As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, questions around trust, ethics, and accountability in the use of emerging technologies took center stage at the opening panel of the National Data Privacy Summit 2026, underscoring the growing urgency of robust data governance in an increasingly data-driven economy.
The first panel session, themed “Building Trust by Design: Privacy, Ethics, and Accountability in Emerging Technologies,” examined how data protection principles can be systematically embedded into the design, deployment, and governance of new technologies—rather than applied retroactively through compliance measures. The discussion reflected broader global concerns about the risks associated with artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and automated decision-making systems, particularly in contexts where regulatory frameworks are still evolving.
Moderated by Francis Sani, Technical Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, the session brought together key voices from the financial services and technology sectors, highlighting the intersection of regulation, innovation, and commercial deployment.
Privacy-by-Design and the Challenge of Institutional Trust
Speaking from the perspective of the financial sector, Mr. Bharat Noni, Data Protection Officer at Guaranty Trust Bank, emphasized that trust has become a defining currency in digital financial services. As banks increasingly rely on large-scale data processing, artificial intelligence, and customer profiling, he noted that privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default frameworks are no longer optional but foundational to sustainable digital growth.
He argued that weak data governance not only exposes institutions to regulatory sanctions but also undermines consumer confidence, particularly in markets where public awareness of data rights is rising. According to him, accountability mechanisms—such as clear data ownership structures, internal controls, and independent oversight—are critical to preventing misuse and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
Ethical Technology and Accountability in Emerging Systems
Antoine Chatzistamatiou, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Optasia, addressed the ethical responsibilities of technology providers as emerging technologies become more deeply integrated into financial inclusion, credit scoring, and digital service delivery. He highlighted the risks of opaque algorithms, biased datasets, and automated decisions that lack transparency or meaningful human oversight.
Chatzistamatiou stressed that ethical considerations must be incorporated at the earliest stages of product development, particularly in technologies that directly impact livelihoods, access to finance, and social mobility. He called for greater collaboration between regulators, technology firms, and end-users to ensure that innovation remains aligned with societal values and legal standards.
Regulatory Alignment and Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda
The panel discussion took place against the backdrop of Nigeria’s expanding digital economy and the strengthening role of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as the country’s primary data protection authority. Participants noted that as cross-border data flows increase and Nigerian firms integrate into global digital value chains, alignment with international data protection standards will be essential for competitiveness and investor confidence.
At the same time, speakers acknowledged the need for context-specific regulation that reflects Nigeria’s development priorities, institutional capacity, and socio-economic realities. The balance between encouraging innovation and enforcing accountability emerged as a central policy challenge.
Setting the Tone for the Summit
The opening session set a critical tone for the National Data Privacy Summit 2026, framing data protection not merely as a compliance issue but as a strategic enabler of trust, innovation, and long-term economic value. Stakeholders agreed that embedding ethics and accountability into emerging technologies will be decisive in determining whether Nigeria’s digital transformation delivers inclusive growth or deepens existing vulnerabilities.
The discussions signaled that future policy debates will increasingly focus on enforcement capacity, public awareness of data rights, and the institutional readiness of both regulators and private sector actors to manage the complex risks associated with rapid technological change.
