The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says that with the launch of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation 2019 (NDPR) and effective implementation, about 300,000 jobs would be created for unemployed Nigerians.
The agency disclosed that so far about 11 data administrators /processors have been licensed while the applications of 16 others are being processed to ensure that the industry operates based on international best practices and standards.
This is according to the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Inuwa Abdullahi who was represented by the Director e-governance, Dr Vincent Olatunji during a one-day Masterclass on Nigerian Data Protection Regulation for media executives.
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According to Abdullahi, NITDA aims to create awareness on the opportunities that abound in data as well as the need to regulate the industry for security, growth and development. He stated that NITDA is taking proactive steps in its regulatory activities because in the next 10 years, data business and revenues will surpass oil business and revenues as no industry would operate without the use of data.
The NITDA boss also expressed optimism that with the new regulations put in place, more foreign investments would be attracted into the country.
Speaking about what the forum aims to achieve Abdullahi said, “The aim of this forum is to present the Framework for Information Technology Service Level Agreement (SLA) for MDAs and a platform where public sector consumers and service providers share their challenges and recommend solutions for information technology service delivery.
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” The SLA framework draft document before our esteemed stakeholders is for your contributions and to seek your support for joint and successful implementation.
“Prior to 2016, the Agency did not have any instrument that stipulates a clear process for issuance of regulatory instruments. A Rulemaking Process Regulation was therefore issued on January 25, 2019.
“The rulemaking process is subsidiary legislation that provides a clear procedure for issuance of the Agency’s regulatory instruments. It involves analytical and critical thinking approach that we are sure if followed will give the country stakeholders’ friendly, developmental and implementable ICT regulations.”