The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, led members of staff of the Commission on a strategic working visit to the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Abdulateef Shittu, at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja.

Dr Shittu warmly welcomed Dr Olatunji to his office and added that the NGF would welcome the opportunity to work with the NDPC to advance data protection and privacy, especially at the state level. He stated that data is important in today’s world and that its protection is paramount to enhancing investors’ confidence and building citizens’ trust in digital public infrastructure.

In his response, Dr Olatunji commended Dr Shittu for his warm reception. He spoke on the importance of protecting personal data, which is a global concern, and highlighted some of the consequences of not prioritising data protection and privacy.

He gave an overview of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the model the NDPC has adopted to advance data protection and privacy in Nigeria (including working with states), and the importance of prioritising privacy at the subnational level. He noted that this would increase citizens’ trust in state governments. He offered a free capacity-building workshop and Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers to NGF staff to provide them with basic knowledge of data protection.

Dr Olatunji took time to answer questions on the harmonisation of data in Nigeria, compliance audit returns, and certification, among other matters. The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to work together to advance data protection and privacy at the subnational level, starting with the formation of a working group.