Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced a major capacity-building initiative in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) aimed at strengthening data protection and privacy compliance across public institutions.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent O. Olatunji, confirmed that approximately 4,000 NIMC staff members will undergo training through the Commission’s Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA). The programme is designed to enhance awareness and enforcement of data protection standards within one of Nigeria’s most critical identity management agencies.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to institutionalise a culture of privacy, accountability, and responsible data handling within government operations. According to the NDPC, the training will equip staff with the necessary knowledge to manage personal data securely and in line with national and international data protection frameworks.
Dr. Olatunji commended the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her leadership and commitment to embedding data protection principles within the agency’s operations. He noted that as Nigeria’s primary identity management institution, NIMC plays a strategic role in the country’s digital ecosystem and must therefore maintain strong technical and organisational safeguards for personal data.
He further emphasized that the success of digital transformation initiatives depends not only on technology but also on the capacity of personnel responsible for its implementation and oversight. The NDPC reiterated its commitment to supporting NIMC in strengthening its privacy architecture and ensuring compliance across all operational levels.
The NIMC leadership also reportedly expressed commitment to extending privacy training to frontline partners and institutionalising continuous annual capacity development programmes for staff.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital economy and governance agenda, aimed at building trust, improving data security, and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.
The NDPC stated that it will continue to promote data protection awareness and strengthen institutional frameworks to safeguard personal data across both public and private sectors.
