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Dream slipped on the ground

Jean Claude Saclag’s campaign as an MMA fighter in the 20th Asian Games ended yesterday with a silver-medal finish – just like his run as a wushu athlete in Incheon back in 2014.

His golden dream here ended buried on the mat.

The 31-year-old fighter from Baguio fell to Tajikistan’s Otabek Rajabov in the men’s traditional -65kg MMA final at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in a classic striker-vs-grappler duel that ended exactly where Saclag didn’t want it: on the ground.

‘It was like three people were lying on top of me,’ Saclag said in Pilipino of the 23-year-old unbeaten Tajik.

It didn’t start that way. Saclag won the early standing war, uncorking a looping head shot that knocked Rajabov down.

Then came the mistake that cost him the gold.

‘My coach told me to wait for him to stand up, but I saw his eyes, he was still dizzy, so my killer instinct kicked in,’ he said.

He dove in. Rajabov grabbed him. And that was it – the start of a sorry end.

Once on the canvas, Rajabov never let him breathe. Saclag spent most of the fight pinned, smothered, and shut down.

The loss mirrored Incheon 2014, when Saclag, as wushu artist, also settled for silver.

The silver still assured the Philippines twin podium finishes in MMA’s debut at the Asian Games, following Carlos Alvarez’s bronze in the -77kg class a day earlier.

CBN seeks improved monetary policy transmission to boost output

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has emphasised the need to strengthen the transmission mechanism of monetary policy to improve economic output.

Speaking after the 307th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Governor of the CBN, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, said the gap between the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and the interbank rate had weakened the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.

Cardoso said the ongoing disinflation process was encouraging but stressed that the divergence between the MPR and prevailing interbank rates needed to be addressed to ensure that monetary policy decisions had the desired impact on the economy.

‘We are of the firm opinion that our transmission mechanism is not working as effectively as it should.

‘The disinflation process is ongoing, and that is a very positive thing. However, between the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and the interbank rate, there is a gap,’ he said.

According to him, market participants were aware of the disparity, stressing that the CBN needed to close the gap to strengthen the transmission of monetary policy.

‘The rate at which the interbank is working is disconnected from the MPR, and there is a need to fix that because if you don’t fix that, your translation process and your transmission mechanism weaken.

‘We know that what is important to us is for that transmission mechanism to work as effectively and efficiently as possible,’ he stated.

Cardoso said the MPC had consequently decided to reset the MPR and recalibrate the policy corridor as part of an operational realignment aimed at strengthening monetary policy transmission and reinforcing the primacy of the MPR.

‘The MPC emphasised that the recalibration of the corridor does not constitute a change in the current monetary policy stance, but rather an operational reset to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and support the transition to an inflation-targeting framework,’ he said.

He explained that members of the committee were of the view that the prevailing macroeconomic environment remained supportive of the recalibration without undermining the ongoing disinflation process.

‘In arriving at its decision, the Committee noted that the observed divergence between the MPR and the prevailing market rates had weakened the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.

‘Members noted that the Bank’s ongoing repair of the monetary policy implementation framework, including the adoption of NOFR as a transaction-based operational benchmark, has improved the transparency of money market operations,’ Cardoso said.

The governor said the committee therefore considered a reset of the MPR and recalibration of the policy corridor appropriate to better align the monetary policy implementation framework with prevailing market realities.

‘This would strengthen policy transmission and restore the MPR as the principal signal of monetary policy. Members emphasised that the recalibration represents an operational realignment of the framework and should not, in itself, be construed as a change in the underlying policy stance,’ Cardoso stated.

Sunlight exposure improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes – Study

Simply sitting by a window and basking in sunlight may improve blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

In the international academic journal Cell Metabolism, researchers said simply sitting by a window for a few hours each day to be exposed to sunlight might boost metabolic health by reinforcing the body’s internal clock.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. This lifelong condition occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

Scientists discovered that people’s blood sugar levels stayed normal for half the time when they were in natural sunlight. In contrast, under man-made lights, their blood glucose stayed in a healthy range for about 43 per cent of the time.

For the study, the researchers put the volunteers in a room with a big window for 4.5 days. They got nine hours of natural sunlight each day, from 8 am to 5 pm. No artificial lighting was used during this period. Their daily routines – including sleep timing, physical activity, diet and diabetes medication – were kept constant.

Under the same conditions, the participants later spent another 4.5 days in a windowless room exposed only to artificial lighting. This phase of the experiment was conducted about a month later.

