To conclude the Data Governance Study Tour for Data Protection Authorities, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received delegates from the six countries participating in the Study Tour at the Commission’s headquarters.

In his remarks, Dr Olatunji encouraged the delegates to ensure they put everything they have learnt during the Study Tour to use. He advised them to invest heavily in human capital development, and always be open to learning. He noted that the Nigerian success story wasn’t without its challenges, but with determination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, they would also succeed at embedding data protection and privacy into their national fabrics.

The Head of Data Policy at GIZ on the Data Governance for Africa Project, Dominic Orr, commended the NDPC for hosting the event on behalf of Nigeria. He stated that the Study Tour was a huge success that GIZ is proud to have been involved with. Also, the Head of Digitalisation Unit at AUDA-NEPAD, Christelle Onana, expressed her delight at the successful hosting of the Study Tour. She added that she looks forward to more partnerships with the NDPC. On behalf of the delegates, Kepaletswe Somolekae from Botswana expressed their appreciation for the Study Tour and promised to put all they have learnt into use in their respective countries.

Conclusively, Dr Olatunji encouraged them to join regional and international organisations like the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) and the Global Privacy Assembly. He noted that aligning themselves with these organisations is good for them in keeping up with global best practices in the data protection and privacy ecosystem.