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.

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.

For years, citizens have repeatedly handed over their details for NIN registration, driver’s licences, BVN, SIM cards, and passports. That cycle could soon end. “By establishing a unified and secure data exchange platform, citizens will no longer need to repeatedly submit personal data to different government institutions, making access to public services faster and more seamlessly.

“The NGDX will open opportunities for innovation, allowing startups and enterprises to build solutions leveraging anonymised public data for improved healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, fintech development, and education technology,” said Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general, during a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Monday.

NIN, BVN, VIO, PVC, NDLEA: Nigeria’s Data Obsession is Turning Citizens into Files

The platform promises more than convenience, allowing authorised agencies to verify records on the backend, NGDX reduces inefficiencies, cuts costs, and accelerates processes that previously required multiple submissions. 

Fintechs and other service providers, which rely heavily on identity verification, are expected to benefit from quicker KYC processes and smoother access to government-backed data verification systems.

NGDX is a core part of Nigeria’s broader Digital Public Infrastructure strategy, designed to create interoperable and secure digital systems for public services. Real-time data exchange, secure APIs for identity verification, and access to anonymised data for innovation are central to its architecture. 

The initiative adheres to GDPR-aligned standards, including encryption, authentication, incident response, and audit trails. Accessibility features such as screen readers, digital braille, and sign language support are also included, ensuring inclusivity across the system.

The European Union, through its Global Gateway initiative, is backing the project. EU partners, including Finland, Estonia, Germany, and France, attended the Abuja workshop, sharing expertise on data governance and interoperability. 

Estonia, recognised for its advanced e-Government framework, is advising Nigeria on secure digital identity models and cross-agency data sharing.

If fully implemented, NGDX could transform the citizen-government experience, moving from long queues and repeated data submissions to a seamless digital interface. 

In opening public data to innovation, it also offers opportunities for startups and enterprises to tackle challenges in healthcare, agriculture, fintech, and education technology, potentially bolstering service delivery across Nigeria.