The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Vincent Olatunji, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its data protection ecosystem following a high-level engagement with global technology company Google.
Dr. Olatunji received a delegation from Google led by Mr. Charles Murito, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Government Affairs and Public Policy, in a meeting focused on deepening collaboration between both institutions. The engagement centered on exploring how technology-driven partnerships can advance the Commission’s mandate and reinforce privacy protection frameworks across Nigeria.
Strengthening Privacy Through Technology
Discussions examined how innovative technologies can support regulatory enforcement, enhance awareness campaigns, and strengthen teacher–student collaborations in digital literacy and data protection education. Both parties also explored the integration of privacy and security principles into digital platforms and services, particularly as Nigeria’s internet population continues to expand rapidly.
A key highlight of the meeting was the conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) and the representation of local languages in emerging AI systems. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of ensuring that Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape is reflected in global technological advancements, while safeguarding citizens’ rights in AI-driven environments.
Data Subject Rights at the Core
In his opening remarks, Dr. Olatunji commended Google for its contributions to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to co-creating initiatives with strategic partners to reinforce data protection compliance nationwide.
He stressed that organisations operating in Nigeria must prioritise Nigerians by investing in sustained awareness initiatives and implementing robust stakeholder protection measures. Referencing the Commission’s Strategic Roadmap, he underscored that data subject rights remain central to Nigeria’s data governance framework.
“Embedding privacy considerations into emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is not optional — it is essential,” he noted, emphasizing that responsible innovation must go hand in hand with accountability.
Google Reaffirms Commitment
In response, Google representatives reaffirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to privacy and data protection principles, describing themselves as ambassadors of responsible data governance. They expressed readiness to collaborate with the NDPC on initiatives aimed at expanding awareness, strengthening compliance culture, and advancing inclusive digital innovation.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen institutional collaboration and broaden nationwide data protection awareness campaigns — a move widely seen as critical to safeguarding citizens’ rights while fostering trust in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.