NCC, NDPC constitute working group to promote data protection, privacy in telecoms

*The Nigeria Data Protection Commission and Nigerian Communications Commission partner to establish the Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group, tasked with the responsibility of strengthening data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector of the country’s economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at strengthening data protection and privacy in the telecoms sector, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has inaugurated a joint working group, christened, “Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group” (DPTWG), in Abuja, FCT.

ConsumerConnect reports the Commission said Dr. Olatunji, in his opening remarks at the forum, expressed his delight for the collaboration between the NDPC and NCC, which are two parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which led to the formation of the working group.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission stressed the working group should see its role as serving Nigeria’s over 164 million mobile phone consumers by ensuring their rights as data subjects are fully protected in the digital ecosystem.

He added that the synergy between the NDPC and NCC would contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy and national development.

Also speaking on behalf of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) at the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) in the telecoms industry.

Engr. Oshadami assured the NDPC that NCC is fully prepared to support the DPTWG in achieving its mandate of deepening data protection and privacy within the industry.

According to NDPC, the working group has been mandated to identify and develop innovative solutions for data protection and privacy, facilitate capacity building for relevant stakeholders and entities in the sector.

It is also expected to ensure the actual practice of data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector of the Nigerian economy.

The NDPC is a public institution that processes data in furtherance of public interest, or the legitimate interest of the data subject.

On the core mandate of the Commission, it is noted: “We process various categories of your data based on the type of engagement you have with us.