The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, led a delegation from the Commission, on a courtesy visit to the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, mni. The visit was part of the Commission’s efforts to promote data protection awareness and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

Dr Olatunji appreciated the Corps Marshal for receiving the NDPC team and emphasised the importance of collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He shared insights into the development of data protection in Nigeria and globally, emphasising that the FRSC, as an entity that collects citizens’ personal data daily, serves as a data controller and processor of major importance. He cited real-life examples of personal data misuse and its consequences, urging the FRSC to strengthen its compliance efforts, encourage stakeholders and agents to also comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), and promote awareness among its staff.

In his response, Corps Marshal Mohammed appreciated Dr Olatunji for the visit and acknowledged the importance of the partnership. He noted that the FRSC is one of the few entities that hold large volumes of citizens’ personal data through the issuance of driver’s licences and related services, and therefore must ensure the security of the data in its custody. He affirmed that the FRSC is already in compliance with the NDP Act and remains committed to achieving full compliance. He further directed that all FRSC third-party service providers must also comply with the provisions of the NDP Act.

On behalf of the NDPC, Dr Olatunji offered to provide training on data protection and privacy for FRSC personnel, and both parties discussed additional areas of collaboration. The Corps Marshal appreciated the gesture and reaffirmed the FRSC’s readiness to work closely with the NDPC to safeguard the personal data of Nigerians.