The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) participated in the Digital Government Africa (DGA) Summit 2025, which took place in Lusaka, Zambia. The Summit was declared open by the President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, who also served as its Patron.

The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, was ably represented at the Summit by Ms Ibukunoluwa Owa, an Officer from the Legal, Enforcement and Regulation Department of the Commission, who led the delegation from the Commission and represented Dr Olatunji on a panel session at the Summit.

Speaking on the theme, “Resilient Digital Governance: Cybersecurity, Data Protection, Infrastructure Gaps, Digital Inclusion and Accessibility,” Ms Owa opened her discussion by outlining Nigeria’s national cybersecurity strategy, emphasising the legal framework, national coordination, and institutional response mechanisms. She then addressed key compliance challenges faced by the NDPC in both public and private sectors, including low compliance levels, poor literacy, deliberate neglect, and inadequate funding.

She concluded by emphasising the Commission’s balanced strategy to improve compliance. This includes a combination of enforcement measures and collaborative efforts with stakeholders across sectors. Her remarks reinforced the need for joint responsibility and sustained commitment to bolster cybersecurity and ensure effective data protection and privacy in Nigeria.

The event had important dignitaries in attendance, including the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ode; Head of the Nigerian Civil Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack; the Sierra Leonean Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Fantamadi Bangura; and the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Zambia, Mrs Chinyere Epelle; among others.