The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, delivered a keynote address and participated in a high-level panel discussion at the Data Protection & Privacy Awareness Workshop held in Lagos State.
Organized by Imperial Edtech, the workshop aimed to sensitize startups on the critical importance of data protection and privacy. Commending the organizers, Dr. Olatunji emphasized the pivotal role startups play in driving global economic growth, noting that they contribute approximately 3 million new jobs annually. He highlighted the strategic value of data protection for startups, asserting that compliance builds trust, enhances global competitiveness, and mitigates risks associated with data breaches and cyberattacks.
Speaking on the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, Dr. Olatunji outlined the legal obligations for startups, stressing the importance of implementing technical and organizational measures to protect data subjects’ rights. He warned of the consequences of non-compliance and encouraged startups to ensure individuals can exercise their privacy rights effectively.
During the panel session, Dr. Olatunji elaborated on the NDPC’s initiatives to foster compliance across public and private sectors. He unveiled the Commission’s strategic roadmap, focusing on awareness creation, human capital development, and innovation. Addressing key topics such as data localisation, sovereignty, and harmonization, he also discussed challenges facing the data protection ecosystem both locally and globally.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Olatunji urged participants and startups to collaborate with regulators in building a secure and sustainable digital future for Nigeria.
The workshop reaffirmed the NDPC’s commitment to championing privacy rights and supporting startups in navigating the complexities of data protection compliance.
