The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, led a delegation from the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni, and her team.
During the visit, Dr Olatunji congratulated Mrs Ayeni on her one-year anniversary in office and commended her achievements within such a short period. He provided an overview of data protection in Nigeria and globally, noting that the Nigeria Data Protection Act was enacted to safeguard the rights, freedoms, and interests of all Nigerians. He emphasised the need for the NEPC to implement robust data protection measures, particularly in light of digital trade, foreign investment, personal data related to exports, cross-border data transfers, staff documentation, and engagement with stakeholders. These measures, he said, would help build trust and confidence in the NEPC, enhancing its global competitiveness. Dr Olatunji also proposed staff training on data protection and privacy to facilitate compliance within the sector.
In response, Mrs Ayeni commended Dr Olatunji for his dedication to data protection and privacy, reflecting his deep commitment to the field. She explained that the NEPC was established to promote, develop, and diversify Nigerian exports by providing capacity building for over 36,000 exporters and facilitating access to global markets in line with international best practices. She highlighted the NEPC’s belief in digital trade and e-commerce as transformative. Noting the NEPC’s presence in all 36 states and the FCT, Abuja, and the increasing digitisation in the export sector, she agreed that implementing appropriate safeguards for data protection, in full compliance with the NDPC Act, would foster trust and confidence among both local and international partners. She, therefore, warmly accepted the training offer, which would also include certification for staff.
The discussion also covered other potential areas of collaboration, including the hosting of the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities’ conference and annual general meeting in 2025.
