The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a Technical and Organisational Measures (TOMs) Drill aimed at strengthening data protection practices and cybersecurity resilience across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.
The initiative, flagged off by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent O. Olatunji, is designed to equip government IT administrators with the knowledge and practical skills required to protect sensitive personal data and secure government digital infrastructure against emerging cyber threats.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olatunji emphasized that as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the need to safeguard public sector digital systems has become increasingly critical. He noted that recent cyberattacks targeting government institutions and public sector systems have highlighted vulnerabilities that require urgent attention through stronger technical and organizational safeguards.
According to him, data protection and privacy remain fundamental pillars of Nigeria’s digital economy and are fully backed by the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023.
“The Federal Government’s drive toward full digitization presents enormous opportunities for efficiency, transparency, and improved service delivery. However, it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that personal data entrusted to public institutions is adequately protected,” he stated.
Dr. Olatunji disclosed that more than 35 federal MDAs have already committed to the government’s digitization agenda, making it imperative for institutions to adopt robust security frameworks capable of preventing data breaches and strengthening public trust.
He urged government agencies to proactively implement stronger cybersecurity measures and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the NDP Act, warning that the protection of citizens’ data must remain a top priority as digital services continue to expand.
The NDPC boss also highlighted notable progress in data protection compliance within the public sector, revealing that compliance levels have increased from approximately four percent to over 20 percent in recent years.
While describing the improvement as encouraging, he stressed that significant work remains to be done to achieve full compliance across government institutions.
“We have witnessed a remarkable improvement in awareness and compliance, but every MDA must continue to strengthen its internal systems, policies, and processes to meet the requirements of the law and global best practices,” he said.
Dr. Olatunji called on participants to take full advantage of the training exercise by deepening their understanding of data protection principles, exchanging practical experiences, and promoting accountability within their respective organizations.
He noted that building a culture of privacy and compliance requires continuous learning, collaboration, and commitment from both leadership and technical personnel across government institutions.
The TOMs Drill attracted IT professionals and representatives from several strategic government organizations, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and numerous other federal institutions.
Industry stakeholders have described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture and ensuring that government agencies are adequately prepared to address the growing challenges associated with data privacy and digital security.
As the country’s data protection regulator, the NDPC has continued to champion initiatives aimed at strengthening compliance, promoting responsible data governance, and fostering public confidence in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a secure and resilient digital future, stating that protecting personal data is essential to driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable digital transformation.
“At the NDPC, we remain committed to strengthening trust, enhancing security, and building a resilient digital future for Nigeria,” he said.
The TOMs Drill forms part of broader efforts by the Commission to deepen institutional capacity, improve compliance with data protection regulations, and ensure that government agencies are equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly digital society.
