Minister Pantami states Nigeria will benefit from data protection law

At the Digital Economy Regional Conference, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria, Isa Ali Pantami, emphasised the importance of investing in the data economy to enhance global competitiveness. Speaking on the theme ‘Positioning West Africa’s Digital Economy for the Future,’ Pantami noted that data is critical in the fourth industrial revolution and that Nigeria must be included. He emphasised the need for a data protection law as a global best practice and a requirement to attract beneficial interventions and potential investors. Pantami further noted that without a data protection law, potential investors might be hesitant to invest because data is critical and may seek assurances regarding protecting their data.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy shared that his ministry has recommended the establishment of a comprehensive data protection institution and principal legislation on data protection issues in Nigeria to President Muhammadu Buhari. The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) will be established after approval.