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Nigeria has achieved membership status in the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) in recognition of its substantial contributions to data privacy and protection.
The pivotal factor leading to this membership was the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This significant legislation was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June of this year. Furthermore, the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as the independent data protection authority under the Act is a crucial component for evaluating the efficacy of data protection within a nation.
The announcement of Nigeria’s admission into the GPA was made during the 45th Global Privacy Assembly Closed Session, which took place from October 15th to 20th, 2023, in Bermuda.
Implications for Nigeria This recognition places Nigeria among the world’s countries that have established comprehensive provisions for data safety and protection. This development is anticipated to attract foreign investments to Nigeria, as investors will be reassured of the safety of their data when conducting business in the country.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, had previously emphasized that one of the objectives of the data protection law is to instill confidence and trust in the economy and to attract foreign direct investments to Nigeria. He stated, “For many countries, without a data protection law and a data protection body, they are hesitant to engage in business with you. However, with this law, an average investor considering Nigeria will be aware that we have the law and an independent data protection authority, offering recourse in the event of personal data breaches.”
Background on the GPA Established in 1979, the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) serves as an international platform for coordinating cross-border initiatives in advancing data privacy and protection. It currently includes 130 Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) from countries across the globe. Notable countries with DPAs in the Global Privacy Assembly include Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, and Senegal.
NDPC’s Response In response to the news of Nigeria’s GPA membership, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC expressed optimism about the Federal Government’s efforts in digital transformation yielding positive outcomes. He encouraged stakeholders in the Data Processing ecosystem to maintain a high standard of care when handling personal data, as this will reinforce trust and confidence in Nigeria’s emerging digital economy.
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