Dr. Vincent Olatunji Appointed as ID4Africa Deputy Ambassador for Nigeria

Dr. Vincent Olatunji Appointed as ID4Africa Deputy Ambassador for Nigeria

 

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has achieved a significant milestone with his appointment as the ID4Africa Deputy Ambassador for Nigeria. This new role, set to commence on January 1, 2025, places Dr. Olatunji at the forefront of identity development efforts across Africa, solidifying his reputation as a key advocate for digital transformation and data protection.

The appointment is a recognition of Dr. Olatunji’s outstanding contributions to the fields of identity management and digital innovation. Announced by Dr. Joseph Atick, Executive Chairman of ID4Africa, the decision reflects Olatunji’s consistent dedication to advancing secure and inclusive identity systems, both within Nigeria and across the continent.

As a Deputy Ambassador, Dr. Olatunji becomes a member of the ID4Africa Ambassadors Bureau, an influential body that drives the vision of the ID4Africa Movement. This Bureau also serves as the Ambassadors Council, a governance platform that steers the continent’s identity agenda. The Council plays a crucial role in shaping policies and fostering collaborations to address Africa’s unique challenges in identification and digital inclusion.

Dr. Olatunji’s appointment is a testament to the growing importance of Nigeria’s role in the Pan-African identity ecosystem. It highlights his leadership in ensuring that data protection and identity systems are not just functional but also transformative, paving the way for national and regional development.

ID4Africa, established as a Pan-African Movement, is dedicated to empowering African nations with the tools and strategies necessary to create robust, reliable, and responsible identity frameworks. The organization’s mission focuses on facilitating development, advancing digital transformation, and supporting humanitarian progress across the continent.

This appointment represents more than just a personal achievement for Dr. Olatunji; it signals a new chapter for Nigeria in its efforts to lead Africa’s journey toward digital empowerment and innovation. His role as Deputy Ambassador will enable him to influence policies and initiatives that ensure every African has access to secure and inclusive identification systems, unlocking opportunities for millions across the continent.

 

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

NDPC and Nigeria Police Force Partner to Combat Cybercrime in Commemoration of 2024 Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month

NDPC and Nigeria Police Force Partner to Combat Cybercrime in Commemoration of 2024 Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month

 

In a significant move to fortify efforts against the escalating threats of cybercrime and data breaches in Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has teamed up with the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCC). The collaboration was marked by an awareness walk held in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, themed “Secure Our World.”

The walk, which saw the participation of senior officials, cybersecurity experts, and law enforcement personnel, was part of a broader initiative to engage the public on the critical issue of cybersecurity. The event highlighted the increasing vulnerability of individuals and organizations to cyber threats, from identity theft and hacking to ransomware attacks and data breaches, calling for collective action to mitigate these risks.

In a speech at the event, the NDPC’s leadership emphasized the importance of the partnership with the NPF-NCC, noting that tackling cybercrime requires a united front that includes regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and the private sector. “Cybersecurity is not just a government issue—it affects all sectors of society. With the rise in digital transactions and the expansion of the internet, the need for a secure cyber environment is more pressing than ever. Our collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ personal data and digital infrastructure,” a senior NDPC official said.

Representatives from the National Cybercrime Center echoed these sentiments, stating that the collaboration between the NDPC and the police force would not only enhance the country’s ability to respond to cybercrime but also serve as a preventive measure. “Awareness is the first step in prevention. By educating the public, businesses, and even government agencies about the best practices in cybersecurity, we can reduce vulnerabilities and better protect our critical infrastructure,” said a spokesperson for the NPF-NCC.

The walk was accompanied by a series of activities, including cybersecurity demonstrations, workshops, and public engagements aimed at enlightening individuals on how to safeguard personal information online, secure devices, and recognize potential cyber threats. Participants carried banners with messages advocating for stronger passwords, regular updates of software, and the importance of two-factor authentication.

The theme for this year’s Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, “Secure Our World,” reflects the global push to improve online security as cybercrime rates continue to rise. With Nigeria’s growing reliance on digital services, both for personal and commercial purposes, the country has increasingly become a target for cybercriminals. According to recent data, cyberattacks in Nigeria have cost the economy billions of Naira, with small businesses, large corporations, and even government institutions falling victim to sophisticated cyber schemes.

This awareness walk is just one of many events planned throughout the month, as the NDPC and NPF-NCC aim to ramp up public engagement and collaboration with stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime. The two organizations will be hosting additional workshops, training sessions, and forums aimed at improving the cybersecurity capabilities of businesses and raising awareness about the latest threats and solutions.

