The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, attended the virtual meeting of Anglophone Commissioners of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA). The meeting aimed to provide Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in Anglophone countries with an opportunity to share updates on their activities.
Dr Olatunji commended the initiative, emphasising its importance in benchmarking achievements and discussing the way forward. Speaking on Nigeria’s progress, he highlighted the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, into law by President Bola Tinubu. He noted that, to fulfil its mandate, the Commission developed a strategic roadmap that has increased awareness of data protection and privacy, enhanced compliance in both the public and private sectors, facilitated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding with key stakeholders, and created numerous capacity-building opportunities.
Dr Olatunji further stated that the Commission’s commitment to advancing human capital development led to the domestication of its certification program. He added that NDPC’s remarkable progress since its inception is largely attributed to its Public-Private Partnership model. He also highlighted the Commission’s financial impact, noting that it has generated over $1 million in revenue for the Nigerian Government.
The meeting also addressed various issues and challenges. Other DPAs represented included: South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
