The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, delivered the opening remarks at the soft skills training organised by the NDPC for its staff, with the theme, “Soft Skills Training Programme for NDPC Employees: Enhancing Productivity, Professionalism, and Regulatory Impact.”

Speaking at the training, Dr Olatunji reiterated the importance of human capital development to the success of any organisation, necessitating the Commission to make it one of its strategic pillars in achieving its mandate under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). He noted that, aside from professional qualifications, soft skills are necessary for anyone, especially public servants, to go far and excel in their careers, stating that soft skills inform people’s impressions of you.

Listing the soft skills to be learnt during the training, including communication skills, emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, adaptability, resilience, teamwork, time management, and leadership, among others, he shared personal experiences and spoke on the importance of these skills and how they can help participants become better public servants. He challenged the staff to maximise the opportunity afforded to them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the public service.

Facilitators at the training included the President of Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), Mr Tokunbo Smith; the Director, Aviation Security Regulation at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Bernard Omogo; and a retired Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Communications and Technology, Mr Oluwole Edun.