The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, says that safeguarding personal data and promoting digital trust are critical to deepening democracy and driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Olatunji stated this in a Democracy Day message on its website, where he urged Nigerians and organisations to uphold responsible data processing and cybersecurity principles.
He said that as Nigeria embraced digital transformation, stakeholders must work collectively to build a secure and inclusive digital environment where citizens could participate confidently.
“Today, we honour the sacrifices of those who championed democracy and reaffirm our commitment to building a secure and inclusive digital future where every Nigerian can participate confidently.
“As our nation continues to embrace digital transformation, we must collectively uphold the principles of responsible data processing, cybersecurity and digital trust,” he said.
The NDPC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting the privacy rights of Nigerians and fostering confidence in the country’s growing digital economy.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have commended the NDPC for investing in data protection capacity development through its Certified Data Protection Training and Certification Programme.
T&Y Information Management Services Ltd. praised the commission for sponsoring the training and certification of 1,000 participants, describing the initiative as a major boost to Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.
The firm’s Principal Consultant, Mr Tokunbo Smith, said the commission provided learning materials, feeding and fully funded certification examinations for all participants.
He noted that the programme equipped beneficiaries with practical knowledge and professional skills in data protection, privacy governance and information management.
Smith also commended the Institute of Information Management (IIM) for its professionalism during the online certification examination.
According to him, in spite of internet service disruptions experienced by some candidates, the institute responded promptly with technical support and remedial measures that ensured participants were not disadvantaged.
He said the collaboration among the NDPC, IIM, facilitators and participants contributed significantly to the programme’s success and called for sustained investment in data protection education and professional certification.
Smith added that strengthening digital trust and privacy governance would support Nigeria’s quest for a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
