The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received a delegation from the Police Service Commission (PSC), led by its Chairman, Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, mni.
Dr Olatunji commended the PSC boss for his collaborative leadership approach and commitment to working with other government institutions in order to fulfill the PSC’s mandate. He provided an overview of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem while highlighting the significance of compliance and safeguarding personal information. He noted that, as a data controller and processor of major importance that carries out recruitment and personnel management for the Nigeria Police Force, the PSC must treat data protection as a top priority.
While offering free training on data protection and privacy to PSC staff, Dr Olatunji highlighted the processes to follow in order to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act)—including the appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and the development of a privacy notice, among others. He called for synergy between both organisations in upholding Nigeria’s image on the global stage in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)’s vision for the country.
In response, DIG Argungu (rtd) affirmed that “data rules the world, and privacy is power,” which underscores the importance of their visit to the NDPC. He appreciated Dr Olatunji for enlightening them on data protection and privacy. He highlighted the PSC’s pivotal role in national security through police recruitment, promotions, and oversight. He accepted NDPC’s free training offer and expressed a strong commitment to compliance with the NDP Act in the PSC.
To further strengthen the partnership between the two Commissions, a Memorandum of Understanding was proposed, and a working group was established to develop the modalities of the partnership.
