Owing to his expertise and professional achievements over the years as a tech expert, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed renowned technocrat, Dr Vincent Olatunji as the first National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the newly established Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).
The federal government of Nigeria recently approved the establishment of the Bureau following the successful implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy which has recorded a significant increase in the adoption of data platforms in the country.
The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau will be responsible for consolidating the gains of the NDPR and supporting the process for the development of primary legislation for data protection and privacy.
Dr Vincent Olatunji is a certified public-private partnership specialist, a certified data protection officer. He has a doctorate degree in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos and an Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies.
Techberg gathered that Olatunji has worked in the public sector for almost 30 years thereby acquiring practical proficiency and a thorough understanding of government operations in Nigeria and other countries.
He will bring on board his significant experience in team building, data protection, research activities, policy development and strategic planning on various development initiatives to deepen the federal government push for an inclusive digital economy.
Dr Olatunji has significant capability in the delivery of high-value outcomes as a skilled negotiator, social networker and public speaker whose personal focus is on working with teams and individuals to maximize economic potential.
He joined the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2002 and has worked in various departments thereby rising to the position of a director in 2014 and Acting DG in 2016.
Until his appointment he was, the Director of eGovernment Development and Regulations where records show he effectively coordinated the development of actionable programs for NITDA’s current strategic Pillars leading to repositioning the agency towards regulating the IT sector in Nigeria.
He also coordinated the development of strategies and plans for the implementation and coordination of Nigeria’s eGovernment and National ICT Transformation Agenda which led to the successful development and launch of various policies, guidelines and frameworks such as the Nigeria Inter-Operability Framework, Nigeria Enterprise Architecture, Cloud First Policy, Government Digital Service Policy, Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and Smart Initiatives Framework to enhance Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He has won several awards to his accolades including the University of Lagos Alumni Association, Award of Outstanding Commitment to the institution’s Alumni Association. In 2018 he received the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Award of Eminent Personality.
Olatunji will no doubt continue to drive the digital economy agenda of the present administration and perform his duties and responsibilities excellently as he has done over the years.