Analysis showed that blood sugar levels remained within the normal range for a longer duration (50 per cent of the total time) when participants were exposed to natural sunlight. In contrast, under artificial lighting, their blood sugar stayed normal for only about 43 per cent of the time.

The team attributed the variation to light-sensitive cells in the eyes, which play a key role in regulating metabolic cycles. These cells are particularly responsive to short wavelengths (blue light spectrum) abundant in natural sunlight.

Professor Joris Hoeks, who led the study, pointed out that extended periods of time outside the normal glucose range raise the risk of long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease, even though the difference may seem slight.

The researchers said the effect of sunlight is related to the light-sensitive cells in the eyes that aid in controlling metabolic and circadian rhythms. Natural daylight contains a lot of short-wavelength (blue) light, which these cells react especially well to.

A better circadian clock promotes melatonin production at night and improves sensitivity. It also improves fat metabolism, proper utilisation of energy and sleep quality.

Professor Glen Jeffrey of University College London’s Department of Visual Neuroscience, who was not involved in the study, was a reminder of the significance of daylight for general health but warned that more extensive clinical trials are required to validate the advantages and ascertain how daylight exposure might be integrated into the treatment of diabetes.

Experts declared that while sun exposure may be a straightforward lifestyle support in addition to medication, diet and exercise, it should not take the place of prescribed diabetes treatment.

ADB: Philippines bond market grows at faster pace in Q2

The Philippine bond market posted a faster growth rate in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter, but bond issuance fell during the same period, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In a report, the ADB said the country’s outstanding local currency debt securities rose by 3.3 percent to P14.5 trillion in the second quarter from the previous quarter. This is slightly faster than the 2.8 percent increase in the first quarter.

Excluding debt securities with tenors of one year or shorter, the local currency bond market rose by 2.7 percent quarter-on-quarter to P13.2 trillion from April to June, slower than the previous quarter’s 3.5 percent expansion.

Both government and corporate bonds registered slower expansions in the second quarter.

In particular, outstanding government bonds rose at a slower pace of 2.6 percent in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter’s 3.4 percent, while corporate bonds increased by 3.2 percent compared to 4.4 percent previously.

The ADB also said that bond issuance weakened in the second quarter, falling by 45 percent to P476.2 billion after surging by 212 percent in the previous quarter.

It said the weaker bond activity was ‘due to a high base effect from front-loaded government borrowing.’

Government bond issuance declined by 46 percent quarter-on-quarter, while corporate issuance fell by 41 percent.

The ADB also said that yields on Philippine local currency government debt securities fell by 21 basis points on average from June to August.

The declines were concentrated in tenors of one year or longer.

‘Despite cumulative rate hikes of 50 basis points in June and August, moderating inflation and weakening growth exerted downward pressure on yields,’ the ADB said.

Inflation eased to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July.

Average inflation from January to August was at 5.2 percent, above the government’s two to four percent target.

Meanwhile, the country’s economic growth averaged 2.6 percent in the first half, below the government’s revised goal of 3.5 to 4.5 percent.

By investor group, the ADB said that banks and other financial institutions collectively accounted for 61.2 percent of total holdings in June, up from 58.1 percent in May.

Domestic investors held 96 percent of the country’s local currency debt securities.

Suspected Abia drug kingpin arrested, remanded in prison

A 49-year-old alleged drug kingpin in Abia State identified as Chukwudi Eguzouwa has been remanded in prison following his arrest and arraignment in court by the police.

The alleged drug kingpin was arrested in Ahiaba-Ubi, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state, the spokesperson for Abia command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed in a statement issued in Umuahia to newsmen on Wednesday.

The Police spokesperson said Eguzouwa arrested ‘for being a notorious dealer in hard drugs and psychotropic substances’.

She explained that bags, containing substances suspected to be marijuana, ‘Scottish Loud,’ methamphetamine, cocaine, and other hard drugs, were found on him during a raid of a hideout in the area.

According to her, Eguzouwa’s arrest followed the directive of the state Commissioner of Police, on intelligence-led raids to ensure the state becomes free of criminal hideouts.

‘The operatives of the Violent Response Unit, Anti-Cultism Unit, acting on actionable intelligence, on September 18, carried out a raid on criminal hideouts in the area.

‘During the operation, the above-mentioned suspect, known as a notorious drug dealer within the community, was apprehended.

‘Upon conclusion of investigations on Tuesday, September 22, the suspect was arraigned and remanded in a correctional facility,’ she added.

