NDPC Advocates For Greater Data Protection Awareness In Judiciary

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has emphasized the importance of data protection awareness within the judiciary to ensure fairness and safeguard citizens’ rights in data-related matters.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, highlighted this need during an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, where he announced the commission’s collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to enhance data protection within Nigeria’s judicial system.

In a statement released by NDPC’s Head of Media, Mr. Itunu Dosekun, the commission outlined the objectives of the initiative, stressing the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice in data-related cases.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Olatunji noted that as digital technology evolves, legal frameworks must adapt to protect individuals’ rights.

“We are in an era of disruptive technologies, and a lot of people operate in the digital space. The way one person is treated affects others,” he stated.

He emphasized that judicial decisions on data privacy must be carefully balanced to avoid infringing on the rights of others.

“Justice in matters of data protection should be tripartite in nature, ensuring that judgments across the entire spectrum do not violate fundamental rights,” Olatunji added.

The NDPC boss also pointed out that many countries are strengthening legal frameworks to enforce data protection, including the creation of data protection authorities to uphold privacy laws.

He reaffirmed that in today’s digital era, ensuring the privacy of citizens must remain a top priority.

With the planned NDPC-NJI collaboration, the commission aims to equip judicial officers with the necessary knowledge to handle data-related cases effectively, ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.