As Nigeria’s digital economy expands at an unprecedented pace, concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance are taking centre stage. In a move that signals a stronger alignment between regulators and industry professionals, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has pledged deeper collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society to advance data protection and professional standards in the country’s technology ecosystem.
Dr. Olatunji gave this assurance in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Computer Society led by its National President, Professor Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu (FNCS). The visit, though described as a courtesy call, comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising data breaches, increased digital transactions and growing global scrutiny over how emerging economies manage citizens’ data.
Professor Aliyu commended Olatunji for his longstanding commitment to the technology community and said the NCS was keen on strengthening its institutional relationship with the NDPC. He sought the Commission’s support for the Society’s flagship programmes and extended an invitation to the Commissioner to participate in its forthcoming events, assuring the regulator of NCS’s backing in advancing data protection and privacy standards nationwide.
For Nigeria’s digital space, the implications of this engagement go beyond protocol. With fintech, e-commerce, digital identity systems and government e-services rapidly expanding, the need for a robust data governance framework has become critical. Industry experts argue that regulatory enforcement alone cannot guarantee compliance; it requires technical capacity, professional ethics and ecosystem-wide awareness.
Dr. Olatunji acknowledged this reality, noting that while government formulates policies, implementation and innovation are often driven by the private sector. He emphasised that professional associations such as the NCS play a pivotal role in shaping how policies are interpreted and deployed across the technology industry.
He commended the NCS for its advocacy and capacity-building initiatives aimed at developing IT professionals, describing such efforts as vital to building a digitally resilient workforce. According to him, awareness remains a core pillar of the NDPC’s mandate, particularly at a time when many organisations are still adjusting to Nigeria’s evolving data protection framework.
“Awareness is a key component of our mandate,” Olatunji said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to strengthening ties with the NCS to promote a culture of compliance, privacy and accountability in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The potential impact of a strengthened NDPC–NCS partnership is significant. By aligning regulatory objectives with professional development programmes, Nigeria could see improved compliance among tech companies, enhanced data handling practices in both public and private institutions, and a broader understanding of privacy obligations among IT practitioners.
In a notable recommendation, Dr. Olatunji advised the NCS to consider expanding its membership to include individuals who may not have formal degrees in Computer Science but are actively contributing to the digital ecosystem. Such inclusivity, he suggested, would reflect the evolving nature of the tech industry, where professionals from law, finance, social sciences and other disciplines are increasingly shaping digital innovation.
Analysts believe that this broader membership model could strengthen cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that data protection is not treated as a purely technical issue but as a governance and ethical imperative that cuts across industries.
As Nigeria pushes to position itself as a leading digital hub in Africa, the partnership between its data protection regulator and its foremost computing professional body signals a growing recognition that sustainable digital growth must be built on trust. And in today’s data-driven economy, trust begins with strong privacy protections, professional standards and continuous stakeholder engagement.
