National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has affirmed Nigeria’s readiness for the expanding landscape of digital business.
He emphasized that this readiness is underpinned by a commitment to the adequate protection of the rights and freedoms of all Nigerian citizens in the digital realm.
“When you speak on global businesses, investor are looking for where they will get a bit of comfort in their investment and where they are sure that the data of their citizens are adequately protected and safeguarded within the provisions of the law,” Olatunji said.
Olatunji spoke at a news conference where he received Christine Harbaugh, the Acting Deputy Chief of the United States Mission in Nigeria, at the NDPC headquarters in Abuja.
The press conference served two major purposes: it heralded the International Conference for the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) and officially announced Nigeria’s decision to join the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum.
He said: “The focus of this year’s NADPA conference is balancing innovation in Africa with data privacy and protection in emerging technologies.
“NADPA is a body established for the African data governance ecosystem to, among other things, deepen the advancement of data subject rights and foster responsible data flows within and across jurisdictions.
“This event is a testament to the growing trust in Nigeria, thanks to various initiatives that prioritize the protection of data privacy rights.
“We will recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law on June 12, 2023. The progressive nature of this enabling act has introduced Nigeria to the international community, opened new avenues for growth in our digital economy, and has helped Nigeria secure crucial funding for strategic development initiatives.
“We want to maintain privacy because when you are protecting a huge amount of data, it is extremely hard to maintain the right level of privacy.
“At the same time, we are saying that we want to advance technology development while ensuring that our citizens’ data is adequately protected.”
Olatunji said the event, which will hold from May 6 to 8, 2025, will draw participants from over 30 African countries, as well as technocrats from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
He said: “We planned to host 1,000 delegates, but when we closed the registration portal, we found out that 2,100 delegates had registered. This shows the importance people attach to the event.
“There are 15 strategic sessions specially curated to stimulate constructive interaction during the event.
“One of the major priority areas of this administration is to attract foreign direct investments to revamp our economy. This conference is a major platform where investors can come to Nigeria and see firsthand that Nigeria is ready for business.”
The NDPC boss further announced that Nigeria will be joining the CBPR Forum as an associate member.
“This will give Nigeria the opportunity to observe procedures for ensuring accountability within organizations during cross-border data transfers and ensure that indigenous data protection organizations can leverage this accountability procedure, among other benefits.”
In her remarks, Mrs. Harbaugh, who was accompanied by Mr. Alan Bishop, an Economic Officer at the US Embassy, said Nigeria’s decision to join the CBPR Forum marks a significant milestone, demonstrating its commitment and leadership in the global digital economy.
Nigeria’s associate membership in the forum, she said, sends a strong signal of its readiness for digital business.
She said: “The immense potential that the digital economy holds for Nigeria is undeniable. This move underscores an important step in creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, growth, and collaboration.
“In recent years, Nigeria has made significant strides in embracing digital transformation. The tech industry here is growing rapidly, with start-ups and established companies alike thriving and driving innovation across various sectors.
“By beginning the process of aligning with the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is further solidifying its position as a global hub for digital business and innovation. This move tells the United States and global tech companies and investors that the Nigerian market presents tangible global market opportunities.
“In today’s interconnected world, the safety and sanctity of cross-border data are paramount. As data becomes the lifeblood of the digital era, it is crucial that we establish a robust framework to protect it. By joining the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is taking a proactive step to ensure that data transferred across borders is handled with high standards of privacy and security.
“This move will not only protect US and Nigerian citizens’ personal data but also build trust with international partners. Untrusted data systems that prioritize control over privacy and sacrifice freedom in the name of security pose a risk not only to the private sector but also corrode citizens’ trust in the integrity of their democracy.”
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