She stated that the state Police Commissioner, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, warned criminal elements to shun unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.

Cleansing Karuziika ahead of coronation

As Tooro Kingdom races to complete preparations for the September 29 coronation of Prince Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, cultural custodians have begun a ritual cleansing of Karuziika Palace, clearing the royal residence for a new reign.

The exercise, according to kingdom officials, is more than the ordinary cleaning and refurbishment of a house.

Karuziika is the official seat of the Tooro monarch and where some of the kingdom’s most important cultural rites are performed.

The transition from the reign of the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV to Nyabongo I therefore requires the palace to undergo prescribed cultural preparations before the incoming king occupies it.

Mr Kato Rwakatale, the head of palace affairs on the coronation organising team and assistant Musuuga, said designated cultural ritualists had already started the cleansing.

‘A new king cannot use old property that were inside the palace. Therefore, cultural cleansing involves the removal of anything culturally associated with the previous reign. The incoming king should not inherit them. That includes furniture. New items will be put before the new king comes in,’ he said.

For instance, a visit to Karuziika Palace by this publication last Saturday found that furniture in the main sitting room, previously used by the late King Oyo, the had been removed.

Royal regalia, however, are treated differently. Mr Rwakatale said some royal items, including drums and spears, remain because they belong to the institution rather than to an individual king.

Some regalia were also buried with the late monarch as part of the funeral rites.

A palace between two reigns

The preparations come less than five weeks after King Oyo died on August 27.

The death of an Omukama traditionally signifies more than the loss of an individual. It activates a series of cultural processes intended to separate the deceased monarch’s reign from that of his successor.

During Oyo’s funeral, royal symbols were placed in mourning position and the sacred royal fire at Karuziika was extinguished.

The fire, known as Ekyoto kya Kakyo, associated with the reign of a sitting king.

While other workers may participate in ordinary maintenance, like removing litter, slashing the palace compound and ensuring the grounds are in good condition, the ritual cleansing remains the responsibility of designated custodians.

‘Not everyone can be allowed to do this work. It is the work of ritualists dedicated to it,’ he said.

Coronation programme

According to the programme presented by the organising committee, Nyabongo I will spend September 26 to 28 at Rwengoma Palace, where he will undergo preparations and traditional rites.

Then on the 28th night, he will leave with members of the traditional ritual team and his royal guards, known as the Baduma, and walk through Fort Portal City and head to Karuziika.

The head of the Babiito royal clan, Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, said Nyabongo I will enter the palace through the Mugabante.

Here, he will undergo a mock battle before entering through the main entrance (omusanga) before undergoing other rituals.

Karuziika Palace

The construction of the Karuziika Palace occurred during the reign of Omukama Sir George David Matthew Kamurasi Rukidi III, who reigned until 1965 and its foundation station was put in 1962 after independence by then prime minister Milton Obote.

The palace subsequently stood through the abolition of Uganda’s traditional kingdoms in 1967, when the monarchy was officially dismantled.

Then, the palace served as an army barracks and later turned into a health training institute.

After the restoration of traditional institutions in 1993, Karuziika once again became the seat of the Tooro monarch. It was occupied by Omukama Kaboyo Olimi III before his death, and later by his son, Oyo, who became Omukama in 1995.

Nyabongo I will therefore inherit a palace associated with successive stages of Tooro’s modern history.

The Babiito Royal Clan announced September 29 as the date for his coronation after the Tooro Kingdom Supreme Council endorsed him as successor to Oyo.

Mr Rwakatale said the cultural cleansing work must be completed before the night of September 28 to accommodate some of the traditional activities leading into coronation day.

‘All that is needed will be available before the coronation because resources were set aside for this cleansing process,’ he said.

During a meeting held on Monday involving various stakeholders in the coronation preparation, it was resolved that each clan should contribute two cows towards the coronation.

On the other hand, communities were encouraged to mobilise food and other supplies needed for the ceremony.

The mobilisation comes amid efforts by the coronation organising committee to raise Shs925m to meet the costs of the event.

RWENGOMA PALACE

The second palace receiving a facelift is Rwengoma Palace, also known as ascension palace. Located a few metres from Fort Portal City, on the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo Road.

It is one of Tooro’s surviving historic royal sites.

The palace was built in the early 20th century by Omukama Daudi Kasagama Kyebambe for his mother, Victoria Kahinju, on his return from exile, and was completed in 1903.

The palace was subsequently associated with the preparation of members of the royal family before they ascended to the throne.

