Nigerian Data Protection Commission Boss, Olatunji Assures of 500,000 Job Creation
The National Commissioner of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has assured Nigerians that the Commission is set to create jobs and wealth creation, adding that it has the capacity to create about 500,000 jobs as well as create additional income for the citizens.
Olatunji made this known in his brief remark during a training on Capacity Building on Data Protection and Privacy organised by the NDPC for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) in Lagos.
The NDPC boss told the journalists that data protection management is the next gold mine waiting for Nigerians to harness, stressing that there are jobs available for those who have retired from active services notwithstanding their sphere of study.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu signed into law the Data Protection Act 2023, upon his assumption of office and this gave backing to the NDPC to be able to create avenues for job opportunities in the country.
Olatunji explained that NDPC is in need of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to fill the gap of 180,000 DPOs that currently exist in the data protection ecosystem in Nigeria.
He stated further that the task of the Commission is huge, stressing that there is a need to build human capacity in the Data protection ecosystem, hence NPDC also needs organisations that will train DPOs for them to be certified and qualified to do the job of a DPO.
He added that there is also the need for the Data Protection Compliance Organsation (DPCO) to come on board.
Olatunji decried the shortage of skills in the Data Protection business and encouraged journalists to take it up as a career as DPO together with journalism jobs, noting that what they need is to get trained by a DPCO and get certified.
According to him, whatever certification that the NPDC issues can also be applied outside Nigeria, adding that Data Protection experts in Africa are now pushing for regulations that will also protect African data subjects.
The NPDC chief announced that the Commission’s portal would soon be opened for DPO and DCPOs to register.
Olatunji pointed out that advocacy is needed to create awareness on the activities of the Commission, about the job opportunities in Data Protection and to acquaint Nigerians about their rights as well as the protection of their sensitive personal data.
