NCC, NDPC Inaugurate Joint Working Group To Boost Data Protection In Telecoms Sector

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have inaugurated a joint working group known as The Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group (DPTWG).

The DPTWG was inaugurated in Abuja, with the aim of safeguarding the rights of Nigeria’s over 164 million mobile phone consumers.

According to the statement issued by the regulators, the significant move is aim to strengthen data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, expressed his passion for the collaboration, noting the importance of protecting data subjects’ rights in the digital ecosystem.

Olatunji highlighted that the synergy between NDPC and NCC would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy growth and national development.

The DPTWG has been mandated with several key responsibilities which includes:

– Identifying Innovative Solutions: Developing innovative solutions for data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector.

– Capacity Building: Facilitating capacity building for relevant stakeholders and entities in the sector.

– Ensuring Data Protection Practices: Ensuring the actual practice of data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector of the Nigerian economy.

The Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) at NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) in the telecoms industry and that assured the NDPC that NCC is fully prepared to support the DPTWG in achieving its mandate.

The collaboration between NDPC and NCC will play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens as the nation continues grow its digital economy, hence the inauguration of DPTWG will play a significant role towards enhancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.