Mr David Olimi Kanyemera, the head of Rwengoma Palace, said the building has a particular place in Tooro’s royal history as it was later used by members of the royal family who became kings.

These include Sir George Kamurasi Rukidi III and Patrick Kaboyo, who later became Omukama Rukidi III and Olimi III respectively.

‘It has a unique construction design with no cement or metal used in its foundation. Nyabongo I will be the fourth king to ascend the throne from this palace,’ he said.

Mr Herbet Mugisa, the chairperson for works and decoration on the Tooro Kingdom coronation committee, said that part of the resources allocated to his committee will go towards the facelift of the Rwengoma Palace.

Cocaine Here, Cocaine There, Cocaine Everywhere

The recent cocaine busts which originated from Ghana are unlike no other in recent times in terms of frequency and quantity.

Information reaching us and as corroborated by the Interior Minister is that the French are reluctant in divulging intelligence with their Ghanaian counterparts, mistrust being the reason.

Developments in recent times have informed the French position, which cannot be faulted.

The suspicion that the image of one of the suspects arrested in connection with the French bust resembles a presidential close security is rife. Indeed, a name has been mentioned on social media which is shared by one of the President’s men.

During the next court hearing, that suspect would be present and those who know him well will easily identify him or not as the case may be.

He is said to hail from Akwatia Line, a suburb of Kumasi, one of his aliases being Karyansu.

The Spokesperson for the President would do Ghanaians a great service if he issues a statement to clear the subject. Until he does so, the speculation is continuing in assortment of conversations in manners uncomplimentary of government.

Not even the MV Benjamin case is receiving the kind of public attention these ones are.

When security personnel are hooked to social media chasing those behind the insults which have become the order of local politics in the country today, the security of our ports cannot be guaranteed.

Be it as it may, we are enmeshed in cocaine politics. Those who suspect government complicity in the unfolding scandal or saga are relishing the unfolding developments.

Even as the opposition hits hard at government over the cocaine busts, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in their bid to return fire are failing, their defence too weak to stand the firepower of their political foes.

Of course it cannot make sense when they claim that it was because the number of agencies undertaking inspections was curtailed under the Akufo-Addo regime that gave rise to the busts outside Ghana today.

How did the drugs come into the country when relevant agencies are expected to perform their functions of stopping the entry of illicit substances into the country? Ghana does not produce cocaine because, after all, we do not grow poppies here as it is done in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Under Akufo-Addo, how many such busts originating from Ghana were made?

In a digitised age, high-tech scanners exist to ensure that illicit drugs do not pass through our ports. These gadgets are however operated by humans who must listen to orders from above.

There are a lot to learn about the new drug status of Ghana, and these are worrying.

When Rev. Ntim Fordjour raised the red flag about the strange landing at the Kotoka International Airport before the name change, he was harassed for seeing and talking.

Now here we are, too dirty to come out in the open as a country.

Even worrying is the possibility that there are stuck in the country larger quantities of the stuff locked up in stash houses awaiting the clearance of the coast before the next attempts. The local market will boom as some quantities could be offloaded for the consumption of the already hooked. This is pure premium quality, it would appear.

IOM: 70,600 Nigerians Have Returned From Irregular Migration Since 2017

More than 70,600 Nigerians have been assisted to return to the country from irregular migration journeys since 2017, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said.

The organisation also disclosed that over 44,500 returnees had received reintegration assistance, while others were still undergoing the process.

IOM Nigeria Communication Officer, Elijah Alaigwu, disclosed this during a two-day co-creation workshop for media practitioners and On-Air Personalities (OAPs) held in Kano on September 21 and 22, 2026.

Alaigwu said the organisation had continued to work with the Nigerian government and partners, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), to support Nigerians affected by irregular migration.

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Man arraigned over alleged stealing in Ekiti

He said IOM was not against Nigerians travelling abroad but urged prospective migrants to use regular and documented channels to avoid exploitation by smugglers and traffickers.

‘What we are saying is that people should travel the right way. If you want to go into a country, you should have your documentation properly checked and ensure that you have all the relevant documents,’ he said.

Alaigwu urged intending migrants to understand the conditions and requirements of their destination countries and avoid relying on smugglers or traffickers.

He said Kano continued to record cases of young people embarking on irregular journeys through the borders, making public awareness and access to accurate information critical in preventing exploitation.

The IOM official also called for greater media involvement in tackling irregular migration and human trafficking, describing journalists and media organisations as key partners in countering misinformation and educating prospective migrants.

