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A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a role that oversees the organisation’s processing of personal data of staff, customers or any other data subjects to ensure it is done in accordance with the NDPR and other applicable Data Protection laws. A DPO effectively acts as a bridge between the organisation, the data subjects as well as Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) (or other relevant regulatory authorities).
An Outsourced DPO Service Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) as a Service (DPOAAS) helps you to get on top of the compliance journey with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation by outsourcing your data protection compliance challenges to a collaborative team that includes certified data protection experts – while you get on with your business!
According to the Regulation a DPO doesn’t have to be a full-time role. However, it does require specialist data protection expertise and knowledge which is difficult to come by in an emerging industry.
Having access to an experienced and knowledgeable outsourced DPO is a cost-effective solution for improving data protection and information security compliance with data protection regulations, such as Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and significantly reduces risks associated with compliance.
Failing to achieve your compliance obligations and to protect personal data of individuals can lead to:
Significant financial penalties from the supervisory authority, the NDPB
Breach of trust with your invaluable clients and customers
To your business, lawsuits, loss of earnings and penalties, etc
Loss of customers and employee attrition
Have immediate access to a team of certified Data Protection and Cybersecurity practitioners who would support you on your compliance journey
Hands-on support with data breaches or emergencies
Outsourcing is a cost effective solution that saves on recruitment and implementation costs
A dedicated DPO is appointed to monitor internal compliance, inform on data protection obligations, support with the annual NDPR Audit, act as a contact point for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and data subjects. The responsibilities of a DPO may include:
This is dependent on the DPO package you choose.
Any organisation (public or private), legal entity or person that processes the personal data of people located in Nigeria must comply with the Regulation.
Does my organisation process personal data?
“Processing” is a broad term that covers just about anything you can do with data. These include: collection, use, storage, transmission, adaptation and alteration, analysis, disclosure by transmission, erasure, etc.
“Personal data” is any information that relates to a person, such as names, email addresses, an identification number, location data, IP addresses, eye colour, political affiliation, medical records, and so on.
NDPR mandates that you must appoint a DPO if:
Apart from being a cost effective and efficient solution, the Regulation also mandates that the data protection officer is designated on the basis of professional qualities, expert knowledge of personal data protection, practices and the ability to fulfil the tasks assigned to him or her.
The personal data protection officer may be a permanent staff member of the data controller or the data processor, or a person who fulfils the tasks on the basis of a service contract.
Most organisations in Nigeria would not have access to the type of professional expertise required to succeed in the role, hence why outsourcing is a great idea.
There is quite a lot for the DPO to do, it includes
An outsourced DPO is a skilled, highly knowledgeable, cost-effective solution for organisations that require guidance and solution-driven advice on their compliance journey. They also have access to a pool of internationally trained and certified data protection and information security experts. An outsourced DPO ensures you get the expertise you need and avoids any issues around conflict of interest.
The fundamental role of a DPO is to help ensure your organisation’s compliance with data protection regulation. So a good DPO can assist you directly with the implementation of an appropriate compliance framework and therefore improve your organisation’s compliance with the regulation.
Our outsourced DPO’s are affordable for most of our clients. Our pricing model depends on the complexity of your data landscape and the specific needs of your organisation. However, as a guide we have provided our DPO-as-a-Service packages.
For more information about our DPO As a Service, our portfolio of services and any other questions why don’t you get in touch.