The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has emphasised the need to embed data protection and privacy into the design of emerging technologies as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda.
Dr. Olatunji made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Conference 2026 in Jos, Plateau State. The conference, themed “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance,” brought together policymakers, technology professionals, academics, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The conference was officially declared open by the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who underscored the importance of technology-driven development in promoting economic growth.
In his keynote presentation, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the transformative impact of digital innovation and emerging technologies on economic development, noting that they have become key drivers of productivity, job creation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across the globe.
He described data as the critical infrastructure underpinning innovation, stressing that organisations increasingly rely on data to unlock value and accelerate digital transformation.
The NDPC boss also underscored the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s data protection and privacy ecosystem through full implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023. He urged organisations, developers, and users of emerging technologies to adopt a privacy-by-design approach that safeguards personal information while promoting responsible innovation.
According to him, building a resilient digital economy requires developmental regulation that inspires public trust, encourages innovation, and protects the fundamental rights of individuals.
Dr. Olatunji further emphasised that achieving Nigeria’s digital ambitions requires collective action from government institutions, academia, the private sector, professional bodies, and citizens.
“Our digital future is a shared responsibility. Government, academia, the private sector, professional bodies and citizens all have vital roles to play in ensuring that emerging technologies deliver inclusive growth and sustainable economic renaissance for Nigeria,” he said.
He commended the Nigeria Computer Society for its continued commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy through policy dialogue and knowledge sharing.
The National Commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders at the conference, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Ishaya Tanko; President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Professor Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu; Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Plateau State Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Engineer Datong Dominic Gwaman; and other participants.
Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with stakeholders to build a trusted, innovative, and data-driven digital economy that supports inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
