Bauchi, NDPC sign MoU to eliminate ghost workers, train 500 cybersecurity experts
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to strengthen governance, safeguard digital rights, and eliminate ghost workers from its payroll.
The agreement was sealed on Tuesday during the launch of the CyberNation Programme and the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework in Bauchi.
Gov Bala Mohammed said the partnership would enhance the database of public servants, curb manipulation of staff records, improve service delivery, and promote transparency.
He noted that the Bauchi State Data Protection Policy developed with NDPC underscores his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens’ digital rights and complying with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
NDPC National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji, represented by Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Mr. Babatunde Bamibogboye, outlined the MoU’s key provisions: developing a comprehensive data privacy policy, strengthening compliance mechanisms, building officials’ capacity through continuous training, and promoting public awareness on data rights.
Bamibogboye stressed that the Fourth Industrial Revolution offers vast opportunities but depends on trust built through responsible data use, calling for strong collaboration between national and state governments.
Protexxa Country Representative, Abi Hafsat Abubakar, described the CyberNation Programme delivered with Protexxa Inc. as the first of its kind in Nigeria and second in Africa.
She said it will train 500 youths as certified cybersecurity experts, opening direct pathways to local and international jobs, including foreign-currency earnings.
Bauchi State ICT Bureau Director-General, Hayatudden Babama’aji, said the Data Protection Policy, CyberNation Programme, and Digital Literacy and Skills Framework form an integrated strategy to build a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.
The launch drew goodwill messages from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone, NIGCOMSAT, and Almuhibbah Open University, all pledging support for Bauchi’s digital transformation drive.
