NDPC Deepens Public Trust As Roadshow Spotlights Data Protection In The Digital Ecosystem
By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
In furtherance of National Privacy Week, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, led members of the NDPC staff, other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as stakeholders in the digital privacy ecosystem, on a roadshow in Abuja.
The roadshow in Abuja, which is part of the Commission’s initiative to create awareness of data protection and privacy, started from Eagles Square at the Federal Secretariat, through Unity Fountain in Maitama, and then back to Eagles Square, with over 200 people participating.
Through this activity, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria by deepening public awareness, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and promoting a culture of responsible data handling in the digital ecosystem.
As part of activities marking the Global Privacy Week celebration, and in furtherance of its mandate to promote data protection awareness and compliance, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) organised a capacity-building on data protection and privacy for digital media partners.
The National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, was represented at the capacity-building programme by the Head of Research and Development, Dr. Tolu Pius-Fadipe. The training was designed to equip participants with a foundational understanding of data protection, thereby enhancing the quality of their reporting, particularly within the digital and social media space.
Dr. Pius-Fadipe emphasised the importance of responsible data handling and informed digital storytelling in strengthening Nigeria’s data protection and privacy architecture, noting that the media plays a critical role in shaping public discourse.
Participants were introduced to key areas, including the lawful basis for personal data processing, data subject rights, cross-border data transfers, data security, personal data breach management, and the implementation of appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard data protection and privacy.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) commemorated Global Privacy Day with a press conference that marked the commencement of the 2026 edition of the National Privacy Week, themed “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation.” The event also featured the presentation of the National Data Protection Champion award to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.
In his ecosystem briefing, Dr. Olatunji, explained that the primary objective of the National Privacy Week was to deepen awareness of data protection and privacy across the country. He provided a brief on the data protection ecosystem in Nigeria, highlighting key achievements of the Commission, including the creation of over 23,000 jobs in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the growth of an ecosystem valued at over ₦16.2 billion. He also outlined the Commission’s strategic plans for 2026.
In his remarks, Dr. Tijani commended Dr. Olatunji for his visionary leadership, noting that the Commission had emerged as a global leader in the data protection and privacy ecosystem. He stated that the NDPC continued to set standards aligned with international best practices while effectively addressing Nigeria’s unique digital and socio-economic context.
Dr. Olatunji formally presented the National Data Privacy Champion award to the Hon. Minister in recognition of his support and contributions towards advancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Nadungu Gagare; the Director-General/CEO of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu; and the Chief Executive Officers of NIPOST, NIGCOMSAT, and the USPF, among others.
