The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bauchi State Government. The MoU, signed during the launch of the state’s Cybernations Programme and its Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, aims to strengthen collaboration to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act, 2023), as well as promote data protection and privacy in Bauchi State.
The event, held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House in Bauchi, had the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, in attendance. Senator Mohammed emphasised the importance of data protection in building a trustworthy and sustainable digital economy in Bauchi State. In his words, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government in the state must align their data processing activities with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.” He added that he had approved the establishment of a Data Protection Service Unit for the state to ensure compliance with the NDP Act, 2023.
The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, who was represented at the signing ceremony by the Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations Department of the Commission, Barrister Babatunde Bamigboye, commended the state government for the initiative. He noted that the MoU was signed to promote compliance with the NDP Act in Bauchi State, and encourage other state governments to prioritise data protection and privacy in their respective states, just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has directed all federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies to comply with the NDP Act.
The MoU was signed to develop and implement state-wide data protection policies; build capacity for public institutions and civil servants; launch awareness campaigns for citizens and businesses; establish data compliance frameworks across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); and uphold data subject rights in the state.
