Women’s Month: Stakeholders to champion financial independence for women
By Daniel Okejeme Still in the spirit of International Women’s Month, stakeholders have been called to champion more financial independence and empower women. Lead Consultant for Senema Production (SP),Emmanuel Ohimokhare, who made this call said that people seem to focus more on the issue of gender based violence and equality while neglecting one of the most important challenge, which is women empowerment. He made the statement during a workshop organized by SP in conjunction with the Taipei Trade Office in Abuja, titled ‘Empowering Women in the Media, Strategies for thriving in today’s economic landscape’. Citing digital space utilization training as one of such empowerments, Ohimokhare advised female journalists to key into the dynamic transformation going on in the media landscape for high- quality journalism and media businesses. He said, “Women in journalism who are yet to embrace the digital space are missing out on the number one thing that will benefit their career journey. Learn from the younger generation who understand the impact and visibility digital space bring when leveraged on. “Journalism is dynamic. Some years back, there was nothing like social change journalism or investigative journalism, but now it has evolved. “We want this workshop to empower the women financially, making them more financially independent,” he said. In her speach, Brand Manager and Social Media Expert, Esther Ilesanmi, stated that social change journalism can affect the growth of media in Nigeria through audience engagement by covering stories that address pressing social Issues, people are often drawn to content that resonates with their values and concerns. Ilesanmi advised that trust should be built through involving in social change Journalism focuses that focuses on providing accurate and Impactful information about societal issues. She said, ” Diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional advertising, media businesses can explore subscription models, events, sponsored content and grants to sustainably monetize their content. “Other opportunities for growth investment in talent and training are investing in the skills and professional development of journalists, particularly women, which is crucial for enhancing the quality and impact of social change journalism.” Ilesanmi informed that negative stories trend more than innovative stories because people like to hear bad stories. Some of the good stories out there don’t get the expected outreach come to bad news.What we need to do as media people is to infiltrate the system with many more good stories so as to shape the narrative and ideologies of people.
NGO, Stakeholders Accuse FG, Others Of ‘Exploiting’ Mining Communities
A Non-Governmental Organization, Global Rights, has accused the federal government and critical stakeholders of exploiting mining communities, including taking decisions without carrying host communities along. Addressing participants at the Third West African Mining Host Community “Indaba” in Abuja on Wednesday, the Executive Director, Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, said, due to faulty governance systems, the extraction and trade of the resources found in mining communities often fuel conflicts, corruption and violence, hence the need to find solutions to the menace. She said: “Annually, across several platforms across the world, governments and mining companies gather to decide our fate. The fate of our ancestral lands and of our children yet unborn. At these confabs, the people most impacted – extractive host communities are excluded. How do you decide for us without us? Afterall, we are the ones who know where the shoe pinches. We are the ones whose lands are desecrated, whose resilience are weakened. We are the ones. “So, we chose to represent ourselves, to give ourselves agency to decide our own future as the African Mining Vision and African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights has accorded us in Sections 20-22. This annual gathering unites us as a people to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that we are confronted with as West Africans. It is a platform for open and inclusive dialogue where ideas, experiences, and solutions are shared collectively. “We have also chosen to invite governments and mining companies. Perhaps, if they listen to us and dialogue with us, they might finally understand the powers that we have so generously bestowed on them are to protect our rights. Perhaps, they might understand afresh that the security of states start with the security of the people within the state, and adopt a human security paradigm to address the challenges around the efficient exploitation of our resources. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the wealth of West Africa’s minerals benefits the many, rather than the few and that it becomes a catalyst for peace, development and progress.” Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said there is need for the creation of a unique tax force for the mining sector to combat insecurity and other issues affecting it.
