In an effort to equip Nigeria’s youth with essential knowledge on data protection and digital literacy, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, the Chairman of the House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, hosted a five-day training in Ibadan. The event, which saw over 1,000 young Nigerians participate, marks a significant milestone in the country’s push to promote digital awareness and data privacy practices.

Held across multiple locations in Ibadan, the training was designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of how to protect their personal data in today’s digital world. The initiative is part of the NDPC’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and build a data-conscious society, especially as more people engage with online platforms.

Representing the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Mrs. Abiola Jide-Abe, the Commission’s Head of Strategic Planning and Communication, shared the Commission’s strong commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ privacy rights. Mrs. Jide-Abe expressed that the NDPC’s mission goes beyond just enforcing data protection laws but also empowering more than 500,000 youths to be active participants in the country’s growing data protection and privacy ecosystem.

A central theme of the training was the Nigeria Data Protection Act, a crucial piece of legislation signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 12, 2023. Mrs. Jide-Abe highlighted the law’s importance, noting that it was a clear demonstration of the government’s dedication to ensuring that Nigerians’ personal data remains protected and secure in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The training covered vital areas such as the principles behind data protection, the lawful basis for data processing, and the importance of data security. Participants also learned about the critical role of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in safeguarding personal information, as well as the legal and ethical responsibilities they hold.

Throughout the week, experts and speakers shared practical knowledge on how individuals can protect themselves online, recognizing potential risks, and understanding the rights they have under the new data protection laws. In addition to these technical discussions, the sessions were designed to spark a broader conversation on digital literacy, encouraging young Nigerians to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their personal data.

Community leaders, cybersecurity experts, and government officials also joined the event to support the training and reinforce the importance of digital security. The training’s success in Ibadan is a promising start, with the NDPC planning to expand this initiative to other parts of Nigeria to reach even more young people who will be the future of the country’s digital economy.

The overarching goal of the NDPC’s efforts is not just about compliance with data protection laws but about fostering a culture where privacy rights are respected and upheld by every Nigerian. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these efforts aim to ensure that the youth are equipped to navigate the challenges of the online world safely and securely.

The NDPC’s initiative to engage over 1,000 youths in this vital training is just one part of a larger strategy to build a generation of informed, responsible, and privacy-conscious citizens. As the Commission continues its work, it remains committed to ensuring that the rights of data subjects are upheld, and that Nigerians are empowered to protect themselves in a digital age.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu