NITDA Investigating Banks, Telcos, Immigration for Privacy Rights Violations

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.

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