The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem through robust data protection enforcement, responsible artificial intelligence (AI) governance, and strategic collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders.
The Commission’s National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, was represented by the Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Communications, Mrs. Abiola Jide-Abe, at the 2026 Stakeholders Forum on Cybersecurity held in Abuja.
Speaking at the forum, Mrs. Jide-Abe said the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023 remains the cornerstone of the Commission’s regulatory and enforcement framework, guiding its efforts to safeguard Nigerians’ personal data while promoting trust in the country’s digital economy.
According to her, the NDPC has continued to implement proactive regulatory frameworks, develop long-term strategic roadmaps, and strengthen compliance mechanisms to ensure organisations uphold data privacy standards.
She noted that effective data protection has become a critical factor in attracting foreign direct investment, adding that the Commission’s initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by fostering a secure and investment-friendly digital environment.
Mrs. Jide-Abe highlighted several milestones recorded by the Commission, including the licensing of Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), a move aimed at decentralising compliance monitoring, expanding regulatory reach, and supporting businesses across the country in meeting their data protection obligations.
She also disclosed that the Commission has conducted technical cybersecurity drills for information technology administrators across federal ministries, departments, and agencies to improve cyber resilience and strengthen the nation’s preparedness against emerging digital threats.
During a panel session titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for National Cyber Resilience,” Mrs. Jide-Abe underscored the need for responsible AI governance, stressing that innovation must be balanced with strong data protection safeguards and public trust.
She called for increased capacity building and deeper collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the safe and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence technologies across Nigeria.
Concluding her presentation, Mrs. Jide-Abe emphasised that sustained inter-agency cooperation and stronger public-private partnerships remain essential to driving nationwide compliance, accelerating digital innovation, and building a resilient digital economy capable of attracting investment and supporting sustainable economic growth.