‘We believe that members of the fourth estate are key partners when it comes to addressing misinformation around migration and raising awareness so that people can be well informed before they embark on different journeys,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Public Enlightenment Unit, NAPTIP Kano Zonal Command, Umar Muhammad, disclosed that the command had received 154 complaints involving human trafficking, child labour, child abuse and other forms of exploitation from January to date.

He said the agency had secured nine convictions, with some of those convicted sentenced to between six and seven years in prison.

Muhammad said several other cases were still under investigation and prosecution, particularly those involving child abuse and child labour, which he said often required lengthy investigations.

He described Kano as an important transit point for trafficking networks because of its geographical location and proximity to neighbouring states and international borders.

‘Kano is very close to Katsina and Jigawa, and Kano is a very big town and an exit,’ he said.

According to him, trafficking networks sometimes move victims through several states, including Abuja, Kaduna and Kano, before attempting to take them across international borders.

Muhammad described human trafficking as an organised crime and called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.

He added that NAPTIP and IOM had collaborated in profiling and assisting victims of trafficking as well as Nigerians who returned from irregular migration journeys.

He urged the media and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to prevent vulnerable Nigerians from falling victim to traffickers and smugglers.

HONOR 600S confirmed to launch in the Philippines on October 1

HONOR’s latest smartphone brings key experiences from the HONOR 600 Series to a wider audience, with AI-powered creativity, 5G connectivity, and long-lasting battery life.

Following the success of the HONOR 600 Series, global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially confirmed the arrival of the HONOR 600S, coming to the Philippines on October 1, 2026.

As a more accessible addition to the HONOR 600 Series, the HONOR 600S is designed to bring the experiences that users value from the series to a wider audience. Built for young professionals, creators, and digital-savvy users, it combines entertainment, content creation, work, business, and connectivity in a smartphone made for everyday life.

The HONOR 600S is set to bring more of the HONOR 600 Series experience to a wider audience, with a combination of entertainment, creativity, connectivity, and everyday performance. Among its highlights is HONOR AI Image to Video 2.0, giving users a glimpse of the creative experiences they can expect from the new device.

It also comes with 5G connectivity, allowing users to stay connected and enjoy their digital experiences wherever the day takes them. It is built to keep up with users who are always on the go, featuring a massive 8,100mAh battery designed to provide the power needed for long days of streaming, scrolling, creating, and getting things done.

‘Following the strong response to the HONOR 600 Series, we wanted to continue giving our consumers more of the experiences they value while making them accessible to even more users,’ said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. ‘The HONOR 600S carries forward the AI-powered creativity and connectivity that our consumers enjoy, while offering an option that fits the needs of a wider audience. We’re excited to officially introduce it to the Philippines this October.’

The HONOR 600S officially launches in the Philippines on October 1, 2026. More details, including pricing, availability, and other launch offers, will be revealed soon. Watch the live launch here: https://bit.ly/H600S_GrandLaunch_PR.

The NDPC’s new circular on data protection and responsible data governance: key considerations for Ministries, Departments, Agencies (‘MDAs’)

On August 4, 2026, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (‘NDPC’) published a press release announcing the Federal Government’s commitment to mandating data compliance across public institutions. The Press release highlighted the issuance of a compliance circular (‘Circular No. 59805/S.I/7) directed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (‘MDAs’) by the Federal Government to promote public trust and strengthen data governance across public institutions. The underlying Circular invokes the Federal Government’s directive that all MDAs should ‘capture information rigorously and safeguard it under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023’ (‘NDP Act’).

Significance of the Circular

a. It elevates data protection from a simple compliance issue to a priority at the highest levels of government.

b. It mandates that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Chief Executive Officers are personally responsible for institutional compliance.

c. There are commercial implications not just for the MDAs of government but also for private entities, such as data processors, that process personal data on behalf of government institutions.

In light of the above, this insight sets out the Circular’s principal requirements, examines the implications for MDAs, and identifies practical challenges that may arise from the FG’s renewed focus on data protection.

What MDAs Are Required to Do

The Circular directs MDAs to ensure ‘full compliance with the NDP Act, Regulations, Guidelines and Directives issued by the NDPC in relation to the processing of personal data.’ To this end, the Circular imposes the following obligations:

1. Appointment of Data Protection Officers: MDAs must designate qualified officers as Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to oversee data protection compliance and advise management on all matters relating to the lawful processing of personal data.

