Abuja – The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their partnership and strengthen collaboration on data protection, governance, and secure data exchange.
The agreement was signed at the NBS headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant step toward enhancing compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and promoting responsible data processing within the National Statistical System.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, for his commitment to advancing data protection and privacy. He described the partnership as strategic for both organisations and the country, noting that it would strengthen protocols for data exchange and ensure the protection of shared information.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that robust data protection frameworks are critical to attracting investment, as investors rely on credible statistics and the assurance that such data is securely managed. He added that the collaboration between the two agencies would foster trust, support good governance, and contribute to economic growth.
In his remarks, Prince Adeniran said the MoU formalises an already existing and productive working relationship between two institutions with critical roles in Nigeria’s economy. He described data as the “fuel of the digital economy” and emphasised the importance of aligning the NBS’s operations with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, given the volume and sensitivity of the data under its custody.
He expressed confidence that the agreement would be effectively implemented to further strengthen data governance and protection across the national statistical system.
Under the MoU, both organisations will collaborate to promote responsible data processing, improve compliance with data protection regulations, strengthen data governance frameworks, provide technical support, facilitate secure data sharing, and implement capacity-building initiatives. The existing joint working group has been directed to commence implementation of the agreement immediately.
