The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received a team from TikTok, led by its Lead on Government Relations and Public Policy for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and South Asia (METAPSA), Mr Emir Gelen, on a courtesy visit to the Commission.
Speaking on the purpose of their visit, Mr Gelen said the team sought to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening data protection and privacy in Nigeria. They proposed supporting NDPC initiatives such as privacy clubs, nationwide awareness campaigns, and digital-privacy programmes in emerging technologies, while also working with the Commission to strategically leverage TikTok to enhance public awareness of its activities and mandate.
In his remarks, Dr Olatunji acknowledged TikTok’s large Nigerian user base and emphasised that while the Commission remains committed to enforcing the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act), it is equally willing to guide TikTok towards full compliance to ensure the safeguarding of Nigerians’ data in its systems. He added that the delegation’s proposal for collaboration aligns with a key pillar of the NDPC’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, thereby reinforcing the Commission’s mandate.
Dr Olatunji outlined the Commission’s challenges in raising awareness of its work, stressing that many people struggle to distinguish data protection from privacy. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collaborate in strengthening and advancing the NDPC’s mandate for the benefit of national data governance and public trust.
