The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reinforced the role of the media in promoting responsible data governance, as it organised a Media Chat and Capacity Building Workshop for journalists in Lagos to mark this year’s National Privacy Week.
The engagement, which brought together media partners covering technology, business, and governance, was aimed at strengthening journalists’ understanding of Nigeria’s evolving data protection and privacy ecosystem, in order to improve the quality, accuracy, and responsibility of reporting on data-related issues.
Speaking virtually at the event, Dr Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner and chief executive officer of the NDPC, commended the media for its sustained support in advancing public awareness of data protection and privacy, describing the press as a critical stakeholder in the Commission’s mandate.
NDPC at the training session:
Olatunji emphasised the growing economic and social importance of data protection in Nigeria, noting that effective regulation is not only about safeguarding citizens’ rights but also about enabling trust in the digital economy.
He highlighted key milestones recorded by the Commission since its establishment, including the creation of approximately 23,000 jobs and the expansion of a data protection ecosystem now valued at about ₦16.2 billion.
According to him, these gains underscore the sector’s rising contribution to national economic growth, particularly as businesses, public institutions, and digital service providers increasingly prioritise data compliance and privacy safeguards.
The NDPC boss also disclosed that the Commission was named the Most Outstanding Data Protection Authority at the Picasso Awards last year, a recognition he said reflects its growing credibility and impact both locally and internationally.
He urged journalists to continue supporting the Commission’s efforts through informed reporting and sustained public engagement.
The capacity-building session exposed participants to core concepts underpinning data protection and privacy regulation, including the principles of personal data processing, lawful bases for data processing, and the regulatory considerations surrounding cross-border data transfers.
Other discussions focused on emerging privacy risks, compliance obligations for organisations, and the media’s role in shaping public understanding of data rights.
Organisers said the workshop forms part of the NDPC’s broader strategy to deepen stakeholder collaboration and build institutional capacity across sectors, as Nigeria positions itself as a trusted digital economy under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Industry observers say the initiative highlights the increasing intersection between data governance, media responsibility, and economic development, particularly at a time when digital technologies are reshaping business models and public services across the country.
