Trust: The Bedrock of Nigeria’s Digital Future
By Matthew Eloyi
One of the defining pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is the resolve to build a secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria by strengthening institutions, deepening innovation and safeguarding national assets in an increasingly digital world. This vision found clear expression at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a trusted and resilient digital ecosystem.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, underscored Nigeria’s determination to entrench data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and human capacity development as cornerstones of digital trust. These priorities align seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s emphasis on national security, economic competitiveness and institutional reform as pathways to sustainable growth.
In today’s global economy, data has become a strategic national resource. President Tinubu’s administration recognises that without trust in how data is collected, stored and used, digital innovation cannot translate into shared prosperity. By strengthening data governance through international collaboration, particularly with the United States Department of State, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Future of Privacy Forum, Nigeria is signalling its readiness to adopt global best practices while building homegrown capacity.
The reassurance from the United States Mission, conveyed by Christine Harbaugh, Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, further reinforces the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on strategic partnerships. Continued technical and policy cooperation with Nigeria reflects growing international confidence in the country’s digital reforms and its commitment to responsible innovation.
Equally important is the regulatory backbone supporting this transformation. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, highlighted the role of strong regulatory frameworks and compliance in safeguarding personal data and boosting public confidence. This approach mirrors the Tinubu administration’s broader reform agenda, which prioritises credible institutions as enablers of economic stability and investor confidence.
The legislative arm has also demonstrated alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, and the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to policies that balance innovation, privacy and national development. Their emphasis on collaboration and effective oversight underscores the whole-of-government approach required to deliver lasting digital reforms.
Beyond policy and regulation, the workshop reflected a deeper national aspiration: to position Nigeria as Africa’s digital powerhouse. With a young, digital-native population and expanding local talent, the country stands at the threshold of immense opportunity. By prioritising data privacy and cybersecurity, the Renewed Hope Agenda ensures that this opportunity is anchored on trust, security and inclusion.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s data privacy drive is about more than technology; it is about restoring confidence—in institutions, in innovation and in the future. As President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to unfold, Nigeria’s data privacy drive sends a strong signal: the country is not just chasing innovation, but is committed to doing it right. By prioritising collaboration, regulation and capacity building, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a digital ecosystem that is secure, inclusive and worthy of global confidence.