Spaces for Change (S4C) has applauded the signing into law of Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.
The President signed the bill into law on Wednesday.
Executive Director, S4C, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said, yesterday, the legislation provides robust legal framework for the protection of personal information and practice of data protection in Nigeria.
She said: “At the core of data protection legislation is the ambition to protect individuals’ right to informational privacy through series of measures designed to curb unauthorised access or disclosure of personal information and incidences of data breach in a growing and progressively volatile data environment.
“The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 is a major milestone in safeguarding the privacy and fundamental rights of individuals. With the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which replaces Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), this law strengthens regulatory oversight of personal data processing in the country.”
Ibezim-Ohaeri told The Guardian the law would play crucial role in safeguarding rights of data subjects and providing effective recourse and remedies in the event of breaches.
According to her, the legislation places obligations on data controllers and processors to fulfil responsibilities towards data subjects.
“Additionally, the establishment of an impartial, independent and effective regulatory commission will provide robust supervision and oversight of data protection and privacy matters,” she added.
The CSO commended Federal Government and stakeholders involved in the passage and signing of the law.
“We believe Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, will serve as catalyst for a secure and privacy-respecting digital ecosystem in our country. It is our hope the ethos contained in this legislation will be upheld in all situations, including conflict, tensions, riots, protests and other forms of dissension.
“As an organisation dedicated to promoting human rights and digital freedom, S4C remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in the implementation and effective enforcement of this law. We will continue to advocate the promotion and protection of digital rights,” it added.
