In a bid to advance the implementation of the international cooperation and collaboration pillar of the Nigeria Data Protection Roadmap, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), held a strategic meeting with Lori Baker, Vice President of Data Protection and Regulatory Compliance at the Dubai Data Privacy Body. The meeting took place at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the world’s most renowned financial hubs.
The discussions centered on fostering closer ties between Nigeria and Dubai in the areas of data protection and privacy, with a focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and raising awareness of data privacy regulations. Both parties acknowledged the rapid evolution of the data privacy landscape and the critical need for collaborative efforts to enhance regulatory frameworks and operational standards in their respective jurisdictions.
Dr. Olatunji and Baker explored various ways their organizations could cooperate to promote a secure and compliant data privacy ecosystem. This includes initiatives for sharing expertise, training professionals, and building technical capacity to drive data protection efforts at all levels of governance and business operations.
The meeting culminated in a productive outcome, as both parties agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their cooperation. This MoU will outline specific actions and initiatives aimed at kickstarting collaborative activities between the NDPC and Dubai’s Data Privacy Body. The partnership is expected to not only strengthen Nigeria’s data protection efforts but also position it as a key player in the global data privacy community.
The meeting marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to align its data protection strategies with global standards, as international collaboration becomes increasingly essential in an interconnected world.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
