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FG Unveils Five-year Data Protection Roadmap, Expects N125bn Revenue

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2023

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, launched the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan in Abuja on Wednesday.

The action plan is expected to generate over N125 billion in revenues, with about 500,000 jobs expected to be created.

The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said at the launch that the NDP-SRAP and the training were important to enable the commission to achieve its mandate of having a robust data protection sector.

The launch of the 5-pillar NDP-SRAP was held concurrently with a capacity-building workshop on Data Privacy and Protection for Data Protection Officers.

The 5 pillars are governance, ecosystem and technology, human capital development, cooperation and collaboration as well as funding and sustainability.

Olatunji reminded the audience that part of the agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was to create about 2 million jobs in the digital economy sector, adding that the data protection sector alone could create more than 500,000 jobs.

He said, “The NDP-SRAP comprises interlinked initiatives and activities like job, wealth creation, human capital development, revenue generation, foundational initiatives for the digital economy, and enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation.

“These activities are expected to create about 500,000 jobs, generate revenue of more than N125 billion and expand the sector within the lifespan of this roadmap.

“The roadmap will contribute to the growth of the country’s international businesses and its global competitiveness in human capital.

“In security, it is one area that will check malicious use of identity; unauthorized access to people’s data and information used for various things; build trust and improve the global perception of Nigerians.’’

He added that jobs in the data protection sector were not limited to any profession because the NDP-SRAP has more than 69 activities embedded in the 5 pillars.

According to him, public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and the media have roles to play to ensure an effective action plan.

The NDPC boss said the commission was considering endorsing a Data Protection and Certification body where certified professionals worked as obtainable in global practice.

Olatunji lamented that certified professionals in Nigeria had foreign certifications, which were expensive to obtain through examinations and the annual renewal of the certifications.

He said, “We have the competence to have our home-grown solutions and certifications that compare favourably with those around the globe.’’

He explained that the roadmap took one year to prepare and was recognized in the “Renewed Hope’’ agenda mandates and the blueprints of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

In his submission, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations, Mr Ivan Anya, said a lot of engagements were on-going to ensure the implementation of the roadmap.

Anya said there were currently about 150 LDPCOs and more were expected to register to create opportunities for the development of the country’s data protection ecosystem.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

7 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

8 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

8 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.