Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Chief Executive Officer of Data Science Nigeria (DSN), has said that effective data classification is essential to Nigeria’s pursuit of data sovereignty and the optimisation of its digital economy.
Adekanmbi made this known in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday.
Data sovereignty refers to the principle that digital information is subject to the laws and regulations of the country where it is collected or stored.
He explained that properly categorising data based on sensitivity and security levels would help determine what information should be retained within the country and what could be stored externally, while still maintaining national control.
According to him, assigning risk levels to different types of data is a critical first step in building a structured and secure data governance framework.
He added that data classification would also guide decisions on hosting arrangements, including cases where information is stored abroad but remains subject to Nigerian oversight and control.
Adekanmbi noted that data sovereignty should not be viewed only as a restrictive policy, but also as a potential driver of economic growth and innovation.
He said Nigeria could unlock new revenue opportunities by developing digital infrastructure that allows it to provide data services beyond its borders, particularly within the West African region.
According to him, with the right infrastructure, skills, and expertise, the country can position itself as a regional hub for cloud and data services.
He stressed that sensitive information such as national security data must be hosted locally, while certain health-related datasets also require strict domestic control due to the risks associated with breaches.
Adekanmbi further explained that where data must be hosted outside the country, organisations should rely on trusted global providers with strong cybersecurity systems and clear contractual safeguards.
He cited major technology companies such as Microsoft and Google as examples of firms with established data protection frameworks and experience in managing sensitive information.
He concluded that maintaining effective control over data, regardless of its physical location, is central to achieving a balanced and secure data sovereignty system.