NITDA Investigating Banks, Telcos, Immigration for Privacy Rights Violations

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),
has said it was investigating some banks, telecommunications
companies, the Nigeria Immigration Service and some
technologically-driven companies for compromising data privacy
rights of Nigerians.

Also, the agency said it was committed to implementing its data
protection regulation to boost economy and engender creation of
300,000 jobs by 2022. These were disclosed by the Director General
of the agency, Dr. Isa Pantami, in a statement in Abuja
yesterday.

Pantami recalled that the agency issued its Nigeria Data
Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January, which was targeted at
ensuring data protection among public and private institutions.

According to him, implementation of the NDPR will enable the
government reap the benefits from data economy as well as enhance
the country’s global image.

According monitored report by the News Agency of Nigeria, the
agency said it was investigating some data controllers for breach
of the regulation.

“The management of the NITDA would like to bring to the notice
of the general public of ongoing investigation of alleged breach of
the data privacy rights of Nigerians by some data controllers.

“NITDA is currently investigating some entities including banks,
Fintechs, telecommunication and industries, among others, who are
in alleged breach of the NDPR. “The Nigeria Immigration Service
(NIS) is also under investigation for alleged violation of some
sections of the NDPR.

“We, therefore, wish to assure all Nigerians that NITDA is
willing, able and ready to implement the NDPR with the ultimate aim
of ensuring compliance and making businesses and government work
better for every Nigerian,’’ a statement by the agency said.

Continuing, Pantami said, “It may be recalled that NITDA issued
the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation on January 25 with the aim
of stemming the tide of wanton abuse of data privacy.

“This is expected to improve the global image of the Nigerian
business environment and to stimulate a data economy which would
lead to the creation of 300,000 jobs by 2022.

“In an effort to sensitise the general public and create the
requisite awareness on the NDPR, series of publications were made
in electronic, print and new media.

“We are happy to say that Nigerians and non-Nigerians have taken
note of the NDPR as evidenced by over 400 phone calls and numerous
email enquiries being received and treated daily.”

He, however, added that the agency made available the draft
implementation framework of NDPR on its website – www.nitda.gov.ng
for inputs from general public, stakeholders and the private sector
for better operations.

NITDA is a federal government agency established to implement
the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate
general IT development and regulation in the country.

NITDA’s Act mandates it to create frameworks and guidelines for
IT practices in the country for public, private sector and promote
e-governance for the growth of the economy.