The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received a delegation from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on a strategic working visit to the Commission. The delegation was led by the Technical Adviser to the National President/Chairman of NACCIMA, Ambassador Suleman Adebayo Audu, who represented the Chairman, Engineer Jani Ibrahim (OON, mni).
Engr Ibrahim commended the NDPC, under the leadership of Dr Olatunji, for its efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s digital space is governed by the rule of law. He noted that NACCIMA members are under increasing pressure to digitise their operations and require technical resources to do so securely. Consequently, he proposed a strategic partnership with the Commission, on the harmonisation of regulatory oversight, operationalisation of the digital trust mark, and the provision of technical support, among other areas. He added that NACCIMA is ready to work with the Commission to transform the Nigerian business landscape into one that protects data while driving economic prosperity.
In his remarks, Dr Olatunji commended the delegation for taking the initiative to engage with the Commission. Responding to the proposal, he reiterated the need for harmonisation and highlighted the benefits of collaboration, particularly with other regulators, noting that efforts in this regard are already ongoing. He also affirmed the Commission’s commitment to capacity building and stated that there is ample room for partnership in this area, as well as in the provision of technical support.
Dr Olatunji encouraged NACCIMA to prioritise data protection compliance within its sector and highlighted the benefits of compliance, including increased trust and confidence. Other areas of collaboration discussed included training for NACCIMA members, engagement sessions with members, the certification of interested members as Data Protection Officers, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the establishment of a joint working group to drive implementation.
