The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received in audience the Vice President of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (EUROJUST), Mr José de la Mata Amaya, who was accompanied by representatives of EUROJUST and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL).
Mr Amaya and his team commended the Commission, under the leadership of Dr Olatunji, for the remarkable progress it has made within its few years of existence. Giving an overview of EUROJUST, Mr Amaya highlighted its role in supporting judicial cooperation and coordination in criminal matters. He also provided insights into an ongoing project being implemented in partnership with EUROPOL to strengthen information exchange, evidence sharing, and coordinated operations in criminal investigations.
He explained that the project involves the sharing of personal data between national security, law enforcement agencies and service providers. The team expressed delight for a robust data protection law in the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act), noting that they were interested in learning more about the Commission’s work and exploring areas of collaboration.
In his response, Dr Olatunji welcomed the EUROJUST and EUROPOL delegations and commended them for identifying the Commission as a potential partner in advancing their objectives. He noted that the processing of personal data by security and law enforcement agencies is sensitive and requires appropriate safeguards.
Dr Olatunji explained that the Commission works closely with several security and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, providing guidance on the lawful processing and protection of personal data when requested. He added that the Commission also supports law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in investigations and cases involving data protection, as well as through capacity-building initiatives.
Dr Olatunji expressed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with EUROJUST and EUROPOL. The meeting concluded with a technical session involving officials from the Commission, EUROJUST, and EUROPOL.
