The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has reaffirmed that trust—not technology—is the true driver of the global digital economy. He delivered this message in a compelling keynote address titled “No Trust, No Tech: Why Data Protection Will Shape the Digital Future” at the ongoing Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2025.
Addressing policymakers, innovators, and digital stakeholders, Dr. Olatunji stressed that trust is the currency of the digital age, arguing that the rapid pace of technological advancements must be matched by stronger safeguards that protect citizens’ rights and rebuild public confidence.
He warned that while digital tools continue to evolve, the widening trust deficit between institutions and citizens poses a real threat to sustainable digital development. “Technology without trust is unsustainable. By embedding trust at the heart of our digital transformation, we are not just catching up with the world; we are helping to define its future,” he declared.
Dr. Olatunji highlighted the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) as one of the world’s most forward-looking data protection frameworks. According to him, the Act strengthens accountability, ensures citizens’ rights are protected, and aligns Nigeria with global best practices in data governance.
He noted that countries failing to take data protection seriously expose themselves to legal consequences, reputational risks, and weakening public confidence. In contrast, nations that adopt strong data stewardship attract investments, accelerate innovation, and build sustainable digital ecosystems.
Calling for a united front, Dr. Olatunji urged individuals, organisations, and government institutions to embrace ethical practices, transparency, and privacy-first approaches. He emphasized that Nigeria’s youthful, tech-savvy population provides the country with a unique comparative advantage in shaping the future of the global digital economy—if trust remains central to all digital reforms.
The NDPC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to promoting trust as the bedrock of Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy, insisting that data protection remains essential for national competitiveness and long-term digital prosperity.
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