The Federal Government has come out to say that efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy has begun to yield results.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami revealed this today during the official presentation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) performance report 2019-2020 at the Digital Economic Complex, Mbora, Abuja.

According to him, more than 2,600 direct jobs have been created within the past one year and about 2 billion naira have been earned by Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs).

He added that he is pleased with the development because the integrity of the digital economy depends on the integrity and protection of data.

His words, “I have followed the development and implementation of the data protection and regulation policy because I was clear of what the government wanted to achieve with the NDPR.

“I have reviewed the report we are about to launch today. I am proud to see that we have through the NDPR added 2,686 job roles, thereby creating massive opportunities for young Nigerians to be recruited as Data Protection Officers, Data Protection Compliance Organisations, Compliance officers among others.

“The DPCOs have also earned over N2 billion in the first year of implementation. This is the intent of our digital economy policy- empowering Nigerians in a way that ensures global competitiveness.”

“I am also very proud of Nigeria’s appointment as the Vice Chair of the African Union’s Data Protection Harmonisation Working Group. Being recognised among 26 African countries is a great recognition of the hard work and innovation we are investing in this regard.

“In my assessment of the great work done so far, I still see room for more enforcement. NITDA, as the data protection authority, has my full support to ensure entities who wantonly breach personal data are brought to book as soon as possible.

“I am aware of some quick loan service providers who use personal data to defame and threaten their customers, such issues should be looked into in line with the NDPR. I also want to state that non-filing of data protection audit is a violation of the law. Enforcement of this provision would be more vigorously pursued going forward.

“This therefore brings me to the issue of Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCO). I encourage NITDA to increase regulatory oversight over current DPCOs and carefully consider current pending applications in line with its published criteria and processes.”