Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, has declared Nigeria a global leader in data protection and digital innovation.
Speaking at the launch of the National Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) first certification program in Abuja, Tijani highlighted Nigeria’s exceptional strides in data security frameworks, noting that the country surpasses even some advanced economies.
He praised the NDPC for its leadership in enforcing data protection laws and emphasized that Nigeria remains the only African country with a comprehensive data protection act.
Harnessing Youth Potential
Tijani emphasized the demographic advantage of Nigeria’s youthful population, with an average age of 16.8 years and over 60% of its 230 million citizens under 25. He stressed the importance of building a prosperous future for young people, citing the country’s annual population growth of five million as a call for urgent economic development and job creation.
“To build a prosperous nation, we must focus on empowering our young people,” Tijani stated.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the NDPC’s Chief Executive, outlined the objectives of the certification program, which aims to reskill Nigerian youths to meet global data protection demands. He announced the commencement of 500 certification programs and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the initiative.
Data Protection Framework and Collaboration
Dr. Olatunji highlighted the financial benefits of a robust data protection framework, including its contributions to government revenue. He expressed gratitude to the minister and other dignitaries for their support.
Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, described the certification program as a transformative initiative that aligns with the ministry’s mission to empower Nigerian youths. He revealed plans to introduce policies focused on youth protection, skill development, and job creation.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the pivotal role of education and certification in national development. He assured participants of NITDA’s unwavering support and urged them to leverage the program to contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Mr. Jane Idahe, Director-General of NigComSat, underscored the importance of data privacy and security in the digital era. She encouraged participants to prioritize their training, emphasizing their role in creating a secure and innovative digital environment.
Commissioner of Police Ifanyi Henri, representing the Inspector General of Police, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police’s commitment to data protection initiatives. He called for collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and ensure data privacy.
With its youthful population, progressive policies, and forward-thinking initiatives, Nigeria is well-positioned to lead Africa—and the world—into a new era of digital and economic transformation.
By Enoch Odesola| January 21, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