NNPCL Working With NEITI, Others To Reconcile NEITI’s 2021 Report
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and all relevant stakeholders in the Reconciliation Committee set up by President Bola Tinubu to investigate, review and reconcile the financial records on alleged indebtedness to the Federation by both NNPC Limited and Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC. A statement signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Limited, Olufemi O. Soneye, on Monday night in Abuja, said, this comes on the heels of calls by a non-governmental organisation for a probe of several monies allegedly owed to the Federation by the national oil company. NNPC Ltd states that the claims by the NGO were baseless, considering the fact that NEITI itself had dismissed many of the allegations in the said 2021 report, following a series of engagements with NNPC Ltd. NNPC Ltd had severally explained that at the outset of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, it was made to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imported into the country at one third of its value, a development that gave rise to an average of N400bn monthly subsidy bill, which subsequently put a strain on its revenues and finances. NNPC Ltd further stated “that subsidy bill accumulated to N3.736 trillion as of May 31st 2023.” The oil company said that the non-payment of NNPCL’s share of upstream joint venture gas supplied to the government-owned plants had led to the accumulation of indebtedness of N174.07 billion by the Federation. “Similarly, the receivables due from the federation to NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) as of 31st May 2023 amount to $712million (equivalent to N309.07 billion at N434.08/US$1) for revenues not remitted to NEPL but paid into the Federation account. “While the Federation owed NNPCL the sum of N 4.207 trillion as net indebtedness, the Company was only indebted to the Federation in the sum of N2.852 trillion, made up mainly of outstanding Good and Valuable Consideration (GVC) in respect of government upstream divestments, royalties and Petroleum Profit taxes (PPT). “We would like to also use this opportunity to clarify that over the years, our relationship with NEITI has been very cordial, as seen in August 2020 when we became an EITI supporting company in 2020, joining a group of over 65 extractives companies, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), commodity traders, financial institutions and industry partners committed to observing the EITI’s supporting company expectations. “Indeed, aside being a signatory to several EITI’s global ethics and standards, NNPC Ltd had on the sidelines of the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) in Washington DC, in September this year, signed up to the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, thereby becoming the first state-owned oil company to join the global initiative,” it said. The state oil company averred that it’s book remains open as it remain committed to delivering value to Nigerians with integrity and as espoused in our principles of Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE), the bulwark of the Mele Kyari leadership of the company.
AGF Tasks FG, Stakeholders On Review Of Criminal Justice Administration Laws
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, on Tuesday, tasked stakeholders, Attorneys General of States, Civil Society Organizations and International development partners to commit to the effective implementation of all policies, programmes and laws that will lead to a dynamic and efficient criminal justice administration system in the country. Fagbemi said the FG is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system of the country is more responsive to the demands of Nigerians for a simple, fast, efficient, effective, fair and trustworthy system for dispensation of justice. The AGF stated this in his keynote address at a 3-day National Stakeholders’ forum organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Centre for Social-Legal Studies. At the program with the theme, “Review of the Implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of States, AGF noted that the passage of the ACJA by all the 36 States of the Federation have provided a common ground to address the critical issues and challenges confronting Nigeria’s criminal justice system. “It has provided us a shared platform that would enable us scale up our efforts and seek new practical solutions to identified challenges. In conducting the review of the ACJA/ACJLs, Fagbemi advised participants to ask questions regarding the nature and workability of the strategic amendments that needed to be done in order to make ACJA/ACJLs respond to critical challenges and needs of the society. “We need to know what we could have done better, and how much further we need to go to enable us achieve the desired outcome. “In addition, we will collaborate and work with colleagues in the private and public sectors, including fellow Attorneys-General to develop and agree on a National Minimum Standards that would guide our collective efforts at achieving a more balanced, effective and inclusive system of justice. “It is expected that criminal justice institutions, anti-corruption agencies and other justice sector operatives will commit to, and observe the prescribed National Minimum Standards. “My expectation is that at the conclusion of these deliberations, there would be a consensus around developing a strategic plan to guide both the Federal and State Governments in the review and consequent amendment of ACJA and the respective ACJLs of various States. The Justice Minister hinted that ACJA is one of the few key legislations that both the Federal and States Governments share so much common grounds, as with common worries and concerns. In a goodwill message, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, charged participants at the forum to critically look at the grey areas impeding the implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act in the country. “If we don’t get it right here at this forum, then the issue of reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Services will remain a mirage. The Interior Minister insisted that getting lasting solutions to the problems facing the country’s judiciary, requires a multi-facet approach and must be through cocktail of ideas. Review will hold every Nigerian have a right and not a right as a privilege. In her welcome address, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Jeddy Agba, said the ACJA represents a significant milestone in the country’s judicial landscape, noting that the forum will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to brainstorm, share expertise, make recommendations, and build consensus on way forward in reviewing the ACJA. Prof Yemi Akinseye George SAN, President, Centre for Social-Legal Studies, in his remarks, thanked the AGF for creating the forum for stakeholders and Attorneys General of States to cross fertilize ideas on the ways to review and amend the ACJA and ACJL to enhance criminal justice delivery.
