In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection landscape and enhance collaboration on digital public infrastructure, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL). The delegation, led by Mrs. Diana Sang, engaged in a strategic discussion with Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, at the Commission’s headquarters.
The visit served as a platform for DIAL to explore areas of collaboration with the NDPC, particularly in raising awareness on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Mrs. Sang commended the NDPC for the impressive strides it has made since its establishment and emphasized the importance of working with the Commission to ensure responsible and secure data governance. She further revealed that DIAL would require NDPC’s technical expertise in conducting Data Privacy Impact Assessments (DPIA) for key projects across Nigeria.
NDPC’s Evolution and Growing Global Recognition
In response, Dr. Olatunji provided an insightful overview of the Commission’s transformation over the years. He highlighted the significant shift from Nigeria’s data protection framework previously governed by the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) to the more comprehensive Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
He noted that the enactment of the NDP Act has marked a turning point for data protection in Nigeria, making the NDPC an independent regulatory authority with a stronger mandate to enforce compliance. According to him, this development has enhanced the global competitiveness of Nigerian businesses, as organizations now operate under a legal framework that aligns with international data protection standards.
Testing the New Data Protection Directive Through Collaboration
Dr. Olatunji further elaborated on how DIAL’s proposed project in Nigeria would serve as a significant test case for the recently released Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDP Act – GAID). Specifically, he pointed out that Schedule IV on DPIA of the NDP Act – GAID would be applied in evaluating solutions developed by 15 tech startups, which are working on digital transformation projects for various states in Nigeria.
By integrating data privacy and security into these solutions, the NDPC and DIAL aim to ensure that digital innovations comply with global best practices, reducing risks associated with data breaches, unethical AI usage, and privacy violations.
NDPC Strengthens Nigeria’s Data Protection Ecosystem
Beyond the partnership with DIAL, Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed NDPC’s commitment to driving data protection policies that foster digital transformation, attract investment, and build public trust. He also informed the delegation about Nigeria’s hosting of the upcoming Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) Conference.
The conference, which brings together African data protection regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders, will serve as an avenue for Nigeria to showcase its leadership in data governance, privacy compliance, and AI regulation. It will also provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss emerging trends in data security, AI ethics, and cross-border data transfers.
