The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has licensed the Institute of Information Management (IIM) to certify data protection professionals in Nigeria.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, NDPC’s National Commissioner/CEO, highlighted the rigorous evaluation process that begun since 2021, noting that the Institute of Information Management as the standout institution has gone through a rigorous process of bid evaluation, Data Protection Impact Assessment of the certification platform and several technical sessions between the officials of NDPC and IIM.
A release by NDPC said
Dr Olatunji revealed that the National Certification Process aims to grow the local data protection industry through the development of a pool of globally competitive human capital, reduce pressure on the Naira for international certifications, aid other African countries in certification, create jobs for DPCOs and encourage Foreign Direct Investments.
He noted that the initiative is part of the efforts of creating over 500,000 jobs in the Nigeria Data Protection ecosystem.
The NDPC CEO also made it clear that the process would be closely monitored by the Commission to ensure quality of service, international competitiveness, and global standard of the process.
Amb. (Dr) Ayodeji Oyedokun Oyewole, President of the IIM, commended NDPC for their professionalism, credibility, and rigorous process of the license, which has prepared IIM for the task ahead.
He assured that topmost priority would be accorded the process to ensure security and integrity as well as guarantee trust and confidence.
A member of the institute, Nathaniel Atansuyi, in a reaction on his Facebook page, said the recognition and approval marked a significant development for data protection in Nigeria.
“This is a significant development for Nigeria’s data protection landscape. By licensing the Institute of Information Management (IIM) to certify data protection professionals, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is taking a crucial step towards enhancing the country’s data security framework.
“This initiative will bolster Nigeria’s position in the global data protection arena and is poised to create numerous job opportunities, support the local economy, and encourage foreign investments, marking a pivotal moment for the growth of the data protection ecosystem in Nigeria,” Atansuyi added.
