This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, is aimed at professionals across sectors and shows a sharpened focus on regulation as the economy becomes more digitised.

The launch, which coincided with the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) in Abuja, was led by Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. He wasted no time in stressing the weight of the move.

“As we digitise government services, open up digital trade corridors, and scale digital identity platforms, data becomes the backbone and data protection, the shield,” he said during the event.

From where we stand, this academy is a response to a reality where data breaches, identity theft, and privacy violations are no longer rare headlines but daily threats. 

The Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy brings practical, accessible training on cybersecurity and data governance for everyone—from government workers to young tech professionals. The idea is to build digital resilience through knowledge, not just laws.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented at the event by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, noted that the Federal Government views data not merely as code or numbers, but as something deeply human. “Data is more than just a digital asset,” he said. “It is a human story told in numbers.”

Nigeria has gone beyond just trying to keep up with international best practices, it’s now attempting to create a regulatory system that matches the velocity of technological change.

To this end, the Vice President pointed to several milestones. He recalled how President Tinubu, only two weeks into office, signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law.

This was followed by Nigeria’s endorsement of the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection earlier this year. The General Application Implementation Directive for the Act also came into effect just two months ago.

“Our data protection ecosystem is now directly tied to the delivery of the eight presidential priorities of this administration,” Shettima noted.

Beyond national borders, Nigeria is pushing for a continent-wide alignment. The Chairperson of NADPA, represented by Vice President Immaculate Kassiat, called for shared standards across African countries, emphasising the urgency of regional cooperation in an era where data knows no boundaries.

On his part, Dr Vincent Olatunji, national nommissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), offered insight into what has already been achieved.

The numbers were telling; over 5,000 compliance assessments, 223 investigations, 12 organisational remediations, and upwards of $1.2 million generated in regulatory fees in just two years.

“We’ve signed MOUs with data protection authorities across Africa and are creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding citizens,” Olatunji said.

Still, he warned, not every African nation has caught up. Many countries on the continent remain without concrete data protection laws, a vacuum he believes could weaken Africa’s digital future.

“Strong data protection frameworks are not barriers to innovation, but enablers of a resilient and inclusive digital economy.”

The conference, themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” convened more than 30 African nations, with international observers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.

It was a mix of public declarations and backroom strategy—an attempt to shape how the continent handles one of its most valuable currencies: data.

Inga Stefanowicz, speaking on behalf of the European Union, reiterated the EU’s support for Africa’s evolving data governance ecosystem. And while partnerships are welcome, the message from Nigerian officials stressed that we can’t afford to wait for global consensus to protect what’s already ours.

With the academy now live and the NDPC expanding its reach, Nigeria is now increasing focus on a sector usually overlooked until something goes wrong. This reiterates that digital trust is not optional, but built into the code.

He made this statement at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights.”

Shettima noted that Nigeria leads West Africa in diaspora remittances, with $21.9 billion recorded in 2022. This figure represents 64% of all remittances within the region, highlighting the economic value of Nigerian migrants. 

“Migration is not merely a movement across borders; it is a powerful force driving development at both global and national levels,” Shettima said.

Beyond financial contributions, Nigerian migrants do great in diverse fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. “Our migrants are global ambassadors, showcasing the transformative potential of Nigerians worldwide,” Shettima added.

Irregular Migration Remains a Challenge

The Vice President acknowledged that Nigeria serves as both a source and destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants residing in the country. 

However, irregular migration continues to bring challenges. In 2024 alone, Nigeria repatriated and reintegrated approximately 10,000 citizens detained for migration-related offences in Africa and Europe.

“These figures reveal the vulnerabilities associated with migration and emphasise the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth,” Shettima stated.

He assured that the Federal Government remains committed to addressing these issues through policies aimed at protecting the rights of migrants and maximising their economic contributions.

The Bigger Picture: Shifts in African Startup Funding

Nigeria’s place in migration-driven economic contributions contrasts with its recent decline in startup funding rankings within Africa. Once the leading destination for startup investments, Nigeria fell to fourth place in 2023, with Kenya taking the top spot by attracting $800 million.

Research by Africa: The Big Deal shows that African startups raised $2.9 billion in 2023, a 39% year-on-year decline. The “Big Four”—Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt—accounted for 87% of the total funding, with Kenya securing 28% of the continent’s share.

South Africa was the only country among the Big Four to experience growth in startup funding, with a 21% share of the total and a year-on-year increase of 8%. Conversely, Nigeria’s funding took a significant hit, reflecting broader economic challenges.

While Shettima celebrates the resilience and achievements of Nigerian migrants, the economy stresses the need for more solid strategies to maintain Nigeria’s competitiveness in key sectors.

This move, the Council noted, is essential for accelerating Nigeria’s industrial development and economic diversification.

The resolution was made during the 146th NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

At the meeting, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, presented a roadmap outlining the agency’s initiatives aimed at changing the nation’s industrial sector through technology-driven solutions.

Halilu’s presentation revealed NASENI’s focus on sectors, including renewable energy, health biotechnology, agriculture, transportation, and digital technology. 

The agency disclosed key innovations such as electric vehicles designed for sustainable mobility, solar-powered home systems for rural electrification, and smart devices built for Nigeria’s unique market needs. 

NASENI and Imose Unwrap Made-in Nigeria Laptops, Tablets

Other projects included solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilisers aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

The Council commended NASENI’sNASENI’s works and its ongoing projects, such as the development of vaccine production facilities, renewable energy parks, and compressed natural gas (CNG) centres. 

Halilu also revealed that NASENI has attracted $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her programme to empower female engineers, further solidifying the agency’s role in driving technological advancements.

To support NASENI’s initiatives, NEC directed the agency to scale up lithium battery manufacturing in regions with abundant natural resources and intensify efforts under the National Asset Restoration Programme to repair tractors across the country. 

Added to these, the Council called for strengthened collaboration between NASENI, state governments, and the private sector to establish manufacturing industries that leverage local raw materials and create job opportunities.

NEC also stressed the need for favourable policies, improved infrastructure, and simplified processes to ensure the seamless implementation of NASENI’s initiatives. 

This includes assistance in land and seaport access as well as the creation of showrooms to promote locally made products.

NASENI’s mandate to promote Nigeria’s industrial self-reliance remains a cornerstone of the federal government’s strategy for sustainable economic growth. The company aims to make Nigeria a global hub for innovation and industrial excellence.