Data Governance Will Ensure Maximum Value Derivation from the Digital Economy – NITDA CEO

Data Governance Will Ensure Maximum Value Derivation from the Digital Economy – NITDA CEO As data affects how we make decisions on the path to creating a sustainable future, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era and the emerging challenges, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated that data governance and how Nigeria as a country seeks to position itself in this agenda is critical to ensuring maximum value is derived and providing the needed support for the thriving innovation ecosystem.

Inuwa, who was represented by the Acting Director, Digital Economy Development Department (DED), Engr. Salisu Kaka, made this revelation while giving his welcoming address during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft National Data Strategy (NDS) organized by NITDA in Abuja.

The purpose of the Stakeholder Engagement is to give information about the proposed NDS; chances for stakeholders to voice their ideas and concerns; address expectations and misconceptions about the NDS; and examine the potential implications of the strategy.

Inuwa remarked that, “the non-depletion properties of data make it a particular asset for the production of wealth and is of major strategic relevance for both the public and commercial sectors. Its correct application can provide a competitive edge, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in this data-driven era.”

Speaking on the Draft, Inuwa noted that the strategy seeks to create an enabling environment for access to data to develop the digital economy, adding that it also supports the development of Data Infrastructures, Data for Public Good, Open Government Data, Data Privacy and Protection, and Upskilling Nigerians in both public and private sectors”.

According to the DG, data collection/acquisition, transmission, storage/warehousing, processing, use, and protection must all be done in a way that respects the rights guaranteed in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution.

He also stated that the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) was established in order to better mainstream data privacy and protection.

Presenting the Nigeria Data Strategy to stakeholders Mr. Lukman Lamid remarked “the importance of the engagement is not just to have an exceptional paper but one that can be executed”.

According to him, NDS’s mission is to “make Nigeria one of the top leaders in the global data economy, translating into wealth for everybody.”

“The purpose of the NDS is to harness the economic and social values of data for the growth of Nigeria,” Mr. Lamid added. He went on to say, “The aim is to make data as accessible, shareable, and actionable as possible for all types of stakeholders who may require it for economic and societal reasons.”

While recognizing that the NDS’s value proposition includes ownership, security and privacy, public benefit, job growth, and global competitiveness.

According to Mr. Lamid, it will also consider global challenges related to data and data strategy, such as data security and protection, data privacy, data sovereignty, data mobility, and cross-border data flows.

Four break-out sessions were held throughout the event. While the first and second break-out sessions focused on and made recommendations on the NDS aspirations (vision, mission, goals, objectives, principles, and value proposition), Governance, and Ecosystem structure, the third and fourth discussed and made recommendations on the NDS enablers, drivers, pillars, and implementation strategy.