The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has officially launched the National Certification Programme for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to address the gap in data protection skills across the country. The initiative, unveiled on Monday, aims to train 500 DPOs in its first cohort, advancing Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
At the launch, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy. Tijani noted that the digital economy, currently contributing 14–16% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is projected to rise to 21% in the coming years. He highlighted the sector’s potential to drive job creation and economic growth, especially for a country with a population nearing half a billion.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution since 1999, the minister underscored the need for data privacy and security in the increasingly connected world. He called on participants to maximize the opportunity provided by the certification programme, stressing the importance of trust in fostering digital innovation and economic advancement.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, addressed the skills deficit in the data protection field. He cited a survey identifying over 500,000 data controllers and processors in need of certification as DPOs. The programme, he said, would not only equip participants with essential skills but also reduce the cost burden associated with obtaining data protection certifications.
The training, part of the NDPC’s 2025 capacity-building initiatives, aligns with its Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (2023–2027). It will begin with 200 participants split between Abuja and Lagos. A new cohort of 100 participants will be trained weekly until the target of 500 certified DPOs is reached. Beneficiaries will sit for a virtual certification examination conducted by the Institute of Information Management (IIM) at the end of the programme.
Speaking at the event, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), underscored the importance of digital skills and certification in building a robust digital economy. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by CP Uche Henry, also highlighted the urgency of developing data protection mechanisms to address vulnerabilities in the digital age.
Other dignitaries, including Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande and Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd., delivered goodwill messages, applauding the programme’s potential to position Nigeria as a global digital economy leader.
This initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the skills gap and bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard data in a rapidly digitizing world.
