Nigeria Establishes Working Group to Monitor Data Protection in Telecom Sector

The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have jointly established the Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group (DPTWG),

The National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, officially inaugurated the working group, expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration between the two parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE).

He emphasized that the primary goal of the initiative is to safeguard the data rights of Nigeria’s over 164 million mobile phone subscribers, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Dr. Olatunji highlighted that the partnership between the NDPC and NCC would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy and national development, reinforcing the country’s commitment to data security and user privacy.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, reaffirmed the NCC’s dedication to upholding the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) within the telecommunications sector.

Engr. Oshadami assured stakeholders that the NCC would fully support the working group’s mission to deepen compliance with data protection regulations and enhance privacy frameworks within the industry.

The DPTWG has been tasked with identifying and developing innovative solutions for data protection and privacy, facilitating capacity-building initiatives for relevant stakeholders, and ensuring the practical implementation of data protection policies in the telecommunications sector.

With this initiative, both the NDPC and NCC aim to bolster consumer trust and strengthen Nigeria’s digital landscape.