Abuja, Nigeria – The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a decisive step towards strengthening data protection across Nigeria’s states through a strategic engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Led by the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Commission’s team visited the NGF Secretariat in Abuja to discuss collaborative measures to advance data privacy and protection in subnational governments.
During the meeting, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the NGF, emphasized the critical role of data in today’s digital economy. He noted that safeguarding citizens’ personal information is essential not only for building public trust but also for enhancing investor confidence in state digital infrastructure. “Data protection is no longer optional; it is foundational to effective governance and public trust,” Dr. Shittu stated.
In response, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and outlined the NDPC’s strategies for promoting data protection nationwide, including direct collaboration with states. He stressed that prioritizing privacy at the subnational level would strengthen citizens’ confidence in state governments.
As part of capacity-building initiatives, Dr. Olatunji offered free training workshops and Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers to NGF staff, aiming to equip them with practical knowledge on personal data protection.
The discussion also covered key issues such as data harmonization, compliance audits, and certification processes. Both parties concluded the meeting by agreeing to establish a working group to advance data protection and privacy at the state level, signaling a commitment to collaborative governance and digital accountability.
This partnership between the NDPC and NGF represents a proactive step in addressing the growing concerns around personal data privacy in Nigeria, especially as states increasingly adopt digital public services.
