The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, held a strategic briefing with the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engineer Nadungu Gagare, on the activities, achievements, and future plans of the Commission.

Dr Olatunji welcomed and congratulated the Permanent Secretary, and wished him well in his new role. He commenced the briefing by highlighting the significance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on 12 June 2023. He noted that the enactment of the law formally established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and strengthened Nigeria’s data protection framework in line with global best practices, thereby positioning the country as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment.

Dr Olatunji further explained that the Commission’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) is aligned with the eight-point priority agenda of Mr President, as well as the five strategic pillars of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and that implementation is ongoing across the pillars of the roadmap. He outlined key milestones recorded by the Commission since its establishment, particularly in the areas of global recognition, collaborations, awareness, enforcement, job opportunities, revenue generation, and ecosystem growth, among others.

Dr Olatunji highlighted the challenges facing the Commission, including inadequate data protection experts, low remuneration for staff, and a low level of compliance among MDAs. He also outlined the way forward, particularly increased awareness campaigns and the recruitment and retention of Data Protection Professionals.