The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), has said the Nigerian data privacy ecosystem has about 490,000 job opportunities which the country can leverage on in waiting.
Speaking at a one-day capacity building on Data Protection and Privacy for members of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) on Sunday in Abuja, the National Commissioner of NDPB, Dr Vincent Olatunji said a lot of benefits abounds, noting that the bureau importance cannot be overemphasized in implementing the Data Protection and Privacy Regulation in the country.
According to Olatunji, “there are over 500,000 data processors and controllers in Nigeria, with less than 3000 certifies Data Protection Officers (DPO), in a situation where each of the data processors and controllers should be having at least a DPO operating with them in the process of their activities.
“Nigeria as of today, those who are certified as data protection officers, we are not up to 3000. You can see the gap. Where we have over 500,000 data processors and controllers and each of them is supposed to have a DPO.
“Whereas, the number of certified DPOs in Nigeria are not up to 10,000. So we have a gap of about 490,000, jobs waiting for people. But is this information available to people? Do people really have the skills to take up these jobs?”
The National Commissioner noted that as part of the Commission’s efforts towards supporting the target of the digital economy sector in the creation of two million jobs in 24 months, the bureau is already putting in place certification mechanisms targeted at building the capacity of about 50,000 Nigerians every year, and 250,000 in 5 years.
He further revealed that there is no age limit to becoming a DPO, certification remains the same globally regardless of age or course of study.
According him, “If you are certified and you know what you are doing you can work anywhere. You can even be in Nigeria and be a DPO for a company outside the country.”
“You can imagine all the banks, all the insurance companies, all the hotels, all the schools, aviation, all sectors, employing DPOs. Imagine what that will do for the country.
“So it’s a sector that is loaded with potentials to create jobs and to create wealth for Nigerians. But if we are giving out this information and they are not reported accurately, we will definitely miss out on knowing that fact of what is really happening and that is why this training is important for you people.”
Mrs Leena Abba, Lead, Strategy, Partnerships and Communications of NDPB, explained that data protection is important in curbing crime incidences and beefing up security.
Also, Mr Bamigboye Babatunde, Lead,Legal Enforcement and Regulations of the bureau gave the `PARAMETERS for data protection and privacy and how such parameters can be used effectively by DPOs.
ROYAL NEWS reports that the capacity building session was part of the bureau’s efforts geared towards creating more enlightenment for reporters on Data Protection and Privacy, and the significant role they play as purveyors of appropriate information on data protection to the citizens of Nigeria.
The training equipped the reporters on keys to effective data protection and privacy matters.
