controllers and data processors that have complied with the recently issued compliance notice within a very short time.
He noted that this is clear evidence that many data controllers and processors in Nigeria are becoming more and more transparent and accountable in their dealings with data subjects. This is part of the national effort towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
A statement by the NDPB head of legal enforcement and regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., said with the signing of the agreement, the national commissioner called on all organisations that collect personal data/records/information on citizens – irrespective of age or gender – to avoid grave legal and reputational consequences by complying with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019. Details of compliance processes are contained in the recent Newsletter VOL.1/ NDPB/CN/ 1/22 posted on the website of the Bureau, www.ndpb.gov.ng.