2. Registration of DPOs with NDPC: MDAs are required to communicate the names and contact details of their designated DPOs to the NDPC for registration and official records. This creates an accountability link between each institution and the regulator.

3. Engagement of licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations: MDAs may also engage the services of licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (‘DPCOs’) to facilitate compliance with the NDP Act and to support statutory compliance audits.

4. Budgetary Allocation for Data Protection: MDAs are required to allocate adequate budget for data protection compliance activities, including capacity building, awareness programmes, deployment of appropriate technical safeguards, and compliance audits.

5. Submission of mandatory audit returns: MDAs must submit all mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) not later than March 31st of each year. and other Statutory returns to the NDPC within timelines prescribed by law.

6. Personal accountability of leadership: The Circular states that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Chief Executive Officers of all MDAs ‘shall be personally responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with the Circular and the provisions of the NDP Act.

Additionally, the NDPC confirmed that the Commission has established a regulatory clinic to provide technical support to MDAs to achieve compliance.

Implications for MDAs and the Private Sector Entities Contracting with MDAs

MDAs will need to undertake a range of activities to ensure compliance with the circular. These include identifying data-processing activities across departments and appointing qualified, experienced DPOs. MDAs will also be required to establish internal data-protection policies and operational procedures, and budget for staff training and awareness programmes. Where internal capacity is limited, MDAs will need to engage licensed DPCOs, prepare and submit data-compliance audit returns, and strengthen internal frameworks to address data-protection risks in third-party arrangements. Overall, for MDAs, this means stronger internal accountability, documentation, oversight and budgeting.

The implications of the Circular may extend well beyond the public sector. This means MDAs must require private contractors, technology vendors, cloud service providers engaged by them, and other private entities that may process data on their behalf to comply with data protection obligations under the NDP Act.

To address these risks, MDAs should incorporate appropriate data protection safeguards into their engagements with such third parties, including entering into data processing agreements, clearly defining the parties’ respective data protection responsibilities, conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) where required, and implementing appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. MDAs should also establish mechanisms to monitor third-party compliance and manage data breaches and other data protection incidents throughout the engagement.

These entities should anticipate heightened due diligence requirements in their procurement processes. Data processing agreements would need to reflect the requirements of the NDP Act; there would also be audit requirements and rights of inspection by MDAs or their licensed DPCOs; and higher standards for documentation and record-keeping.

For vendors and service providers already engaged with MDAs, there may be a need to revise or supplement existing data processing agreements to incorporate additional data protection obligations. In particular, where these engagements involve the processing of personal data on behalf of MDAs, the parties may need to update their agreements to clearly set out their respective obligations under the NDP Act. This may include provisions on data security, audit and inspection rights, record-keeping, and the handling of data breaches and other data protection incidents.

Overall, for private-sector entities dealing with MDAs, it means greater scrutiny of their data-protection practices, contractual obligations and ability to safeguard government-held personal data. Businesses with demonstrable data-protection compliance may be better positioned to participate in government procurement processes and secure contracts involving the processing of personal data.

Practical Challenges for MDAs

The Circular requires MDAs to make ‘adequate budgetary provision’ for data protection. For example, recruiting qualified DPOs, ensuring technical safeguards, and engaging licensed DPCOs would require funding that may not have been anticipated in current budgetary cycles.

Second, many MDAs process personal data on systems not designed with data protection principles in mind and may lack support for modern access controls, encryption, or audit trails.

In addition, the Government procurement processes are often lengthy and procedurally rigid. Integrating data protection due diligence into procurement, renegotiating existing contracts, and ensuring vendor compliance may strain already slow processes.

Conclusion

The Circular reflects the Federal Government’s renewed focus on data protection compliance and mandates MDAs to understand and implement its requirements. This will require MDAs to review their existing internal data protection frameworks to identify gaps and ensure the integration of data protection practices into their day-to-day operations to ensure compliance with the NDP Act. For private entities dealing with MDAs, the Circular also signals the need for data protection compliance; therefore, they should ensure that their data protection agreements are sufficiently robust to meet the expectations of MDAs and the requirements of the NDP Act.

Nimma Jo-Madugu, Partner; Amanda Abor and Vivienne Orji, Associates – KENNA LP’s Data Protection Practice Unit

Kenna is licensed by the NDPC as a Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO) to, among other things, provide audit services for the purpose of compliance with the NDP Act. Consequently, we are available to advise the MDAs on their obligations under the NDP Act and other applicable data protection regulations.