Bukola Afeni
Spaces for Change has welcomed the signing into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 by President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 14th June 2023.
The organization in a statement signed by the Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim Ohaeri, said the landmark legislation provides a robust legal framework for
the protection of personal information and the practice of data protection in Nigeria.
She said her organisation is dedicated to promoting human rights and digital freedoms.
” Spaces for Change remains
committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in the implementation and effective enforcement of this law. We
will continue to advocate for the promotion and protection of digital rights,” she said.
According to Victoria, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, of 2023, is a major milestone in safeguarding the privacy and fundamental rights of individuals.
“With the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which replaces the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), this law strengthens the regulatory oversight of personal data processing in the country.
“This legislation will play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of data subjects and providing effective recourse
and remedies in the event of breaches. It places obligations on data controllers and processors to fulfil their
responsibilities towards data subjects.
She said the establishment of an impartial, independent, and effective
regulatory commission will provide robust supervision and oversight of data protection and privacy matters.
Spaces for Change also commended the federal government and all stakeholders involved in the passage and signing of
this significant legislation.
“We believe that the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, will catalyze a secure and privacy-respecting digital ecosystem in our country. We hope that the ethos contained in this legislation will be upheld in all situations, including conflict, tensions, riots, protests and other forms of
dissension.
“Situations like this have often been used by previous governments as an impetus to infringe on citizen’s right to privacy and ability to express and associate freely”, she said.
