Tijani Commissions New NDPC Headquarters, Hails Progress in Data Protection
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has commissioned the new headquarters of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), describing the development as a significant milestone in the growth of data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony, hosted by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, brought together stakeholders from Nigeria’s data protection and digital economy sectors.
Speaking at the event, Tijani commended Olatunji for his leadership and the Commission’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the development of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, particularly the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, the directive requiring Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with data protection regulations, and the allocation of the property for the Commission’s new headquarters.
The Minister commended the staff of the Commission for the progress recorded under Olatunji’s leadership and urged them to intensify efforts to make data protection and privacy priorities for individuals, businesses and government institutions across the country.
NDPC Records Major Growth
In his remarks, titled “Upward Trajectory of NDPC,” Olatunji expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister for their continued support for the Commission.
He recalled the NDPC’s evolution from a 12-member unit within the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) into a full-fledged data protection authority with a growing national and international profile.
According to him, the Commission has so far licensed 356 data protection-compliant organisations, facilitated the creation of more than 27,000 jobs, reached over 66,000 Nigerians through its Virtual Privacy Academy, and conducted 228 training programmes benefiting more than 99,000 people.
Olatunji described the newly commissioned facility as the largest Data Protection Authority office in Africa, saying it represents the Commission’s growing responsibilities and expanding role in protecting personal data and strengthening privacy standards in Nigeria.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for stakeholders across the data protection and digital economy ecosystems to celebrate the Commission’s progress and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
Tijani Commissions New NDPC Headquarters, Hails Progress in Data Protection