The Federal Government in a service-wide circular directs all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) on 7th November 2022. The Circular was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, and is expected to be implemented with immediate effect.
The circular poses that MDAs should designate appropriate officers as their Data Protection Officers (DPOs) who will on regular basis advise management on data processing activities of their organization and ensure compliance with the provisions of the NDPR and all matters relating to the protection of the privacy, rights, and freedom of data subjects.
The duties required of MDAs are stated which include forwarding the name and contact details of the DPOs to Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) for documentation and requisite induction training and appointing licensed Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) who will guide the MDAs through compliance framework and file their annual reports with the NDPB.
MDAs are also expected to make appropriate budgetary provisions for the annual Data Protection Audit compliance process and capacity building of Data Protection Officers as well as other staff and on annual basis, file the report of their Data Protection Audit to the NDPB not later than the 30th day of March of every year.
The National Commissioner and CEO, of NDPB, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, lauds Federal Government for taking this historic step as it demonstrates the preparedness of public sector organizations and functionaries in providing an enabling environment for the growth of a digital economy. He explains that the Bureau will continue to cooperate with stakeholders so that the numerous benefits of lawful data processing such as job and wealth creation can spread to all nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
MDAs may wish to make inquiries at the headquarters of NDPB at No. 5 Donau Crescent Maitama, Abuja, or visit www.ndpb.gov.ng.
