From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare, workplace safety, and the protection of digital data.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the two federal agencies agreed to collaborate in safeguarding Nigerian workers’ rights while ensuring the privacy and protection of citizens’ data. The agreement was reached during an inter-agency meeting held at the NSITF headquarters in Abuja.
Managing Director of the NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, who received the NDPC delegation led by the National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, called for a mutually beneficial collaboration between both organisations.
Faleye emphasised the importance of compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, urging the appointment of data protection officers and regular staff training to ensure full adherence.
“We recognise the need to comply with the law and put in place the necessary architecture to protect people’s data entrusted into our care,” Faleye said.
He, however, called on the NDPC to reciprocate by complying with the Employee Compensation Act, 2010, by enrolling its staff in the Employee Compensation Scheme managed by NSITF.
“As we try to comply with your mandates, we also expect your organisation to comply with ours,” he stated.
Faleye further proposed a skills exchange initiative, where NSITF would train NDPC staff on workplace safety and health, while NDPC would build the capacity of NSITF personnel on data protection and digital privacy.
The NSITF boss expressed optimism that certification from the NDPC would boost trust and confidence among the Fund’s stakeholders. He also advocated a joint advocacy and public awareness campaign by both agencies to promote their respective mandates.
In his remarks, Dr Olatunji pledged the Commission’s readiness to work closely with NSITF in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that both agencies play critical roles in national development and are key to realising the administration’s vision of economic transformation and institutional accountability.