Dr. Vincent O. Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has welcomed delegates from nine African countries to Nigeria for a cross-regional Data Protection Peer Exchange Visit.
The initiative, organized in collaboration with the World Bank and Smart Africa, aims to strengthen data protection and privacy systems across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olatunji emphasized the growing importance of safeguarding data as African nations increasingly adopt data-driven technologies. He noted that building a resilient and forward-looking data protection ecosystem is essential for fostering trust and enabling sustainable digital growth.
The peer exchange provides a platform for Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) to share knowledge, compare regulatory approaches, and enhance institutional capacity. According to Dr. Olatunji, such collaboration is critical for developing effective data governance frameworks across Africa.
He also highlighted the need for harmonization of data protection laws across the continent, drawing lessons from global best practices, particularly in Europe. This, he said, would help ensure that data controllers and processors meet compliance standards while empowering citizens with awareness of their data rights.
Participants at the event include representatives from Burundi, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Zambia, alongside regional bodies such as ECOWAS, CEMAC, and IGAD.
Dr. Olatunji further called for stronger partnerships among regulators, governments, and the private sector to create practical regulations that support innovation and economic growth in Africa’s digital economy.
The programme builds on earlier engagements in 2025, when the NDPC hosted similar delegations in collaboration with the African Union and the European Union.
The visit also aligns with the broader vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance Nigeria’s international cooperation in the digital era and promote cross-border collaboration in data protection.
