The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring data privacy in Nigeria’s gaming sector, following a strategic engagement with the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC).
During a courtesy visit to the NDPC headquarters, Prince Arinze Arum, Executive Secretary of ESGC, led a delegation to discuss enhanced data protection measures for gamers in Enugu State. The visit comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s November 2024 ruling, which reaffirmed the authority of Nigerian states to regulate lottery and gaming within their jurisdictions.
Prince Arum emphasized that responsible and fair gaming cannot be achieved without proper data governance. He highlighted ESGC’s commitment to protecting gamers’ personal data and expressed the need for collaboration with the NDPC to enforce compliance with data protection laws in Enugu State.
Responding to the delegation, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, stressed the importance of responsible gaming in Nigeria, where over 60 million citizens engage in various forms of gaming. He underscored the necessity for operators to uphold the rights of gamers, as this fosters trust and confidence in their services.
Dr. Olatunji also outlined key compliance measures that gaming operators in Enugu must adopt, including registering with the NDPC, appointing a Data Protection Officer, and implementing a robust privacy policy. To reinforce ESGC’s role in this regulatory framework, he pledged to provide free training on data protection and privacy, equipping stakeholders with the necessary expertise to safeguard gamers’ personal information.
The partnership between the NDPC and ESGC marks a significant step towards strengthening data security in Nigeria’s gaming industry, ensuring that players’ rights and privacy remain a top priority.