With cybersecurity threats on the rise and data protection regulations becoming increasingly stringent, experts have urged businesses to host their data locally.
The Head of Strategy and Business Development at Layer3, David Ita, said in a note to The PUNCH that opting for a local cloud provider grants businesses greater control over data residency and access.
According to Ita, local operators adhere to stringent Nigerian data protection regulations, providing assurance that sensitive information is safeguarded.
He said embracing local cloud solutions contributes to fostering innovation, job creation, and skill development within Nigeria.
“By hosting your data and applications within Nigeria, you minimize the physical distance between your users and your resources.
“This translates to significantly faster loading times, smoother user experiences, and ultimately, higher customer satisfaction,” he said.
He mentioned that data privacy and security remain top priorities for businesses, regardless of size.
The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation is a crucial legal framework aimed at safeguarding individuals’ data privacy rights, fostering secure data transactions, and ensuring Nigerian businesses remain competitive internationally.
This regulation applies to the storage and processing of personal data concerning Nigerian citizens and residents, covering various types of personal information like contact details, financial records, health data, etc.
Further, Ita mentioned that international cloud services often burden businesses with additional charges stemming from currency fluctuations and data transfer fees.
He added that hosting data locally eliminates these concerns, ensuring businesses pay only for the resources they need without unexpected costs.
The National Information Technology Development Agency had warned government agencies against hosting public data on cyberspace and clouds outside Nigeria.
“It should be noted that the government considers the data of the government as national resources that must be stored in Nigeria and analysed within existing regulations for the improvement of governance and the development of the country,” it said in a statement.
