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By Tracy Moses
The National Assembly has begun moves to review the National Data Protection Act (2023) in response to emerging cyber threats driven by rapid technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and evolving global cybercrime frameworks.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Sen. Afolabi Salisu (APC–Ogun), disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during the opening of a three-day Data Protection Awareness Workshop organised for the Joint National Assembly Committee on ICT.
The workshop was facilitated by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in collaboration with Ampersand Development Partners.
According to Salisu, the review of the Act has become necessary due to new global developments, including advancements in AI systems and international cybersecurity frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime.
He explained that data governance and cybercrime are closely linked, stressing the need to strengthen existing legal frameworks to ensure Nigeria remains secure in the digital space.
“There is a nexus between data governance and cybercrime, hence the need to review the Act and strengthen it where necessary to protect our national interest,” he said.
The senator added that lawmakers must be well-informed to effectively legislate in the rapidly evolving digital environment.
“As legislators, we need to understand data privacy and protection. You cannot legislate in an area you are not sufficiently knowledgeable about,” he said.
Salisu noted that the workshop would enhance lawmakers’ capacity to assess how far the Act has addressed national needs since its enactment in 2023, especially in comparison with global best practices.
He said the outcome of the engagement would help develop a roadmap and timeline for the review of the law.
The senator also warned Nigerians about the risks associated with digital platforms, noting that many free services, including public WiFi and mobile applications, often collect users’ data in exchange for access.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Rep. Stanley Olajide (APC–Oyo), described data as a critical national asset and a driver of future economic growth.
He said Nigeria’s prosperity in the coming years would be driven more by data than oil.
“Data is gold. Nigeria’s next prosperity will not be oil but data,” Olajide said.
He stressed the importance of strong legal frameworks to protect Nigeria’s digital assets and ensure accountability in cases of data breaches.
He added that countries like the United States already operate strict data governance systems that protect their national interests in digital transactions and cloud storage.
“Anything that resides in Nigeria and is generated here must be protected by our laws. That is why we must strengthen our legal frameworks,” he said.