The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi has reminded all data controllers and processors that the deadline for the filing of their annual data audit report is 15th March, 2021.
Kashifu who gave the reminder at the Virtual National Privacy Week 2021 Press Conference and Unveiling of the Week’s Activities, warned that non-filing was a punishable offence and would be fully enforced.
‘’I want to use this opportunity to remind all data controllers and processors that the deadline for the filing of their annual data audit report is 15th March, 2021. Non-filing is a punishable offence and we are set to fully enforce this provision this year,’’ he said.
The Chief Information Technology Officer of Nigeria noted that the current efforts by the agency was salutary but not nearly enough, therefore, all options would be considered to ensure “we do not kill businesses, while also ensuring businesses do not kill Nigerians through wanton abuse of their data,” he said.
Rolling out the events lined up for the Special Privacy Week, the NITDA boss said, “Tuesday 26th January 2021: Privacy Tech Expo – This first of its kind program is conceptualized to promote Nigerian innovations around privacy and data protection. NITDA as an information technology regulator has a duty to ensure all regulatory efforts are infused with requisite technological support. We will have pitch sessions and our selected panel of experts will provide guidance on how to improve on the solutions provided.
“Privacy and Public Health Management – Lessons from COVID-19 – This webinar is crafted to discuss the privacy issues arising from COVID-19 induced processes such as contact tracing, temperature capturing, vaccine trials etc. The webinar is expected to dissect the issues and proffer solutions for the consideration of government and other stakeholders.
“Wednesday 27th January 2021: National Virtual Class on Data Protection (for Secondary Schools) NITDA places so much value on the young Nigerians. We always craft the privacy week with youths and students in mind. This year, we are organizing a virtual class to teach secondary school students on data protection. This class will offer them requisite knowledge on the basics of data protection and privacy and help them learn how to protect their data online.
“NIN: Preserving Privacy; Promoting the Digital Economy. This webinar is designed to discuss the issues around the issuance of the National Identity Number (NIN) and its implications on privacy and the digital economy. The panelists are expected to draw out lessons learned and what we as a nation can do better to achieve our objectives.
“Thursday 28th January 2021: Global Privacy Day This will be the grand finale of the week’s activities, and the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami would be the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour to give a keynote address on government’s vision on data protection and the digital economy.
“Goodwill messages would also be taken from within and outside Nigeria. The National Quiz Competition final would also hold and the students will be assessed on data protection, digital economy, information technology and general knowledge. We are hoping to showcase Africa’s next data privacy champions.
“Finally, we will be having an Executive Roundtable with the theme: Big Tech and Privacy: Evolving an African Data Strategy. This session would comprise of representatives of Africa’s big tech, the African Union, international law firm and the government. This top level session would help Africa begin a process of decolonialising technology and help us achieve some level of control over our data,” he said.
