The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, delivered a Keynote Speech titled, “No Trust, No Tech: Why Data Protection Will Shape the Digital Future,” at the ongoing Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition (DNICE) 2025.

During his presentation, Dr Olatunji emphasised that trust is the currency of the digital age, noting that while technology continues to evolve, the trust deficit between institutions and citizens must be closed. He stated that for Nigeria to remain globally competitive, the country must prioritise issues around digital technology, privacy, and data protection. In his words, “Technology without trust is unsustainable. By embedding trust at the heart of our digital transformation, we are not just catching up with the world; we are helping to define its future.”

Highlighting the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) as one of the most progressive data protection laws in the world, Dr Olatunji explained that the NDP Act ensures citizens’ rights are protected through various measures. He warned that neglecting data protection leads to an erosion of trust, legal penalties, and reputational damage, while effective data governance fosters innovation, investor confidence, and sustainable growth.

Dr Olatunji called for collaboration among individuals, organisations, and government agencies to uphold ethical stewardship, transparency, and privacy-centric practices in the digital space. He reaffirmed the NDPC’s dedication to promoting trust as the foundation of digital transformation, adding that Nigeria’s young, innovative population provides a strong advantage in shaping the global digital economy.