US Delegation Visits Nigeria Data Protection Commission to Deepen Privacy Cooperation

Following the Workshop on the United States of America–Nigeria Data Protection Privacy Project, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has received a delegation of officials from the United States on a strategic working visit to the Commission.

The delegation comprised representatives of the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Commerce, the United States Consulate in Nigeria, and the Future of Privacy Forum. The team was led by the Senior Data Policy Advisor at the United States Department of State, Mr Aryeh Ness, who commended the NDPC, under the leadership of Dr Olatunji, for its support and commitment to the successful organisation of the workshop.

Mr Ness explained that the visit was aimed at engaging the Commission in discussions and exchanging ideas on the next steps following the workshop, with a view to strengthening cooperation on data protection and privacy between both countries.

In his remarks, Dr Olatunji emphasised that cooperation and collaboration have been central to the progress recorded by the NDPC since its establishment, in line with its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan. He highlighted key milestones achieved by the Commission and its growing influence within the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA), reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to work closely with the US delegation to deliver outcomes that would reflect positively on both the Nigerian and United States Governments.

The Head of the Legal, Enforcement and Regulations Department of the Commission, Barrister Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq., presented a report outlining a structured approach to implementing the agreed next steps from the workshop. The presentation was followed by deliberations, during which practical strategies for implementation were discussed, refined, and agreed upon by both sides.

The engagement underscores the commitment of Nigeria and the United States to advancing data protection, privacy governance, and cross-border collaboration in the digital ecosystem.