UBA’s Fraud Awareness Week: Stakeholders Seek Collaboration To Combat Menace
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, one of Africa’s premier financial institutions, recently hosted a significant event during its Fraud Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating financial fraud. This initiative aims to empower customers with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves from fraud and financial malpractices within the banking and financial sector. Running from Monday, October 16th to Friday, October 20th, 2023, the week-long event garnered substantial participation from key stakeholders across the financial sector. These participants shared their concerns regarding the escalating cases of fraud and discussed strategies to combat this critical issue. One of the event’s highlights was a Stakeholders’ Round-Table panel session held on Thursday. Distinguished guest speakers included Mr. Abbah Sambo Usman, Head of Cybercrime Investigation at the Advance Free Fraud Economic & Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Lagos State Command; Barrister Akin Adesomoju, Managing Partner at Akin Adesomoju & Co; and the Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, among others. These experts brought their invaluable insights and perspectives to the table. During the panel session, all participants reached a unanimous consensus on the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies. The goal of such collaboration is to provide essential information, data, and intelligence to detect gaps in the fight against fraud and to prevent future occurrences. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who was represented by the Group Internal Auditor, Gboyega Sodiq, emphasized the pivotal role of the Stakeholders’ Round-Table session. He highlighted that this session is a central component of UBA’s commitment to combating fraud and safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s financial systems. Alawuba stated, “In a rapidly evolving world of finance, where technology and innovation are transforming the landscape of financial services, the need for robust fraud prevention measures is more crucial than ever before. This year’s campaign is encapsulated in two simple yet powerful slogans: ‘UBA won’t ask; so don’t share’ and ‘Stay Secure, Stay Alert, Stop the Fraud.’ These slogans serve as a reminder that as a bank, we will never request sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, OTPs/token responses, or personal details via email, phone calls, or any other digital channels. They stress the fundamental rule that must be adhered to rigorously to maintain account security and combat fraud actively.” In summary, UBA’s Fraud Awareness Week proved to be a vital platform for uniting stakeholders and industry regulators to address the pressing issue of financial fraud through inter-agency collaborations and customer empowerment initiatives.
Stakeholders lagging behind on global warming fight, says UN
The United Nations has said that the world is not on target to curb global warming, insisting that more action is needed from all stakeholders. According to the Global Stocktake report, “The Paris Agreement has driven near-universal climate action by setting goals and sending signals to the world regarding the urgency of responding to the climate crisis,” it said. “While action is proceeding, much more is needed now on all fronts.” The report, culminating a two-year evaluation of the 2015 Paris climate agreement goals, distils thousands of submissions from experts, governments and campaigners and will lay the groundwork for the global stock-take discussion at COP28. Nearly 200 countries agreed in 2015 in Paris to limit warming to no more than 2 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to strive to keep the increase to 1.5 C. While each country is responsible for deciding its own climate actions, they also agreed to submit to a progress report by 2023 to see what more should be done. Some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries expect the report to spur action from global leaders. The U.N. said existing national pledges to cut emissions were insufficient to keep temperatures within the 1.5 C threshold. More than 20 gigatonnes of further CO2 reductions were needed this decade – and global net zero by 2050 – in order to meet the goals, the U.N. assessment said. “With leaders gathering this month for the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit ahead of COP28, the findings and recommendations of this Report need to be a wake-up call and a trigger for cogent commitments,” chair of Association of Small Island States, Pa’olelei Luteru said. The report urged countries to cut the use of “unabated” coal power by 67-92% by 2030 versus 2019 levels and to virtually eliminate it as a source of electricity by 2050. Low and zero-carbon electricity should account for as much as 99% of the global total by mid-century, while technological challenges holding back carbon capture must be resolved. The report also called for funding to be unlocked to support low-carbon development, noting that billions of dollars were still being invested in fossil fuels. “It serves up a bold to-do list for governments to limit warming to 1.5C and protect people everywhere from climate devastation,” said Tom Evans, policy advisor on climate diplomacy at British climate think tank E3G. Commitment is needed to phase out fossil fuels, set 2030 targets for renewable energy expansion, ensure the financial system funds climate action, and raise funds for adaptation and damage, he said. “Anything less will fall short on the necessary steps laid out in this report.”
We’re not opposed to Agip Oil share sales to Oando -NNPCL
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said that it was never opposed to the sale of the shares of Agip Oil Company to Oando Plc. In a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Garba Deen Muhammad said the letter to Agip Oil did not indicate it was opposed to the deal. In a letter to the Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd, dated September 4, and signed by Managing Director of NNPC E&P Limited, Ali Muhammed Zarah, NNPCL said if the deal goes through, it would have far-reaching contractual/legal implications in relation to the joint Operating Agreement dated July 1991 governing the operations of the NAOC/NEPL/OOL Joint venture. NNPCL said in the letter that its consent as a member of the joint venture member operating ENI’s onshore asset, was not obtained before the planned divestment to Oando. This it said was against contract rules governing the joint venture operation, and could affect the deal. The statement reads, “It has come to our notice that a routine communication in the form of a letter written by NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL) to its JV Partner, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) is being interpreted to suggest that NNPC Ltd. is opposed to the sale of NAOC shares to Oando PLC. This is not correct. “NNPC Ltd. wishes to state that the letter was sent by NEPL, an NNPC Ltd. subsidiary. However, nowhere was opposition or objection to the transaction mentioned in the letter. “NEPL is only drawing attention to certain important clauses in the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) between it, NAOC and OOL; which might have been overlooked in error. Adherence to those clauses will protect the transaction, now and in the future.” Oil major Eni had in a press release saying that it had signed an agreement with Oando, an energy solutions provider listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, for the sale of all its stake in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd (NAOC Ltd), a wholly-owned subsidiary focusing on onshore oil & gas exploration and production in Nigeria, as well as power generation.
