Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has called for sustainable and long-term practices in data protection to build trust and confidence in data processing activities. Dr. Olatunji made this call as the keynote speaker at a Data Protection Workshop organized by KPMG Advisory Services, where he presented a paper titled “Data Protection Sustainability and the Role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO).”
In his address, Dr. Olatunji commended KPMG for its efforts in organizing the workshop, describing it as aligned with the Commission’s strategic focus on awareness and capacity building. He noted the importance of distinguishing between privacy and data security, emphasizing the NDPC’s commitment to raising awareness on both fronts.
During his presentation, Dr. Olatunji outlined the fundamentals of data protection sustainability, focusing on:
- Continuous compliance with data protection regulations;
- Privacy by design and default in organizational systems;
- Awareness creation among stakeholders; and
- Capacity building to develop skilled Data Protection Officers (DPOs).
He urged data controllers and processors to adopt robust, long-term data protection measures, stressing that such practices enhance trust and credibility. He also provided insights into the evolving roles and challenges faced by DPOs, emphasizing their importance in navigating compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
As part of the workshop, Dr. Olatunji participated in a fireside chat, where he discussed the domestication of the National Data Protection Certification process. This initiative, he explained, aims to establish a strong pool of certified DPOs while creating a dedicated faculty for their professional development.
“Data protection is no longer a choice but a necessity. We are intensifying enforcement to ensure compliance with the NDPA. Organizations must prioritize data protection as part of their sustainability agenda,” Dr. Olatunji remarked.
The workshop attracted high-level participation from CEOs and DPOs representing various industries, including finance, telecommunications, insurance, energy, and multinational corporations. The event underscored the increasing importance of data protection in fostering organizational resilience and building public trust in the digital age.
KPMG’s initiative and the NDPC’s continued advocacy signal a growing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, ensuring the country’s alignment with global best practices in privacy rights and compliance.
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