By Chesa Chesa
Following the rapidly growing pace of digitization, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the enforcement of data privacy and protection in the telecommunications industry.
The MoU provides a structured framework for both organizations to formalize a shared commitment to advancing data protection and regulatory synergy in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Aminu Maida, in his remarks noted that data protection and privacy regulations have become important to the future of the communications industry.
He added that effective regulation of data within the sector is critical to sustaining trust, innovation and growth, particularly as Nigeria transitions deeper into the digital and artificial intelligence era.
Dr. Maida stressed that the NCC remains committed to cooperating with the NDPC to ensure that the privacy rights of Nigerians are adequately protected, while maintaining a resilient and forward-looking communications network.
He highlighted the remarkable growth of the sector, noting that Nigeria has evolved from about 500,000 connected telephone lines to over 170 million active connections today, reflecting the Commission’s mandate to, not only connect Nigerians, but, also enable businesses, innovation, and national development.
According to the EVC, the next phase of growth lies in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), which cannot function without data generated by users of digital platforms.
“Data is produced by people, belongs to people, and that citizens must be aware of the data they generate and the rights attached to it. Where such awareness is lacking, data risks being monetised without the consent or benefit of its owners.
“People need to be aware of the data they are generating, and they need to know their rights around that data. If they don’t know it, somebody will monetise it. When platforms are said to be free, they are not really free. Somebody is using your data. The future is data. If we do not get the principles of how we govern it right, even our national sovereignty could be undermined.,” Dr. Maida said.
In his remarks, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, described the MoU as essential for protecting the data of Nigerians.
He said, “It is always difficult to go into a sector and implement your mandate effectively without involving the regulator of that sector. We are not taking over the mandate of the telecom regulator. We are adding value to what you are doing, and you add value to what we are doing.
“We do not want this MoU signed and kept on the shelf. We want to sign and commence implementation immediately to ensure that the privacy and protection of Nigerians’ data is properly taken care of.”
