To formalise the partnership between the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), both organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NBS headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the MoU signing, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, commended the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, for his commitment to promoting data protection and privacy within the National Statistical System. He emphasised that the partnership is highly strategic for both organisations and the nation, and will strengthen protocols for data exchange, which are critical to ensuring the protection of shared data.

Dr Olatunji noted that investors rely on statistics when making decisions about investing in a country, and they also consider the level of data protection and privacy attached to such statistics. According to him, this builds trust and confidence in the country. He highlighted that the mandates of both organisations complement each other, and are aimed at adding value that is essential for good governance, trust, and economic growth.

In his remarks, Prince Adeniran described the signing of the MoU as the formalisation of an already existing and important working relationship between two organisations that play critical roles in the economy. He stated that data is the fuel of the digital economy and emphasised that aligning the operations of the NBS, given the volume and sensitivity of the data it holds, with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 (NDP Act) is essential. He expressed his anticipation of its effective implementation.

The MoU aims to promote responsible data processing, enhance data protection compliance, strengthen data governance, provide technical support, enable secure data sharing, and drive capacity-building initiatives. The existing working group was directed to commence implementation immediately.