Cybersecurity Leadership: Iremise Fidel-Anyanna discusses data privacy challenges

By Margaret Alau

In an exclusive interview with the DailyTimesNGR, Iremise Fidel-Anyanna, the Head of Application Security, Governance, and Security Operations at NIBSS, delves into the pivotal role of data privacy in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. He shares his thoughts on the challenges facing cybersecurity in the country and outlines actionable steps for building a more secure digital future.

Margaret Alau (MA): Mr. Fidel-Anyanna, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin with the basics. Why is data privacy so important in today’s digital economy?

Iremise Fidel-Anyanna (IFA): Thank you for having me. Data privacy is the foundation of digital trust. Without trust, the digital economy cannot thrive. Businesses, governments, and individuals all have a responsibility to protect data—it’s not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral one. If people can’t trust that their data is safe, they’ll hesitate to engage with digital platforms, which ultimately slows economic growth.

MA: Regulations like the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) aim to address these concerns. How effective have they been?

IFA: The NDPR is a great starting point, but enforcement remains a significant challenge. Many organizations are unaware of the severe consequences of data breaches. It’s not just about paying fines; breaches damage customer relationships and erode confidence in digital platforms. For the NDPR to have meaningful impact, we need robust enforcement, capacity building, and widespread awareness campaigns.

Moreover, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed into law the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 (NDP Act) on June 12,2023. The Act established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission whose mandate is to oversee the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act).

As part of its mechanism to enforce compliance, NITDA and the NDPC has mandated that Data Controllers and Processors conduct an independent Data Protection Audit and file the audit report with the Agency.

The key objectives of the Data Protection Regulation include to safeguard of the rights of natural persons to data privacy; foster safe conduct of transactions involving the exchange of personal data; prevent manipulation of personal data and ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade, through a just and equitable legal regulatory framework on data protection and which regulatory framework is in tune with global best practices.

MA: How do you see technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), shaping the future of cybersecurity in Nigeria?

IFA: AI has incredible potential to enhance cybersecurity. Machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies, flag unusual activities, and even predict vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. This real-time threat detection capability is a game changer.

However, we can’t rely solely on AI. Technology is only as effective as the people managing it. Skilled professionals are essential to interpret the insights AI provides and make informed decisions. This underscores the need for investment in training and education.

MA: What are the major obstacles hindering Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts, and how can they be overcome?

IFA: There are several challenges, including limited budgets, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts. To overcome these, we need a multi-stakeholder approach. Government agencies must enforce existing laws and provide support. Private companies must innovate and adopt best practices, and academic institutions must produce graduates with the right skills for this field.

MA: That sounds like a big task. Where should businesses start?

IFA: Businesses must take ownership of their cybersecurity strategies. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a business issue. Companies need to invest in robust security measures, conduct regular risk assessments, and train employees to recognize threats like phishing. Those that fail to act now risk falling behind in an increasingly digital world.

MA: What’s your message to the Nigerian government and the private sector regarding the country’s digital future?

IFA: Cybersecurity needs to be prioritized at every level. For the government, this means stricter enforcement of regulations and incentivizing businesses to adopt advanced technologies. For the private sector, it’s about taking responsibility and understanding that cybersecurity is an investment, not an expense. Together, we can build a resilient ecosystem where Nigeria’s digital economy can thrive.

MA: Thank you for your time, Mr. Fidel-Anyanna. Your insights are invaluable.

IFA: Thank you. It’s a shared journey, and I’m optimistic that with collective effort, we can secure Nigeria’s digital future.

As Fidel-Anyanna emphasized, achieving digital trust through robust data privacy measures is not just an option—it’s a necessity for Nigeria’s growth in the digital age.