Nigeria Signs Pact to Train 5,000 Youths as Data Protection Officers

By : Hikmatu Bilali

Date : jeudi, 19 septembre 2024 15:15

Last updated : vendredi, 20 septembre 2024 04:33

Enhancing data protection compliance fosters trust among consumers and businesses, which is vital for the expansion of the digital economy. It ensures that data is managed responsibly and securely.

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed an agreement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) yesterday, September 18, to train 5,000 youths as data protection professionals. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost job creation in the digital sector.

For Ayodele Olawande, the minister of state for youth development, who signed on behalf of the Ministry, “..this initiative is aimed at equipping 5000 youths with the requisite technical skills for jobs in the data protection ecosystem.”

The NDPC has authorized the Institute of Information Management to certify these professionals, aiming to enhance local capacity and competitiveness.“We have already licensed an in-country certification body who will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees,” said Vincent Olatunji, the CEO of NDPC.

Better data regulations attract foreign investments by assuring investors that their data and operations are secure. This can be particularly impactful in developing countries, where digital economies are growing but still face challenges related to data privacy and security.

The World Bank 'World Development Report 2021' highlights that Regulating data flows, especially personal data, is central to international trade discussions. Domestic data rules can either support or restrict cross-border digital trade. Therefore, a strong framework for privacy, security, and consumer protection is vital for digital transactions.

The initiative will also help build capacity among the youth. With Nigeria's youth NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rate at 13.7% in Q3 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, there is a clear need for focused efforts to enhance employment and skill development. This context underscores the initiative's importance in addressing these challenges.

Hikmatu Bilali