Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has presented the Igbo version of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and public awareness of the law.
The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, made the presentation of the 40-page translated document in Enugu. He was represented by Ms. Sanni Fatima, a Director in the Commission.
Dr. Olatunji said the translation of the Act into indigenous languages was aimed at ensuring accessibility, readability, and widespread understanding among Nigerians.
“The NDP Act, signed into law in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, establishes the framework for protecting and lawfully processing personal data in Nigeria.
To promote inclusivity and accessibility, the Act has been translated into the three major Nigerian languages—Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo—so every citizen can understand their rights and obligations under the law,” he stated.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Association of Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations, Dr. Ivan Anya, said the Act seeks to safeguard Nigerians from data theft, manipulation, and invasion of privacy.
He explained that the law imposes penalties for data breaches and ensures accountability among data officers, handlers, organisations, and systems, thereby protecting citizens from losses arising from misuse of personal information.
Dr. Anya urged state governments to domesticate the NDPA to protect their residents from scammers and digital fraud syndicates. He also encouraged youths to explore the emerging job opportunities in data protection by becoming certified and licensed Data Protection Officers.
He noted that the Institute of Information Management has been authorised by the Federal Government to certify and license Data Protection Officers, while his association facilitates the required training.
“Nigerians must be careful about who they share their personal information with and understand the purpose and limits of how their data is used,” he cautioned.
The event attracted tech professionals, data managers, financial institution staff, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), among others.