Revised CMMP tops discussion as SEC, stakeholders hold Q2 CMC meeting
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to hold the Second Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting in 2023. The meeting is scheduled to be held virtually through Zoom with key stakeholders in the capital market on August 24, while the usual interface with the press, on the outcome of the CMC meeting, will take place on Friday, August 25. The SEC and the capital market community would discuss the implementation of the Revised Capital Market Master Plan, Fintech and commodities trading ecosystem roadmap as well as other matters relating to the capital market and the economy at its Second Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting in 2023. The CMC is an industry-wide committee comprising members of the SEC, representatives of capital market operators and trade groups and other stakeholders. It was primarily established to serve as a medium for the exchange of ideas among market stakeholders as well as an avenue for providing feedback to the SEC on how to continuously address challenges, improve market operations and enhance the regulatory framework. According to the SEC, “Attendance to both events is strictly by invitation. Invited participants will be sent unique links with which to join the meeting. “During the meeting, issues bordering on implementation of the Revised Capital Market Master Plan, implementation of the Fintech Roadmap, the commodities trading ecosystem roadmap as well as other salient matters relating to the capital market and the economy would be discussed.” The Commission unveiled the Revised Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP) in November 2022 which serves as a blueprint to harness opportunities to better position the capital market as the engine of economic growth and development. The SEC had previously implemented the initiatives of the 10 Year Capital Market Master Plan, which were designed to reposition the Nigerian Capital Market as an attractive investment destination and a critical facilitator of capital formation for the accelerated growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Some of the CMMP initiatives that have been implemented include; Direct Cash Settlement, regularisation of multiple subscriptions, dematerialisation of share certificates, and the introduction of the e-Dividend Management System. The CMMP initiatives have helped in promoting transparency, protecting investors and enhancing market confidence, while also ensuring that only fit and proper persons are allowed to operate in the capital market. The objectives of the CMMP are also in consonance with the Federal Government’s economic strategy, focused on deepening the capital market and encouraging a private sector-led economy to drive inclusive growth. Expected participants at the CMC meeting include Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all registered capital market firms (i.e. Broker/Dealers, Investment Advisers, Custodians, Fund/Portfolio Managers, Receiving Banks, Issuing Houses, Rating Agencies, Registrars, Reporting Accountants, Trustees, and Capital Market Consultants, etc.); Chief Executive Officers of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD); FMDQ Group Plc; Africa Exchange Holdings (AFEX); Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX); Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS); as well as representatives of relevant financial sector regulatory agencies, among others.
Advocates call for transparent measures in combatting sports corruption
Sports enthusiasts have called on stakeholders in the sector to uphold the virtues of transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption in the industry. They spoke at a one-day International Conference on Corruption in Sport, Whistleblowing, and Transparency in Abuja on Saturday. The conference was organised by the Africa Centre for Media Information and Literacy (AFRICMIL), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), HEDA Resource Centre, and PLAY!YA Nigeria. Beverly Agbakoba-Onyeijanya, a Sports, Entertainment, and Technology legal practitioner, said that the sports industry had been so heavily politicised which has led to corruption in the sector. She said that member states of various Federations are involved in wars over who has the right to vote, with elections being a major source of contention and disputes in the sports industry. “We’ve seen the rancour that has torn apart the Basketball Federation in Nigeria with factions, and of course with this comes the possibility of bribery, corruption, and inducements,” she said. She said that given the amount of money involved in the prosecution of sports, there was a need for the anti-graft agencies to focus attention on financial crimes in the sports industry. According to her, the establishment of an anti-corruption sports desk in agencies such as the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and ICPC, would checkmate the excesses of sports administrators in the country. In a remark, Usman Kaltungo of the EFCC explained that the commission’s powers to fight sports-related corruption cases in the country were been hindered by undue interference from International Sports organisations such as FIFA, FIBA, and others. Francis Obih, President, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), said the issue of favoritism and sentiments must be stamped out from sports. “As far as I am concerned, it doesn’t matter where you are coming from, once you are going out to represent Nigeria, you are representing the country and not any ethnic group or a particular religion. “So, such things should be taken away from sports, it doesn’t matter whether you are my brother or not, it should be purely based on merit and competence. “Also one of the disturbing areas is also the sexual harassment of female athletes by their coaches. “This is a no go area for me and the height of indiscipline to have officials, the