The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building an inclusive, secure and citizen-centred digital ecosystem, calling for stronger data protection frameworks and responsible governance as critical enablers of sustainable development.
This position was presented at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, where the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, was represented by the Commission’s Head of Research and Development, Dr. Tolulope Pius-Fadipe.
The high-level interactive session, co-hosted by the NDPC and Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), was themed “Democratising Innovation: Citizen Data, Indigenous Knowledge and Participatory STEM.”
Dr. Pius-Fadipe was accompanied by the Technical Assistant to the National Commissioner, Engineer Toluwalope Ibitoye, as both representatives underscored the growing importance of privacy, data protection and responsible data governance in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Addressing participants from across the world, the NDPC delegation highlighted the need for practical policy measures that safeguard the rights of data subjects while fostering innovation. They advocated for governance models that strike a balance between technological advancement and the protection of personal information, particularly as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to reshape societies.
The session brought together policymakers, development experts, academia, civil society organisations, private sector leaders and international partners from across the Global South to explore collaborative approaches to digital governance.
Discussions centred on strengthening national data protection regimes, incorporating community and indigenous perspectives into artificial intelligence strategies, and promoting participatory approaches to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Participants agreed that inclusive digital governance is essential for accelerating progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Speaking through his representatives, Dr. Vincent Olatunji reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote trust, transparency and accountability within the digital ecosystem.
According to the NDPC, protecting citizens’ personal data and ensuring responsible innovation remain fundamental to building resilient digital economies capable of delivering inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The Commission noted that its participation at the WSIS Forum reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in global conversations on data protection, digital rights and the development of ethical, people-centred technologies.