The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, was represented by Babatunde Bamgboye Esq., Head of the Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations Department, at a knowledge-sharing session titled “How to Utilise AI-powered Services for Proactive Cybersecurity.” The event, organized by SOPHOS, focused on delivering an end-to-end cybersecurity solution tailored to data protection needs.
In his address, Bamgboye emphasized the severe repercussions of data breaches, highlighting that beyond reputational damage, organisations could face penalties amounting to 2% of their financial turnover. He stressed the critical need for robust data protection and privacy measures to mitigate such risks.
Addressing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, Bamgboye noted, “While AI has an important role to play in cybersecurity, human oversight remains essential to ensure that the rights of data subjects are safeguarded and not infringed upon.”
Bamgboye also underscored the Nigerian government’s commitment to data protection, citing the Nigeria Data Protection Act signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. He highlighted the dual focus of cybersecurity, stating, “While cybersecurity aims to protect data, data privacy is a critical aspect that must not be overlooked.”
The session served as a platform to align technological advancements with regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach in adopting AI for cybersecurity to enhance data protection without compromising individual privacy rights.
