Abuja: A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), has reiterated the importance and necessity of data privacy and protection for countries, with a specific focus on Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President of DKIPPI, Mr Tokunbo Smith, emphasized the significance of data privacy and protection as critical components of Nigeria’s national security, economic growth, and global competitiveness during a news conference marking the start of the 2026 Data Privacy and Protection Month. Smith warned that weak data protection could lead to cybercrime, identity theft, espionage, and digital terrorism, while robust frameworks could attract foreign investment and bolster various sectors such as digital trade, fintech, health technology, and the creative economy.
Smith highlighted that unprotected personal data poses a threat to democracy, individual dignity, and national development. He stressed that data privacy is fundamentally about safeguarding human rights in the digital era, ensuring citizens have control over how their personal information is collected, shared, and used. By understanding their privacy rights, individuals can help reduce abuse and strengthen democratic governance.
According to Smith, modern data protection principles are anchored in Convention 108 of 1981, which sets global standards for lawful and fair data processing, accountability, and respect for individual rights. He noted that Nigeria’s data protection efforts have been bolstered by the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in 2023 and ongoing reforms by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, but emphasized that legal measures alone are insufficient without cultural change and continuous protection.
The DKIPPI president urged the media and civil society organizations to enhance public education and oversight, particularly at the grassroots level. He outlined planned activities for the month, including community outreach, storytelling on data misuse, school programs titled ‘My Data, My Right,’ professional training for data protection officers, and privacy excellence awards. Smith stated that the ultimate goal is to foster a secure, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital future where innovation respects rights and technology serves humanity.