The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has officially commissioned its new headquarters, marking a major development in the country’s efforts to strengthen data protection and privacy. The facility was commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, and hosted by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Tijani praised Dr Olatunji for his leadership and commended the Commission for its role in supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation. He also recognised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contribution to strengthening the country’s data protection ecosystem, including 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 provision of property for the Commission’s new headquarters.
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The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of NDPC staff under the leadership of the National Commissioner, noting the progress recorded in advancing data protection across the country. He encouraged the Commission to intensify its efforts to ensure that data privacy and protection become stronger priorities among Nigerians.
In his address, titled “Upward Trajectory of NDPC,” Dr Olatunji expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for their continued backing and support for the Commission’s activities and development.
Olatunji highlighted the significant transformation of the organisation, which began as a 12-member unit within the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before evolving into a leading Data Protection Authority. He pointed to several achievements recorded during the Commission’s growth, including 356 licensed data protection-compliant organisations and the creation of more than 27,000 jobs.
He also noted that the Commission’s Virtual Privacy Academy has reached more than 66,000 Nigerians, while 228 training programmes have provided data protection education and capacity building to over 99,000 individuals.
According to Olatunji, the newly commissioned facility represents another major milestone for the Commission and has been described as the largest Data Protection Authority office in Africa.
The commissioning ceremony brought together stakeholders from Nigeria’s data protection and digital economy sectors, who joined the NDPC in celebrating the development and the broader progress of data protection in the country.
