Nigeria needs to demonstrate accountability in relation to their data assets if it must attract investors in the country’s economy.
According to the National Commissioner/CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC),Dr Vincent Olatunji, investors will be eager to do business in Nigeria if there is accountability in data assets management saying that there are at least 500,000 data controllers in Nigeria who are required to have at least one data protection officer each.
Olatunji spoke signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to train youths on Data Privacy and Protection whereby Nigerian youths will have opportunity to become professionals to take up the estimated 500,000 new jobs in the ecosystem.
While emphasizing the importance of building trust and confidence as Nigeria repositions her economy to attract foreign direct investment, he noted that through the MOU 5,000 youth will be trained on Data Protection.
“In addition, we are also making sure that the subsequent certification will not be a burden on our foreign exchange. We have already licensed an in-country certification body who will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees.” Dr. Olatunji stated.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, expressed optimism about the opportunities being created for jobs and wealth creation by NDPC, saying “No less than 80% of human capital development under the administration of the President are targeted at youths and this initiative is aimed at equipping 5,000 youths with the requisite technical skills for new jobs in the data protection ecosystem.”
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, lauded NDPC for its quest on data privacy and protection and expressed the preparedness of the Ministry to set the necessary machinery in motion in order to make the collaboration a success.
