By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Ministry of Environment has pledged support for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), saying that Data collection is important, and guides in decision making process in the Country.
Ibrahim Haruna, Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Federal Ministry of Environment disclosed this in a press release on Tuesday.
The press release said Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye Salako gave the pledge when he received the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji and his entourage on Tuesday, 20th 2024 in Abuja.
It said the Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Data Protection bill into law 2 weeks after his assumption of office, emphasizing that Data collection and protection is critical in Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“He commended the Commission for creating awareness within the MDAs and citizenry about the importance of data protection.
“Earlier, the National Commissioner / CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji congratulated the Minister on his appointment as a Cabinet Minister, stressing that it is a well deserved appointment.
“Dr Vincent emphasised that Data generation and Protection is critical in the development of any country, adding that unauthorised access to somebody’s data in the medical field for instance could lead to loss of life .
“He further disclosed that data protection is a major criteria in any trade bilateral agreement.
“He urged all Ministerial Department and Agencies (MDAs) to protect data of it’s employees ,stressing that his Commission is creating awareness on data protection in the country.
“It would be recalled that Nigeria is among the 26 countries in Africa that has signed the Data protection into law,” he added.
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