Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), showcased Nigeria’s groundbreaking progress in data protection during his keynote address at the R.I.S.K Dubai 2024 Conference. Held at the Dubai International Financial Centre, the event brought together global thought leaders to discuss risk management and data security.
Dr. Olatunji’s presentation, titled “Implementing a Data Protection Law: The Nigerian Experience,” detailed the transformative impact of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) of 2023. This legislation has become a cornerstone for securing personal data, fostering trust in the digital economy, and setting an example for other African nations.
Highlighting the NDPC’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan for 2023-2027, Dr. Olatunji outlined a vision centered on cross-border collaboration, technological innovation, and safeguarding data subjects’ rights. He emphasized the importance of partnerships, citing agreements with international bodies like Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner and Huawei Technologies in China, alongside collaborations with Nigerian government agencies.
A key element of Nigeria’s success has been its Public-Private Partnership model. This approach has licensed 234 Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs) and trained over 1,500 Data Protection Officers (DPOs), empowering businesses and institutions to take ownership of their data protection responsibilities. Additionally, the establishment of the National Certification Body has set new standards for certifying data protection professionals.
Under Dr. Olatunji’s leadership, the NDPC has achieved remarkable milestones: ₦1.4 billion in revenue, 4,701 audit reports, and the registration of 32,888 Data Controllers and Processors of Major Importance. However, with a compliance rate of just 6%, he called for greater effort from stakeholders to embed data protection practices into Nigeria’s systems and culture.
Nigeria’s growing prominence in the data protection landscape was underscored by its selection to host the 2025 Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference and Annual General Meeting. This reflects the country’s commitment to leading continental efforts in advancing data privacy and security.
Concluding his address, Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed Nigeria’s dual commitment to protecting individual rights and fostering innovation. He stressed the need for robust enforcement mechanisms and international collaboration to tackle emerging challenges in data protection.
“Nigeria is not just catching up; we are determined to lead,” he stated, earning widespread applause. The R.I.S.K Dubai 2024 Conference celebrated Nigeria’s strides in creating a resilient and inclusive digital economy, solidifying its position as a leader in data protection across Africa.