Anthony Emeka Nwosu
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has spotlighted growing privacy and accountability challenges as part of the 2026 National Privacy Week. The Commission hosted the second edition of its IMPACT initiative, themed: “The Accountability Chain: Deciphering Data Controllers and Processors of Major Importance Obligations and the Role of Data Protection Officers in the Use of Emerging Technologies.”
Experts and industry leaders addressed the risks posed by emerging technologies to personal data and the increasing responsibilities of organisations in protecting user privacy. Speakers, including NDPC’s Barrister Babatunde Bamigboye, GTBank’s Mr Bharat Soni, T2 Mobile’s Mr Ifeloju Alakija, Meta’s Dr Ololade Shyllon, and Aluko & Oyebode’s Ms Adeolu Idowu, emphasized that while innovation offers significant opportunities, it also heightens the potential for privacy breaches if data protection is not strategically managed.
The discussions highlighted several pressing issues: the definition and implications of emerging technologies, the importance of responsible adoption to maintain public trust, practical steps for strengthening organisational data protection frameworks, and the evolving role of Data Protection Officers from mere compliance enforcers to strategic risk managers.
Moderated by NDPC’s Ibukunoluwa Owa, the event drew over 650 participants and reflected a growing awareness among businesses and regulators of the urgent need to address data privacy challenges in a technology-driven landscape.
The NDPC continues to advocate for stronger accountability chains to ensure that organisations handling sensitive data uphold privacy rights in Nigeria.
