Nigeria Affirms Readiness for Digital Business Growth, Joins Global Data Protection Forum
NDPC Commits to Protecting Citizens’ Digital Rights
The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has declared Nigeria’s preparedness for the expanding digital business landscape, emphasizing the country’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights in the digital space.
“When you speak on global businesses, investors are looking for where they will get comfort in their investment and where they are sure that the data of their citizens are adequately protected within the provisions of the law,” stated Dr. Vincent Olatunji during a press conference at the NDPC headquarters in Abuja.
International Conference and Global Partnership
The announcement came during a meeting with Christine Harbaugh, Acting Deputy Chief of the United States Mission in Nigeria, which served two key purposes:
- Announcing the International Conference for the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA)
- Confirming Nigeria’s decision to join the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum as an associate member
The NADPA conference, themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa with Data Privacy and Protection in Emerging Technologies,” is scheduled for May 6-8, 2025, and expects over 2,100 delegates from 30+ African countries and other global regions.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Olatunji highlighted the significance of President Bola Tinubu signing the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law on June 12, 2023, noting it has:
- Positioned Nigeria in the international community
- Opened new growth avenues for the digital economy
- Secured 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 explained.
US Diplomatic Support
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Christine Harbaugh praised Nigeria’s move to join the CBPR Forum, stating it “demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment and leadership in the global digital economy.”
Harbaugh emphasized that Nigeria’s associate membership “sends a strong signal of its readiness for digital business” and noted the country’s growing tech industry with startups and established companies driving innovation across sectors.
Building Trust in Cross-Border Data
The US diplomat highlighted the importance of data protection in today’s interconnected world:
“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.”
The NDPC anticipates that these developments will significantly boost foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s digital economy while maintaining robust data protection standards.
Credit: Per Second News
