The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have established a cooperative working group. The main goal of the Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group (DPTWG), which was established in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, is to protect the rights of Nigeria’s more than 164 million mobile phone users.

The important step, according to the statement, aims to improve privacy and data protection in Nigeria’s telecom industry.

The National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, conveyed his excitement for the partnership and emphasized the significance of safeguarding the rights of data subjects in the digital environment. He underlined how the NDPC and NCC’s collaboration would greatly advance Nigeria’s national development and digital economy.

Among the many important duties assigned to the DPTWG are:

Finding Creative Solutions: Coming up with creative ways to protect privacy and data in the telecom industry.

Building Capacity: Encouraging the sector’s pertinent stakeholders and entities to increase their capacity.

• Ensuring Data Protection Practices: Ensuring the real implementation of privacy and data protection in Nigeria’s telecom industry.

The NCC’s Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), Engr. Abraham Oshadami, reiterated the commission’s dedication to making sure the telecom sector complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023). He assured the NDPC that NCC is fully prepared to support the DPTWG in achieving its mandate.

The establishment of the DPTWG marks a significant step towards enhancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. As the country continues to grow its digital economy, this collaboration between NDPC and NCC will play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens.