NDPC PROMOTES TRUSTED DIGITAL GOVERNANCE AT UNGA 81
Nigeria showcased its progress in digital infrastructure and sustainable development at a series of high-level events held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) highlighting the central role of responsible data governance in delivering inclusive development.
The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, highlighted the progress being made under the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. He noted that broadband connectivity is being extended to underserved communities and that the BRIDGE project is expected to provide access to more than 20 million Nigerians.
Speaking at the high-level event, “Leaving No One Behind: Leveraging Dynamic Social Register for Shock Response, Safety Nets, and SDG Acceleration”, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, emphasised that the use of personal data in social protection programmes must be anchored on the safeguards provided by the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). He noted that as government increasingly relies on digital systems, social registers and data-driven interventions to identify beneficiaries and deliver public services, protecting the personal data of citizens is indispensable to sustaining public confidence.
Dr Olatunji, speaking on “Data Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” urged participants to embed safety, privacy and accountability in emerging technologies, build African datasets with rights and safeguards, connect African talent to global standards, markets and opportunities, and secure digital infrastructure. He also reaffirmed the NDPC’s commitment to lawful, fair, transparent and secure data processing.
Participating leaders at these engagements included several State Governors, Federal Ministers, and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, among others.
