The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) are enhancing their partnership to safeguard Nigerians’ data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. This initiative aims to address vulnerabilities that are often exploited for fraud, identity theft, and corruption within both public and private sectors.
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During a courtesy visit from NDPC officials to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Commission’s Secretary Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, emphasized that protecting data is now a crucial strategy in the fight against corruption.
“The ICPC’s dedication to securing and managing data will enhance efficiency, improve our operations, and set a benchmark for other MDAs. When these standards are upheld, the chances for corruption and misuse of information significantly decrease,” Oparaodu remarked.
He highlighted that a collaborative approach between ICPC and NDPC would foster public confidence, reduce insider misuse of records, and align Nigeria’s governance frameworks with global transparency standards.
NDPC National Commissioner and CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji referred to the partnership as an essential enforcement mechanism, referencing the stipulations of the NDPA.
“According to the NDPA 2023, public institutions are obligated to safeguard citizens’ data. Collaborating with ICPC will strengthen enforcement, particularly in cases where data breaches are associated with corrupt activities,” Olatunji stated.
The partnership will prioritize intelligence sharing regarding corruption-related data breaches, joint public awareness initiatives linking data protection to effective governance, and the establishment of standardized data management protocols for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), along with private sector entities.
Dr. Olatunji also advocated for consistent national standards on lawful data processing, emphasizing that clear regulations would serve as a robust deterrent against misuse.
The partnership will focus on intelligence sharing in corruption-related data breaches, joint public awareness campaigns on the link between data protection and good governance, and the creation of standardized data management protocols for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector operators.