Somalia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamal Mohammed, has underscored the idea that “everything Somalia needs is in Nigeria,” particularly in the realm of data protection and various other sectors. His comments came on Monday during a visit with a delegation of international data protection experts from Somalia, who were in Nigeria to study the country’s data protection framework.
The group met with Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Olatunji emphasized the importance of data protection in the digital age, stressing that the privacy of all citizens is a fundamental right that must be safeguarded. He highlighted that Nigeria places a high priority on protecting the privacy of its citizens, a commitment reflected in the country’s 1999 constitution.
“It is a digital age, and the protection of privacy is paramount,” Olatunji told the delegation. “Countries worldwide are implementing measures to enforce data protection rights and establish authorities to ensure compliance. In Nigeria, we are committed to this cause as part of our constitutional mandate.”
Ambassador Mohammed expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s advancements in data protection and the knowledge he has gained during his three-year tenure in the country. He conveyed his belief that Somalia could greatly benefit from Nigeria’s expertise and experience in this field. Mohammed encouraged Somalians to be aware of the opportunities that Nigeria offers and to consider collaborative efforts between the two nations.
“I’ve been here for three years, and I’ve come to realize that everything Somalia needs in terms of knowledge and experience is available in Nigeria,” Mohammed said. He urged his compatriots to take advantage of the insights gained during the visit.
However, Mohammed also noted challenges he has faced in fostering a better understanding between Nigerians and Somalians. He mentioned that convincing Nigerians about Somalia has been difficult due to prevailing misconceptions and fears. Similarly, he has encountered obstacles in encouraging Somalians to explore opportunities in Nigeria.
“There is a challenge in convincing Nigerians about Somalia due to a certain phobia,” Mohammed admitted. “The same issue applies to Somalians. I’ve been trying to encourage Somalians to come to Nigeria, but now, with the opportunities presented, I hope this will change.”
Ambassador Mohammed’s remarks underscore the potential for increased collaboration and mutual benefit between Somalia and Nigeria, highlighting the shared opportunities for growth and development in areas such as data protection and beyond.