The NDPC also reiterated its commitment to enforcing data protection laws and ensuring that organizations in Nigeria comply with global best practices in handling personal information. They encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, adopt secure online behaviors, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

By fostering stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and the private sector, the NDPC and the Nigeria Police Force hope to create a safer digital ecosystem for all Nigerians.

 

NDPC Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop for Health Records Officers, Wins Prestigious Award

NDPC Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop for Health Records Officers, Wins Prestigious Award

 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, recently organized a capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of Health Records Officers from various states across the country. The event, which focused on the critical importance of data protection in the health sector, was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Dr. Mrs. Obiajulu Ugbo. The National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, delivered the opening remarks.

Dr. Olatunji highlighted the sensitive nature of health data, emphasizing the need for rigorous protection measures. He stressed the significance of the training, noting that the participants represent over 40,000 health professionals responsible for managing health records nationwide. To illustrate the potential risks, he shared real-life case studies demonstrating the severe consequences of data breaches on patient safety. Dr. Olatunji urged the attendees to focus on the training and participate in the National Certification process, which he described as a vital step toward seizing opportunities within the burgeoning data privacy sector.

In recognition of his contributions to data protection within the health sector, Dr. Vincent Olatunji was honored with an honorary membership award during the event. The workshop also saw the participation of the Registrar of the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, alongside other key officials from the Board.

In addition to the workshop, the NDPC was recently celebrated as the Most Outstanding MDA of the Year at the DigiVation Future Summit & Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores the remarkable achievements of Dr. Vincent Olatunji and the NDPC’s significant impact on Nigeria’s digital and data security landscape.

 

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

#championingprivacyrights

NDPC CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji Visits NIPOST to Emphasize Data Protection Compliance

NDPC CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji Visits NIPOST to Emphasize Data Protection Compliance

 

In a bid to strengthen data protection measures, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), led a delegation to visit Mrs. Tola Odeyemi, the Postmaster General and CEO of Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST).

During the visit, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the NDPC’s mission and underscored the critical importance of safeguarding personal data in NIPOST’s operations. He emphasized that as a major data controller, NIPOST must implement robust measures to protect citizens’ personal data. Compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, he noted, is essential for building trust and confidence in NIPOST’s data processing activities and alleviating concerns among data subjects and multinationals.

Dr. Olatunji offered free training on data protection and privacy for NIPOST staff, aiming to raise awareness and ensure effective implementation of data protection measures within the organization.

Mrs. Odeyemi expressed her gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the necessity for enhanced compliance, especially given NIPOST’s extensive network of over one thousand data processing points across Nigeria. She welcomed the proposed training, recognizing it as a valuable step towards enhancing NIPOST’s credibility.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

#ChampioningPrivacyRights

NDPC and Paradigm Initiative Host Workshop on Data Protection Act in Lagos

NDPC and Paradigm Initiative Host Workshop on Data Protection Act in Lagos

 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative, recently hosted a Validation Workshop focused on the Nigeria Data Protection Act General Application and Implementation Directive (NDP Act – GAID). The event aimed to facilitate discussions, examine key issues, and share insights on the GAID to ensure that the concerns of all stakeholders are addressed and best practices in data protection and privacy are promoted.

The workshop commenced with a keynote address from the National Commissioner/CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who praised the GAID committee members for their dedicated efforts in crafting the directive. Dr. Olatunji emphasized the significance of understanding the NDP Act to enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global privacy ecosystem and to position the Nigeria Data Protection framework as one of the leading models worldwide. He highlighted the progressive nature of the NDP Act and encouraged attendees to provide feedback, raise concerns, and engage in constructive criticism.

The workshop featured presentations that provided an overview of the NDP Act GAID, followed by in-depth deliberations between the Commission and stakeholders on various critical issues. Topics of discussion included data retention policies, funding, the role of resident Data Protection Officers (DPOs), audit filing requirements, and data storage limits.

To ensure comprehensive stakeholder engagement, the workshop will be extended to other regions of the country. Additional sessions are planned for Rivers State in the South and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in the North, further promoting inclusive review and discussion of the GAID documents.

This initiative underscores the NDPC’s commitment to fostering a robust data protection ecosystem in Nigeria by engaging with stakeholders and promoting transparency and collaboration.

