Abuja: The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced that the country’s data privacy ecosystem possesses the capacity to propel Nigeria towards becoming a trillion dollar economy. Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of NDPC, articulated this vision during a press conference commemorating the 2025 Global Privacy Day in Abuja. The event, which originated in Europe in 2008, underscores the importance of privacy and data protection.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Olatunji emphasized that the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection-Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP), coupled with localized technology adoption and global collaborations, could significantly enhance the nation’s economy. He stressed the importance of reducing dependency on foreign technologies by promoting local content. The NDPC’s platforms, services, portals, and websites are locally developed, demonstrating robust capabilities to support digital technologies essential for achieving a trillion dollar economy.
Dr Olatunji also urged startups to engage with the data privacy ecosystem, citing its vast potential. He highlighted the universality of data privacy principles while advocating for their adaptation to local laws. He encouraged stakeholders to utilize data protection knowledge both within Nigeria and globally, emphasizing that understanding local laws is crucial for international practice.
Furthermore, Dr Olatunji pointed out the critical role of human capital development in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. He stated that NDPC prioritizes capacity building and the creation of indigenous digital technologies to reduce reliance on foreign solutions. The commission remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration through initiatives that boost data privacy awareness, compliance, and enforcement.
He also noted Nigeria’s acceptance into the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) and the country’s hosting rights for the 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities conference as evidence of Nigeria’s progress in data protection initiatives. Dr Olatunji asserted that a solid data protection framework is vital for attracting multinational investments, ensuring global compliance, and safeguarding data subject rights.
The commissioner shared that NDPC had signed Memoranda of Understanding with data protection authorities in Canada and the United Arab Emirates, facilitating cross-border knowledge sharing on data privacy. He reiterated that Nigerian data protection laws apply even when data is processed outside the country, highlighting the importance of international collaboration.
Dr Olatunji revealed that NDPC had conducted extensive awareness campaigns, trained 55,529 individuals on data privacy, and organized 5,351 capacity-building programs. The event concluded with the launch of the NDPC International Journal of Data Privacy and Protection and the release of the commission’s 2024 annual report.