By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria has highlighted
progress in digital infrastructure and sustainable development at the 81st
Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, with the
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) emphasising the importance of responsible
data governance in supporting inclusive national growth.
At the high-level
discussions, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission,
Dr Vincent O. Olatunji, stressed that the use of personal data in social
protection programmes must be anchored on the safeguards provided by the
Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
Olatunji made the remarks
during the high-level event, “Leaving No One Behind: Leveraging Dynamic Social
Register for Shock Response, Safety Nets, and SDG Acceleration,” where he
addressed the growing use of digital systems, social registers and data-driven
interventions to identify beneficiaries and deliver public services.
He said protecting citizens’
personal data is indispensable to sustaining public confidence as governments
increasingly rely on digital systems to deliver services and implement social
protection programmes.
Olatunji also spoke on “Data
Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” urging participants to embed
safety, privacy and accountability in emerging technologies.
He called for the
development of African datasets with appropriate rights and safeguards,
stronger connections between African talent and global standards, markets and
opportunities, and the protection of digital infrastructure from the outset.
Olatunji reaffirmed the
Commission’s commitment to lawful, fair, transparent and secure processing of
personal data as Nigeria expands its digital governance systems.
Minister of Communications,
Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani highlighted efforts under the
administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand digital infrastructure,
including broadband connectivity to underserved communities.
The BRIDGE project is
expected to provide broadband access to more than 20 million Nigerians,
according to the minister.
Olatunji said the NDPC,
together with state governors, federal ministers and heads of ministries,
departments and agencies, is advancing trusted digital governance as part of
efforts to support inclusive development.
