To enhance employment opportunities and provide Nigerian youth with essential skills, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has partnered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This initiative aims to train 5,000 young individuals in Data Privacy and protection. Such cooperation underscores the government’s dedication to human capital advancement and the expansion of the nation’s digital economy. During the signing event in Abuja, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, emphasised the program’s capacity to foster employment opportunities and economic growth.
He pointed out that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to empowering young people, stating that at least 80% of their initiatives aimed at developing human resources are directed towards youth. The goal of this program is to train 5,000 young individuals in Nigeria with crucial abilities needed to join the data protection field, which is expected to expand as increasing numbers of businesses recognise the importance of safeguarding their data. This training program will meet the growing need for data protection experts in Nigeria.
About 500,000 new positions will be generated.
Considering that there are about 500,000 data controllers in the nation, all legally obligated to employ a minimum of one data protection officer, the job market is ripe for new opportunities. Olawande highlighted that this initiative will provide pathways for young Nigerians to fill around 500,000 newly created positions. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) figure for Nigerian young people stood at 13.7% in Q3 of 2023.
By offering training in a sought-after field, this program creates opportunities for young individuals to secure valuable jobs and play a role in the nation’s economic advancement. Establishing a robust structure for safeguarding data, ensuring security, and protecting consumers will facilitate Nigeria’s entry into international digital commerce, enhancing its competitiveness globally. The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and NDPC signifies a crucial move toward cultivating a workforce equipped for the future while tackling the pressing issue of youth Unemployment in Nigeria.
Foreign investments will be enhanced to promote the digital landscape.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the CEO and National Commissioner of the NDPC, emphasised that safeguarding data is vital for enticing foreign investments and strengthening Nigeria’s digital landscape. He stated that Investors would be keen to engage with Nigeria if they showcase the responsible management of their data. He pointed out the necessity for local certification to prevent imposing financial strain from international certification expenses on the economy. The NDPC has authorised local certification organisations to provide internationally acknowledged certificates to trainees, guaranteeing that participants are adequately equipped for employment while alleviating strain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
This effort is a component of a larger national strategy aimed at improving Nigeria’s adherence to data protection laws and strengthening the digital economy. The government intends to cultivate a workforce adept in data privacy, thereby establishing a safe and accountable digital landscape that nurtures confidence among businesses and consumers alike. This is particularly vital as the nation strives to draw in greater foreign direct investment. Improved data regulations provide assurance to global companies that their data is managed safely, thus enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness as a business hub.
Related Article: Nigeria’s data centres lack 95% of capacity
Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, commended the NDPC for its work in advancing data privacy and security. He emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to making the collaboration effective, noting that essential systems were already being established. The initiative’s importance goes beyond merely generating employment and fostering local expertise. It also resonates with global movements regarding data governance. According to the World Development Report 2021 from the World Bank, managing data transfers is vital for global commerce, especially in developing digital markets such as Nigeria.