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Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has voiced concerns over the absence of privacy features in solutions crafted by innovators from various organizations aimed at driving transformation in the country’s public service.
Speaking at the April 2024 edition of the DevsInGovernment initiative themed ‘Tech Leadership in Government: Empowering Civil Servants for Innovation,’ Olatunji stressed the imperative of prioritizing data protection during solution development. He underscored the importance of embedding privacy by design and default to safeguard personal data.
While recognizing the potential cost-saving benefits and human capital inherent in digital technology solutions for the public sector, Olatunji urged developers to acquaint themselves with the statutory privacy requirements outlined in the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This, he emphasized, would ensure that innovative solutions enhance service delivery by civil servants while aligning with the principles of the NDPA.
Olatunji proposed providing data protection and privacy training by the NDPC for participants of DevsInGovernment in future editions.
Moderating the demo session, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, highlighted the critical role of the public service as the driving force behind government agendas and its impact on citizens’ lives.
During the panel discussions, sub-themes such as Enterprise Management Content, Task-Trigger Information Management System, Time and Attendance Application, and MPA Savings and Loans Coop were explored.
Launched earlier in the year by Dr. Tijani, DevsInGovernment serves as a community of technology enthusiasts within the civil service, contributing to and leading digital transformation across all government institutions. The initiative aims to bolster digitalization for enhanced service delivery to the populace.
Comprising technologists and tech enthusiasts from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government, the community seeks to deepen the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a catalyst for transforming the Nigerian civil service into a world-class institution and improving government services to the people.
Dr. Tijani underscored the pivotal role of technology in elevating the civil service into a high-performing, efficient, and citizen-centered institution. He emphasized that the transformation of government services is foundational to Nigeria’s prosperity and is crucial for nurturing other digital capabilities within the government.
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