The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has inked a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Representatives of the key stakeholders, including the national commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji; Director-general of NLRC, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila and the director-general of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii gathered at the respective headquarters of SMEDAN and NLRC to formalise these significant partnerships.
The collaboration with SMEDAN focuses on advancing data protection within the small and medium enterprise (SME) ecosystem, encompassing approximately 40 million SMEs in Nigeria. The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework, including the creation of a working group dedicated to capacity building in data protection. This initiative aims to empower SMEs with the knowledge and tools to implement effective measures ensuring data privacy.
Olatunji expressed optimism about the implementation of the memoranda, asserting that ensuring the trustworthy use of data will pave the way for short, medium and long-term growth. He highlighted the vast potential for exponential growth within the SME sector through transactions based on trust and confidence.
The partnership with NLRC further solidifies the collaboration between the two commissions. Gbajabiamila acknowledged NDPC’s ongoing support and stressed the critical importance of safeguarding personal data within the gaming ecosystem. The MoU formalises the commitment to uphold data protection laws and implement best practices in data storage and processing.
Olatunji underscored the significance of this partnership, emphasising the need to protect the personal data of approximately 60 million data subjects within the gaming sector. He stressed the importance of training NLRC staff and stakeholders on data protection principles to foster a culture of compliance.
Acknowledging NDPC’s ongoing work, Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude for the establishment of NDPC, commending the positive changes it has brought to the gaming value chain. He expressed interest in collaborating on joint awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives on data governance.
Odii of SMEDAN appreciated NDPC’s willingness to collaborate, emphasising the importance of data protection and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, particularly in the context of international business.
These collaborations represent significant milestones in NDPC’s mission to promote data protection and privacy across diverse sectors in Nigeria. The commission remains steadfast in fostering partnerships that uphold individuals’ rights and ensure the responsible handling of personal data.
