Abuja: Nigeria has joined the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum as an associate member to explore better ways of cross-border data transfers and data protection. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), made the announcement on Wednesday at a media briefing organized ahead of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) conference and annual general meeting in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference is expected to hold from May 6 to May 8 and will focus on ‘Balancing Innovation in Africa, Data Privacy and Protection in Emerging Technologies.’ Olatunji stated that the move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and demonstrating its commitment to data protection and privacy standards. The Global CBPR Forum, established in 2022, aims to facilitate the free flow of data and promote cooperation on data protection and privacy globally.
Olatunji recalled the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, which mandated the NDPC to decide on the adequacy of data protection, taking into account the enforcement of data subjects’ rights in other countries. He emphasized the importance of seasoned experts leading discussions on the African digital economy, AI in African privacy paradox, and regulatory approaches to data privacy in Africa, especially in the area of emerging technologies.
He highlighted the various topics to be discussed, including data protection in fintech, balancing innovation with privacy, and the single digital market in the spirit of the Africa Free Trade Zone. Olatunji noted that these issues are crucial in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where data flows across borders for various reasons, including health, education, tourism, and e-commerce. Nigeria is exploring cross-border data frameworks under the NDPA to safeguard data subjects’ rights and protect Nigeria’s data sovereignty.
Olatunji mentioned other mechanisms for exploring cross-border data transfers, such as national legislation on data protection and the establishment of an independent data protection authority to regulate data processing in various countries. He stated that Nigeria will have the opportunity to observe accountability procedures within organizations during cross-border data transfers and ensure that indigenous organizations can leverage these procedures.
He also announced the government’s plan to set up a strategic task team of stakeholders to cross-pollinate ideas in cross-border data transfer, considering the beneficial use of data for sustainable development in Nigeria. He added that the NADPA event would attract over 1,000 delegates from 30 African countries and technocrats from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, featuring constructive interactions, live sessions, breakout sessions, and exhibitions.
Mrs. Christine Harbaugh, the U.S. Embassy’s Acting-Deputy Chief of Missions, hailed Nigeria’s membership as an associate member of CBPR as a demonstration of the country’s commitment and leadership in the global digital economy. She recognized Nigeria’s growth in digital transformation, with startups and companies driving innovation across sectors. Harbaugh stated that aligning with the CBPR Forum solidifies Nigeria’s position as a global hub for digital business and innovation, sending a clear message to U.S. and global tech companies and investors.
She emphasized the importance of establishing robust frameworks for cross-border data flows to protect personal data and build trust with international partners. Harbaugh noted that the CBPR Forum promotes interoperability and helps bridge different regulatory approaches to data protection and privacy, enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable partner in the global digital economy.
Harbaugh stated that approximately 60 percent of Nigerian startups are incorporated in the United States, and facilitating cross-border data flows would increase their ability to service U.S. and Nigerian clients and further fuel the growing digital trade. She expressed excitement about the opportunities this presents and looked forward to working closely with Nigerian partners to build a secure and prosperous digital future. NADPA is a body established to advance data subjects’ rights and foster responsible data flows within and across jurisdictions in the African data governance ecosystem.