President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a new government agency, the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).  

The approval came following a request made by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami.

The NDPB will focus on data protection and privacy for the country, among others, in line with global best practice.

Pantami further added that the successful implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria has significantly increased the adoption of data platforms and accelerated the ‘datafication’ of the country.

He said;

“This has increased the importance of having an institution that focuses on data protection and privacy.

“Furthermore, the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January 2019, as a subsidiary legislation to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007, has increased awareness about the need for data protection and privacy.

“The Bureau will be responsible for consolidating the gains of the NDPR and supporting the process for the development of a primary legislation for data protection and privacy.”

Dr. Vincent Olatunji has also been appointed as the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau.

Until his recent appointment, Dr. Olatunji who is from Ekiti state was the Director of the eGovernment Development and Regulations Department at NITDA.

His new appointment takes effect immediately.