Abuja — Nigeria is experiencing its data protection and privacy framework as the country positions itself as a growing force in the global digital economy, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has said.
Speaking at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 in Abuja, held to mark the anniversary of the commission’s establishment, Olatunji said Nigeria’s progress in data governance is gaining international recognition, driven by regulatory independence and strategic global partnerships.
“Although the journey has been challenging, the good news is that Nigeria is making real progress, and this progress is now being recognised globally, not just within Africa,” he said.
Olatunji noted that the NDPC’s growing international collaborations have strengthened Nigeria’s standing in global data protection discourse, while helping to improve domestic compliance and enforcement.
Also speaking at the summit, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadugu Gagare, stressed that privacy and trust must remain central to Nigeria’s digital transformation as emerging technologies continue to fuel economic growth.
Represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, Director of the National Frequency Management Council, Gagare described data privacy as the foundation of sustainable innovation, adding that strong protections are essential to safeguarding citizens’ personal information in a rapidly digitising economy.
Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, said technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) present significant opportunities for Nigeria’s economic development.
Speaking through the NCC’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Sunday Oshadami, Maida warned that while emerging technologies offer immense promise, they also introduce complex risks to individual rights.
“Balancing innovation with ethical safeguards and public trust is critical to ensuring that digital advancement benefits Nigerians without compromising privacy or security,” Oshadami said.
He disclosed that the NCC and NDPC would deepen collaboration, align regulatory frameworks, and strengthen consumer data protection across Nigeria’s communications sector.
The summit underscored Nigeria’s commitment to building a secure, trusted digital ecosystem that supports innovation while protecting the rights of citizens.
