Data is the Fuel of the Digital Economy: NBS Boss Commits to Strict NDP Act Compliance

To strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), both agencies officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NBS headquarters in Abuja.

During the signing ceremony, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, praised the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, for his dedication to advancing data protection and privacy within Nigeria’s National Statistical System. He described the partnership as a significant step for both institutions and the country, noting that it would improve secure data exchange processes and strengthen safeguards for shared information.

Dr. Olatunji further explained that reliable statistics and strong data protection practices are important factors that influence investors’ confidence when considering investment opportunities in a country. He stated that ensuring the privacy and security of statistical data enhances public trust and contributes to economic development and effective governance. He also emphasized that the responsibilities of the NDPC and the NBS are complementary and support national development.

In his address, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran described the MoU as the formal recognition of an already established collaboration between two institutions that play vital roles in Nigeria’s economy. He stressed that data is a key driver of the digital economy and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the NBS, as a custodian of large volumes of sensitive data, operates in full compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023. He expressed confidence that the agreement would be successfully implemented.

The Memorandum of Understanding is intended to promote responsible data management, improve compliance with data protection regulations, strengthen data governance practices, facilitate secure information sharing, provide technical assistance, and support capacity-building initiatives. To ensure timely execution, the existing joint working group was instructed to begin implementing the agreement immediately.