The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, at the NSITF headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Dr Olatunji wished Mr Faleye well in office as the MD/CEO of NSITF. He emphasised the importance of data protection and privacy, highlighting the consequences of data breaches with real-life examples. He also walked the MD and his team through the processes that led to the establishment of the NDPC. Dr Olatunji noted that the enactment of an enforceable data protection law has positioned Nigeria as an attractive destination for investors—aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for national development.
He further stated that the NDPC team was at the NSITF headquarters to enlighten them on the need to be compliant with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), and outlined key steps necessary to achieve compliance. Dr Olatunji referenced the presidential directive mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere to the NDP Act and offered free capacity building for NSITF staff on data protection and privacy.
In his response, Mr Faleye commended Dr Olatunji’s passion and knowledge on data protection and privacy. He acknowledged NSITF’s role as a major data controller and expressed the organisation’s willingness to comply fully with the provisions of the NDP Act. He requested the Commission’s support in building capacity and providing technical guidance to NSITF through the compliance process. Mr Faleye also assured that NSITF would work to ensure that all its stakeholders and service providers align with the requirements of the NDP Act.
Additionally, Mr Faleye used the opportunity to brief the NDPC team on NSITF’s mandate and operations, and in a spirit of mutual collaboration, offered to provide free training to NDPC staff on the NSITF’s mandate. The meeting concluded with the formation of a joint working group to foster ongoing collaboration, including the drafting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
