The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, ably represented by the Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq., received a delegation from the UK Department for Business and Trade (UK DBT). The delegation was led by the Country Director, Mark Smithson, who was accompanied by the Deputy Country Director, Mrs Morayo Adekunle, along with the UK Delegates and Partners on the UK/NIG Inward Cybersecurity Trade Mission.
During his opening remarks, Dr Olatunji, who joined the meeting virtually, provided an overview of the Commission’s achievements since its establishment. He emphasised that cooperation and collaboration are key strategic pillars of the NDPC and reaffirmed the Commission’s openness to partnerships.
He highlighted the significance of cross-border data transfer in today’s digital economy and stressed the need for secure data exchange between countries. To illustrate the economic impact of data protection, he noted that the NDPC generated approximately $1 million for the Federal Government last year. He also pointed out the rapid growth of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering a culture of compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Mr Smithson commended the National Commissioner for his warm reception of the delegation and reiterated the United Kingdom’s eagerness to collaborate with Nigeria. The delegates and partners engaged in discussions on the enforcement framework, sustainability, human capital development, and challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence, among other topics.
Further deliberations between the Commission and the UK DBT are expected to continue, building on the solid foundation established during this meeting.
