By OKEOGHENE AKUBUIKE

The Bureau of Public Procurement and the National Data Protection Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening data management and protection protocols in the country.

A statement by Zira Nagga, Head of Press and Public Relations, BPP, in Abuja on Friday, said the agreement marked the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two agencies.

The statement quoted the Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, as calling on Nigerians to embrace the culture of data protection in the interest of personal and national security.

“The partnership with the NDPC represents a significant step towards strengthening security protocols and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“This reinforces the commitment of both entities to high-level security standards, ensuring privacy and resilience in an increasingly digital landscape,” he said.

Adedokun said the MoU would provide a framework for cooperation, enabling both agencies to share best practices, exchange insights on data governance and address emerging cyber threats.

According to him, the BPP will continue to release authentic procurement-related information without violating provisions of the Data Protection Act and established rules on data privacy.

The BPP boss stressed the need for proactive measures to address data privacy challenges, particularly in regulating access to sensitive information.

He added that restrictions must be put in place to protect children and minors from exposure to harmful or sensitive data beyond their understanding.

Adedokun warned that violators of the Data Protection Act would be held accountable.

“It is a criminal offence to divulge and release government classified data and information without authorisation.

“This should be applied across all sectors to promote national development and safeguard the country’s national security,” he said.

The statement also quoted the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, as saying that the MoU was aimed at deepening collaboration between the two agencies in strengthening data privacy in the country.

Olatunji said data protection had become a global concern, adding that President Bola Tinubu had approved policies to safeguard both private and national data.

According to him, protecting data also means protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens while enhancing national security and development.

He said efforts were ongoing to ensure data protection for underage citizens, adding that a national survey was being conducted to regulate and manage Nigerians’ data.

The statement added that both agencies agreed to establish a working committee to drive training for officers and implement guidelines under the partnership.

It said the MoU underscored the commitment of both agencies to data integrity and protection in the interest of national security and public assets. (NAN)

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