NDPC Advances Data Privacy with Ethnos Cybersecurity’s Interactive Training

NDPC Advances Data Privacy with Ethnos Cybersecurity’s Interactive Training

 

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering data privacy practices in Nigeria, Ethnos Cybersecurity, an indigenous firm renowned for its expertise in cybersecurity, has recently conducted an intensive training program for the technical team at the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) headquarters. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s data protection capabilities.

The training session, led by Ethnos Cybersecurity, was designed to build capacity and empower the NDPC’s technical team with practical knowledge and skills necessary for effective data privacy implementation. The interactive and engaging nature of the training ensured that complex data protection regulations were tackled in an understandable and impactful manner.

The comprehensive training aimed to enhance the technical skills of NDPC staff in critical areas such as data loss prevention strategies, network and endpoint security, data classification and encryption, database analytics and intelligence, and incident management. These topics are vital for implementing robust technical and organizational measures within the data protection ecosystem.

At the conclusion of the two-day training, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, emphasized the alignment of the training with the Commission’s strategic roadmap, which prioritizes capacity building and awareness. Dr. Olatunji highlighted the importance of the training in enhancing the skill set of technical personnel and encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge, challenge themselves, and strive for excellence in the digital privacy landscape.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the NDPC and Ethanos Cyber Limited to fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce capable of advancing data protection standards in Nigeria.

Speaking on the success of the training, the CEO of Ethnos Cybersecurity expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes. “We tackled complex data protection regulations through a fun and interactive approach, making it a highly impactful training session. We believe that with the strides of NDPC under the visionary leadership of Vincent Olatunji, we will ensure that we do our best in capacity building,” he said.

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Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the head of the NDPC, also lauded the initiative. “We are pleased with this initiative; this private-public sector collaboration between Ethnos and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission is a welcome development. We always look forward to such capacity-building sessions. As an organization, the Nigerian Data Protection Commission is poised to be in tune with global best practices, and capacity building is part of this regulation,” stated Dr. Olatunji.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards strengthening its data protection framework. By leveraging the expertise of Ethnos Cybersecurity, the NDPC is better equipped to navigate the complexities of data privacy, ensuring that Nigeria remains aligned with international standards.

 

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

 

 

At the conclusion of the two-day training, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, emphasized the alignment of the training with the Commission’s strategic roadmap, which prioritizes capacity building and awareness. Dr. Olatunji highlighted the importance of the training in enhancing the skill set of technical personnel and encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge, challenge themselves, and strive for excellence in the digital privacy landscape.

Federal Government Authorizes Institute of Information Management to Certify Data Protection Professionals in Nigeria

Federal Government Authorizes Institute of Information Management to Certify Data Protection Professionals in Nigeria

 

The Federal Government through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has granted a licence to the Institute of Information Management (IIM) to conduct examinations and certify data protection professionals for global competitiveness.

The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who said this on Monday while presenting licence to IIM in Abuja, said granting of the licence was part of the commission’s measures to implement Executive Order 003 and 005.

Olatunji added that certifying data protection professionals in the country would reduce capital flight, create over 500,000 jobs in the sector, and encourage more people to be certified.

Promoting local content

While a few Nigerians with expertise in data protection had their training and certification abroad, Olatunji said having an institute to train and certify Nigerians locally would boost local content in the sector.

“We are trying to ensure the implementation of Executive Orders 003 and 005 to promote local content in Nigeria. Most of us who are certified data protection officers have international certifications; we paid some dollars to write exams as well as maintain the certificates. We are trying to domesticate this in Nigeria by having a national certification process” Olatunji said.

The NDPC National Commissioner said that with the size of Nigeria’s population, the country needs over 500,000 certified data protection officers. And if prospective candidates are to pay for the certifying examination in dollars, it will lead to capital flight.

Expansion to Africa

Olatunji also said that the commission is considering adopting the licensing across Africa. According to him, the Commission is working towards having a pan-African initiative, whereby data professionals have the national certification that is being offered in Nigeria and can also practice in any part of Africa.

“It is a way of creating jobs for our people, reducing capital flight, and developing global human capital in the data protection ecosystem” Olatunji said. He explained the Commission have also gone further to develop the training model which is unique to the organization and will be used by trainers in Nigeria.

He added that the licensing would also create jobs for already licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), who would be accredited to train prospective professionals to sit for data protection examinations. According to him, the national data protection certification will be a historic legacy that will transcend administrations and meet global standards.

Speaking on the licence, the President of the Institute of Information Management, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, recalled that the certification process commenced in 2021.
He said the licence would bridge the gap in the data protection ecosystem. Oyewole assured Nigerians of the institute’s commitment to be the best in the education system of data protection in the country.