The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recorded a new milestone under its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan with its ongoing bilateral engagements with key French establishments in Paris, France. The engagement is being facilitated by the Economic Department of the French Embassy.

During the first session of the engagements, the Nigerian delegation led by the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, met with officials of the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs (DINUM), and the NDPC’s French counterpart, Commission Nationale Informatique et Libertés (CNIL), led by its Vice-Chair, Anne Debet.

It will be recalled that the drafting of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 benefited from the regulatory examples of jurisdictions such as France under EU General Data Protection Commission. Thus, during the session, the Nigerian delegation gained deep insights into various aspects of data governance and the Digital economy such as: Investigation Tools and Methodologies, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance and Public Awareness Strategies.

Dr Olatunji shared Nigeria’s experience on the development of data protection framework, enforcement mechanisms, Public Private Partnership model, as well as cooperation and collaboration. Delegates on both sides explored issues relating to cross border protection of citizens, mutual legal assistance and information sharing. These efforts are geared towards strengthening the Nigerian-French ties in the area of cross-border data governance and economic development.