In a proactive move towards safeguarding personal data integrity, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), welcomed Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in a courtesy visit aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
The meeting, held at the NDPC headquarters, delved into strategies to equip the NCPWD with a comprehensive understanding of data protection principles and to ensure adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023.
Dr. Lalu highlighted the NCPWD’s role in issuing certificates and identification cards to individuals with disabilities, expressing concerns about potential misuse by individuals falsely claiming disabilities to exploit benefits.
Acknowledging the significance of meticulous data processing across Nigeria’s 774 local governments, Lalu stressed the imperative of protecting the personal data collected by the NCPWD. Additionally, he sought avenues for enhanced collaboration and support from the NDPC to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities.
In response, Olatunji commended Lalu and the NCPWD for their dedication to regulatory compliance and emphasized the inclusive approach adopted during the formulation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which carefully considered the rights and privacy concerns of individuals with disabilities.
Olatunji outlined a series of actionable steps to facilitate compliance with data protection regulations, including the development of a robust privacy policy tailored to the NCPWD’s operations, the appointment of a qualified Data Protection Officer, engagement with accredited Data Protection Compliance Organizations, and comprehensive staff training on data protection and privacy protocols.
Assuring Lalu of the NDPC’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, Olatunji affirmed that the NCPWD would be actively involved in forthcoming initiatives and activities spearheaded by the NDPC, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at upholding data integrity and protecting the rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities.