The Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group (DPTWG) has been inaugurated in Abuja.
The Working Group is a partnership between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) with the primary objective of safeguarding the rights of Nigeria’s over 164m mobile phone consumers.
This significant move is targeted at strengthening data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of protecting data subjects’ rights in the digital ecosystem.
He emphasized that the synergy between NDPC and NCC would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy growth and national development.
The DPTWG has been tasked with several key responsibilities which include identifying Innovative Solutions: Developing innovative solutions for data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector, capacity Building: Facilitating capacity building for relevant stakeholders and entities in the sector, ensuring Data Protection Practices: Ensuring the actual practice of data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector of the Nigerian economy.
Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) at NCC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) in the telecoms industry. He assured the NDPC that NCC is fully prepared to support the DPTWG in achieving its mandate.
The establishment of the DPTWG marks a significant step towards enhancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. As the country continues to grow its digital economy, this collaboration between NDPC and NCC will play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens.