Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has emphasized the need for sustainable practices in data protection to foster trust and confidence in data processing activities. Speaking as the keynote speaker at a Data Protection Workshop hosted by KPMG Advisory Services, Dr. Olatunji presented a paper titled “Data Protection Sustainability and the Role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO).”
In his address, Dr. Olatunji commended KPMG for its commitment to advancing data protection through awareness and capacity-building initiatives. He highlighted the distinction between privacy and data security, reaffirming the NDPC’s focus on educating stakeholders about these critical aspects.
Dr. Olatunji outlined the key elements required for sustainable data protection practices:
- Continuous compliance with regulatory frameworks;
- Integration of privacy by design and default into organizational systems;
- Increased stakeholder awareness on data privacy; and
- Enhanced capacity building for the development of skilled Data Protection Officers.
He called on organizations to prioritize long-term data protection measures, stressing that these practices are essential for enhancing credibility and building public trust.
The Commissioner delved into the evolving responsibilities of Data Protection Officers, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). He revealed that the NDPC is working to domesticate the National Data Protection Certification process, aimed at creating a robust pool of certified DPOs and establishing a faculty for their continuous professional development.
“Data protection is no longer optional; it is a necessity,” Dr. Olatunji asserted during a fireside chat. “Organizations must embed data protection into their sustainability strategies as we intensify efforts to enforce compliance with the NDPA.”
The workshop attracted participation from top executives and DPOs across key sectors, including finance, telecommunications, insurance, and energy. Discussions centered on the importance of data protection in driving organizational resilience and fostering trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.
KPMG’s initiative aligns with the NDPC’s broader mission to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem. By championing awareness and capacity-building, the workshop reinforced the nation’s commitment to aligning with global best practices in privacy and data governance.
Dr. Olatunji’s call to action marks a pivotal step in ensuring that data protection becomes an integral part of organizational sustainability and a foundation for trust in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
