The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has secured the support of the National Judicial Institute (NJI). The NJI, responsible for training judicial officers from magistrate courts to the Supreme Court, will collaborate with the NDPC to enhance the judiciary’s understanding and enforcement of data protection laws.
During a courtesy visit to the NJI, NDPC’s National Commissioner and CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, praised the institute’s leadership under Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi (Rtd) for its achievements in training judicial officers and advancing legal knowledge. He underscored the importance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in an era of disruptive technologies and stressed the need for judicial officers to stay updated on privacy jurisprudence.
“The protection of citizens’ privacy is paramount in today’s digital world. Data privacy is a fundamental right, and nations worldwide are implementing enforceable laws and establishing dedicated regulatory bodies to uphold these rights,” Dr. Olatunji stated.
Hon. Justice Abdullahi commended the NDPC for its achievements and reaffirmed NJI’s commitment to promoting data protection awareness within the judiciary. He welcomed NDPC’s proposal for capacity-building programs tailored for judges, NJI fellows, and employees.
“Data protection is a critical and evolving issue. Judges must be equipped with the necessary knowledge to interpret and apply data protection laws effectively. Our first step should be a thorough review of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, followed by targeted training for judicial officers,” Justice Abdullahi noted.
To drive this initiative, the NJI and NDPC have established a technical working group to develop a strategic work plan for training and capacity building. The group is expected to deliver its recommendations within days to ensure swift implementation.
This collaboration marks a crucial step in strengthening data privacy enforcement and ensuring the judiciary is well-prepared to handle emerging challenges in the digital space.
