NCC, NDPC establish data protection taskforce for Nigeria’s telecom industry

In a significant move to bolster data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have formed a Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group (DPTWG).

The newly established working group, launched in Abuja, aims to safeguard the data rights of over 164 million mobile phone users across the country.

According to a statement released by both agencies, the initiative underscores the growing importance of privacy and data security in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

The group will develop cutting-edge strategies to safeguard user data and enhance cybersecurity measures in the telecom sector.

To improve compliance with data protection laws, the task force will work on strengthening the expertise of industry stakeholders, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle privacy concerns.

 Enforcement of Data Protection Standards – The DPTWG will oversee the implementation of privacy regulations, ensuring full compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (2023) and global best practices.

The formation of the DPTWG marks a significant step toward reinforcing consumer data protection in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

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Industry experts believe the initiative will boost public confidence in telecom services while aligning the sector with international data security standards.

Speaking at the launch, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

He emphasized that the partnership between NDPC and NCC would significantly enhance Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by ensuring that data subjects’ rights are protected.

“This initiative is a crucial step towards securing the rights of Nigerians in the digital space. The protection of personal data is essential for national development, and this collaboration will strengthen privacy safeguards within the telecom sector,” Dr. Olatunji stated.

Similarly, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, NCC’s Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), reiterated the telecom regulator’s commitment to ensuring full compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023).

He assured the NDPC that the NCC is fully prepared to support the DPTWG in executing its mandate effectively.

The formation of the DPTWG is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s telecom industry, strengthening data security measures while promoting consumer trust in the digital space.

As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, experts believe that a robust data protection framework will play a pivotal role in attracting investment and innovation in the sector.

The NCC-NDPC partnership is, therefore, a crucial step towards establishing global best practices in data privacy within the country.