The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is hosting Data Protection Authorities from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and The Gambia on a Data Governance Study Trip to support data governance in Africa.
In his opening remarks, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, explained that the event was organised to help African countries develop a unified data governance framework. Highlighting his involvement in the African Union Data Governance Framework, he emphasised the importance of implementing and localising such policies within individual countries to strengthen data protection and privacy across the continent.
Using Nigeria’s experience as a case study, Dr Olatunji urged delegates to consider their countries’ unique contexts when shaping national laws. He emphasised using the event as a platform for mutual learning and experience sharing among participants, encouraging collaboration and exchange of insights to enhance legislative development tailored to each nation’s specific needs and circumstances.
Key dignitaries who delivered remarks at the opening ceremony include the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, Senator Salisu Afolabi Salisu; Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Massimo de Luca; the representative from the German Embassy, Felix Reinhold; and the Head of Digitalisation Unit at the African Union Development Agency, Christelle Onana.
