The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has urged Nigeria to accelerate its technological growth to remain competitive globally. He made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2025, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate,” held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
Dr. Olatunji commended Zenith Bank for its sustained contribution to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem under the leadership of its Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia (CFR), and the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji. Despite ongoing innovation and adaptation within the country, he noted that Nigeria secured only 15 percent of Africa’s startup funding in 2025, emphasizing the need for greater acceleration to keep pace with global advancements.
Highlighting the importance of robust data governance, Dr. Olatunji stressed that data protection and privacy are essential pillars for emerging technologies. He explained that strong safeguards boost international credibility, enhance customer confidence, encourage innovation, support ethical AI development, improve operational efficiency, and help build a resilient digital ecosystem capable of attracting long-term investment and global partnerships.
The event drew several high-profile dignitaries, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia; and the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saleh Al Jaberi. Tech leaders such as M-PESA Africa Managing Director Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Skype Co-Creator Jonas Kjellberg, and AWS Chief Technologist for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, Dr. Shivagami Gugan, also delivered keynote presentations, engaging an audience of startups, innovators, and technology experts.
