Sylvia Duruson
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Nigeria has taken a significant step towards addressing unemployment among the country’s youth. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) aims to train 5,000 young Nigerians as data protection professionals.
Ayodele Olawande, representing the Ministry, emphasized that this initiative will equip participants with technical skills crucial for securing jobs within the expanding data protection sector. The program addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field while simultaneously tackling youth unemployment.
Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, provided context for the initiative’s importance. He highlighted that at least 500,000 data controllers in Nigeria require data protection officers. This requirement underscores the vast potential for job creation within the sector.
Olatunji also stressed the significance of building trust and confidence in Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem. As the country seeks to attract foreign direct investment, robust data accountability and protection mechanisms become crucial. Investors are more likely to engage with Nigeria when assured of proper data handling practices.
To ensure the quality and global competitiveness of these new professionals, the NDPC has licensed the Institute of Information Management (IIM) to examine and certify data protection professionals. This move not only guarantees high standards but also promotes local content development within the sector.
The initiative builds on the NDPC’s recent success in job creation. In 2023, the data protection industry in Nigeria generated 10,123 jobs, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This growth demonstrates the sector’s potential for further expansion and employment opportunities.
Recognizing this potential, other state governments are also exploring partnerships with the NDPC. The Ondo State Government, for instance, has sought collaboration to create data protection jobs for its youth, addressing the national shortage of professionals in this field.
The NDPC’s efforts extend beyond job creation to ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. In June 2024, the Commission imposed fines totaling ₦400 million on four banks and three other companies for compromising citizens’ data. This action underscores the NDPC’s commitment to enforcing data protection standards across various sectors.
Since the enactment of the Data Protection Act in 2023, the NDPC has conducted over 1,000 investigations into data breaches across diverse sectors, including digital lending companies. The Commission reports improved compliance rates, with the private sector showing more than 55% compliance and the public sector at 15%.
As Nigeria continues to develop its digital economy, the importance of data protection grows exponentially. This collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the NDPC represents a strategic approach to addressing both unemployment and the increasing demand for data protection expertise. By equipping young Nigerians with these valuable skills, the initiative not only creates job opportunities but also strengthens the country’s position in the global digital landscape.
