Bukola Afeni
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to train youths on Data Privacy and Protection.
The Hon. Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, during the signing expressed optimism about the opportunities being created for jobs and wealth creation by NDPC under the leadership of the National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji. “No less than 80% of human capital development under the administration of the President are targeted at youths and this initiative is aimed at equipping 5,000 youths with the requisite technical skills for new jobs in the data protection ecosystem,” he said.
The CEO of NDPC, Dr Olatunji Vincent emphasized the importance of building trust and confidence as Nigeria repositions her economy to attract foreign direct investment.
“Investors will be eager to do business in Nigeria, if we are able to demonstrate accountability in relation to their data assets. There are at least 500,000 data controllers in Nigeria who are required to have at least one data protection officer each.”
He said Nigerian youths now have a great opportunity to become professionals to take up the estimated 500,000 new jobs in the ecosystem.
“In addition, we are also making sure that the subsequent certification will not be a burden on our foreign exchange. We have already licensed an in-country certification body who will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees.”
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, lauded NDPC for its quest on data privacy and protection and expressed the preparedness of the Ministry to set the necessary machinery in motion in order to make the collaboration a success.