Lagos State Government says it recognises the urgent need for robust data protection measures to safeguard its citizens’ personal information as identity theft is a growing issue.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, (right) presenting a souvenir to Chairman of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, (left) during a courtesy visit at the Roundhouse, Alausa, Ikeja

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the present administration understands the significance of identity theft with its concomitant on lives destruction.

Sanwo-Olu states that the government understand the significance of database protection as identity theft is a big issue around the world, saying People have lost their livelihoods because of identity theft.

According to him, 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.

Sanwo-Olu spoke through his Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during a courtesy visit by the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and his team on the Governor, at Alausa, Ikeja.

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.

He underscored the significance of leveraging databases and digital technologies to stimulate economic development, noting that Lagos being a digitally committed environment has continued to leverage more technology-driven policies.

Sanwo-Olu said majority of the State Ministry, Department, and Agencies, now have data protection officers and data protection policies to ensure that citizen’s data is secure and protected.

He noted that it should be recalled that Lagos has started a data protection policy, before it started the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), even before the commencement of NIN, stressing that the government understands the importance of knowing the population.

Earlier in his address, 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.

Olatunji said data protection and database management are essential in the country, stating that identity theft is a serious issue globally and that the commission oversees data protection and protects the personal data of citizens both locally and globally.

He pointed out that the commission understands that digital identity is important in the country and the commission will help citizens protect their data and to have access to the personal information of citizens across the globe that no matter where you are, personal identity must be protected.

He commended the Lagos State government for always being at the forefront of great things in the county and also promised to train Lagos state officials on data protection.