Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday underscored the significance of leveraging databases and digital technologies to stimulate economic development and also ensure that citizen’s data is secured and protected.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, gave this position during a courtesy visit by the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and his team.
Speaking at the parley, Sanwo-Olu noted that the commission’s capacity to substantially increase revenue generation at both state and national cannot be over-emphasized, noted that Lagos being a digitally committed environment had continued to leverage more technology-driven policies.
“We are very digital in Lagos because we believe that the only way we can replicate things without trouble and with speed is through digitalization and that is why we are able to actually reduce a lot of loopholes and have helped in increasing our IGR,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu said majority of the Ministry, Department, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state now have data protection officers and data protection policies to ensure that citizen’s data is secured and protected.
This was just as he quickly recalled that Lagos had long started a data protection policy, before it started the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), saying that this innovation started even before the commencement of NIN, “because as a government, we understands the importance of knowing our population.”
Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the state government recognizes the urgent need for robust data protection measures to safeguard its citizens’ personal information as identity theft is a growing issue, noting that the present administration understands the significance of identity theft with its dire consequences.
“We absolutely understand the significance of database protection as identity theft is a big issue around the world. People have lost their livelihoods because of identity theft. Even in the most advanced nation when they steal your identity you go through hell to claim it back, so we don’t want that to happen to us here,” he said.
He, therefore, urged the commission to continue to create awareness and educate till when it gets to a point where every stakeholder understood the need for database protection in the country.
While commending the Commission, Sanwo-Olu stated that the state government would partner with it in training some officers of the state on data analysis, among others.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Olatunji, noted that the purpose of the meeting was to seek Lagos State government partnership with the commission on its upcoming conference that would host various technology experts around the world.
Olatunji stressed that data protection and database management were essential in the country, adding that identity theft is a serious issue globally.
He stated that the commission oversees data protection and protects the personal data of the citizens both locally and globally, stressing that the commission understands that digital identity is important in the country and would help citizens protect their personal data globally no matter where they are.
Olatunji commended the Lagos State government for always being at the forefront of great things in the county, promising also to train the state officials on data protection.
