NITDA on collision course with NCC, as it vows to implement data policy

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it is unafraid of regulatory friction with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in the implementation of its Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, 2019.

The agency said it was already collaborating with other regulators in the information technology sector in the implementation of its Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, 2019.

This was disclosed by the Head, Legal Services and Board Matters in NITDA, Emmanuel Edet, in a statement on Wednesday.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had warned of a possible collision between NITDA and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

ALTON said there was a need for an urgent intervention by the NCC to safeguard the interest of market players and preserve the powers of the commission.

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But NITDA said that the telecommunication operators were attempting to set two government agencies (NITDA and NCC) against each other.

Edet said, “For avoidance of doubt, NITDA has enjoyed a cordial relationship with all sector regulators and we have consistently engaged them on all regulations and guidelines issued by the agency.

“In this vein, NITDA has significantly socialised the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 and the Public Internet Access Regulation 2019.”

He added, “The agency is delighted with the support of several institutions in complying and promoting these regulations.

“While it is a global practice for sector regulators to give sector- specific directives and regulations on how certain issues are to be addressed, this does not restrict the right of government agencies to issue regulations which cover the field as is the case in this matter.”

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