Nigeria has joined the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum as an associate member, a move aimed at enhancing mechanisms for international data transfers.
The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing ahead of the upcoming Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) conference scheduled to take place in Abuja from May 6 to 8.
The conference will focus on the theme, “Balancing Innovation in Africa, Data Privacy and Protection in Emerging Technologies.”
Olatunji described Nigeria’s inclusion in the forum as a significant milestone in fortifying the country’s digital economy while aligning with global data protection and privacy standards.
The CBPR Forum, established in 2022, seeks to encourage the free flow of data while ensuring global cooperation on data privacy.
He recalled the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, which mandates the NDPC to ensure the adequacy of data protection, especially regarding enforcement of data subjects’ rights across jurisdictions.
“Seasoned experts have been lined up to lead discussions on Africa’s digital economy, AI’s role in the privacy paradox, and regulatory approaches to emerging technologies,” he said.
He highlighted key topics to be covered at the conference, including data protection in fintech, the intersection of innovation and privacy, and the creation of a single digital market within the African free trade zone.
“These issues are crucial in the Fourth Industrial Revolution where data flows across borders for purposes such as healthcare, education, tourism, and e-commerce,” Olatunji noted.
He said Nigeria is actively exploring cross-border data frameworks under the NDPA to safeguard citizens’ data rights and protect national data sovereignty.
“To this end, we are pleased to announce our intention to join the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum as an associate member,” he stated.
According to him, exploring mechanisms for cross-border data transfer includes having national data protection legislation, an independent data authority, and adopting operational standards and certification for data sharing.
“This framework will provide more options for the transfer of personal data across borders, ensuring accountability and compliance with the NDPA,” he added.
He also revealed plans to set up a strategic task force made up of stakeholders to facilitate knowledge sharing on cross-border data transfer and explore its benefits for sustainable development.
The NADPA event is expected to host over 1,000 delegates from 30 African nations, with technocrats from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America in attendance.
It will feature breakout sessions, exhibitions, and tourism activities in the Federal Capital Territory to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“Hosting NADPA is part of our efforts to build trust in Nigeria’s digital economy and unlock opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs,” Olatunji said.
Mrs Christine Harbaugh, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, described Nigeria’s membership in the CBPR Forum as a reflection of the country’s leadership and openness to digital innovation.
She acknowledged Nigeria’s advances in digital transformation, noting that startups and companies are driving innovation across various sectors.
“Aligning with the CBPR Forum positions Nigeria as a global hub for digital business and signals to international tech firms and investors that the Nigerian market is full of potential,” Harbaugh said.
She emphasised the importance of secure cross-border data flows and noted that the forum promotes common standards and interoperability across different regulatory regimes.
“By joining the Global Forum, Nigeria becomes part of a committed global community working to mitigate data protection risks and ensure robust safeguards wherever data is transferred,” she said.
Harbaugh also noted that around 60 per cent of Nigerian startups are incorporated in the U.S., and that facilitating data flows would enhance their ability to serve clients in both countries and expand digital trade.
“We’re excited about what this partnership means and look forward to working with Nigeria to create a secure and prosperous digital future,” she said.
NADPA was created to strengthen data governance across Africa, promote responsible data flows, and protect data subjects’ rights.
(NAN)