coaches or technical personnel to have any sexual relationship with their athletes. “We must do everything to stop it because it hampers the performance of the athletes,” he said. He said every stakeholder, be it administrators, ministry, journalists, must come together, join hands and set certain ethical standards. “These standards should guide the growth and development of sports in the country, in order to bring corruption to its barest minimum. “No one person cannot do it alone, all hands must be on deck and in agreement, even though in every group, there are always some bad eggs and that’s the truth. “However, we must find a way of isolating those elements and minimise the damage that they can do, so that the whole body is not seen in a bad light,” he said. Also speaking via Zoom, an Investigative journalist based in Germany, Grit Hartmann, said that journalists outside the shores of Africa were not ignorant of corruption stories from the continent, especially Nigeria. She called for synergy and transnational corporation among stakeholders, adding that the issue of corruption in sport in Nigeria and the African continent at large was a systemic problem. Stanis Elsborg, a Senior Analyst also based in Germany, said that corruption in sports was not limited to Africa. He said that Europe and other parts of the globe are also susceptible to corruption tendencies in the area of sports. Joshua Umeifekwe, a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said the essence of measuring and managing multiple sports governance crises was to maintain the credibility and transparency of the sector. “Transparency as you know, ensures trust and so what we are saying is that there is a need to measure the nature of the crisis that we have. “For one to talk about ways of managing the crisis, you need to have an assessment of these crises. “Some of the ways include; collecting qualitative data, running a survey, and interviews, to mention a few. “Having done this, we must ensure we manage the crisis by ensuring transparency and ethical standards are followed and maintained,” he said. Chido Onumah, Coordinator, AFRICMIL, and Oluwashina Okeleji, a sports journalist for BBC Sports, among others, said that the role of whistleblowers in the sector cannot be overemphasized. They said for sports to grow, there was a need to have whistleblowers to expose some of the ills and corruption going on in the sector. They also called for the establishment of legislation to protect whistleblowers, as well as investigative journalists in the country.
Data Protection Act: Commission, stakeholders applaud Tinubu
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), formerly Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), has commended President Bola Tinubu on the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information and the practice of data protection in Nigeria. Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner, NDPC, made the commendation at the NDPB’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) validation workshop on Wednesday in Abuja. The Bill was introduced to the Senate and House of Representatives for consideration and passage on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, via a letter from former President Muhammadu Buhari. Now an Act, the new law establishes the NDPC and replaced the NDPB established by Buhari in February 2022. Olatunji said: “I am happy to announce that data protection ecosystem is really growing. “The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau is now a Commission by law. Nigeria now has its Data Protection Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 12.” He appreciated the efforts of the former administration of Buhari who started the journey under the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami. The national commissioner stressed the need for effective partnership and stakeholder engagement especially in the areas of awareness and sensitisation. “We need to work together as government, private sector, academia, civil society groups. “We agree that Nigeria is well positioned to move data protection ahead in Africa, the whole of Africa is waiting for us,” he said. He disclosed that over 500,000 job opportunities had been identified in the data protection and privacy ecosystem which was in line with one of the campaign points of the current administration to create one million jobs in the digital economy sector in 12 months. Olatunji, however, buttressed the need to bridge the huge gap that existed in the data protection ecosystem that had the capacity to create wealth and millions of jobs for Nigerians and promote the digital economy. Mr Williams Ojo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of trust and accountability in the digital sphere. “We can create an ecosystem that protects the rights of individuals while fostering a vibrant and innovative digital economy. “Together, let us embark on this validation workshop with a shared vision, a vision of a Nigeria where personal data is treated with the utmost respect, where individuals have control over their own information, and where innovation thrives in an environment of trust,” he said. Mr Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said data was the currency of digital economy, urging the meeting to look at the key principles for data protection. “We need to prioritise freedom and rights of our citizens, promote transparency, accountability and foster an enabling environment for innovation and economic growth. “We can only create jobs when we are innovative and look at how we can create prosperity in our country,” he said. Dr Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, the Chairman, Committee on the Action Plan, said the roadmap was intended to help identify some of the things needed to build the ecosystem. Ajijola emphasised the need for more awareness and sensitisation to build a robust, inclusive and viable data protection and privacy ecosystem.