Spaces for Change applauds signing of Nigeria Data Protection Act
A non governmental organisation, Spaces for Change, has said it welcomes the signing into law of Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The NGO said the bill, which was signed into law on Wednesday, June 14, represents a landmark legislation that provides a robust legal framework for the protection of personal information and the practice of data protection in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Spaces for Change Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, added that at the core of data protection legislation is the ambition to protect individuals right to information privacy through series of measures designed to curb unauthorized access or disclosure of personal information and incidence of data breaches in a growing and progressively volatile data environment.
The statement reads: “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 the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB). This law strengthens the regulatory oversight of personal data processing in the country.
“This legislation will play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of data subjects and providing effective recourse and remedies in the event of breaches. It places obligations on data controllers and processors to fulfill their responsibilities towards data subjects. Additionally, the establishment of impartial, independen, an and effective regulatory commission will provide robust supervision and oversight of data protection and privacy matters.
“Spaces for Change commends the federal government and all stakeholders involved in passage and signing of this significant legislation. We believe that the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, will serve as a catalyst for a secure and privacy-respecting digital ecosystem in our country.
“It is our hope that the ethos contained in this legislation will be upheld in all situations, including conflict, tensions, riots, protests and other forms of dissension. Situations like this have often been used by the previous government as an impetus to infringe on citizens’ right to privacy and ability to express and associate freely.
“As an organization dedicated to promoting human rights and digital freedoms, Spaces for Change remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in the implementation and effective enforcement of this law. We will continue to advocate for the promotion and protection of digital rights.”
