An appeal has gone to all banks, telecom operators, educational institutions, government parastatals and other organizations that collect and process data in Nigeria to register with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) between now and December, 2023 for data protection compliance monitoring.

The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji stated this at a sensitisation workshop on Data Privacy & Protection, held in Lagos.

According to Itunu Dosekun, Head, Media Unit (NDPC), the decision is in accordance with the terms of the Act, which require all data controllers and data processors to register within 6 months of the introduction of the law.

He further stated that all registered organizations must file their yearly audit report with the commission between January and March of each year.

While noting that the Commission is boosting awareness on data rights, the statement says Dr Olatunji said the registration of all organizations handling data is to ensure that the rights are preserved by all data processors and controllers in Nigeria.

Dr. Olatuji stated that, in addition to promoting foreign direct investment into Nigeria, the DPA would improve investor confidence in knowing that there are adequate legal frameworks in place to safeguard them and their enterprises.

The Head of Legal Enforcement & Regulations Department at NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye added that the idea would also protect data from theft and tampering.