The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and supporting initiatives that advance the country’s digital independence and economic growth.
Dr. Olatunji made the commitment while delivering a goodwill message at Tech Convergence 3.0, organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), under the theme: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Independence: The Role of Policy, Digital Identity and .ng for Economic Growth.”
In his remarks, the NDPC boss commended NiRA for its achievements in promoting Nigeria’s country code top-level domain (.ng) and fostering the growth of the nation’s internet ecosystem.
He also highlighted the strong and productive relationship between the Commission and NiRA, noting that both organisations share a common vision of building a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy.
Dr. Olatunji disclosed that one of the requirements for Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) accredited by the Commission is the adoption of a .ng domain name, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity and promoting local digital assets.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to deepen its collaboration with NiRA through initiatives that support data protection, digital trust, and national digital development.
“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is closely tied to the strength of our digital identity,” Dr. Olatunji said. “At the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, we remain committed to supporting the development of a digital identity that Nigerians can proudly showcase globally while ensuring that privacy and data protection remain at the core of our digital transformation journey.”
As part of efforts to strengthen capacity within the internet ecosystem, the National Commissioner proposed data protection and privacy training programmes for NiRA registrars. According to him, the initiative forms part of the Commission’s contribution to the human capital development of stakeholders within the domain registration and internet governance space.
He noted that building a digitally skilled workforce is essential to safeguarding personal data, enhancing trust in digital services, and sustaining Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The event attracted key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and the technology ecosystem.
Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Shuiab Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity; Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity; Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone; and Dr. Ibukun Odusote, Chairman of NiRA’s Board of Trustees, among others.
Tech Convergence 3.0 provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, promoting indigenous internet infrastructure, and accelerating the country’s digital economic growth.
