Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has underscored the significance of leveraging databases and digital technologies to stimulate economic development.
Sanwo-Olu stated this today during a courtesy visit by the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and his team to the Governor at Alausa, Ikeja.
The Governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, added that its capacity to substantially increase revenue generation at both state and national cannot be over-emphasised, noting that Lagos, being a digitally committed environment, has 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 digitalisation and that is why we can reduce a lot of loopholes and have helped in increasing our IGR”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu said the majority of the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) now have data protection officers and data protection policies to ensure that citizens’ data is secure and protected.
He noted that it should be recalled that Lagos started a data protection policy before it started the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), even before the commencement of NIN, adding that we, as a government, understand the importance of knowing our population.
Speaking further, the Governor stressed that the state government recognises the urgent need for robust data protection measures to safeguard its citizens’ personal information as identity theft is a growing issue.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the present administration understands the significance of identity theft with its concomitant on lives destruction. “We 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.
The Governor urged the Commission to continue to create awareness and educate till when it gets to a point where every stakeholder understands the need for database protection in the country.
While commending the Commission, Sanwo-Olu stated that the state government will partner with them 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. Vincent Olatunji noted that the purpose of the meeting is to seek Lagos State government partnership with the commission on its upcoming conference that will host various technology experts around the world.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that data protection and database management are essential in the country, adding that identity theft is a serious issue globally.
He averred that the Commission oversees data protection and protects the personal data of the citizens both locally and globally, saying, “We understand that digital identity is important in the country. We will help citizens protect their data and ensure they have access to it wherever they are across the globe”.
He commended the Lagos State government for always being at the forefront of great things in the country, promising to train Lagos state officials on data protection.