The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The visit, held in Abuja, was aimed at fostering collaboration, promoting privacy awareness, and enhancing data protection practices within Nigeria’s civil service.
During the meeting, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the importance of data protection in the digital era and commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, especially in advancing digitalisation and data protection in Nigeria. He delivered a detailed presentation on the NDPC’s establishment, outlining its strategic roadmap and its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, particularly in governance and job creation.
Achievements and Plans Shared by NDPC
Dr. Olatunji noted the Commission’s significant milestone of creating over 15,000 jobs through its initiatives. He underscored the importance of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model adopted by the NDPC, which has been instrumental in driving compliance across various sectors. However, he expressed concern about the low compliance levels within the public sector and stressed the need for increased participation in the Commission’s Data Protection National Certification process. This process is designed to produce globally competitive Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Nigeria, providing an essential resource for safeguarding sensitive data.
Dr. Olatunji extended a generous offer of free data protection and privacy training for the staff of the Office of the Head of Civil Service and a workshop for permanent secretaries, aimed at building capacity and fostering a robust culture of privacy in governance.
Head of Civil Service Responds Positively
In her response, Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed gratitude to Dr. Olatunji and the NDPC for their proactive efforts in promoting data protection. She praised the Commission’s role in advancing digitalisation, including its contributions to the Civil Service War Room Strategy and the broader transformation agenda for the civil service.
Acknowledging the immense benefits of data protection training for prospective DPOs and permanent secretaries, Mrs. Walson-Jack warmly accepted the offer. A working team was subsequently selected to facilitate the proposed collaboration between the NDPC and the civil service. She assured the National Commissioner of her office’s full support in embedding privacy practices and fostering a culture of compliance within the public sector.
Strengthening Data Protection in Governance
The visit marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the NDPC and the civil service. With a shared commitment to advancing digitalisation and promoting privacy, the collaboration is expected to enhance governance and contribute to Nigeria’s broader transformation goals.
As the NDPC continues to champion data protection and privacy compliance, its partnership with the civil service is poised to drive positive change, ensuring a safer and more efficient digital environment in Nigeria.
