The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has restated the Commission’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) as the nation deepens its digital public infrastructure (DPI).
Dr. Olatunji gave this assurance in his goodwill message at the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform (NGDX) Stakeholder Workshop held in Abuja.
The event convened key players from both public and private sectors to deliberate on the future of data exchange and its centrality to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
In his address, the NDPC chief stressed that data protection transcends regulatory obligation, describing it as a “strategic enabler of digital transformation.”
He maintained that responsible and lawful use of personal data is vital to building public trust and ensuring transparency, accountability, and resilience in Nigeria’s digital economy.
“For Nigeria to truly harness the potential of data, we must prioritise the responsible and lawful use of personal data, especially in data exchange frameworks. Public trust can only be built on the foundation of transparency, accountability, and strong data protection practices,” Dr. Olatunji said.
He highlighted NDPC’s pivotal role not only in enforcing compliance but also in promoting data ethics, building awareness, and fostering trust in digital governance. Stakeholders at the workshop echoed this sentiment, affirming that adherence to the NDP Act is critical to achieving secure, seamless, and efficient data exchange across institutions.
Since its establishment in 2023, the Commission has been widely commended for reforms and initiatives that are shaping Nigeria’s data protection landscape. Dr. Olatunji noted that such recognition reflects the importance of collaboration and visionary leadership in driving inclusive digital governance.
Dignitaries at the event
The workshop was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju; the Director-General of NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; and the Post-Master General of NIPOST, Engr. Tola Odeyemi.
Dr. Olatunji expressed optimism about continued partnerships with stakeholders to build a trusted, secure, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem for Nigeria.
