AGF to transmit the bill to NASS following FEC’s approval
Prof. Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy stated that the implementation of a data protection law will increase the trust of foreign investors in Nigeria’s economy and encourage them to engage in business activities. The National Data Protection Bill (NDPB) was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and will be transmitted to the National Assembly as an executive bill through the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
At an event hosted by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in partnership with the National Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) in Abuja, the minister highlighted the importance of having a data protection law to attract investment. According to him, it is now a global best practice to have such a law in place. Investors often inquire about the presence of a data protection law in a country before making investments. The minister stated that while Nigeria has subsidiary laws, some investors still find them insufficient, which may make them hesitant to invest in the country.
The Minister explained that the proposal for a full-fledged data protection institution and principal legislation was made by the Ministry due to the need for a comprehensive data protection law. He emphasized that privacy is not only provided for in the enabling law but is also a constitutional right of citizens, protected as a fundamental human right in Nigeria. The country is the first in Africa to celebrate International Data Privacy Day. The purpose of the data protection law, according to the minister, is not to punish citizens but to raise awareness about data compliance. The Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, praised the Minister for establishing the NDPB and securing the approval of the Data Protection Bill by the FEC.
Source: Guardian News