The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, was the Webinar Speaker at the bi-monthly Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Employability webinar organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the University of Ibadan.
Speaking on the topic titled, “Data Resources and Protection for Inclusive Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria,” Dr Olatunji explained entrepreneurs’ global shift towards digital technologies. Statistically, he highlighted data’s crucial role for entrepreneurs. He noted that 5 of Africa’s 7 unicorn startups are Nigerian, underscoring Nigeria’s strong presence in the continent’s rapidly growing digital and tech ecosystem.
He educated participants on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and their associated privacy concerns, legal methods for data collection and processing, as well as efficient cross-border transfer of data. He also highlighted practical advantages of complying with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act, 2023) for entrepreneurs, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Dr Olatunji listed several business opportunities available within the data protection ecosystem, noting that the digital sector presents even more prospects. He also addressed all audience questions during the Q&A session, and concluded by advising entrepreneurs to prioritise data protection and privacy as they innovate responsibly
