The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, led members of staff of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, at the SEC Towers in Abuja.

Dr Olatunji commended Dr Agama for the warm reception and his leadership of the SEC in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). He spoke on the evolution of data protection and privacy in Nigeria, the importance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) aligning their operations with the NDP Act while adding value to their respective mandates, and the consequences of non-compliance with the Act.

Referencing the recent circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Olatunji urged the SEC to promote compliance within its sector and sensitise its staff on data protection and privacy.

In his remarks, Dr Agama commended Dr Olatunji for his leadership of the NDPC and reiterated the importance of data protection and privacy, particularly in a sensitive sector such as the one regulated by the SEC. He noted that data is critical and stated that the SEC is open to working with the NDPC.

He further noted that while the SEC is committed to complying with the provisions of the NDP Act, it remains open to learning from the Commission to further strengthen the protection and security of investors’ data. Dr Agama also invited Dr Olatunji to speak at a Compliance Summit to be organised by the SEC on the importance of data protection and privacy.

Other areas of potential collaboration between both institutions were also explored.