NDPC Chief Advocates Balanced Data Governance at Global DPI Summit in South Africa
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering innovation while safeguarding data rights as he addressed a global audience in Cape Town, South Africa.
Speaking during a panel session titled “Country Deep Dives: From Vision to Value” at the ongoing Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit 2025, Dr. Olatunji underscored the importance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, in strengthening trust within the nation’s digital ecosystem. He noted that the legislation serves as the foundational framework for data governance in the country and is crucial for building a secure and inclusive digital economy.
The discussion examined how countries are translating DPI investments into measurable socio-economic gains. Dr. Olatunji highlighted Nigeria’s approach, which aims to strike a balance between regulation and innovation. He referenced the Commission’s collaboration with the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL), through which regulatory guidance was provided to nine innovators leveraging DPI and artificial intelligence to tackle pressing challenges such as maternal mortality, access to affordable healthcare, and financial inclusion.
He further explained that the NDPC’s newly introduced Data Privacy Impact Assessment template has supported these innovators in responsibly deploying emerging technologies while maintaining compliance with data protection requirements.
The panel session concluded with the launch of a joint White Paper by NDPC and DIAL titled “Privacy by Design in Early-Stage Innovation: How Data Protection Advances AI-Driven DPI in Nigeria.” Dr. Olatunji emphasized that collaboration and co-creation between regulators and innovators remain critical to ensuring that regulation promotes, rather than hinders, technological progress. He urged other regulatory bodies across the world to embrace this proactive and collaborative approach.
Representatives from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and the Republic of Benin also participated in the panel discussion.
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