The Federal Government has launched the country’s first National Virtual Privacy Academy, an initiative spearheaded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The launch took place in Abuja during the 8th Annual Conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) and marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a data-secure economy.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tijani emphasized that as the nation rapidly digitizes government services and expands access to digital trade and identity platforms, protecting citizens’ data must be a top priority. “Data is now the infrastructure of our economy,” he said. “And data protection is the armour that safeguards our digital future.”
Designed to equip public and private sector professionals with hands-on knowledge in data governance, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, the Virtual Privacy Academy will serve as a centralized platform for building national resilience through education.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, echoed the importance of the initiative, stating, “Data is not just digital currency—it carries the narrative of human lives. This academy is about protecting that narrative.”
The event also saw remarks from Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), who shared that the commission has conducted over 5,000 compliance assessments and opened more than 200 investigations in the past two years, generating over $1.2 million in regulatory fees.
He noted that while progress has been made, more African countries need to align with emerging global standards. “Strong data protection doesn’t slow innovation—it strengthens it,” Olatunji said.
This national academy is more than a training centre—it’s a strategic response to growing risks like identity theft, data breaches, and online fraud. With international partners such as the EU expressing strong support, Nigeria is positioning itself not just to comply with global norms, but to lead the continent in digital trust, privacy, and security.
As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, Nigeria’s new academy reflects a growing awareness that knowledge is the first line of defence in data protection.
